🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K1200LT

Model Designation:

K589

Vehicle Type:

Motorcycle

Generation Code:

First Generation (K589)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Long-distance tourers, riders seeking comfort and amenities for extended journeys.

Key Competitors:

Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Yamaha Venture, Kawasaki Voyager

Model Attributes:

Comfortable ergonomics, integrated luggage, powerful engine, advanced features for its era, excellent weather protection.

Manual Benefit:

Enables owners and independent mechanics to perform a wide range of maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs, saving on dealership labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

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

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical System, Bodywork, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Specifications

Manual Type:

Service Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format Delivery:

Digital (likely PDF or similar for accessibility)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Fuel Injection, Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication, Cylinder Head, Crankshaft, Pistons, Valves, Timing Chain, Exhaust System

Transmission Drivetrain:

Clutch, Gearbox (5-speed), Final Drive (Shaft Drive), Differential, Driveshaft, Rear Axle

Chassis Suspension:

Front Fork (Telescopic), Rear Suspension (Monoshock), Swingarm, Wheel Bearings, Steering System

Braking System:

Front Disc Brakes (Dual), Rear Disc Brake (Single), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and troubleshooting

Electrical System:

Battery, Charging System (Alternator, Regulator), Starter Motor, Lighting System (Headlights, Taillights, Signals), Ignition System, ECU (Engine Control Unit), Instrument Cluster, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Audio System (optional)

Bodywork Fittings:

Fairings, Seat, Luggage System (Top Case, Saddlebags), Windscreen, Mirrors, Footpegs, Handlebars

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Chain Lubrication (if applicable, though shaft drive), Air Filter Cleaning/Replacement, Valve Clearance Checks

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common issues, fault code diagnosis (if applicable via OBD-II or similar), symptom-based diagnostics

Repair Procedures:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major systems

Special Tool Requirements:

Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs and adjustments

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital native files ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF (if digitally produced or expertly OCR'd) for quick information retrieval.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Four-stroke, horizontally opposed four-cylinder (Boxer)

Displacement:

1171 cc (71.6 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

77.6 mm x 64 mm (approximate, verify with manual)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (approximate, verify with manual)

Horsepower:

98 hp (73 kW) @ 6750 rpm (approximate, verify with manual)

Torque:

115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm (approximate, verify with manual)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (95 AKI)

Cooling Method:

Liquid-cooled

Oil Type:

BMW Motorrad Advantec Ultimate Performance Engine Oil SAE 15W-40 (or equivalent API SG/SH/SJ, JASO MA)

Ignition Type:

Digital Electronic Ignition

Valves Per Cylinder:

2 (SOHC)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual gearbox

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive with bevel gear

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-5)

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-5)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

2570 mm (101.2 in) (approximate)

Width:

970 mm (38.2 in) (approximate, excluding mirrors)

Height:

1540 mm (60.6 in) (approximate, including windscreen)

Dry Weight:

308 kg (679 lbs) (approximate)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

505 kg (1113 lbs) (approximate)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

21 liters (5.5 US gal)

Luggage Capacity:

Significant integrated storage (saddlebags and top case)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS System:

BMW Integral ABS (optional on some models/years, standard on later ones)

Braking Assistance:

Linked braking system (front and rear brakes activated by lever pressure), ABS (where fitted)

Lighting:

Powerful halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, brake light, parking light.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Integrated cassette player or CD player with speakers (depending on specific model year/options), often with handlebar controls.

Cruise Control:

Electronic cruise control system for highway comfort.

ABS:

Integral ABS, a sophisticated braking system for its time, reducing the risk of wheel lock-up.

Heated Grips Seats:

Often equipped with heated grips and a heated seat for rider and passenger comfort in cooler weather.

Electric Windscreen:

Adjustable electric windscreen for optimal wind deflection and rider comfort.

Reverse Gear:

Electric reverse gear for easier maneuvering at low speeds.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Oil Filter Replacement Interval:

At every oil change. (Verify with manual)

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified. (Verify with manual)

Air Filter Cleaning Replacement:

Inspect every 10,000 km, clean or replace as needed. (Verify with manual)

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 40,000 km. (Verify with manual)

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years. (Verify with manual)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US qt) with filter change. (Verify with manual)

Coolant Type:

BMW approved ethylene glycol coolant (e.g., BMW Motorrad Coolant, or equivalent blue coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, swingarm pivot bearings, starter motor brushes, rear brake pads, front fork seals, ABS modulator issues (can be costly to repair).

Electrical Gremlins:

While generally reliable, some owners report intermittent electrical issues, particularly related to sensor connections or the instrument cluster.

Manual Utility For Issues:

The manual's diagnostic flowcharts and component testing procedures are invaluable for identifying and rectifying common problems.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycle Division:

BMW Motorrad, a division of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing dating back to 1923, known for engineering excellence and innovation.

K Series Introduction:

The K series, launched in the early 1980s, represented BMW's move into larger displacement, inline-engine motorcycles, transitioning from their traditional boxer twins.

K1200Lt Development:

The K1200LT was developed as the flagship luxury tourer within the K series, building upon the K1100LT and incorporating more power, comfort, and touring amenities.

Production Period:

1997-2008 (with updates and the successor K1200LT successor being the K1600 series)

Manufacturing Plant:

Berlin, Germany (Spandau plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Reputation:

Highly regarded in its segment for long-distance comfort, build quality, and touring capabilities. Often praised by motorcycle touring publications.

Emission Standards:

Compliant with relevant emission standards for the production years (e.g., Euro 1/2, EPA).