🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K1200LT

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

K589

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW K1200LT was positioned as BMW's flagship luxury touring motorcycle, designed for comfortable long-distance travel with a focus on rider and passenger amenities, advanced technology for its time, and the renowned BMW build quality.

Competitors:

Competed with other premium touring motorcycles such as the Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, and Yamaha Royal Star Venture, offering a unique German engineering and a boxer-twin derived inline-four engine experience.

Features:

Powerful inline-four engine, integrated fairing with extensive wind protection, integrated audio system, electric windshield, comfortable seating for two, ample luggage capacity (top case and saddlebags), available electronic suspension adjustment (ESA).

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Transmission, Drivetrain, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical System, Bodywork, Instrumentation, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Specifications, Wiring Diagrams.

Pages:

Hundreds (estimated 700-900 pages for a comprehensive factory manual of this era).

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed overhaul, component testing, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic 2.4), ignition timing, exhaust system.

Transmission:

Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly and assembly, gear shifting mechanisms, final drive (including EVO brake system integration).

Electrical System:

Battery, starter, alternator, lighting, ignition, fuel pump, ABS II, electronic suspension (optional), instrument cluster, wiring diagrams for all components.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front telelever suspension, rear paralever single-sided swingarm, wheel bearing replacement, steering head bearing service, shock absorber and fork overhaul.

Braking System:

Detailed procedures for ABS II operation, hydraulic system bleeding, brake pad and disc replacement, caliper servicing, and diagnostic checks for ABS faults.

Bodywork:

Fairing component removal and installation, seat adjustment and removal, luggage system maintenance, wind deflector servicing.

Instrumentation And Controls:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, handlebar controls (switches, levers), cruise control system operation and diagnostics.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid changes, coolant changes, valve clearance adjustment.

Repair:

Engine rebuild, transmission repair, clutch replacement, suspension overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, body panel repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, braking system malfunctions, and chassis problems, with symptom-based guides.

Diagnostics:

Fault code reading (via BMW diagnostic tools or specific procedures), sensor testing, ECU troubleshooting, electrical system tracing using wiring diagrams.

Electrical Component Replacement:

Alternator, starter motor, ignition coils, fuel pump, battery, instrument cluster, lighting units, switchgear.

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and component overhauls with detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic data.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete engine disassembly, piston and cylinder inspection/replacement, crankshaft and connecting rod checks, valve seat grinding, camshaft replacement, timing chain adjustment.

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive list of torque values for all critical fasteners, including engine components, suspension parts, wheels, and brakes.

Special Tools:

Listing and description of specialized tools required for specific repair and maintenance procedures.

Diagrams Coverage:

Detailed and organized wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, color-coded for ease of troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Suggested Binding:

Coil-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment.

Recommended Paper:

Durable, coated paper for resistance to shop grime and oil.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline four-cylinder

Displacement:

1171 cc

Bore X Stroke:

77.6 mm x 64 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 98 hp (73 kW) at 6750 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) at 5250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic 2.4)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded premium gasoline (95 RON)

Oil Type:

BMW Advanced Synthetic SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 motorcycle oil

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch

Drivetrain:

Shaft drive to rear wheel

Final Drive Ratio:

1:3.08 (3.08:1)

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 75W-90 hypoid gear oil (API GL-5)

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.7 liters (0.74 US quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2640 mm (103.9 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1010 mm (39.8 inches) at mirrors

Height:

Approx. 1570 mm (61.8 inches) at windshield top

Dry Weight:

Approx. 317 kg (700 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 500 kg (1102 lbs)

Front Tire:

120/70ZR17

Rear Tire:

170/80R15

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1635 mm (64.4 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

BMW ABS II (standard on most models)

Braking System:

Dual front disc brakes (305mm), single rear disc brake (285mm), integrated ABS II, optional ABS/Integral ABS.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, LED taillight.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Integrated radio/cassette player (later models may have CD changer option), with handlebar-mounted controls and speakers.

Windscreen:

Electrically adjustable windscreen for optimal wind protection.

Suspension:

Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) available on some models, allowing rider to adjust damping and spring preload electronically.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system for effortless highway cruising.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually.

Major Service Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) for valve clearance checks and other detailed inspections.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 brake fluid

Coolant:

BMW Motorrad coolant (ethylene glycol based) or equivalent approved antifreeze

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 2.5 liters (2.6 US quarts)

Common Problems:

Potential issues include worn clutch plates (due to age and mileage), aging electrical connectors and wiring insulation, regulator/rectifier failure, and occasional ABS system faults. Suspension seals and fork seals can also degrade over time.

Oil Filter Part Number:

BMW Part No. 11 42 1 454 014 (or equivalent).

Air Filter Part Number:

BMW Part No. 13 72 1 465 303 (or equivalent).

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW Motorrad, established in 1916, has a long history of producing high-quality, innovative, and durable motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer-twin engines and touring capabilities.

Evolution:

The K1200LT is an evolution of BMW's K-series 'Flying Brick' motorcycles, introducing a more powerful inline-four engine and a dedicated luxury touring platform. It succeeded the K1100LT and was a precursor to the later K1600 series.

Production Years:

1999-2009 (with updates and revisions throughout its lifecycle).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Accolades:

While specific awards for the 2001 model are not widely publicized, the K1200LT was consistently praised by motorcycle publications for its comfort, touring capability, and build quality, solidifying BMW's reputation in the luxury touring segment.