Segment:
Luxury Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Long-distance touring riders seeking comfort, features, and performance
Key Competitors Approx:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Kawasaki Voyager
Touring Amenities:
Standard luggage, adjustable windshield, heated components, advanced audio system
Technology:
ABS, potentially integrated navigation (depending on original fitment), cruise control
Motorcycle Type:
Full-dress touring motorcycle
Primary Coverage:
Rider operation, safety, maintenance, basic troubleshooting for the 2008 BMW K 1200 LT
Secondary Coverage:
Vehicle features, controls, instrumentation, and touring capabilities
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 150-250 pages (typical for this model and manual type)
Type:
Owner's Manual / Riders Manual
Engine:
Brief overview of engine operation and basic care (not in-depth mechanical repair)
Transmission:
Operation and basic fluid checks
Chassis Suspension:
Basic information on adjustments and care
Brakes:
Operation, ABS system information, and fluid level checks
Electrical System:
Instrument cluster, lighting, fuses, battery care
Comfort Features:
Heated grips, seat, windshield, audio system, cruise control
Luggage System:
Operation, loading guidelines, and security features
Operation:
Starting, stopping, riding techniques, and control usage
Maintenance:
Routine checks (tires, fluids, lights), cleaning, storage
Troubleshooting:
Basic issue identification and recommended rider actions (e.g., warning lights)
Safety:
Riding safety, protective gear, emergency procedures
Depth:
Operator-level information, focusing on safe and proper usage; not a repair manual
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, Boxer-four cylinder
Displacement:
1171 cc (71.4 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
79 mm x 59 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1
Horsepower:
Approximately 100 hp @ 7500 rpm (rated)
Torque:
Approximately 117 Nm (86 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm (rated)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic fuel injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic MA 2.4
Fuel Type:
Unleaded premium gasoline, 91-98 RON (91-96 AKI)
Fuel Capacity:
24 liters (6.3 US gal), including 4 liters reserve
Length:
Approximately 2570 mm (101.2 in)
Width:
Approximately 980 mm (38.6 in) at mirrors
Height:
Approximately 1450 mm (57.1 in) at windshield (adjustable)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 312 kg (688 lbs)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 356 kg (785 lbs) (fully fueled, ready to ride)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 550 kg (1212 lbs)
Payload Capacity:
Approximately 194 kg (428 lbs)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is not rated by governmental bodies in the same way as automobiles)
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
BMW Motorrad ASC (Automatic Stability Control) - Optional on some models/markets
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, integrated auxiliary driving lights (often standard), LED taillight
Frame Construction:
Aluminum composite bridge frame
Wind Protection:
Large adjustable windshield and fairing offering significant weather protection
Audio System:
Integrated CD player and radio, often with handlebar controls. Some models may have optional satellite radio integration or AUX input.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control for highway comfort
ABS:
Integral ABS is a significant safety feature, combining front and rear braking actuation with ABS modulation.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Motorrad Navigator or provision for aftermarket GPS units
Heated Grips Seats:
Standard dual-zone heated grips and heated rider/passenger seats for all-weather comfort
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Major inspections typically at 20,000 km (12,500 miles) and subsequent intervals, covering valve adjustments, fluid flushes, etc.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW recommends specific synthetic motorcycle oils meeting API SG/SH/SJ or JASO MA standards, with viscosity grades like 15W-40 or 20W-50 depending on climate. Consult specific manual for exact spec like BMW Motorrad Advantec.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (BMW approved)
Transmission Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 75W/90 API GL-5
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear shock absorber, water pump seals, fuel pump, exhaust headers (corrosion/cracking)
Electrical Gremlins:
Can sometimes exhibit minor electrical issues; thorough diagnosis is key. ABS modulator can be a concern.
Engine Performance:
Generally robust, but ensure proper maintenance of fuel system and cooling.
Bmw Motorcycles Legacy:
BMW has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for engineering innovation and quality since the early 20th century.
K Series Introduction:
The K series, introduced in the early 1980s, represented BMW's move towards sophisticated, multi-cylinder engines, often featuring unique engine layouts like the inline-four.
K 1200 Lt Development:
The K 1200 LT evolved from earlier K 1100 LT models, focusing on increased displacement, power, comfort, and advanced touring features to compete in the premium touring segment.
Production Years:
The K 1200 LT was produced from 1997 to 2008, with significant updates in 2003 (K12LT)' and later the K1200LT from 2004 onwards with the new engine architecture.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)
