🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K1200RS

Motorcycle Type:

Sport Touring

Chassis Code:

K589

👋 Introduction

Segment:

High-performance sport touring motorcycle, positioned as a premium offering in its class.

Key Competitors:

Honda VFR series, Kawasaki Concours series, Yamaha FJR series, Ducati ST series, Triumph Sprint ST.

Powertrain Layout:

Inline four-cylinder engine, longitudinally mounted, shaft drive.

Ergonomics:

Designed for long-distance comfort with adjustable ergonomics and weather protection.

Technology:

Often equipped with advanced features for its era, including ABS, electronic fuel injection, and sophisticated chassis components.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

All Repairs Covered A-Z, All Models Covered

Estimated Page Count:

400-600 (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service:

Complete overhaul, top-end (cylinder head, valves, cams), bottom-end (crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods), timing chain, oil pump, lubrication system.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (EFI), throttle body, fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, sensors (MAP, TPS, O2), fuel tank, fuel lines.

Ignition System:

ECU, ignition coils, spark plugs, wiring, crank position sensor, cam position sensor.

Transmission And Drivetrain:

Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox internal components, final drive (shaft drive), universal joint, bevel gear assembly, lubrication.

Brake System:

ABS (including integral ABS variants), brake fluid bleeding, caliper overhaul, master cylinders, brake lines, pads, rotors.

Suspension And Steering:

Front telescopic forks (including potential telelever variants depending on model year), rear shock absorber (including Paralever rear suspension), fork oil replacement, seal replacement, shock absorber adjustment, steering head bearings.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting (headlight, taillight, indicators), horn, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostics via BMW OBD system.

Chassis And Bodywork:

Frame inspection, fairings, seating, fuel tank mounting, rear subframe, stands, wheels, tires, exhaust system.

Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, valve clearance checks, drivetrain lubrication, tire pressure checks, battery maintenance.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common faults, error code interpretation, component testing, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and adjustment of all major motorcycle systems.

Technical Specifications:

Torque values for all fasteners, fluid capacities, specifications for wear limits (e.g., brake pads, clutch plates), electrical specifications.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Image Resolution:

High resolution images and diagrams for clarity.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, 4-stroke

Displacement:

1171 cc (for earlier K1200RS models) or 1157 cc (for later models with updated engine)

Bore X Stroke:

Typical: 70.5 mm x 75 mm (or similar for updated engine)

Compression Ratio:

Typically 11.5:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower Peak:

Approximately 130-135 hp @ 9000 rpm (depending on exact model year and tuning)

Torque Peak:

Approximately 110-115 Nm @ 6750 rpm (depending on exact model year and tuning)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential multi-point injection.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (95 RON or higher)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approximately 21 Liters (5.5 US gallons)

Oil Type:

Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (e.g., BMW Motorrad Advantec Ultimate SAE 5W-40 or equivalent API SG/JASO MA)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.0 Liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual transmission

Optional Gearbox:

N/A (standard manual)

Drive System:

Shaft Drive

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated multi-plate wet clutch

Final Drive Oil:

Hypoid gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90 API GL-5)

Final Drive Oil Capacity:

Approximately 0.25 Liters (0.26 US quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2240 mm (88.2 in)

Width:

Approx. 920 mm (36.2 in)

Height:

Approx. 1360 mm (53.5 in) (windscreen adjustable)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 239 kg (527 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 263 kg (580 lbs) (fully fueled and ready to ride)

Payload Capacity:

Typically around 210 kg (463 lbs) including rider and luggage

Front Tire Size:

120/70 ZR 17

Rear Tire Size:

180/55 ZR 17

Front Wheel Size:

3.50 x 17

Rear Wheel Size:

5.50 x 17

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

N/A (Cast alloy wheels, hub mounted)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

Integral ABS (optional on some models, standard on others) with two-channel brake system.

Braking System:

Hydraulically operated disc brakes front and rear. Combination braking via brake lever (front and rear) and brake pedal (rear only on non-integral ABS models).

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight, amber turn signals.

Chassis Design:

Sturdy frame construction, robust suspension components for stability.

Windscreen:

Adjustable windscreen for rider comfort and protection from elements.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Digital/Analog combination with analog tachometer, digital speedometer, fuel gauge, gear indicator, clock, temperature gauge, and warning lights.

ABS Integration:

Integral ABS system which can be deactivated for track use if equipped.

Diagnostic Port:

BMW's proprietary diagnostic connector for use with BMW Motorrad diagnostic tools (often covered in the manual's electrical troubleshooting section).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles), or more frequently if operating in dusty conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or as specified by the manual.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. BMW recommends specific coolant or equivalent meeting BS 6580 standards.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Common Wear Items:

Clutch plates, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, fork seals, driveshaft U-joint (less common but requires inspection).

Electrical Gremlins:

Can sometimes experience issues with wiring harnesses or sensor connections, requiring thorough diagnostic checks as detailed in the manual.

Fuel Pump Reliability:

While generally robust, early fuel pumps could be a point of failure; manual will detail testing procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorrad Legacy:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing high-quality, technologically advanced motorcycles, known for their engineering prowess and reliability, particularly in touring and sport touring segments.

K Series Development:

The K-series, introduced in 1983 with the K100, revolutionized motorcycle design with its transverse inline-four engine mounted in a stressed-member frame, offering smooth power delivery and excellent aerodynamics. The K1200RS evolved from this platform, focusing on performance and long-distance capability.

K1200Rs Introduction:

The K1200RS was introduced in the mid-1990s (around 1997) as BMW's flagship sport-touring machine, intended to offer a potent blend of performance and comfort. It featured a significant update to the K-series engine architecture for increased power and refinement.

Production Years:

Approximately 1997 - 2004 (replaced by the K1200GT and K1200R series)

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Of The Year:

While specific 'Motorcycle of the Year' awards are difficult to pinpoint without dedicated research for each year of production, the K1200RS was consistently praised by motorcycle journalists for its blend of performance, comfort, and technological sophistication, often featuring in 'best of' lists for sport touring motorcycles.

Long Term Reviews:

Consistently received positive reviews for its comfort on long journeys, stable handling, and potent engine, solidifying its reputation as a capable sport-tourer.