Segment:
Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW K1200RS owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs or understand their motorcycle's technical aspects.
Competitors:
Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, Kawasaki ZX-12R Ninja, Suzuki Hayabusa (though the K1200RS leans more towards touring comfort).
Vehicle Distinctiveness:
Shaft drive, longitudinally mounted inline-four engine, robust build quality, comfortable ergonomics for long-distance riding.
Primary Coverage:
All Service and Repair
Specific Components:
Engine, Transmission, Fuel System, Electrical System, Brakes, Suspension, Chassis, Bodywork
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine:
Detailed inspection, disassembly, reassembly, tuning, diagnostics for the K1200RS inline-four engine.
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox, final drive maintenance, repair, and adjustments.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (BMS), injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator diagnostics and service.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, ECU, lighting, ignition system, battery, charging system, starter motor, ABS II system.
Brakes:
Brake system maintenance, fluid replacement, caliper service, ABS II system troubleshooting.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, fork service, shock absorber maintenance, adjustment procedures.
Chassis:
Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, wheel bearing replacement, tire mounting.
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat adjustment, component replacement.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostics for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Guidance on using diagnostic tools and interpreting sensor data for the K1200RS.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced engine and electrical system overhauls.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, inline-four cylinder
Displacement:
1171 cc (71.4 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
70.5 mm x 75 mm (2.78 in x 2.95 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Power Output:
Approx. 130 hp (96 kW) at 8,750 rpm
Torque Output:
Approx. 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) at 6,750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (BMS - BMW Motor Management System)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (95 RON / 91 AKI)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-40 or 20W-50 Motorcycle Specific (Check Manual for Exact Spec)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US qt) with filter change
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual
Optional Features:
N/A (Manual transmission standard)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch
Final Drive Fluid:
SAE 90 Hypoid Gear Oil (Check Manual for Exact Spec)
Final Drive Capacity:
Approx. 0.20 liters (0.21 US qt)
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS II (Optional on some models, standard on later revisions - verify for '99)
Braking System:
Dual front discs with four-piston calipers, single rear disc with dual-piston caliper.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, LED taillight, turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Aluminum twin-spar frame for rigidity and lightweight.
Display:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, digital odometer, gear indicator, clock, fuel gauge, warning lights.
Audio System:
N/A (No integrated audio system on this model).
ABS:
Integral ABS II (optional on some models), offering linked braking where the front brake lever also actuates the rear brake.
Diagnostics Port:
BMW diagnostic connector for electronic fault finding (requires specific BMW diagnostic tools).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually.
Major Service Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) for valve clearance checks, spark plugs, and fluid replacements (brake, coolant).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).
Coolant Type:
BMW Approved Coolant/Antifreeze (Glysantin G48 or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Brake Fluid (for Integral ABS II system if equipped, otherwise DOT 4 recommended).
Common Problems:
Stiff throttle cable, potential for aging fuel lines (check for degradation), rear shock absorber wear over time, ABS sensor issues (if applicable).
Maintenance Considerations:
Properly maintaining the fuel injection system, regular clutch fluid checks, and ensuring electrical connections are clean and secure are crucial for reliability.
Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:
BMW has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for engineering excellence, innovation (e.g., boxer engines, shaft drive), and premium quality.
K Series Development:
The K-series, introduced in 1983 with the K100, featured a revolutionary transverse, inline-four engine. The K1200RS evolved from this platform, focusing on sport-touring performance and rider comfort.
K1200Rs Specifics:
The K1200RS was a significant step, offering a blend of powerful performance and long-distance touring capability, distinguishing itself from more track-focused sportbikes.
Production Years:
1997 - 2004 (for the K1200RS generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
