🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: K1100LT Year: 1997 Codes Chassis Code: K589 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The BMW K1100LT was BMW's flagship sport-touring motorcycle in the late 1990s, renowned for its comfort, performance, and touring capabilities. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed against other premium touring motorcycles of the era, such as Honda ST1100 Pan European, Yamaha FJ1200, and Kawasaki GTR1000. Key Features Touring Focus: Designed for long-distance travel with a large fairing for wind protection, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, and integrated luggage systems. Engineering: Embodied BMW's characteristic engineering, including the longitudinally mounted inline-four engine, shaft drive, and advanced (for its time) ABS. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Complete official factory service and repair Page Count Pages: Hundreds (Specific count not provided in description, but implied comprehensive) Manual Type Type: Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, tuning, and specifications for the 1100cc inline-four engine. Fuel System: Bosch Motronic fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and troubleshooting. Ignition System: Electronic ignition system (BMW's breakerless ignition), ignition coils, spark plugs, and timing. Transmission: 5-speed gearbox, clutch system (hydraulic), shift mechanism, and lubrication. Drivetrain: Shaft drive system, final drive unit, universal joints, and maintenance. Suspension: Front telescopic forks (including spring rate and damping adjustments), rear Monolever single-sided swingarm with adjustable shock absorber, and calibration. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, BMW ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, caliper overhaul, disc inspection, and bleeding procedures. Electrical System: Complete wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), instrumentation, fuses, relays, and diagnostic procedures for electrical faults. Bodywork And Fairings: Removal and installation of body panels, fairings, seats, luggage systems (LT touring features), and cosmetic repairs. Cooling System: Oil cooling system, oil filter replacement, oil level checks, and specifications. Exhaust System: Exhaust manifold, mufflers, and catalytic converter (if applicable). Procedures Included Maintenance: Regular service checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, valve clearance adjustment, and lubrication points. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnosis of common and uncommon problems with step-by-step fault finding guides and error code interpretation. Repair: Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and adjustment. Disassembly Reassembly: Comprehensive guidance for complete engine, transmission, and chassis disassembly and reassembly. Calibration And Adjustment: Procedures for setting ignition timing, fuel mixture (if applicable via diagnostics), throttle synchronization, and suspension settings. Technical Depth Depth: Full factory level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Diagnostics: Advanced diagnostic procedures, including information on using BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS) if applicable to the 1997 model. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) Print Quality Printability: High resolution, allowing for clear printing of individual pages or the entire document. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download PDF) Searchability Text Search: Likely text-searchable if generated from original scanned documents or digital source, allowing for quick information retrieval. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, inline-four cylinder Displacement: 1093 cc Bore X Stroke: 72 mm x 67.5 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Performance Horsepower: 90 hp (67 kW) at 7500 rpm Torque: 101 Nm (74.5 lb-ft) at 5500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic MA 2.2 fuel injection Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, minimum 95 RON Ignition System Ignition Type: Electronic ignition (BMW breakerless) Lubrication Oil Capacity: Approx. 4.0 liters (4.2 US qt) with filter change Oil Filter Part Number: BMW P/N 11 42 1 450 713 (or equivalent MANN-FILTER W 940/3, KNECHT OC 53) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed manual gearbox Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch Features Drive: Shaft drive Final Drive Ratio: 1:3.20 (e.g., 11/32 teeth) Transmission Oil Capacity: Approx. 0.75 liters (0.79 US qt) Transmission Oil Spec: GL-5 SAE 75W-90 gear oil 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 2240 mm (88.2 in) Width: Approx. 930 mm (36.6 in) at handlebars Height: Approx. 1445 mm (56.9 in) at windscreen top Weights Dry Weight: Approx. 254 kg (560 lbs) Wet Weight: Approx. 271 kg (597.5 lbs) (with 90% fuel load) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 450 kg (992 lbs) Fuel Capacity Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 liters (5.8 US gal), including 4-liter reserve 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings ABS System: BMW ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System) - standard on most markets Active Features Braking System: Dual 305 mm discs with 4-piston calipers (front), Single 280 mm disc with 2-piston caliper (rear), linked braking system with ABS II. Passive Features Lighting: Halogen headlight, integrated turn signals, brake light. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Instrumentation: Comprehensive analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, temperature, and warning lights. Often includes analog clock. Driver Assistance ABS: BMW ABS II system, a significant safety feature for its time, providing controlled braking. Connectivity Audio System: Optional integrated...
The BMW K1100LT was BMW's flagship sport-touring motorcycle in the late 1990s, renowned for its comfort, performance, and touring capabilities.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed against other premium touring motorcycles of the era, such as Honda ST1100 Pan European, Yamaha FJ1200, and Kawasaki GTR1000.
Key Features
Touring Focus:
Designed for long-distance travel with a large fairing for wind protection, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, and integrated luggage systems.
Engineering:
Embodied BMW's characteristic engineering, including the longitudinally mounted inline-four engine, shaft drive, and advanced (for its time) ABS.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage:
Complete official factory service and repair
Page Count
Pages:
Hundreds (Specific count not provided in description, but implied comprehensive)
Manual Type
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Downloadable PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, tuning, and specifications for the 1100cc inline-four engine.
Electronic ignition system (BMW's breakerless ignition), ignition coils, spark plugs, and timing.
Transmission:
5-speed gearbox, clutch system (hydraulic), shift mechanism, and lubrication.
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive system, final drive unit, universal joints, and maintenance.
Suspension:
Front telescopic forks (including spring rate and damping adjustments), rear Monolever single-sided swingarm with adjustable shock absorber, and calibration.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, BMW ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, caliper overhaul, disc inspection, and bleeding procedures.
Comprehensive analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, temperature, and warning lights. Often includes analog clock.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
BMW ABS II system, a significant safety feature for its time, providing controlled braking.
Connectivity
Audio System:
Optional integrated radio/cassette or CD player systems were available for the LT model, often with handlebar controls.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Check oil level regularly.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 motorcycle specific oil. Consult manual for precise recommendations based on climate.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4
Coolant Spec:
BMW's recommended coolant mixture (typically ethylene glycol-based with corrosion inhibitors). Check manual for specific part number.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Rear Monolever pivot bearings, clutch slave cylinder seal, ABS sensor wear, and potential for alternator brush wear over high mileage.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many bikes of this era, electrical connections and grounds can become a source of intermittent issues if not maintained.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing high-quality motorcycles, known for their engineering excellence, durability, and technological innovation.
Model Evolution
K Series Evolution:
The K1100LT is part of BMW's K-series, which began with the K100 in 1983. The LT (Luxus-Tourer) designation signifies its touring focus, building on earlier K-series touring models like the K75LT and K100LT.
Production
Production Period:
The K1100LT was produced from 1991 to 1999. The 1997 model represents a mature iteration of this platform.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Long Distance Comfort:
Consistently praised in period reviews for its exceptional comfort and wind protection for long-distance touring riders.