🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: K1200RS Model Code: K589 Generation Generation Identifier: First Generation Codes Chassis Code: K589 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Sport Touring Motorcycle Bmw Positioning: Positioned as BMW's flagship sport-touring machine, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and long-distance capability, leveraging BMW's engineering prowess. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed against other high-performance sport-touring motorcycles such as the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R, Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace, and Ducati ST series. Key Features Engine Type: Transverse-mounted inline-four cylinder engine. Drivetrain: Shaft drive for low maintenance. Braking System: Advanced Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Chassis Design: Unique aluminum 'space frame' chassis for rigidity and weight management. Ergonomics: Comfortable riding position suitable for long distances, adjustable rider controls. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Applicable Years: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by specific edition, but comprehensive manuals typically range from 300-700 pages. Manual Type Type: Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Digital Download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for the BMW K1200RS engine, including timing, valve adjustment, fuel injection system, ignition system, and cooling system. Transmission: Complete coverage of the gearbox, clutch (including potential servo assist system depending on exact model year), and final drive maintenance and repair. Chassis And Suspension: In-depth information on front and rear suspension systems, including fork service, shock absorber replacement, and wheel bearing maintenance. Brakes: Comprehensive guide to the ABS braking system (likely BMW's Integral ABS), including caliper service, brake line replacement, fluid bleeding procedures, and diagnostic information. Electrical System: Extensive wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting guides for the entire electrical system, including lighting, starting, charging, instrument cluster, and ECU. Fuel System: Detailed procedures for fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel tank service. Cooling System: Maintenance and repair of the liquid-cooled engine, including radiator, water pump, thermostat, and coolant specifications. Bodywork And Trim: Procedures for removing and installing fairings, seats, and other body panels. Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid changes, coolant flushes. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic steps for common and complex issues, with fault code interpretation if applicable. Engine Overhaul: Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures. Transmission Repair: Gearbox rebuild, clutch replacement, and final drive servicing. Brake System Service: ABS bleeding, pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul. Electrical Diagnostics: Wiring harness repair, sensor testing, ECU diagnosis. Recalibration Procedures: Procedures for recalibrating sensors or systems after component replacement, where applicable. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and factory specifications. Torque Specifications: Includes detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, critical for proper assembly and preventing damage. Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive, easy-to-read wiring diagrams illustrating all electrical circuits. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if created from scanned official documents or digital source. Print Quality Printability: Designed for printing individual pages or sections as needed. Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Quality: Not Applicable (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, inline four-cylinder Displacement: 1171 cc (71.6 cu in) Bore X Stroke: 77.6 mm x 64 mm (3.06 in x 2.52 in) Compression Ratio: 10.1:1 Performance Horsepower: Approx. 127 hp (95 kW) @ 8750 rpm (at crank) Torque: Approx. 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) @ 6750 rpm (at crank) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or similar) Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON Ignition System Ignition: Digital ignition system with electronic advance 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 6-speed manual gearbox Optional Clutch: Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch (later models may feature servo assistance for clutch actuation). Features Drivetrain: Enclosed driveshaft and final drive 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 2245 mm (88.4 in) Width: Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) at handlebars Height: Approx. 1435 mm (56.5 in) at windscreen Weights Dry Weight: Approx. 250 kg (551 lbs) Wet Weight: Approx. 277 kg (611 lbs) (fully fueled) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Not explicitly stated, but important for suspension load calculations. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings ABS System: Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on most models, providing enhanced braking safety. Active Features Traction Control: Not typically a standard feature on this generation. Passive Features Lighting: Halogen headlights for superior night visibility. Wind Protection: Large, adjustable windscreen for rider comfort and protection from elements. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Instrument Cluster: Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital display for odometer, trip meter, clock, and other basic information. May include warning lights for ABS, low fuel, etc. Driver Assistance ABS: Integral ABS system, significantly enhancing braking control. Connectivity Diagnostics: On-board diagnostics (OBD) capabilities for dealer-level diagnostics and fault code retrieval. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)...
