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2003 BMW K 1200LT Overview
The 2003 BMW K 1200LT is a touring motorcycle built around 1172 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits an In-line four engine, a compression ratio of 10.8:1. 2003 BMW K 1200LT delivers 72 kW @ 6750rpm of peak power and 115 Nm @ 4750 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 198 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2003 K 1200LT tips the scales at 378 kg, carries a 22 L fuel tank, offers a seat height of 770 mm and spans a 1,633 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2003 BMW K 1200LT spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2003 K 1200LT - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: 2003 BMW K 1200LT makes 72 kW @ 6750rpm with 115 Nm @ 4750 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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⛽
Large fuel range: The 22 L tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
Considerations
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ℹ️
Age-related wear: As with any used K 1200LT, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Low-speed confidence
At 378 kg, the K 1200LT is a substantial machine. New owners occasionally mention that slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes a little getting used to. Once moving, the weight disappears - but practising slow-speed exercises builds confidence quickly.
K 1200LT - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2003 BMW K 1200LT, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained K 1200LT should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any K 1200LT. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
2003 BMW K 1200LT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2003 BMW K 1200LT have?
The 2003 BMW K 1200LT uses an In-line four engine with 1172 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2003 BMW K 1200LT?
The 2003 BMW K 1200LT has a factory-quoted top speed of 198 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2003 BMW K 1200LT weigh?
The 2003 BMW K 1200LT weighs 378 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2003 BMW K 1200LT make?
The 2003 BMW K 1200LT produces 72 kW @ 6750rpm of power and 115 Nm @ 4750 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2003 BMW K 1200LT?
The 2003 BMW K 1200LT has a 22 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 366-440 km between stops.
Is the 2003 BMW K 1200LT suitable for shorter riders?
The 2003 BMW K 1200LT has a seat height of 770 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 2003 BMW K 1200LT have?
The 2003 BMW K 1200LT uses 2 x ∅320mm disc, 4 piston calipers, ABS at the front and Single ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABS at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2003 BMW K 1200LT use?
The 2003 BMW K 1200LT runs 120/70 ZR17 front and 160/70 ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2003 BMW K 1200LT have?
The 2003 BMW K 1200LT is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
BMW K 1200LT Spec Evolution
The BMW K 1200LT was produced across 12 model years (1902-2011). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
1902 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
| Wet Weight |
378 kg / 833 lbs |
- |
388.0 kg / 855.4 lbs |
- |
- |
378 kg / 833 lbs |
387.0 kg / 853.2 lbs |
- |
387.0 kg / 853.2 lbs |
387.0 kg / 853.2 lbs |
387.0 kg / 853.2 lbs |
- |
| Dry Weight |
345 kg / 761 lbs |
354 kg / 780.4 lbs |
- |
378 kg / 833.3 lbs |
353.5 kg / 779.3 lbs |
345 kg / 761 lbs |
353.5 kg / 779.3 lbs |
353.5 kg / 779.3 lbs |
353.5 kg / 779.3 lbs |
353.5 kg / 779.3 lbs |
353.5 kg / 779.3 lbs |
353.5 kg / 779.3 lbs |
| Engine Type |
In-line four, four-stroke |
In-line four, four-stroke |
In-line four |
In-line four |
Single cylinder |
In-line four |
In-line four |
In-line four |
In-line four |
In-line four |
In-line four, four-stroke |
In-line four, four-stroke |
| Top Speed |
198 km/h / 123 mph |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
198.0 km/h / 123.0 mph |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
- |
198 km/h / 123 mph |
- |
- |
- |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
| Seat Height |
770 mm / 30.3 in |
770 mm / 30.3 in. |
770 mm / 30.3 in. |
770 mm / 30.3 in. |
770 mm / 30.3 in. |
770 mm / 30.3 in |
770 mm / 30.3 in. |
770 mm / 30.3 in. |
770 mm / 30.3 in. |
770 mm / 30.3 in. |
770 mm / 30.3 in. |
770 mm / 30.3 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
22 L / 5.8 US gal |
23.40 litres / 6.18 gallons |
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons |
23.00 litres / 6.08 gallons |
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons |
22 L / 5.8 US gal |
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons |
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons |
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons |
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons |
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons |
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons |
| Displacement (ci) |
- |
71.45 cubic inches |
71.45 cubic inches |
71.52 cubic inches |
71.45 cubic inches |
71.45 cubic inches |
71.45 cubic inches |
71.52 cubic inches |
71.45 cubic inches |
71.45 cubic inches |
71.45 cubic inches |
71.45 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) |
- |
1171.00 cc |
1171.00 cc |
1172.00 cc |
1171.00 cc |
1171.00 cc |
1171.00 cc |
1172.00 cc |
1171.00 cc |
1171.00 cc |
1171.00 cc |
1171.00 cc |
Key Specifications
Power
72 kW / 98 hp @ 6750rpm
Torque
115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84 ft-lb @ 4750 rpm
Top Speed
198 km/h / 123 mph
Fuel Capacity
22 L / 5.8 US gal
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Full 2003 BMW K 1200LT Specifications
Year
2003 - 05
Colours
Anthracite Metallic, Impala Brown Metallic
Make Model
BMW K 1200LT
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
31.5 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
800 mm
Seat Height
770 mm / 30.3 in
Wheelbase
1,633 mm / 64.3 in.
Dry Weight
345 kg / 761 lbs
Fuel Capacity
22 L / 5.8 US gal
Wet Weight
378 kg / 833 lbs
Engine Type
In-line four
Stroke
4
Displacement
1172 cc / 71.5 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, horizontal in line four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
75 x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio
10.8:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Fuel Consumption
6.0 L/100 km / 16.8 km/l / 39.5 US mpg
Fuel Induction
Electronic intake pipe injection
Ignition
MA 2.4 Bosch Motronic
Starter
Electric
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st 2.050 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.270 / 4th 0.960 / 5th 0.700:1
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Frame Type
Bridging frame consisting of die cast aluminium, engine de-coupled from vibration through bearings
Suspension - Front
Motorrad Telelever, stanchion diameter ∅35 mm, central strut
Suspension - Rear
Die cast Aluminum single sided swinging arm with Paralever, central strut, spring preload adjustable to continuously variable levels by mean of hydraulic hand wheel
Brakes - Front
2 x ∅320mm disc, 4 piston calipers, ABS
Brakes - Rear
Single ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear
160/70 ZR17
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