Positioning:
The K1200RS was BMW's flagship sport-touring motorcycle, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and touring capability.
Competitors:
Competed with other high-performance sport-touring bikes such as the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11, and Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace.
Features:
Unique Duolever front suspension, powerful four-cylinder engine, shaft drive, integrated luggage options (optional), rider comfort for long distances.
Engine Service:
Engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, diagnostics, internal components.
Fuel System Service:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement.
Exhaust System Service:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler inspection and replacement.
Cooling System Service:
Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump, coolant type and capacity.
Transmission Service:
Gearbox inspection, maintenance, clutch operation, shaft drive service.
Suspension Service:
Front fork (Duolever) disassembly, assembly, oil changes, rear shock absorber adjustment and replacement.
Braking System Service:
Brake fluid replacement, caliper maintenance, pad replacement, ABS system diagnostics.
Electrical System Service:
Battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, starter motor, ECU diagnostics.
Frame And Bodywork Service:
Frame inspection, fairing removal/installation, seat, fuel tank service.
Wheels And Tires Service:
Tire inspection, replacement, wheel bearing service, wheel balancing.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Detailed troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, lubrication points.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement.
Diagnostics:
Fault code reading, system testing, sensor diagnostics.
Adjustments:
Throttle cable adjustment, clutch lever adjustment, idle speed setting.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing all major components.
Depth:
Extensive technical detail, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Inline-four cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement:
1171 cc (71.4 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
77.6 mm x 64 mm (3.06 in x 2.52 in)
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 134 hp (99 kW) at 8,750 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 117 Nm (86 lb-ft) at 6,750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON or higher)
Fuel Capacity:
24 liters (6.3 US gal)
Length:
Approx. 2,220 mm (87.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 920 mm (36.2 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1,380 mm (54.3 in) at windscreen
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,573 mm (61.9 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 243 kg (535.7 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 268 kg (590.8 lbs)
Infotainment Systems:
Typically did not feature integrated infotainment systems in the modern sense; focused on rider functionality.
Assistance Features:
Integral ABS is the primary advanced rider assistance feature.
Connectivity Options:
No integrated connectivity features like Bluetooth or smartphone integration.
Lighting System:
Halogen headlights, integrated turn signals, rear taillight/brake light.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) for valve clearance checks and other major inspections.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil meeting BMW Motorrad approval (e.g., BMW Longlife-04, subject to specific regional recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW approved Ethylene Glycol based coolant (e.g., BMW Coolant AV) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
Transmission Oil Type:
Gear oil SAE 75W-90, API GL-5 (for gearbox).
Final Drive Oil Type:
Gear oil SAE 80W-90, API GL-5 (for final drive/bevel gear).
Common Issues:
Regulator/rectifier failures leading to battery charging issues, clutch slave cylinder leaks, paralever pivot bearing wear, occasional ABS sensor faults.
Maintenance Notes:
Importance of regular lubrication of the shaft drive splines, timely brake fluid flushes, and checking the integrity of the Duolever pivot points.
Brand Focus:
BMW Motorrad has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, reliability, and innovation in motorcycle design.
Predecessors:
Evolved from the K1100LT and K1100RS models, incorporating significant updates in engine performance and chassis design.
Updates:
The K1200RS saw an evolution with the introduction of the significantly updated K1200S in 2004, featuring a larger engine and more advanced technology.
Production Years:
1997-2004
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Motorcycle Reviews:
Generally received positive reviews for its performance, comfort, and unique engineering, particularly its Duolever front suspension.
Reliability Perception:
While generally well-built, some models experienced specific electrical component failures, which are well-documented and addressed in detailed service manuals.