Positioned as BMW's flagship sport-touring machine, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and long-distance capability, leveraging BMW's engineering prowess.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed against other high-performance sport-touring motorcycles such as the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R, Yamaha YZF1000R Thunderace, and Ducati ST series.
Key Features
Engine Type:
Transverse-mounted inline-four cylinder engine.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive for low maintenance.
Braking System:
Advanced Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Chassis Design:
Unique aluminum 'space frame' chassis for rigidity and weight management.
Ergonomics:
Comfortable riding position suitable for long distances, adjustable rider controls.
Varies by specific edition, but comprehensive manuals typically range from 300-700 pages.
Manual Type
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for the BMW K1200RS engine, including timing, valve adjustment, fuel injection system, ignition system, and cooling system.
Transmission:
Complete coverage of the gearbox, clutch (including potential servo assist system depending on exact model year), and final drive maintenance and repair.
Chassis And Suspension:
In-depth information on front and rear suspension systems, including fork service, shock absorber replacement, and wheel bearing maintenance.
Brakes:
Comprehensive guide to the ABS braking system (likely BMW's Integral ABS), including caliper service, brake line replacement, fluid bleeding procedures, and diagnostic information.
Electrical System:
Extensive wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting guides for the entire electrical system, including lighting, starting, charging, instrument cluster, and ECU.
Fuel System:
Detailed procedures for fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel tank service.
Cooling System:
Maintenance and repair of the liquid-cooled engine, including radiator, water pump, thermostat, and coolant specifications.
Bodywork And Trim:
Procedures for removing and installing fairings, seats, and other body panels.
Electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MA 2.4 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON
Ignition System
Ignition:
Digital ignition system with electronic advance
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-speed manual gearbox
Optional
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated, multi-plate wet clutch (later models may feature servo assistance for clutch actuation).
Features
Drivetrain:
Enclosed driveshaft and final drive
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 2245 mm (88.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 900 mm (35.4 in) at handlebars
Height:
Approx. 1435 mm (56.5 in) at windscreen
Weights
Dry Weight:
Approx. 250 kg (551 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 277 kg (611 lbs) (fully fueled)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly stated, but important for suspension load calculations.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
ABS System:
Integral ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard on most models, providing enhanced braking safety.
Active Features
Traction Control:
Not typically a standard feature on this generation.
Passive Features
Lighting:
Halogen headlights for superior night visibility.
Wind Protection:
Large, adjustable windscreen for rider comfort and protection from elements.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Instrument Cluster:
Analog tachometer and speedometer, digital display for odometer, trip meter, clock, and other basic information. May include warning lights for ABS, low fuel, etc.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Integral ABS system, significantly enhancing braking control.
Connectivity
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) capabilities for dealer-level diagnostics and fault code retrieval.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as per manual recommendation.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years or as recommended.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-40 or SAE 20W-50 motorcycle specific engine oil. Check manual for exact BMW specification (e.g., BMW Longlife-01 or similar).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to BMW specifications.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Oil:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil for the final drive. Transmission internal oil specification might differ, check manual.
Known Issues
Common Complaints:
Potential for stator failure, regulator/rectifier issues, ABS system glitches, and clutch slave cylinder leaks. Fuel pump issues can also occur with age.
Maintenance Focus:
Regular inspection of the driveshaft boot, brake lines, and electrical connections is crucial for longevity.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Motorcycles:
BMW has a long-standing history in motorcycle manufacturing, renowned for innovation, quality, and engineering excellence, particularly with their boxer-twin and 'K' series bikes.
Model Evolution
K Series Origin:
The K1200RS is part of BMW's technologically advanced 'K' series, which debuted in 1983 with the K100, featuring a transverse inline-four engine mounted lengthwise in the frame.
K1200Rs Introduction:
The K1200RS was introduced as an evolution of the K1100RS, aiming for increased performance and refined sport-touring capabilities.
Production
Production Period:
1997-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad factory)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Acclaim:
Generally well-received by the motorcycling press for its performance, comfort, and innovative features at the time of its release. Specific awards are less common for individual model years but the K-series as a whole received praise.