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BMW · BMW K-bike (K75 / K100 / K1100 1983-1999)

K 1200 RS

Library entry covers 1997-2005

24 factory 49 guideline

Published source

BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00 maintenance (ManualsLib 907924, pp.44-86)

Factory workshop manual. Covers BMW K 1200 RS repair manual (cover prints K 1200 RS); no year printed.

73 items for a 2001 model, grouped by interval the way a factory chart is laid out.

How this bike is built (what the schedule is based on)

Engine cycle: Four-stroke
Engine lubrication: Wet sump (oil in crankcase)
Oil filtration: Replaceable cartridge or spin-on filter
Valve gear: Overhead cam, shim adjusted (incl. desmo)
Ignition: Electronic (CDI / transistor / ECU)
Charging: Alternator / stator with rectifier
Battery: Wet cell (flooded lead-acid, needs topping up)
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Primary drive: Gear or chain inside engine, shares engine oil
Gearbox oil: Separate gearbox oil
Clutch control: Hand lever, cable
Final drive: Shaft
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm, single shock / cantilever
Front brake: Disc, hydraulic
Rear brake: Disc, hydraulic
Wheels: Cast / alloy, tubeless
Sidecar: No sidecar

Maintenance schedule

2001 BMW K 1200 RS

On the road: every 200 mi

1 item

Check engine oil level

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Each fuel stop on old machines. Dry sump: check the tank hot, engine idling or just stopped, per your manual.

On the road: every 300 mi

2 items

Check lights, horn, brake light switches

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline
Check tire pressures

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

On the road: every 500 mi

1 item

Check coolant level

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Every 1,000 mi or 6 months

1 item

Inspect tire tread, sidewalls and date codes

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 3,000 mi or 12 months

7 items

Check throttle cable(s) free play and return

Fuel and air

Guideline
Check steering head bearing adjustment

Front end

Guideline
Inspect fork seals, stanchions and fork boots

Front end

Guideline
Check footrests, pegs, rear brake and gear lever pivots

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Grease and check center / side stand and springs

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Check brake pads and discs

Brakes

Guideline
Check wheel bearings for play

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 4,000 mi or 12 months

2 items

Inspect, clean and gap spark plugs

Engine

Guideline
Adjust clutch free play, lubricate cable and lever pivot

Primary and gearbox

Guideline

Every 5,000 mi or 12 months

2 items

Change engine oil

Engine

Guideline

Pre-1970 machines: many owners run non-detergent or classic-spec oil with no filter, so short intervals matter. Dry sump: drain the tank and the crankcase/sump, flush the tank and clean the feed and return screens.
Replace oil filter

Engine

Guideline

Every 6,000 mi or 12 months

11 items

Engine oil and oil filter element (change)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Codes I, II, III and IV: at 1,000 km, every 10,000 km and at least annually.
Final inspection with road safety and function check

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Codes I, II, III and IV: at every service.
Inspect coolant hoses and clamps

Engine

Guideline
Clean / inspect air filter

Fuel and air

Guideline

Mesh or oiled foam: clean and re-oil. Paper: blow out or replace. Some very early machines have no filter at all.
Check charging voltage and regulator / cut-out

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Check final drive for leaks and bearing play

Final drive

Guideline
Check swingarm bushes for play

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Inspect rear shocks for leaks and damping

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Side stand pivot (grease), main stand (check)

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Codes II, III and IV: every 10,000 km and annually.
Lubricate control cables and lever pivots

Controls and cables

Guideline
Lubricate speedometer / tachometer cables, check drive

Controls and cables

Guideline

A dry speedo cable whips the needle and eventually kills the instrument.

Every 6,000 mi

6 items

Fault code memory (read out with BMW MoDiTeC)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Codes I, II, III and IV: at 1,000 km, every 10,000 km and at the annual service.
Clutch fluid level (check)

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Every 10,000 km (6,000 mi): codes II and III.
Steering damper (check)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Every 10,000 km (6,000 mi): codes II and III.
Side-stand switch function (check)

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Codes I, II and III: at 1,000 km, then every 10,000 km.
Brake fluid level (check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Every 10,000 km (6,000 mi): codes II and III.
Brake pads and discs wear (check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Every 10,000 km (6,000 mi): codes II and III.

