Category:
Luxury Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Long-distance touring riders seeking comfort, features, and performance.
Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Yamaha Royal Star Venture, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.
Touring Features:
Full fairings, integrated audio system, cruise control, heated grips and seats, ample luggage capacity.
Performance Focus:
Powerful inline-four engine, comfortable ergonomics for long rides.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, including cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valve train, timing components.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter replacement.
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant pump, thermostat, fan operation, bleeding procedures, coolant specifications.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler replacement and inspection.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch operation, gear selection mechanism, transmission fluid service.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, final drive unit servicing and inspection.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS operation, brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid bleeding and specification.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, fork servicing, shock absorber replacement, linkage lubrication.
Steering:
Handlebar assembly, steering head bearings maintenance and adjustment.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, starter motor, alternator, lighting system, ignition system troubleshooting.
Instrumentation:
Dashboard functions, warning lights, sensor diagnostics.
Bodywork:
Fairing removal and installation, seat servicing, luggage system components.
Chassis:
Frame inspection and maintenance.
Maintenance:
Regular service intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair of all major systems.
Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for complete engine, transmission, and suspension overhauls.
Adjustment:
Carburetor (if applicable, though likely EFI for this model), clutch, throttle, and brake lever adjustments.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all circuits.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers routine maintenance to complete engine rebuilds.
Type:
Inline-four cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement:
1171 cc (71.6 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
70.5 mm x 75 mm (2.78 in x 2.95 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.8:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower:
Approx. 100 hp (74.6 kW) @ 7500 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 101 Nm (74.3 lb-ft) @ 6000 rpm
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON)
Fuel Capacity:
21 liters (5.5 US gal)
Audio System:
Integrated radio with CD player (often optional or aftermarket) and speakers, typically with handlebar controls.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control for highway riding.
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS (optional) significantly enhances braking safety.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) system for fault code retrieval via specific BMW diagnostic tools (covered in manual).
Heated Elements:
Heated grips and heated rider/passenger seats for enhanced comfort in various weather conditions.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually.
Major Service:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles), including valve clearance check.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-40 API SG or higher. Capacity approx. 4.0 liters with filter change.
Coolant:
BMW Advanced Antifreeze or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 LV if specified by BMW for ABS systems).
Transmission Oil:
BMW Gear Oil (e.g., SAF-XJ) or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-5.
Final Drive Oil:
BMW Gear Oil (e.g., SAF-XJ) or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-5.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion in electrical connectors can lead to intermittent faults, particularly in the wiring harness and ABS system. Thorough inspection and cleaning are recommended.
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
Potential for leaks or premature wear of the clutch slave cylinder seal.
ABS Modulator:
Rare instances of ABS modulator failure, though often related to electrical connections or fluid contamination.
Rear Shock ABSorber:
Wear and tear on the rear shock absorber, especially after high mileage or heavy loads, can affect ride quality.
Instrument Cluster:
Occasional pixel degradation or failure of the LCD display in the instrument cluster.
Heritage:
BMW has a long history of producing high-quality motorcycles, known for engineering innovation and rider comfort, particularly in the touring segment.
K Series Origin:
The K1200LT is part of BMW's K series, which initially featured transverse inline-four engines and later evolved into various configurations, establishing BMW's presence in the sport-touring and touring markets.
K1200Lt Development:
The K1200LT was developed as BMW's flagship touring motorcycle, focusing on comfort, features, and long-distance capabilities. It represented a significant step up in touring amenities.
Production Years:
1997-2009 (with updates)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany