🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K1200RS

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

K589

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sport Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

BMW K1200RS owners seeking to perform their own maintenance, repairs, and diagnostics, as well as professional motorcycle technicians.

Competitors:

Honda VFR800/VFR1200, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400, Triumph Sprint ST/GT.

Vehicle Strengths:

Long-distance comfort, powerful engine, advanced suspension (Telelever/Paralever), integrated ABS, shaft drive, high build quality.

Benefit To Owner:

Empowers owners to maintain and repair their K1200RS, saving money on labor costs, ensuring proper upkeep, and gaining a deeper understanding of their machine.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Workshop Service Repair

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified but implied to be comprehensive)

Type:

Official Factory Service Repair Manual Download

Language:

English (implied by product description and target market)

Format:

Downloadable (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, including cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection ( மணிக்கு systems (e.g., fuel pump, injectors, sensors), ignition system.

Transmission:

Gearbox (sequential six-speed), clutch operation, final drive (shaft drive), lubrication, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.

Brakes:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic system, brake fluid, calipers, discs, master cylinders, bleeding procedures, troubleshooting, and repair.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, indicators), dashboard instrumentation, wiring harnesses, ECU (Engine Control Unit), fault finding and diagnostics.

Suspension:

Front Telelever suspension, rear Paralever suspension, shock absorbers, springs, fork seals, adjustments, and maintenance.

Chassis And Bodywork:

Frame, subframe, fuel tank, fairings, seat, handlebars, footpegs, side stand, center stand, wheels, tires, and general body panel removal/installation.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, fuel tank, fuel lines, throttle bodies, idle control, and emissions control systems.

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, hoses, and system flushing/filling procedures.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust headers, catalytic converter, mufflers, gaskets, and lambda sensors.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, brake fluid flushes, coolant flushes, chain/shaft drive lubrication), pre-ride inspections, and general upkeep.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common faults, electrical system troubleshooting, engine performance issues, starting problems, and braking system malfunctions.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension repairs, brake system overhauls, and electrical component replacement.

Disassembly And Assembly:

Comprehensive instructions for the removal and reinstallation of all major vehicle components and sub-assemblies.

Torque Specifications:

All critical fasteners and component torque values for engine, chassis, and suspension components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Complete Factory Level. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and specialized procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Downloadable Digital File (most likely PDF)

Printability:

Printable in its entirety or selected pages, high-resolution for clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Text Search:

Likely Searchable PDF text for quick information retrieval.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, transverse inline four-cylinder

Displacement:

1171 cc (71.4 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

77.6 mm x 64 mm (3.06 x 2.52 in)

Compression Ratio:

10.8:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower:

130 hp (97 kW) @ 8,250 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

115 Nm (85 lb-ft) @ 6,750 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with BMW's BMS-K management system

Fuel Type:

Unleaded premium gasoline (95 RON minimum)

Oil Capacity:

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

Oil Type Recommendation:

SAE 5W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (refer to manual for specific BMW approvals, e.g., BMW Motorrad Advanced Synthetic)

Cooling Medium:

Water-glycol mixture (50% distilled water / 50% antifreeze)

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox:

6-speed, constant mesh, sequential gearbox

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch

Drive Type:

Shaft drive (enclosed swingarm)

Final Drive Oil:

SAE 75W/90 Synthetic Gear Oil (refer to manual for specific BMW approvals)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,228 mm (87.7 in)

Width:

Approx. 945 mm (37.2 in) over handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1,375 mm (54.1 in) over windscreen

Dry Weight:

Approx. 244 kg (538 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 480 kg (1,058 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

24 liters (6.3 US gal)

Reserve Fuel:

Approx. 4 liters (1.05 US gal)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS System:

BMW Integral ABS (optional on some models, standard on K1200RS)

Lighting:

Dual Halogen Headlights, LED Taillight, Front and Rear Turn Signals.

Braking Performance:

Combined braking action via brake lever (front and rear brake activated), independent rear brake activation via brake pedal.

Frame Construction:

Aluminum frame, providing torsional rigidity and lightweight construction.

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, multi-function LCD display (fuel level, gear indicator, clock, odometer, tripmeters, engine temp).

ABS:

Integral ABS (standard), combining front and rear brake activation.

Wiring Harness:

Comprehensive CAN-bus wiring architecture for diagnostics and system integration.

ECU:

BMW BMS-K Engine Management System

Heated Grips:

Available as an optional accessory or factory fitted.

Audio System:

Optional factory or dealer-installed audio system (radio/CD player) on some models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specifications).

Valve Clearance Check:

Every 20,000 km (12,500 miles) or as specified in the manual.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years or as specified.

Coolant Change:

Every 2-4 years or as specified in the manual.

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Motorrad Advanced Synthetic SAE 5W-40 (or equivalent meeting API SJ/SL and JASO MA specifications)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid

Coolant Spec:

BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (or a quality ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, mixed 50/50 with distilled water)

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, rear shock absorber degradation, paralever pivot bearings, wheel bearings, brake line deterioration.

Electrical Concerns:

Occasional issues with starter solenoids, battery charging systems, and sensor failures. Wiring harness integrity over time.

Engine Related:

Minor oil leaks from engine seals over high mileage. Throttle body synchronization is critical for smooth running.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, durability, and innovative technology in motorcycles, particularly with their K-series 'flying brick' engines.

K Series Predecessors:

The K1200RS is a successor to models like the K1100LT and K1100RS, evolving the transverse inline-four engine concept for improved performance and refinement.

K1200Rs Era:

The K1200RS (K589) was produced from late 1997 to 2004, evolving the design and technology from its predecessors, and was later succeeded by the K1200GT.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin-Spandau, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Acclaim:

While specific awards for the 2003 model year aren't readily cataloged, the K1200RS was generally praised by reviewers for its performance, comfort, and touring capability, solidifying BMW's position in the sport-touring segment.