Segment:
Luxury Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners seeking comprehensive maintenance and repair capabilities for their K1200RS, from DIY enthusiasts to professional mechanics.
Competitors:
Honda ST1100/ST1300, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400, Ducati ST4/ST3
Vehicle Selling Points:
Powerful inline-four engine, advanced ABS braking, shaft drive, comfortable ergonomics for long distances, sophisticated design.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners to maintain and repair their premium BMW motorcycle, saving on dealership costs and ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, and diagnostics
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control
Transmission:
Gearbox (5-speed), clutch assembly, final drive (shaft drive)
Brakes:
Integral ABS II braking system (front and rear), brake calipers, lines, master cylinders, ABS module
Suspension:
Front fork (adjustable), rear mono-shock absorber (adjustable), linkage systems
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, ECU, sensors
Chassis:
Frame, subframe, steering head, swingarm
Bodywork:
Fairings, body panels, seat, luggage system (optional)
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug service, chain/shaft drive maintenance, brake fluid flush, coolant service
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic codes, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension fork rebuild, brake system service, electrical component replacement
Adjustment:
Valve clearance adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, clutch lever adjustment, suspension settings
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete component-level disassembly and reassembly instructions
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics.
Diagnostic Capability:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for engine management, ABS, and other electronic systems.
Engine Type:
DOHC Inline Four-Cylinder
Displacement:
1171 cc (1.17 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
79 mm x 59 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Valve Train:
4 valves per cylinder, DOHC actuated by cam chain
Horsepower:
110 hp @ 7500 rpm
Torque:
117 Nm (86 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic MA 2.4
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium, 91 Octane (RON+MON)/95 ROZ
Fuel Tank Capacity:
21 Liters (5.5 US gallons)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with universal joint
Gear Ratios:
Detailed ratios provided within the manual for each gear.
Transmission Fluid Type:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., BMW's recommended or equivalent)
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 930 mm (36.6 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1420 mm (55.9 in) at highest screen position
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1507 mm (59.3 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 242 kg (533.5 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 263 kg (580 lbs) (fully fueled)
Max Payload:
Approx. 200 kg (440 lbs)
Braking System Type:
BMW Integral ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System)
ABS Functionality:
Linked braking, rider can modulate front and rear independently, or apply both via front lever.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Optional on some models/markets, detailed in manual if equipped.
Frame Construction:
Aluminum beam frame for rigidity and weight saving.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, integrated turn signals, LED taillight.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, digital display for fuel level, gear indicator, clock, trip meters, and warning lights.
Audio System:
Optional radio/cassette or CD player integration on some models, wiring diagrams included.
ABS:
Integral ABS II, a sophisticated anti-lock braking system for its era.
Traction Control:
Not standard on K1200RS models covered by this manual, but some later K-series models offered ASC (Automatic Stability Control).
Diagnostic Port:
BMW 10-pin diagnostic connector, allowing for advanced diagnostics with compatible tools (covered by manual for reference).
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) including valve checks.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Motorrad Advised: SAE 15W-50 API SG/SH or JASO MA (e.g., Castrol Power RS 4T 10W-50 or equivalent)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW approved coolant (ethylene glycol-based) with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., BMW Motorrad Coolant)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 Liters (2.6 US quarts)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, fuel pump issues (early models), starter motor brushes, fork seal leaks.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in connectors, grounding issues can sometimes occur, requiring thorough inspection as per the manual.
ABS System Maintenance:
Requires specific bleeding procedures and occasional sensor cleaning; covered in detail.
Brand Origin:
Germany, established 1916
Motorcycle Division Founding:
1923
K Series Introduction:
The K-series debuted in 1983 with the K100, featuring a transverse inline-four engine mounted in a monocoque frame.
K1200Rs Introduction:
The K1200RS was introduced as an evolution of the K1100RS, offering increased power and improved aerodynamics.
Updates During Production:
Minor updates to styling, electronics, and suspension throughout its lifecycle.
Production Years K1200Rs:
1997-2005
Awards:
While specific awards for this model year might be scarce, the K1200RS was widely recognized for its performance, comfort, and engineering prowess within the sport-touring segment.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high among owners who appreciate its touring capabilities and BMW build quality, with the caveat of requiring diligent maintenance.
Emissions Standards:
Designed to meet prevailing emissions standards for its production years (e.g., Euro 2 or equivalent).