Page 3 of 105

1
Introduction
i
Welcome to BMWWe are delighted that you have
chosen a new BMW K 1200 LT
and would like to welcome you
to the community of BMW
riders.
Familiarise yourself with your
new motorcycle, so that you
can ride it safely and confidently
in all traffic situations.
To make sure of this, please
read this Rider’s Manual care-
fully before starting to use your
new motorcycle. It contains
important information on how to
operate the controls and how to
make the best possible use of
all the motorcycle’s technical
features.In addition, it contains useful
hints and information on the
correct equipment for machine
and rider to ensure maximum
reliability and safety, and advice
on how to maintain the value of
your motorcycle.
If you have any questions con-
cerning your motorcycle, your
BMW motorcycle dealer will
gladly provide advice and
assistance.
We hope you enjoy reading this
Rider’s Manual and wish you
many a pleasant, safe journey
on your BMW motorcycle.
Best wishes,
BMW Motorrad
Welcome to BMW
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2
Introduction
i
General information and con-
trols
General view, left side ........ 4-5
General view, right side ...... 6-7
Cockpit .............................. 8-9
Telltale and warning
lights .............................. 10-11
Ignition switch and steering
lock ................................ 12-13
Handlebar fittings ........... 14-15
Hazard warning flashers ...... 16
Adjusting windscreen/deflec-
tors ..................................... 17
Reverser ........................18-20
Cruise control ............... 21-24
On-board computer ....... 25-29
Cases.................................. 30
Topcase .............................. 31
Front seat .......................32-33
Rear seat .......................34-36
Seat heating ........................ 37
Helmet holder ..................... 38Safety check
Checklist ............................. 39
Engine oil ...................... 40-41
Fuel ................................ 42-43
Handlebar levers ............ 44-45
Brake system - general .. 46-47
Brake system - with
BMW Integral ABS ......... 48-50
Clutch ................................. 51
Suspension spring preload . 52
Wheels ........................... 53-54
Loading.......................... 55-56
Lights ............................. 57-58
Coolant ............................... 59
Contents
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3
Introduction
i
Starting – Riding – Parking
First time out ................. 60-61
Important notes ............. 62-63
Side stand ..................... 64-65
Main (centre) stand ........ 66-67
Running in ..................... 68-69
Before you start ................... 70
Starting ............................... 71
Warning lights................ 72-73
Riding and changing
gear ............................... 74-75
Brake system
- general ........................ 76-77
Brake system - with
BMW Integral ABS......... 78-84
BMW Integral ABS
- troubleshooting chart ........ 85Arrive safely
Dependability .................86-87
Service worldwide ............... 88
Protecting the environment . 89
BMW rider’s equipment ....... 90
BMW motorcycle
accessories ......................... 91
Training means extra safety. 92
Concluding thoughts .......... 93
Contents
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4
General information and controls
1
1Reservoir for clutch fluid
(
b 51)
2Power socket, 12 V
For connecting auxiliary
equipment – max. 5 A 60 W
3Type plate with vehicle
identification number (VIN)
4Knob for adjusting spring
preload, rear (
b 52)5Fuse box
(Maintenance Instructions
b Chapter 2)
6Aerial (Maintenance Instruc-
tions
b Chapter 2)
7Topcase (
b 31) with
–Interior lighting
–Mirror and
–Oddments box for:
on-board literature and
oil funnel
( ) Figure in brackets b page number
for description
General view, left side
32452671
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8
General information and controls
1
Cockpit
1On-board computerOE
(
b 25)
2Fuel gauge (
b 43)
3Trip meter reset knob
4Trip meter
5Speedometer
6Odometer7Cockpit lighting
–A On
–B Off
8Rev. counter (
b 68)
9Rotary knob for headlight
beam angle (
b 57)
( ) Figure in brackets b page number
for explanation
2(Optional extra
9
B
B
A
8
1234567
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9
General information and controls
1
13
14
1011
C
A
B
12Cockpit
10Telltale and warning lights
(
b 10, 11)
11Ignition switch and steering
lock (
b 13)
12Coolant temperature gauge
AEngine cold
BEngine at normal oper-
ating temperature
CEngine overheated
(
b 73)13Radio controls
(
b Supplementary Rider’s
Manual)
14Radio/cassette player with
storage compartment
( ) Figure in brackets b page number
for explanation
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10
General information and controls
1
45762*
BA
98
13
1Flashing turn indicator
repeater, left green
s
2Warning light, ABS red
l
(b 72)
3Warning light, general
red
e (b 72)
4Telltale light, neutral green
k (b 70)
5Telltale light, cruise control
yellow (
b 21)
6Telltale light,
reverser yellow7Flashing turn indicator
repeater, right green
t
8Clock
Adjust by pressing with a
ball-point pen or similar
object at pointA(hours) or
pointB (minutes)
9Gear indicator (
b 75)
( ) Figure in brackets b page number
for description
* depending on national-market speci-
fication
Telltale and warning lights
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11
General information and controls
1
Telltale and warning lights
10Warning light, coolant
temperature
j red (b 59, 73)
11Warning light, battery charge
current red
r (b 73)
12Telltale light, high-beam
headlight blue
q
13 Warning light, engine oil
pressure red
p (b 40, 72)14Warning light, fuel level/
approx. 4 litres
(0.880 Imp.gal) reserve
yellow
m (b 43, 72)
( ) Figure in brackets b page number
for description
1011121314
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