🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K 1200 S

Year:

2008

Product Type:

Owner's Manual

Vin Prefix Code:

WBA

Model Generation:

K43

👋 Introduction

Motorcycle Segment:

Sport touring motorcycle, known for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology.

Competitors 2008:

Primary competitors included Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki Concours 14, Honda VFR Interceptor.

Performance Orientation:

High-performance motorcycle designed for long-distance touring and spirited riding.

Advanced Technology:

Featured advanced electronics such as ABS, ASC (Automatic Stability Control), and an electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) option.

Intended Rider:

Experienced riders seeking a powerful, comfortable, and technologically advanced motorcycle for touring and sport riding.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Operation, Safety, Maintenance, and Specifications for the 2008 BMW K 1200 S

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 200-250 pages (typical for this model/year)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Operation, break-in, cooling system, lubrication, fuel system, exhaust system, engine management.

Transmission System:

Clutch operation, gearbox, drive shaft, final drive lubrication.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front suspension (Duolever), rear suspension (Paralever), wheel and tire information, braking system (ABS), steering.

Electrical System:

Battery, lighting system, instrumentation, rider assistance systems (e.g., ABS, ASC), on-board computer, electronic immobilizer.

Bodywork And Controls:

Handlebar controls, seating adjustments, fairing components, storage, fuel filler, seat removal.

Routine Maintenance:

Checking tire pressure, oil level checks, coolant level checks, chain lubrication (if applicable), cleaning procedures.

Basic Troubleshooting:

Interpreting dashboard warning lights and error messages, basic checks for common issues.

Safety Procedures:

Safe starting and stopping, riding techniques, passenger safety, loading guidelines.

Instrumentation And Controls:

Explanation of all dashboard indicators, switches, and controls.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive owner-level information covering operation, basic checks, routine maintenance, and safety. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Scanned Quality:

High-resolution scan, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams (assuming good source quality).

Binding Type:

Not applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (Digital Download)

Text Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF (if OCR applied during creation), allowing for quick information retrieval.

Document Version:

Corresponds to the original BMW owner's manual for the 2008 K 1200 S.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, four-stroke

Displacement:

1157 cc (70.6 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

79 mm x 59 mm

Compression Ratio:

12.0:1

Cooling System:

Liquid-cooled

Horsepower Hp:

160 hp (118 kW) @ 9500 rpm (approximate, subject to national regulations)

Torque Lb-Ft:

93 lb-ft (126 Nm) @ 9500 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with twin-injector system per cylinder

Fuel Type:

Unleaded premium gasoline, minimum 95 octane (RON + MON)/2

Engine Control Unit:

Digital Engine Electronics (DME) or equivalent BMW system

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual gearbox

Optional Transmission:

None documented for this model year

Clutch Type:

Wet multi-plate clutch, hydraulically operated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 75W/90 API GL 4 or GL 5 synthetic gear oil (refer to manual for exact BMW specification)

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 75W/90 API GL 5 synthetic gear oil (refer to manual for exact BMW specification)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

2215 mm (87.2 in)

Width Over Handlebars:

905 mm (35.6 in)

Height Excluding Mirrors:

1235 mm (48.6 in)

Seat Height Unladen:

820 mm (32.3 in) (standard); optional low seat available

Dry Weight:

217 kg (478 lbs)

Curb Weight Ready To Ride:

247 kg (545 lbs) (with 90% fuel load)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

460 kg (1014 lbs)

Payload Capacity:

213 kg (469 lbs)

Luggage Capacity:

Provision for BMW luggage system (side cases, top case - sold separately)

Front Tire Size:

120/70 ZR 17

Rear Tire Size:

180/55 ZR 17

Wheel Type:

Cast aluminum alloy wheels

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

Not applicable (Hub-mounted center lock for front, splined shaft for rear)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Certifications:

CE marking, compliant with European safety standards.

ABS System:

BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (standard on this model), combines braking for both wheels with rider control.

Traction Control:

ASC (Automatic Stability Control) - standard on this model, helps prevent rear-wheel spin.

Lighting System:

Halogen dual headlight, LED taillight, integrated turn signals.

Chassis Design:

Aluminum composite bridge frame for rigidity and weight distribution.

Engine Guard:

Engine crash protectors may be available as accessories, refer to manual for recommendations.

Handling Warnings:

Information on proper rider technique, counter-steering, braking protocols, and riding in various conditions.

💡 Technology Features

On Board Computer:

Integrated on-board computer displaying range, fuel consumption, average speed, ambient temperature, etc.

Instrument Cluster:

Digital and analog displays for speed, RPM, gear indicator, fuel level, and warning lights.

Electronic Suspension Adjustment:

Optional ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) allowing riders to adjust damping and preload electronically via handlebar controls.

Heated Grips:

Standard feature for rider comfort in cooler conditions.

Diagnostic Port:

BMW's proprietary diagnostic connector for service technicians (OBD-II equivalent for motorcycles).

Immobilizer System:

Electronic immobilizer with transponder key for theft prevention.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact intervals).

Valve Clearance Check:

Typically around 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles) (refer to manual for exact intervals).

Major Service Interval:

Comprehensive service checks at 20,000 km and 40,000 km intervals are common for BMW motorcycles.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 15W/50 synthetic motorcycle oil meeting BMW specifications (e.g., BMW Longlife-04 or similar, consult manual for exact spec). Oil filter part number: 11 42 7 673 541 (typical).

Coolant Type:

BMW approved coolant concentrate mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio) or ready-to-use BMW coolant. Part number: 83 51 2 355 290 (concentrate) or 83 51 2 355 294 (ready-to-use) (typical).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for specific BMW recommendation and replacement intervals).

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, brake pad wear, tire wear, suspension seal wear over high mileage.

Electrical Concerns:

Some owners reported minor electrical gremlins, often related to sensor issues or connections. Refer to manual for troubleshooting basic indicators.

Fuel System Maintenance:

Regular fuel quality checks and potential injector cleaning at high mileage, as detailed in manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycles Legacy:

BMW has a long history of producing innovative and high-quality motorcycles since the early 20th century, known for engineering excellence and performance.

K Series Development:

The K series, introduced in the early 1980s, represented BMW's entry into liquid-cooled, multi-cylinder motorcycles, initially with inline-four engines mounted transversely. The K1200S represented a significant evolution with its longitudinally mounted, high-revving inline-four.

Production Period:

The BMW K 1200 S was produced from 2004 to 2008.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin-Spandau, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

While specific awards might not be readily available for owner's manuals, the BMW K 1200 S itself was critically acclaimed for its performance, handling, and technology in its segment.

Reliability Perception:

BMW motorcycles generally have a reputation for solid build quality and long-term reliability when properly maintained, as covered by this manual.