🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K1200LT

Model Code:

K589

Generation Designation:

First Generation (K589)

Production Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Luxury Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Motorcyclists seeking long-distance comfort, advanced features, and premium touring capabilities.

Key Competitors:

Honda Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager, Yamaha Royal Star Venture.

Distinctive Attributes:

Powerful flat-four engine, advanced Telelever and Paralever suspension, comprehensive fairing with integrated audio and climate control, electric windscreen, ABS, reverse gear (on some models).

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides enthusiasts and professional mechanics with the in-depth knowledge to maintain, diagnose, and repair the K1200LT effectively, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Estimated Page Count:

Over 800 Pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for the K589 engine.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (EFI) components, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulation, and diagnosis.

Ignition System:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, timing, and troubleshooting.

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant, water pump, fan, hoses, and thermostat replacement and service.

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, and emission control system components.

Transmission And Drivetrain:

Clutch operation, gearbox inspection and repair, driveshaft, and final drive servicing.

Suspension System:

Front telelever suspension, rear Paralever suspension, shock absorbers, fork seals, and linkage inspection.

Braking System:

ABS II (or later iterations depending on model year), brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, fluid bleeding, and pad/rotor replacement.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting systems, and accessory power.

Instrumentation And Controls:

Dashboard, switches, levers, throttle, and all control cable servicing.

Bodywork And Chassis:

Fairing removal and installation, body panel repair, seat mechanisms, and frame inspection.

Comfort Features:

Heated grips and seat, power windscreen adjustment, cruise control system servicing.

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD) information, error codes, and troubleshooting procedures.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, fluid level checks, brake pad inspection.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems.

Component Rebuilds:

Detailed instructions for overhauling major components like the engine, transmission, and suspension.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostics using wiring diagrams to pinpoint electrical faults.

Suspension Adjustment:

Instructions for adjusting or rebuilding front and rear suspension units.

Brake System Maintenance:

Bleeding procedures for ABS systems, caliper rebuilds, and rotor replacement.

Bodywork Repair:

Guidance on removing and reinstalling fairings, minor body panel repairs, and trim piece replacement.

Diagnostic Level:

Advanced diagnostics, including interpreting sensor data and troubleshooting electronic control modules (ECMs).

Repair Scope:

Comprehensive repair procedures, from minor adjustments to major component overhauls and engine rebuilds.

Specifications Detail:

Precise torque specifications, tolerances, fluid capacities, and diagnostic parameters.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Detailed exploded views, wiring diagrams, and step-by-step procedural illustrations.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

File Quality:

High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text and images.

Digital Resolution:

High DPI (dots per inch) for clear visual reproduction.

Digital Format Type:

Electronic Download (PDF)

Digital Usage:

Accessible on computers, tablets, and smartphones.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline Four-Cylinder, Four-Stroke

Engine Code:

K589 (shared across the LT and GT models of this era)

Displacement:

1171 cc (71.7 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

78.8 mm x 75 mm (3.10 in x 2.95 in)

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1

Valve Train:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

100 hp (75 kW) @ 6750 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by year)

Torque:

115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 5250 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by year)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 (or similar)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON (91 AKI)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

21 Liters (5.5 US gal)

Oil Type:

BMW Motorrad Approved Synthetic Motorcycle Oil, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for precise BMW specification)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US qt) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft Drive

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios will be detailed within the manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,420 mm (95.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 980 mm (38.6 in) at mirrors

Height:

Approx. 1,430 mm (56.3 in) with windscreen at normal setting

Dry Weight:

Approx. 296 kg (653 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 505 kg (1113 lbs)

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 209 kg (460 lbs)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,627 mm (64.1 in)

Front Tire Size:

120/70 ZR17

Rear Tire Size:

170/80 ZR15

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS System:

BMW Integral ABS (Generation II or similar depending on exact model year) - full integral, and optional anti-lock functionality on front and rear brakes independently.

Braking System Type:

Dual front disc brakes with 4-piston calipers, Single rear disc brake with 2-piston caliper.

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, integrated turn signals, comprehensive rear lighting.

Frame Construction:

Aluminum composite bridge frame.

Rider Aids:

ABS, potentially traction control on later models within this range (TCS was introduced for the K1200GT later, it's less common but possible on late LT). Manual will cover its diagnosis if present.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Integrated radio (AM/FM) and cassette player or CD player (depending on year and options), often with handlebar-mounted controls. Compatibility with aftermarket audio upgrades is a common modification.

Speaker Configuration:

Fairing-mounted speakers.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control for enhanced long-distance comfort.

Windscreen Adjustment:

Electrically operated windscreen for adjustable rider wind protection.

Diagnostics Port:

On-board diagnostic connector for accessing fault codes and system data. The manual details these procedures.

Heated Grips And Seat:

Adjustable heated grips for rider and passenger, and a multi-level heated seat for rider and passenger.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil And Filter Change:

Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.

Air Filter Inspection:

Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles), replace as needed.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) or as specified for iridium plugs.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Final Drive Oil Change:

Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles).

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 40,000 km (24,800 miles).

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW Motorrad Approved Synthetic SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (Refer to manual for specific BMW Longlife-XX rating, e.g., Longlife-04 or earlier equivalents).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (for ABS and non-ABS systems).

Final Drive Oil:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic hypoid gear oil.

Coolant Type:

BMW recommended coolant/antifreeze mixture (e.g., ethylene glycol-based with corrosion inhibitors).

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, fuel pump relay failures, starter motor brushes, rear wheel bearings, front fork seals, electrical connectors susceptible to corrosion.

Electronic Issues:

ABS sensor failures, CAN bus communication issues (on later models), dashboard display glitches.

Engine Specific Concerns:

Occasional stator failures, ignition coil pack issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

Germany

Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:

BMW has a long history of producing technically advanced and durable motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer engines and later, their inline-four and inline-six cylinder configurations.

K Series Introduction:

The K series, introduced in the early 1980s, marked BMW's foray into inline-four engines, emphasizing smooth power delivery and shaft drive, setting a precedent for luxury touring bikes.

K1200Lt Positioning:

The K1200LT (K589) was the flagship luxury tourer for BMW in its time, building upon the K1100LT and K100LT, and was designed for maximum rider and passenger comfort on long journeys.

Manufacturing Plant:

Berlin, Germany (Spandau)

Production Period For This Manual:

1997 - 2004 (covering the entirety of the K589 generation).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Market Reputation:

Consistently praised for its comfort, stability, and long-distance touring capabilities, earning a reputation as a premier touring machine.

Performance Reviews:

Frequently received high marks from motorcycle journalists for its smooth engine, sophisticated suspension, and comprehensive touring amenities.

Emissions Standards:

Designed to meet the emissions standards of its respective production years and target markets.