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2004 BMW K 1200LT Overview
BMW K 1200LT is a touring motorcycle, displacing 1172 cc. Power comes from an In-line four engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 10.8:1. Bore and stroke come in at 70.5 x 75 mm. On the performance side, it delivers 72 kW @ 6750rpm of peak power and 115 Nm @ 4750 rpm of torque. Top speed is factory-quoted at 198 km/h. On the road, the 2004 K 1200LT tips the scales at 378 kg, carries a 23.4 L fuel tank, offers a seat height of 770 mm and spans a 1,633 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 68.7 kg heavier than the average touring motorcycle in our database. The full 2004 BMW K 1200LT spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2004 BMW K 1200LT compared with other bikes in the Touring category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2004 BMW K 1200LT against up to 451 bikes in the Touring category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 24 of the other 116 bikes in the Touring category have a lower power-to-weight ratio than the 191 W/kg of the K 1200LT.
- With 378 kg, the K 1200LT has the joint 107th heaviest wet weight of 451 bikes in the Touring category, 22% above the category average of 309.3 kg.
- Top speed of 198 km/h is higher than that of 198 of the other 277 bikes in the Touring category.
- Narrowing the field to the 20 models within five model years of it, the power-to-weight ratio of 191 W/kg is lower than that of 14 of the other 19.
Versus the 2004 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 2004 model: displacement and seat height all match.
2004 K 1200LT - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: With 72 kW @ 6750rpm and 115 Nm @ 4750 rpm of torque on tap, the K 1200LT is no slouch for its class.
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🔧
Fuel injection: Fuel injection means consistent cold starts and clean throttle response without the fussiness of a carbureted setup.
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🛑
Strong front braking: Stopping power up front is strong thanks to the disc setup, with plenty of room to upgrade further with braided lines.
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🛡️
ABS fitted: ABS comes fitted from the factory - one less thing to worry about in a sudden stop on a slippery surface.
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⛽
Large fuel range: A 23.4 L tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
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⚙️
Low-maintenance final drive: Running a shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.
Considerations
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ℹ️
Age-related wear: Nothing specific stands out as a weak point on the K 1200LT - the usual used-bike checks (service history, consumables, tyres) apply.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
K 1200LT's Liquid cooled setup is low-maintenance provided the coolant interval is kept - old, acidic coolant is the main cause of long-term corrosion in the water passages.
Fuelling & injector care
The Electronic intake pipe injection on the K 1200LT needs little beyond good fuel and periodic use of an injector-cleaner additive - no jetting or float-bowl maintenance to worry about.
Valve clearance checks
With DOHC valve gear, the K 1200LT needs periodic clearance checks; caught early they're a cheap adjustment, left unchecked they accelerate valve seat wear.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from 2 x ∅320mm disc, 4 piston calipers, ABS - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.
Suspension condition on used examples
The K 1200LT's suspension runs Motorrad Telelever, stanchion diameter ∅35 mm, central strut at the front. The rear uses Die cast Aluminum single sided swinging arm with Paralever, central strut, spring preload adjustable to continuously variable levels by mean of hydraulic hand wheel. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.
Final drive maintenance
The K 1200LT uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.
Frame & chassis check
Built around a Bridging frame consisting of die cast aluminium, engine de-coupled from vibration through bearings, the K 1200LT's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.
Handling the weight at a standstill
378 kg puts the K 1200LT toward the heavier end of its class. It's most noticeable at walking pace; once underway the mass settles into the handling rather than fighting it.
K 1200LT - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
Before handing over money for a used 2004 BMW K 1200LT with its 1172 cc touring, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, drivetrain wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 22 years old, this touring is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy K 1200LT should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.
Oil and filter changes
Nothing protects the K 1200LT's 1172 cc in-line four like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). With a 10.8:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.
Fuel system care
Fuel injection on the K 1200LT needs little attention beyond decent fuel and an occasional system-cleaner additive. Anything left standing for three months or more should have its fuel drained and replaced before it varnishes the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Valve clearances are easy to overlook on a used K 1200LT since a bike out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but the wear it causes is real. Ask the seller for documentation before assuming it's been done.
2004 BMW K 1200LT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2004 BMW K 1200LT have?
The 2004 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 2004 BMW K 1200LT?
The 2004 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 2004 BMW K 1200LT weigh?
The 2004 BMW K 1200LT weighs 378 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2004 BMW K 1200LT make?
The 2004 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 2004 BMW K 1200LT?
The 2004 BMW K 1200LT has a 23.4 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 390-467 km between stops.
Is the 2004 BMW K 1200LT suitable for shorter riders?
The 2004 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 2004 BMW K 1200LT have?
The 2004 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 2004 BMW K 1200LT use?
The 2004 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 2004 BMW K 1200LT have?
The 2004 BMW K 1200LT is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
BMW K 1200LT Spec Evolution
The BMW K 1200LT was produced across 11 model years (2000-2011). 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 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
| Wet Weight |
- |
388.0 kg / 855.4 lbs |
378 kg / 833 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 |
354 kg / 780.4 lbs |
- |
378 kg / 833.3 lbs |
353.5 kg / 779.3 lbs |
345 kg / 760.6 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 |
In-line four, four-stroke |
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 |
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. |
| Fuel Capacity |
23.40 litres / 6.18 gallons |
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons |
22 L / 5.8 US gal |
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons |
23.4 L / 6.18 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 |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) |
- |
2.8 x 3.0 inches |
3.0 x 2.8 inches |
2.8 x 3.0 inches |
2.8 x 3.0 inches |
2.8 x 3.0 inches |
2.8 x 3.0 inches |
2.8 x 3.0 inches |
2.8 x 3.0 inches |
2.8 x 3.0 inches |
2.8 x 3.0 inches |
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
23.4 L / 6.18 US gal
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Full 2004 BMW K 1200LT Specifications
Year
2003 - 05
Make
BMW
Model
K 1200LT
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.
Height
1,395 mm / 54.9 in.
Length
2,502 mm / 98.5 in.
Width
1,080 mm / 42.5 in.
Dry Weight
345 kg / 760.6 lbs
Fuel Capacity
23.4 L / 6.18 US gal
Wet Weight
378 kg / 833 lbs
Engine Type
In-line four
Stroke
75.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
2.8 x 3.0 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
70.5 x 75.0 mm
Fuel Control
DOHC
Displacement (cc)
1171.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
71.45 cubic inches
Displacement
1172 cc / 71.5 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, horizontal in line four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection / BMW engine management, Motronic MA 2.4 with overrun fuel cut-off
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
Valve System
4
Clutch
Single-disc dry clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st 2.050 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.270 / 4th 0.960 / 5th 0.700:1
Gearbox
5-speed
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
Rake
27.0°
Trail
117 mm / 4.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
35 mm / 1.4 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
135 mm / 5.3 in.
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
11.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
285 mm
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
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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