Every 10,000 mi or 2 years

2 items

Compression test (or leak-down)

Engine

Guideline
Change gearbox oil

Primary and gearbox

Guideline

Every 12,000 mi or 12 months

1 item

Battery acid level and terminals (check, clean, grease)

Ignition and electrics

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Codes III and IV: every 20,000 km and annually.

Every 12,000 mi or 2 years

5 items

Replace air filter element

Fuel and air

Guideline
Synchronize throttle bodies

Fuel and air

Guideline
Change final drive (rear drive) oil

Final drive

Guideline
Clean and grease rear suspension linkage

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Grease swingarm pivot

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 12,000 mi

8 items

Coolant level and concentration (check), cooling system leaks

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Codes I and III: at 1,000 km, then every 20,000 km.
Spark plugs (replace)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Code III: every 20,000 km.
Valve clearances (check, adjust)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Code III: every 20,000 km.
Intake air filter element (replace)

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Code III: every 20,000 km.
Gearbox oil (change)

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Code III: every 20,000 km.
Brake system operation and leaks (check)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Code III: every 20,000 km.
Rear wheel bearing play (check)

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Code III: every 20,000 km.
Throttle cable play (check, adjust)

Controls and cables

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Codes I and III: at 1,000 km, then every 20,000 km.

Every 15,000 mi or 3 years

1 item

Change fork oil

Front end

Guideline

Some early telescopic forks are grease filled or use very small oil quantities. Check your manual.

Every 15,000 mi or 4 years

1 item

Check valve clearances (shim adjusted)

Engine

Guideline

Every 16,000 mi or 4 years

1 item

Replace spark plugs

Engine

Guideline

Every 20,000 mi or 4 years

3 items

Lubricate drive shaft splines / check U-joint

Final drive

Guideline
Repack / replace steering head bearings

Front end

Guideline

Many old machines use loose balls in cups and cones. Taper roller conversions are common.
Repack / replace wheel bearings

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Cup-and-cone and taper roller hubs need periodic repacking and adjustment.

Every 24,000 mi or 4 years

1 item

Replace fuel filter

Fuel and air

Guideline

Every 24,000 mi

2 items

Fuel filter (renew)

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Code III, every 40,000 km (24,000 mi) as printed.
Rear wheel drive oil (change)

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Codes I and III, every 40,000 km (24,000 mi) as printed.

Every 25,000 mi or 6 years

1 item

Replace swingarm bushes / bearings

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 30,000 mi or 6 years

1 item

Rebuild forks: seals, bushes, springs

Front end

Guideline

Every 6 months

1 item

Clean battery terminals, check charge and strap

Ignition and electrics

Guideline

Every 12 months

1 item

Brake fluid, wheel circuits (change, bleed)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Code IV: annually.

Every 2 years

6 items

Replace coolant

Engine

Guideline
Inspect wiring, bullet connectors and ground points

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Clutch fluid (change, bleed)

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Code IV: every 2 years.
Inspect frame, welds and lugs for cracks

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Brake fluid, Integral ABS control circuit (change, bleed)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Code IV: every 2 years.
Replace brake fluid

Brakes

Guideline

Every 4 years

3 items

Replace fuel lines

Fuel and air

Guideline

Old rubber and modern ethanol fuel do not mix well.
Inspect brake hoses; replace old rubber

Brakes

Guideline
Rebuild calipers and master cylinders (seals)

Brakes

Guideline

Every 6 years

1 item

Replace tires on age (regardless of tread)

Wheels and tires

Guideline

No interval set

1 item

Rear wheel studs tightness (check)

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Maintenance key (BMW Motorrad After Sales Repair Manual K 1200 RS, group 00, pp.00.35 onward; codes: I = BMW Inspection at 1,000 km (600 mi), II = BMW Service every 10,000 km (6,000 mi) at 10,000, 30,000, 50,000 km ..., III = BMW Inspection every 20,000 km (12,000 mi), IV = BMW Annual Service). Intervals below combine the codes printed on each task. Code I: at 1,000 km.

Guideline lines: Intervals here are general guidelines for the machine's era and layout, compiled for this app. They are not factory manual figures. Check your workshop manual, and edit any interval in the bike's Schedule tab.