🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K1200RS

Model Code:

K589

Generation Identifier:

First Generation

Chassis Code:

K589

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sport Touring Motorcycle

Bmw Positioning:

Positioned as BMW's flagship sport-touring machine, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and long-distance capability, leveraging BMW's engineering prowess.

Competitors:

Competed against other high-performance sport-touring motorcycles such as the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R, Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace, and Ducati ST series.

Engine Type:

Transverse-mounted inline-four cylinder engine.

Drivetrain:

Shaft drive for low maintenance.

Braking System:

Advanced Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).

Chassis Design:

Unique aluminum 'space frame' chassis for rigidity and weight management.

Ergonomics:

Comfortable riding position suitable for long distances, adjustable rider controls.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition, but comprehensive manuals typically range from 300-700 pages.

Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for the BMW K1200RS engine, including timing, valve adjustment, fuel injection system, ignition system, and cooling system.

Transmission:

Complete coverage of the gearbox, clutch (including potential servo assist system depending on exact model year), and final drive maintenance and repair.

Chassis And Suspension:

In-depth information on front and rear suspension systems, including fork service, shock absorber replacement, and wheel bearing maintenance.

Brakes:

Comprehensive guide to the ABS braking system (likely BMW's Integral ABS), including caliper service, brake line replacement, fluid bleeding procedures, and diagnostic information.

Electrical System:

Extensive wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting guides for the entire electrical system, including lighting, starting, charging, instrument cluster, and ECU.

Fuel System:

Detailed procedures for fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel tank service.

Cooling System:

Maintenance and repair of the liquid-cooled engine, including radiator, water pump, thermostat, and coolant specifications.

Bodywork And Trim:

Procedures for removing and installing fairings, seats, and other body panels.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid changes, coolant flushes.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic steps for common and complex issues, with fault code interpretation if applicable.

Engine Overhaul:

Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures.

Transmission Repair:

Gearbox rebuild, clutch replacement, and final drive servicing.

Brake System Service:

ABS bleeding, pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring harness repair, sensor testing, ECU diagnosis.

Recalibration Procedures:

Procedures for recalibrating sensors or systems after component replacement, where applicable.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and factory specifications.

Torque Specifications:

Includes detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, critical for proper assembly and preventing damage.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, easy-to-read wiring diagrams illustrating all electrical circuits.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if created from scanned official documents or digital source.

Printability:

Designed for printing individual pages or sections as needed.

Binding:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, inline four-cylinder

Displacement:

1171 cc (71.6 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

77.6 mm x 64 mm (3.06 in x 2.52 in)

Compression Ratio:

10.1:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 127 hp (95 kW) @ 8750 rpm (at crank)

Torque:

Approx. 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) @ 6750 rpm (at crank)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or similar)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON

Ignition:

Digital ignition system with electronic advance

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed manual gearbox

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch (later models may feature servo assistance for clutch actuation).

Drivetrain:

Enclosed driveshaft and final drive

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2245 mm (88.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1435 mm (56.5 in) at windscreen

Dry Weight:

Approx. 250 kg (551 lbs)

Wet Weight:

Approx. 277 kg (611 lbs) (fully fueled)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not explicitly stated, but important for suspension load calculations.

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS System:

Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on most models, providing enhanced braking safety.

Traction Control:

Not typically a standard feature on this generation.

Lighting:

Halogen headlights for superior night visibility.

Wind Protection:

Large, adjustable windscreen for rider comfort and protection from elements.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital display for odometer, trip meter, clock, and other basic information. May include warning lights for ABS, low fuel, etc.

ABS:

Integral ABS system, significantly enhancing braking control.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD) capabilities for dealer-level diagnostics and fault code retrieval.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per manual recommendation.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years or as recommended.

Engine Oil:

SAE 20W-40 or SAE 20W-50 motorcycle specific engine oil. Check manual for exact BMW specification (e.g., BMW Longlife-01 or similar).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to BMW specifications.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Oil:

SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil for the final drive. Transmission internal oil specification might differ, check manual.

Common Complaints:

Potential for stator failure, regulator/rectifier issues, ABS system glitches, and clutch slave cylinder leaks. Fuel pump issues can also occur with age.

Maintenance Focus:

Regular inspection of the driveshaft boot, brake lines, and electrical connections is crucial for longevity.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycles:

BMW has a long-standing history in motorcycle manufacturing, renowned for innovation, quality, and engineering excellence, particularly with their boxer-twin and 'K' series bikes.

K Series Origin:

The K1200RS is part of BMW's technologically advanced 'K' series, which debuted in 1983 with the K100, featuring a transverse inline-four engine mounted lengthwise in the frame.

K1200Rs Introduction:

The K1200RS was introduced as an evolution of the K1100RS, aiming for increased performance and refined sport-touring capabilities.

Production Period:

1997-2005

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad factory)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

Generally well-received by the motorcycling press for its performance, comfort, and innovative features at the time of its release. Specific awards are less common for individual model years but the K-series as a whole received praise.