🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K1200

Model Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Chassis Code Range:

K589 (for K1200RS, K1200LT)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Luxury Sport Touring / Touring Motorcycles

Competitors:

Honda Gold Wing, Kawasaki Concours, Yamaha FJR1300, Moto Guzzi Norge

Vehicle Highlights:

Powerful inline-four engine, advanced Telelever front suspension (RS), extensive fairing and amenities (LT), shaft drive, ABS

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

BMW K1200 Series Motorcycles (1997-2004)

Specific Models Covered:

K1200RS, K1200LT

Estimated Page Count:

500-700+ (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, tuning, fuel injection, ignition, cooling system, lubrication

Transmission:

Clutch, gearbox, final drive, lubrication, troubleshooting

Chassis:

Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering, wheels, brakes (ABS diagnostics)

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, lighting, starter, ECU, sensors, instrument cluster

Bodywork And Trim:

Fairings, seats, storage, luggage systems (for LT models)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, valve clearance checks, spark plug replacement

Repair:

Engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, suspension component replacement, brake caliper servicing, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic rider maintenance to full engine and electrical system overhauls

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Printability:

High-resolution, suitable for home or professional printing

Binding Recommendation:

For printed copies, a comb or spiral binding is recommended for lay-flat usability

Paper Recommendation:

For printed copies, a durable, matte finish paper (e.g., 24-32 lb bond) is ideal for workshop use

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

DOHC Inline 4-cylinder

Displacement:

1171 cc (1.2 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

77.6 mm x 64 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.5:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 100-110 hp @ 7500 RPM (model dependent)

Torque:

Approx. 115-120 Nm @ 6000 RPM (model dependent)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, min. 95 RON (Octane Rating)

Cooling Type:

Liquid-cooled

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (refer to manual for specific BMW approval)

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (refer to manual for specific BMW approval)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2350 mm (K1200LT)

Width:

Approx. 900 mm (K1200LT)

Height:

Approx. 1430 mm (K1200LT)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 270 kg (K1200RS)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 300+ kg (K1200LT, fully fueled and equipped)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

21 Liters (approx. 5.5 US gallons)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

Integral ABS (standard on most models)

Braking System:

Dual front discs with 4-piston calipers, single rear disc with 2-piston caliper

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, LED taillight (later models)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional integrated sound system with radio, CD player (on LT models)

Cruise Control:

Electronic cruise control (standard on LT, optional on RS)

Suspension Control:

Electronically adjustable suspension (optional on LT)

Diagnostics:

BMW proprietary diagnostic port for accessing ECU data and fault codes

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Motorrad Approved Synthetic Oil, viscosity SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)

Coolant Type:

BMW approved ethylene glycol-based coolant (mixture 50:50 with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, fuel pump issues (especially with ethanol fuels), alternator bearing noise, ABS sensor failures, early model HES (Hall Effect Sensor) failures.

Specific Model Considerations:

K1200LT electrical gremlins, seat adjustment mechanisms, cruise control issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad Legacy:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing reliable, technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly in the touring and sport-touring segments.

K Series Development:

The K-series, introduced in the early 1980s, was BMW's first foray into liquid-cooled, multi-cylinder engines, initially with inline-fours and later inline-sixes. The K1200 line represented a significant evolution of this platform.

Production Period:

1997-2004

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Press Reviews:

Consistently praised for its comfort, stability at speed, and touring capability by major motorcycle publications.

Long Distance Comfort:

Highly rated for long-distance comfort and wind protection, especially the K1200LT model.