Market Segment:
High-performance sport touring motorcycle.
Competitors 1997:
Honda VFR750/VFR800, Yamaha FJR1300 (later), Kawasaki GTR1000, Ducati ST2.
Engine Layout:
Inline four-cylinder, boxer-twin layout with its characteristic longitudinal crankshaft.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive, a hallmark of BMW's larger motorcycles.
Suspension Front:
Telelever front suspension, providing excellent ride quality and feedback.
Braking System:
Integral ABS II anti-lock braking system, advanced for its time.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of the K1200RS engine, including disassembly, assembly, component testing, and specifications.
Fuel System:
Detailed information on fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, sensors, and troubleshooting.
Ignition System:
Diagnosis and repair of the electronic ignition system, including coils, spark plugs, and control modules.
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for the gearbox, clutch, and final drive.
Chassis And Frame:
Information on frame components, steering head bearings, and suspension systems.
Front Suspension:
Details on the telelever front suspension system, including fork disassembly, seal replacement, and oil specifications.
Rear Suspension:
Coverage of the monolever rear suspension, shock absorber, and linkage maintenance.
Braking System:
Comprehensive guide to the ABS II braking system, including caliper overhaul, brake fluid bleeding, and component diagnosis.
Electrical System:
Extensive coverage of the motorcycle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting guides.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Details on the dashboard, gauges, switches, and control levers.
Lighting System:
Information on headlight, taillight, and signal light maintenance and repair.
Cooling System:
Maintenance and repair of the liquid-cooled engine, including radiator, thermostat, and coolant.
Exhaust System:
Details on exhaust pipe, muffler, and catalytic converter inspection and replacement.
Bodywork And Fairings:
Instructions for removing, installing, and repairing body panels and fairings.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, chain adjustment, lubrication, and general inspection procedures.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly instructions.
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox internal inspection, seal replacement, and shift mechanism adjustments.
Suspension Servicing:
Fork seal replacement, damper adjustments, and rear shock absorber maintenance.
Brake System Overhaul:
Brake pad replacement, caliper servicing, brake line replacement, and ABS unit troubleshooting.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, including wiring harness issues and component failures.
Wheel Bearing Replacement:
Procedures for replacing front and rear wheel bearings.
Fuel System Cleaning:
Instructions for cleaning fuel injectors and throttle bodies.
Cooling System Flushing:
Procedures for draining, flushing, and refilling the cooling system.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Workshop Manual
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes diagnostic procedures, fault codes (if applicable), and troubleshooting trees for various systems.
Torque Specifications:
Provides precise torque values for all critical fasteners.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Specifies critical engine and mechanical component clearances and tolerances for proper function.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Consult the manual for precise recommendation.
Valve Clearance Check:
Typically every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified in the manual.
Brake Fluid Change:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage, due to moisture absorption.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW recommends SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil meeting API SG/SH or JASO MA specifications. Check manual for specific BMW approval (e.g., BMW Motorrad Approved).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change. Verify in the manual.
Coolant Type:
BMW specifies a mixture of distilled water and a suitable ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. A 50/50 mix is typical. Use only approved coolant types.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1. Check manual for specific recommendations and compatibility.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, wheel bearings, brake component wear (pads, discs), aging fuel lines, and potential issues with ABS sensors or pump over extended periods.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion or degradation of electrical connectors, especially in humid environments, can lead to intermittent faults. Regular inspection is recommended.
Fuel Pump Reliability:
While generally reliable, early models may experience some fuel pump wear. Proper fuel filtration is key.
Bmw Motorcycle History:
BMW Motorrad boasts a long and distinguished history of producing innovative and reliable motorcycles, known for their engineering excellence and touring capabilities.
K Series Introduction:
The K-series, introduced in 1983 with the K100, represented BMW's move into liquid-cooled, multi-cylinder engines, initially with a transverse inline-four layout.
K1200Rs Development:
The K1200RS was an evolution of the K1100RS, featuring an increased displacement and refined styling, targeting the sport-touring market with a blend of performance and comfort.
Production Period:
The K1200RS model line was produced from 1997 to 2000, preceding the significantly redesigned K1200GT and K1200RS (with the new engine architecture) from 2001 onwards.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany