Segment:
Luxury Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Long-distance touring riders, BMW enthusiasts, professional motorcycle technicians.
Key Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Yamaha Royal Star Venture.
Unique Selling Points:
Inline-four engine performance, shaft drive, integral ABS, extensive touring amenities, and BMW's renowned build quality.
Manual Advantage:
Provides authorized service procedures and specifications, essential for maintaining peak performance and longevity.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the K589 inline-four engine.
Fuel System:
Detailed procedures for fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel tank, and fuel lines.
Cooling System:
Maintenance and repair of the liquid-cooled system, including radiator, coolant pump, and thermostat.
Ignition System:
Information on ignition coils, spark plugs, and engine control unit (ECU) related to ignition timing.
Transmission:
Complete guide to the 5-speed gearbox, clutch operation, and final drive (shaft drive).
Electrical System:
Extensive coverage of wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, and all electronic components.
Brakes:
Detailed procedures for the BMW Motorrad Integral ABS II system, including hydraulic and electronic components, brake pads, discs, and lines.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including telescopic forks, monoshock rear suspension, and electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) if applicable to specific model years.
Chassis:
Frame, steering head, and related components.
Bodywork:
Fairings, luggage systems (top case, panniers), seat assembly, and trim components.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault codes, and diagnostic procedures for various systems.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Step-by-step instructions for all routine maintenance tasks.
Engine Repair:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, including piston, ring, cylinder head, and valve servicing.
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch replacement, and final drive servicing.
Brake System Service:
Bleeding the Integral ABS system, replacing brake pads and discs, and servicing hydraulic lines.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Systematic approach to diagnosing electrical faults using wiring diagrams.
Suspension Adjustment:
Fork seal replacement, shock absorber servicing, and ESA calibration where applicable.
Bodywork Repair:
Removal and installation of fairings, luggage components, and related trim.
Wheel And Tire Service:
Tire replacement, wheel balancing, and bearing maintenance.
Diagnostic Code Interpretation:
Explanation and resolution for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagnostic Capability:
Enables in-depth troubleshooting and diagnosis of complex system failures.
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for rebuilding major mechanical and electrical components.
Audio System:
Integrated sound system with AM/FM radio, CD player, and often options for cassette or iPod connectivity.
Display:
Multi-function display for clock, temperature, gear indicator, radio status, and diagnostic messages.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control for comfortable long-distance riding.
Suspension Control:
Optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) allowing on-the-fly changes to damping and preload.
Diagnostic Interface:
On-board diagnostic port for connection to BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually.
Filter Replacement:
Oil filter replacement with every oil change. Air filter inspection every 10,000 km, replacement as needed.
Major Service Interval:
Major inspections and valve clearance checks recommended every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 15W-50, API SG/SH/SJ or better (BMW approval recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change.
Coolant:
BMW Coolant (G48 or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors), 50% mixture with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (for ABS systems, use specific BMW approved fluid if available).
Transmission Oil:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-5 (hypoid gear oil).
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 (hypoid gear oil).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, driveshaft splines (lubrication is key), fuel pump (filter contamination), regulator/rectifier (overheating).
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occasionally occur due to complex wiring; thorough diagnosis with wiring diagrams is crucial.
ABS Maintenance:
Regular flushing and bleeding of the ABS system is critical for its proper function.
Manufacturer Origin:
Germany
Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:
BMW has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for engineering excellence and innovation.
K Series Introduction:
The K series, introduced in the early 1980s, featured innovative boxer-twin and inline-four engines with longitudinal crankshafts.
K 1200 Lt Development:
The K 1200 LT was developed as BMW's flagship touring motorcycle, building upon the K-series platform with enhanced comfort, features, and power for long-distance travel.
Production Years:
1997 - 2009
Manufacturing Locations:
Berlin, Germany