🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

K1200RS

Model Variant:

K1200 RS

Vehicle Type:

Motorcycle

Generation:

First Generation (K589)

Chassis Code:

K589

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Sport Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Touring riders, sport-touring enthusiasts, riders seeking high-performance and long-distance comfort.

Key Competitors:

Honda ST1300, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400, Triumph Sprint ST.

Engine Configuration:

Inline four-cylinder Boxer-twin (horizontally opposed cylinders).

Suspension Technology:

Duolever front suspension, Paralever rear swingarm with shaft drive.

Braking Technology:

Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with linked braking.

Manual Utility:

Essential for DIY maintenance, repair, and advanced troubleshooting, reducing reliance on dealerships.

Value Proposition:

Cost-effective solution for maintaining the K1200RS, providing professional-level guidance.

📋 Manual Details

Model Years Covered:

2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Regions Covered:

Global (specifications may vary by market)

Estimated Page Count:

500+

Manual Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine teardown, assembly, valve adjustment, timing, fuel injection, ignition, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, engine management (DME/ECU).

Drivetrain Systems:

Clutch operation and service, gearbox internal and external components, final drive (shaft drive), driveshaft maintenance, differential (if applicable, though typically not on this model).

Chassis Suspension:

Front fork (including EVO-Sport suspension system), rear shock absorber, swingarm, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, suspension adjustments.

Braking System:

Front and rear brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, ABS system (Integral ABS), brake pad replacement, rotor inspection, brake fluid bleeding.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, turn signals), instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, ignition switch, fault diagnosis (OBD).

Bodywork Fairings:

Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, fenders, mirrors, luggage system components, cosmetic repairs.

Control Systems:

Throttle control, clutch lever, brake levers, shift lever, footpegs, handlebar assembly, cable adjustments.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain/driveshaft lubrication and adjustment, brake fluid replacement, coolant checks and replacement.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems, diagnostic codes, electrical system fault finding, engine performance issues.

Major Repairs:

Engine overhauls, transmission repairs, suspension component replacement, ABS system servicing, electrical component replacement.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures (e.g., torque wrenches, engine timing tools, suspension tools).

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive from basic rider maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all systems, color-coded for clarity.

Torque Specifications:

Explicit torque values for all critical fasteners.

Exploded Views:

Detailed exploded diagrams of all major components and sub-assemblies.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams suitable for printing.

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Download)

Device Compatibility:

Viewable on computers, tablets, and smartphones with PDF reader.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

16-valve DOHC inline four-cylinder, Boxer-twin configuration (four cylinders opposed).

Displacement:

1171 cc (71.4 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

77.6 mm x 64 mm (3.06 in x 2.52 in)

Compression Ratio:

10.8:1

Cooling System:

Liquid-cooled

Horsepower:

130 hp (97 kW) at 8,750 rpm

Torque:

113 Nm (83 lb-ft) at 6,750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic MA 2.4

Fuel Type:

Unleaded premium gasoline (95 RON / 91 AKI minimum recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

24 Liters (6.3 US gal)

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition with knock sensor

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual gearbox

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated multi-plate wet clutch

Final Drive:

Shaft drive

Gear Ratios:

Ratio data available in manual (specific ratios vary per gear)

Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific fluid type and capacity (typically gear oil for final drive, manual transmission fluid for gearbox).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

2,225 mm (87.6 in)

Width:

945 mm (37.2 in) (including mirrors)

Height:

1,430 mm (56.3 in) (at handlebars)

Wheelbase:

1,519 mm (59.8 in)

Dry Weight:

244 kg (538 lbs)

Wet Weight:

271 kg (597.5 lbs)

Maximum Load:

400 kg (882 lbs) (including rider, passenger, and luggage)

Front Tire Size:

120/70 ZR 17

Rear Tire Size:

170/60 ZR 17

Wheel Type:

Cast aluminum alloy

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS System:

BMW Integral ABS (Generation 2)

Braking System Design:

Linked braking (front and rear brakes partially actuated by either lever).

Chassis Stability:

Duolever front suspension for improved stability and feedback.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight, amber front and rear turn signals.

Ergonomics:

Adjustable handlebars and seat height (on some models/options) for rider comfort and control.

💡 Technology Features

Instrument Cluster:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, LCD display for trip computer, gear indicator, fuel level, temperature, etc.

Audio System:

Optional integrated audio system on some models, controlled via handlebar switches.

ABS:

Integral ABS II, a sophisticated anti-lock braking system.

Suspension Control:

Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) was an option on later models, not standard on all 2001-2005 models.

Diagnostic Port:

OBD-II compatible diagnostic connector for engine management system readings.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Valve Check Interval:

Every 20,000 km (12,400 miles) or as per manual recommendation.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual, typically around 20,000-40,000 km.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (API SG/SH or higher, JASO MA approved). Refer to manual for exact BMW approval.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.0 Liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific BMW approval and replacement interval).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. BMW recommends BMW Advanced Antifreeze.

Common Wear Items:

Clutch plates, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, rear shock absorber (over time), ABS sensor rings.

Electrical Gremlins:

Relays, voltage regulator, and wiring harness integrity can be issues if not maintained; manual provides diagnostic paths.

Fuel System Maintenance:

Fuel pump and injector maintenance are critical for performance; manual details cleaning and testing.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)

Motorcycle Division Legacy:

BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing innovative and durable motorcycles since the 1920s.

Predecessor:

BMW K1100LT and K1100RS.

Successor:

BMW K1200GT (introduced later).

Design Philosophy:

The K1200RS represented BMW's approach to a high-performance sport-touring machine, blending comfort, technology, and a distinctive engine configuration.

Production Period For Model:

1996 - 2005 (This manual covers the later years of this generation).

Manufacturing Plant:

Berlin Spandau, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Review Acclaim:

Praised by motorcycle publications for its comfortable riding position, powerful engine, and touring capability.

Owner Satisfaction:

Generally high owner satisfaction, particularly for long-distance comfort and build quality.

Safety Certification:

Complies with relevant EU and US safety standards for motorcycles of its era.