Segment:
Luxury Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Motorcyclists seeking long-distance comfort, advanced features, and high-quality engineering, with a desire for DIY maintenance and repair.
Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe
Vehicle Features:
Flagship touring model, powerful inline-four engine, integrated luggage, advanced rider aids (for its era), electric reverse, comfortable ergonomics.
Engine:
Complete Engine Overhaul, Tuning, Fuel Injection System (EFI), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Transmission:
Clutch System, Gearbox Operation and Repair, Driveshaft, Final Drive
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Charging System (Alternator/Generator), Starting System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, ECU Diagnostics, ABS System, Cruise Control, Audio System
Chassis:
Frame, Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Wheels, Tires, Brakes (Front and Rear, ABS)
Bodywork:
Fairings, Body Panels, Seat, Luggage Systems (Touring Features), Body Trim
Maintenance:
Routine Servicing, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Chain/Shaft Adjustment, Brake Fluid Flush, Coolant Flush, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Service
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Fault Codes, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides for all Major Systems
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Overhaul Procedures for Engine, Transmission, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical Components
Diagnostics:
EFI System Diagnostics, ABS System Diagnostics, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Functionality (if applicable to the model year's system)
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and adjustments to complete engine disassembly, rebuild, and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, Inline-four cylinder
Displacement:
1171 cc (71.4 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
79 mm x 59 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Horsepower:
Approx. 100 hp @ 7500 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 101 Nm (74 lb-ft) @ 5500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Motronic MA 2.4
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON / 91 AKI)
Cooling Medium:
Water/Glycol Mixture
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual gearbox with integral clutch
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, multi-disc wet clutch
Drive Type:
Shaft drive to rear wheel
Electric Reverse:
Yes (integrated electric motor) - A significant touring feature.
Length:
Approx. 2400 mm (94.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 950 mm (37.4 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in) at windshield
Dry Weight:
Approx. 277 kg (611 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 300 kg (661 lbs) (with fluids)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 500 kg (1102 lbs)
Luggage Capacity:
Large integrated top case with passenger backrest and side cases.
ABS:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS (optional on some earlier models, likely standard or widely available on 2004 LT)
Braking System:
Dual front discs with 4-piston calipers, Single rear disc with 2-piston caliper. ABS prevents wheel lock-up during braking.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, integrated turn signals, prominent taillight/brake light assembly.
Wind Protection:
Large, adjustable windscreen designed for maximum rider and passenger comfort on long journeys.
Audio System:
Integrated AM/FM radio and CD player with speakers, often with handlebar controls.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system for highway comfort.
ABS:
Integral ABS system, providing synchronized braking when required.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital display for gear indicator, clock, trip computer, fuel level, and warning lights. Often includes temperature gauges.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Valve clearance checks and adjustments, spark plug replacement, and other detailed inspections are usually recommended around 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified in the manual.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or JASO MA certified synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 recommended depending on climate.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW recommended coolant (e.g., BMW Advanced Antifreeze) or a high-quality ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Final Drive Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, SAE 75W/90 GL-5.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, rear shock absorber degradation, fuel pump issues (rare), ABS sensor reliability, electrical connector corrosion.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular cleaning and lubrication of the shaft drive, checking electrical connections, proper battery maintenance, timely replacement of wear items.
Bmw Motorcycles:
BMW has a long and storied history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to the 1920s, known for engineering excellence and innovation.
K Series Lineage:
The K1200LT is part of BMW's K-series, which initially featured transverse inline-four engines and later adopted longitudinal configurations. The LT models are specifically designed for luxury touring.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Production Years:
The K1200LT was produced from 1999 to 2009. The 2004 model falls within the first generation of this successful touring platform.
