Category:
Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW K1200RS owners seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics.
Competitors:
Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11, Suzuki GSX-R1100, Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace (during its production era).
Manufacturer Claim:
Powerful engine, comfortable touring ergonomics, advanced technology for its time.
Manual Benefit:
Enables cost-effective repairs and ensures proper maintenance, maximizing the lifespan and performance of the motorcycle.
Engine:
Complete engine service, diagnosis, teardown, assembly, tuning.
Transmission:
Gearbox service, clutch, shift mechanism, drive shaft.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, sensors.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, ignition system, lighting.
Braking System:
ABS II (or Integral ABS depending on model year), brake lines, calipers, master cylinders.
Suspension:
Front fork (telelever or duolever depending on exact sub-model year), rear shock absorber, adjustments.
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame, fairings, seat, instrumentation, controls.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, valve adjustments, spark plugs.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems.
Rebuild:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, component specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and advanced diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Inline-four cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement:
1171 cc (approx.)
Bore X Stroke:
70.5 mm x 75 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 (typical)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic
Horsepower:
Approx. 110-130 hp (depending on market and specific model year)
Torque:
Approx. 90-105 Nm (depending on market and specific model year)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 21 liters (5.5 US gallons)
Length:
Approx. 2230 mm (87.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1360 mm (53.5 in) at handlebars
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1570 mm (61.8 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 240 kg (529 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 260 kg (573 lbs) (fully fueled)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 475 kg (1047 lbs)
ABS:
BMW Integral ABS (optional on some early models, standard on later)
Braking Performance:
Dual 320 mm discs (front), Single 284 mm disc (rear) with four-piston calipers.
Handling:
Paralever rear suspension and Telelever front suspension for stability.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital display for clock, trip meter, fuel level, gear indicator, and warning lights.
Optional Audio:
Factory-optional radio/cassette system available on some models.
ABS System:
BMW Integral ABS, which can combine braking of both wheels with a single lever application on later models.
Heated Grips:
Standard or optional feature depending on the trim level and year.
Diagnostic Port:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) port for electronic fault diagnosis (requires specific BMW diagnostic tools).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km or annually (check manual for specific recommendations).
Valve Check Interval:
Every 20,000 km or as specified in the manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 20,000-40,000 km, depending on plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Motorrad recommended synthetic oil, SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50 (check manual for exact specification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.8 liters (4.0 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Motorrad approved coolant/antifreeze mixture (e.g., ethylene glycol based).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (especially for ABS systems).
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 75W-90, API GL-5.
Typical Wear Items:
Clutch wear, paralever pivot bearings, fuel pump reliability (early models), alternator brushes.
Common Faults:
ABS sensor issues, minor electrical gremlins, occasional fuel injector clogging.
Manufacturer Origins:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Germany.
K Series Launch:
The K-series debuted in 1983 with the K100, pioneering BMW's transverse inline-four engine layout.
K1200Rs Introduction:
The K1200RS was introduced as a successor to the K1100RS, offering increased power and refinement. It was produced from 1997 to 2004.
Production Years:
1997-2004
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad Plant)
Motorcycle Journal Reviews:
Consistently praised for its performance, comfort, and touring capabilities by major motorcycle publications of its era.
Reliability Perception:
Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, a hallmark of BMW motorcycles.
Emission Standards:
Meets contemporary emission standards relevant to its production period.
