Vehicle Type:
Sport Tourer Motorcycle
Production Years Covered:
1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Vehicle Segment:
Premium Sport Touring Motorcycle
Key Competitors:
Honda VFR series, Kawasaki GTR series, Yamaha FJR series, Triumph Trophy series.
Distinctive Attributes:
Longitudinal inline-four engine, characteristic BMW Paralever rear drive, advanced (for its time) integrated ABS system, comfortable ergonomics for long-distance touring, powerful performance.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, cylinder head, crankshaft, piston, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system.
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch operation and maintenance, transmission (gearbox) overhaul and repair, final drive (shaft drive) system, differential.
Chassis Systems:
Frame inspection and repair, suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS included), wheel and tire service.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, starter, alternator, lighting systems, instrument cluster, ECU (Engine Control Unit), sensors, ABS control unit.
Bodywork And Accessories:
Fairings, body panels, seat assembly, fuel tank, exhaust system, mirrors, luggage systems (if applicable).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain/shaft drive adjustments, brake fluid checks, coolant checks, tire pressure monitoring.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common malfunctions, fault code interpretation (if applicable), electrical system troubleshooting guides.
Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, suspension component replacement, brake caliper servicing, electrical component replacement.
Technical Specifications And Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters.
Depth Of Coverage:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, component-level repair instructions, full engine and transmission overhaul guides, electrical system schematics and troubleshooting.
Digital File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Image Resolution:
High resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations. Searchable text is highly probable.
Digital Access:
Instant download after purchase. No physical binding.
Digital Readability:
Optimized for digital viewing on various devices (computers, tablets, smartphones).
Engine Configuration:
1171cc (71.7 cu in) longitudinally mounted, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, inline-four cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
74 mm x 67 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Power Output:
Approximately 107 hp (79 kW) at 7500 rpm
Torque Output:
Approximately 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) at 5500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic 2.2 fuel injection with sequential fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-40 API SG or higher (check manual for specific BMW recommendations or approved aftermarket oils)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.2 liters (4.4 US qt) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW specified coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Shell Glycoshell, Prestone)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 liters (2.6 US qt)
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual gearbox
Optional Transmission:
N/A (standard manual transmission)
Drive System:
Shaft drive with BMW Paralever single-sided swingarm
Final Drive Ratio:
3.0:1 (10/33 teeth)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch
Transmission Fluid Type:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil (check manual for specific recommendations)
Length:
Approx. 2,220 mm (87.4 in)
Width At Handlebars:
Approx. 905 mm (35.6 in)
Height At Seat:
Approx. 820 mm (32.3 in) (seat height, adjustable)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,504 mm (59.2 in)
Fuel Capacity:
21 liters (5.5 US gal), including 4 liters reserve
Dry Weight:
Approx. 245 kg (540 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 440 kg (970 lbs)
ABS System:
BMW Integral ABS (standard on most models, check specific variant)
Braking System Front:
Dual 320 mm discs with 4-piston calipers
Braking System Rear:
Single 284 mm disc with 2-piston caliper
Lighting System:
Halogen headlights, LED taillight (later models may have improved lighting)
Frame Construction:
Aluminum space frame
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital display for odometer, trip meters, clock, fuel level, engine temperature, gear indicator, warning lights.
ABS Integration:
Integral ABS system, where braking either the front or rear wheel also activates the other brake, controlled electronically.
Suspension Features:
Fully adjustable front forks (compression, rebound, preload) and a rear monoshock with adjustable preload and rebound damping. Later models might have electronically adjustable suspension (check manual for specific year/trim).
Diagnostic Port:
Access to diagnostic information via a dedicated port, often used with BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS) for troubleshooting and parameter setting. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures accessible via this port.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. (Consult manual for exact intervals).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 20,000 km (12,000 miles), replace as needed. (Consult manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per manual recommendations for NGK CR9EK or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage. (DOT 4 recommended).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as per manual. (BMW approved coolant).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or 24 months. (Shim adjustment type).
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Motorrad recommended oil or equivalent SAE 20W-40 API SG, JASO MA.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1 where compatible, check manual for specific ABS requirements).
Transmission Fluid Specification:
SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil.
Common Wear Items:
Rear shock absorber (can become weak over time), clutch slave cylinder seal leaks, fuel pump strain, ABS sensor issues (rare but possible).
Electrical Concerns:
Corrosion in connectors, especially around the regulator/rectifier unit (though better managed than earlier K models). Faulty fuel pump relay.
Engine Specifics:
Occasional rough idle if fuel injectors are not clean. Transmission can be stiff when cold if fluid is old.
Bmw Motorcycle History:
BMW has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for engineering excellence, durability, and innovative technology, particularly with its boxer-twin and inline-four engines.
K Series Development:
The K-series, introduced in the early 1980s, marked BMW's foray into water-cooled inline engines, moving away from its traditional boxer layout. The K1200RS was a high-performance evolution, building on the foundation of the K100 and K1100 models.
K1200Rs Specifics:
The K1200RS represented a significant upgrade in performance and touring capability, featuring a larger displacement engine, improved aerodynamics, and more sophisticated suspension and braking systems compared to its predecessors.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)
Production Run:
The K1200RS was produced from 1997 until 2005, when it was succeeded by the K1200GT and K1200R/S models which featured entirely new longitudinal inline-four and transverse inline-four engines, respectively.
