Segment:
Luxury Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs on their BMW K1200 LT.
Competitors:
Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Yamaha Royal Star Venture.
Vehicle Highlights:
Comfort, long-distance touring capability, advanced features for its era, powerful engine.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners to maintain and repair their motorcycle, saving on dealership costs and empowering self-sufficiency.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, top-end, bottom-end, fuel injection, ignition, cooling system, lubrication.
Transmission:
Clutch, gearbox, final drive, driveshaft maintenance and repair.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, ECU, ABS, traction control, cruise control.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, front forks (including electronic suspension adjustment where applicable), rear shock absorber, wheel bearings, steering system.
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulic lines, ABS system diagnostics and repair, pad and rotor replacement.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairings, seat removal, luggage systems, panel fitting and removal, trim components.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulation.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust headers, catalytic converter, muffler assembly.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid flush, coolant service, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnosis.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all serviceable parts.
Technical Specifications Gathering:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
1171 cc (71.6 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
79 mm x 59 mm (3.11 in x 2.32 in)
Horsepower:
98 hp (73 kW) @ 6750 rpm
Torque:
81 lb-ft (110 Nm) @ 5250 rpm
Compression Ratio:
10.1:1
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with digital engine management (DME)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON / 91 AKI)
Length:
Approx. 2350 mm (92.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 970 mm (38.2 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in) at windscreen
Dry Weight:
Approx. 304 kg (670 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 500 kg (1102 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
24 liters (6.3 US gal)
ABS System:
BMW Integral ABS (optional on some models, standard on later ones within this range)
Traction Control:
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS II with ASC (Automatic Stability Control) was available as an option or standard on later models.
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, integrated turn signals, LED taillight.
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake with ABS capability.
Audio System:
Integrated stereo system with radio, CD player, and often cassette player on earlier models. Some later models may have cassette removed for more storage.
Display:
Analog gauges with an LCD screen for ancillary information like clock, ambient temperature, gear indication.
ABS:
Integral ABS system with front and rear wheel ABS.
Traction Control:
Optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) on some models for enhanced grip.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most K1200 LT models for relaxed highway cruising.
Auxiliary Power:
12V auxiliary power outlets for charging devices.
Headlight Type:
Halogen, with manual providing adjustment and replacement instructions.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually (refer to manual for precise interval).
Major Service Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as specified for valve clearance checks and other comprehensive inspections.
Engine Oil:
BMW Motorrad Recommended Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (API SG/SH/SJ or higher, JASO MA) - refer to manual for exact BMW spec (e.g., part # 07510009420).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant (Glycol-based, Ethylene Glycol) - refer to manual for specific part number and mix ratio.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, final drive spline lubrication, starter motor issues (less common), fuel pump relay failure.
Electrical Quirks:
Can be complex; consistent use of the manual for troubleshooting electrical issues is crucial. Issues with ABS sensors or modules can occur with age.
Spline Lubrication:
Crucial for final drive longevity; requires rear wheel and final drive disassembly. Manual will detail this procedure.
Fuel Injector Cleaning:
Periodic cleaning or service may be recommended by the manual.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history dating back to 1923, known for engineering innovation, quality, and performance in motorcycles.
K Series Lineage:
The K1200 LT is part of BMW's K series, characterized by its transverse inline engines. It evolved from earlier K100 and K1100 models, focusing on sport-touring and luxury touring.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
Significant Updates:
The K1200 LT saw updates throughout its run, including potential electronic suspension adjustments (ESA) on later models and refinements to the ABS system.