Motorcycle Class:
Sport Touring
Target Audience:
Riders seeking comfortable long-distance touring capability with sporty performance.
Key Competitors:
Honda VFR, Kawasaki GTR, Yamaha FJR (depending on specific model years and features).
Engine Layout:
Longitudinal inline-four cylinder, liquid-cooled.
Suspension Front:
BMW Duolever front suspension for precise steering and stability.
Suspension Rear:
BMW Paralever single-sided swingarm with shaft drive.
Braking System Type:
Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) often standard or optional, providing enhanced safety.
Ergonomics:
Adjustable windscreen, comfortable seating position, and integrated luggage mounting points for touring.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for the K1200RS inline-four engine.
Fuel System:
Detailed information on fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and troubleshooting.
Ignition System:
Coverage of ignition coil replacement, spark plug specifications, and electronic ignition module diagnostics.
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, water pump, coolant specifications, and bleeding procedures.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly and assembly, final drive maintenance, and driveshaft service.
Suspension System:
Front fork (Duolever) and rear shock absorber (Paralever) overhaul, adjustments, and fluid specifications.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, ABS system diagnostics (if applicable), brake fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), lighting, starter motor, and fuse/relay identification.
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, fairing components, seat assembly, and luggage system.
Instrumentation And Controls:
Dashboard, instrument cluster diagnostics, handle bar controls, and cable adjustments.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter servicing, chain/shaft drive adjustment, and general inspection checks.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common issues across all major systems.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation for all major motorcycle systems.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for overhauling specific components like the engine, gearbox, forks, and brake calipers.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of all critical torque values for fasteners and components.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers everything from routine maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex diagnostics).
Engine Type:
1171cc, 16-valve, DOHC, Inline-four cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
77.6 mm x 64 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1 (approx.)
Horsepower:
Approx. 108-110 hp @ 7500 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (87 AKI)
ABS Availability:
Integral ABS typically available as an option or standard on later models.
Braking System:
Dual 320 mm front discs with four-piston calipers, single 265 mm rear disc with two-piston caliper (ABS optional/standard).
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, LED taillight.
Frame Construction:
Aluminum bridge frame for rigidity and weight savings.
Wind Protection:
Aerodynamically designed fairing and adjustable windscreen for rider comfort and safety at speed.
Instrument Cluster:
Comprehensive analog and digital instrument cluster with speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature, and indicator lights.
ABS:
Integral Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as an option or standard feature.
Charging Socket:
Often equipped with a 12V accessory socket for charging GPS devices or other electronics.
Adjustable Windscreen:
Electrically or manually adjustable windscreen for optimal wind protection.
Heated Grips:
Factory-fitted heated grips for rider comfort in colder weather.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified by the manual.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Motorrad recommends specific grades of synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oil conforming to API SG or higher, and JASO MA specifications. Refer to manual for exact viscosity (e.g., 15W-40 or 20W-50).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Coolant Type:
BMW Advanced Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors).
Gearbox Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific gearbox oil grade (typically a GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil).
Final Drive Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific final drive oil grade (typically a GL-5 rated hypoid gear oil).
Fuel Pump Reliability:
Some early models experienced fuel pump issues; replacement or improved units are available.
Alternator Brushes:
Wear on alternator brushes can lead to charging system problems; replacement is a common service item.
ABS Sensor Issues:
ABS sensor contamination or failure can cause ABS system warnings; cleaning or replacement may be needed.
Clutch Slave Cylinder Leaks:
Occasional leaks from the clutch slave cylinder are reported.
Heated Grips Failure:
Heated grips can sometimes fail due to wiring or element issues.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing innovative and high-quality motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer-twin engines and later for their inline-four 'K' series.
K Series Introduction:
The K-series, introduced in 1983 with the K 100, represented BMW's foray into liquid-cooled, multi-cylinder motorcycles, initially featuring transverse inline-fours.
K 1200 Rs Development:
The K 1200 RS evolved from earlier K-series models, aiming to offer a more powerful and refined sport-touring platform, incorporating advanced technologies like the Duolever and Paralever systems.
Production Period:
1997-2004
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant)
General Reception:
Generally well-received for its comfort, performance, and technological advancements in the sport-touring segment.
Reliability Perception:
Reputation for solid build quality typical of BMW, though like any complex machine, requires diligent maintenance.
Emissions Standards:
Meets applicable emissions standards for its respective production years and markets.