🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K 1200 LT

Model Designation:

K1200 LT

Vehicle Type:

Motorcycle

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW K 1200 LT was positioned as a premium, luxury touring motorcycle, designed for long-distance comfort and performance. This manual serves as an invaluable resource for owners and independent workshops seeking to maintain and repair this sophisticated machine.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against other high-end touring motorcycles from brands like Honda (Gold Wing), Harley-Davidson (Electra Glide), and Yamaha (Royal Star Tour Deluxe) in its segment, emphasizing its German engineering, advanced technology, and comfortable rider experience.

Key Features:

Comprehensive coverage of all major mechanical, electrical, and chassis systems. Step-by-step instructions and abundant illustrations facilitate DIY repairs and diagnostics. Offers significant cost savings compared to dealership service. Instant download eliminates shipping delays and costs.

Target Audience:

Owners of the BMW K 1200 LT seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, as well as independent motorcycle repair shops and technicians.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

General Information, Maintenance Schedule, Motor, Engine, Fuel Tank & Lines, Engine Electrics, Radiator, Exhaust System, Clutch, Gearbox, Front Fork, Brakes, Steering, Wheels & Tires, Frame, Equipment, Seat, Instruments, Lights, Radios & Optional Extras, Plus Much More

Page Count:

452

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanicals (including cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods), fuel system (injection, fuel pump, lines), ignition system, cooling system (radiator, thermostat, fan), exhaust system, clutch (hydraulic operation), transmission (gearbox, shaft drive), suspension (front fork, rear shock absorber), braking system (ABS, calipers, master cylinders), steering system, wheels, tires, frame, electrical system (wiring harness, starter, charging system), lighting, instruments, comfort equipment (heated grips/seats if applicable), audio systems (radio, speakers), and associated accessories.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, valve clearance checks, spark plug replacement), diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting common issues, component removal and installation, internal engine repairs, gearbox overhauls, clutch service, brake system bleeding and repair, suspension adjustments and rebuilds, electrical system testing and repair, fuel system cleaning and inspection, exhaust system repairs, and wheel/tire maintenance.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic steps and electrical schematics.

Diagnostic Tools Covered:

While not explicitly listing specific diagnostic tools, the manual details procedures that imply the use of standard automotive diagnostic tools (multimeter, pressure gauges) and potentially BMW's proprietary diagnostic systems.

Troubleshooting Section:

Includes a dedicated section for troubleshooting common faults across various systems, with symptoms, causes, and corrective actions.

Electrical Schematics Included:

Yes, comprehensive wiring diagrams for all electrical systems are included, crucial for troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

All pages are printable, allowing for workshop use.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Searchable Text:

PDF format typically allows for text searching of keywords and phrases, enhancing usability for finding specific information quickly.

Illustrations:

Contains a large number of pictures and diagrams to aid in understanding procedures and component identification.

Instruction Style:

Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions suitable for various skill levels.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, flat-four cylinder engine

Displacement:

1171 cc (later models 1200cc)

Bore X Stroke:

70.5 mm x 75 mm (for 1171cc)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 98 HP @ 6750 RPM (for 1171cc)

Torque:

Approx. 117 Nm (86 lb-ft) @ 5250 RPM (for 1171cc)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (BMW Synlever)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded premium gasoline (min. 95 RON)

Oil Type:

SAE 15W-50 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (refer to manual for exact specifications and BMW approval codes)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (BMW recommends specific coolant)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual transmission with constant mesh gears

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch

Transmission Oil:

SAE 75W-90 GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil (refer to manual for exact specifications)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2425 mm (95.5 in)

Width:

Approx. 945 mm (37.2 in) (including mirrors)

Height:

Approx. 1550 mm (61.0 in) (including windshield)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 315 kg (694 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 510 kg (1124 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

24 Liters (6.3 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features Standard:

Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), optional traction control (ASC).

Active Safety Features:

Powerful, integrated braking system with ABS, ensuring controlled deceleration even in emergency situations. Stable chassis and suspension design for predictable handling.

Passive Safety Features:

Robust frame construction, comprehensive fairing for rider protection from elements and debris.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Often equipped with an integrated radio/cassette or CD player, handlebar-mounted controls, and speakers. Later models may feature more advanced audio systems. The manual covers operation and troubleshooting.

Comfort Features:

Adjustable electric windshield, heated grips, heated rider and passenger seats, cruise control, reverse gear (electric assist), ample luggage capacity (top case and saddlebags).

Driver Assistance Systems:

Integral ABS, optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC) on some models, cruise control.

Connectivity Features:

Primarily focused on audio system integration. No modern smartphone integration or GPS unless added aftermarket, but the manual covers the factory radio and speaker systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Major Service Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. This includes checks on steering head bearings, rear drive oil, brake fluid, and general inspection. Valve clearance checks are usually at 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific BMW recommendation)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 2.8 Liters (2.9 US qt)

Final Drive Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.22 Liters (0.23 US qt)

Known Issues:

Potential for alternator/rectifier failure, fuel pump issues, ABS sensor problems, and general wear on high-mileage components. The manual provides diagnostic and repair procedures for these common concerns.

Oil Filter Part Number:

BMW Part Number 11 42 1 450 836 (or equivalent aftermarket)

Air Filter Part Number:

BMW Part Number 13 72 1 459 632 (or equivalent aftermarket)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW Motorrad has a long and distinguished history, known for engineering excellence, innovation, and producing high-quality motorcycles with a focus on performance, comfort, and reliability, particularly in the touring segment.

Model Evolution:

The K 1200 LT debuted in 1997 as the flagship luxury tourer, succeeding the K 1100 LT. It was built upon BMW's innovative K-series transverse-mounted engine architecture. It received updates over its production run, including engine displacement increases and feature enhancements, before being replaced by the K 1600 series.

Production Years:

1997 - 2009 (spanning multiple model year revisions)

📄 Vehicle Specs

Frame Type:

Aluminum beam frame

Front Suspension Type:

BMW Duolever front suspension

Front Suspension Travel:

Approx. 115 mm (4.5 in)

Rear Suspension Type:

Paralever rear suspension with single shock absorber

Rear Suspension Travel:

Approx. 135 mm (5.3 in)

Front Brake Type:

Dual 320 mm (12.6 in) discs with four-piston calipers

Rear Brake Type:

Single 284 mm (11.2 in) disc with a dual-piston caliper

Front Wheel Size:

3.50 x 17 inches

Rear Wheel Size:

5.00 x 17 inches

Front Tire Size:

120/70 ZR 17

Rear Tire Size:

170/70 ZR 17