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2008 BMW K 1200LT Overview
BMW K 1200LT is a touring motorcycle, displacing 1171 cc. Power comes from an In-line four engine, a compression ratio of 10.8:1. Bore and stroke come in at 70.5 x 75 mm. On the performance side, it delivers 120 of torque. On the road, the 2008 K 1200LT tips the scales at 387 kg, carries a 24-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 770 mm and spans a 1,627 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 77.7 kg heavier than the average touring motorcycle in our database. The full 2008 BMW K 1200LT spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2008 BMW K 1200LT compared with other bikes in the Touring category
We checked the recorded figures for the 2008 BMW K 1200LT against up to 465 bikes in the Touring category in our database, counting each model once at the model year nearest to this one.
- Only 75 of the other 450 bikes in the Touring category have a heavier wet weight than the 387 kg of the K 1200LT.
- With 770 mm, the K 1200LT has the joint 174th tallest seat height of 465 bikes in the Touring category.
- Narrowing the field to the 133 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 387 kg is heavier than that of 97 of the other 132.
Versus the 2007 model
Compared with the 2007 model, displacement fell from 1172 cc to 1171 cc (-1 cc). Seat height is unchanged.
2008 K 1200LT - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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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 double 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 24-litre 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
Fuelling & injector care
The fuel 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.
Brake disc and pad wear
Braking up front comes from double disc with 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 BMW Motorrad Telelever at the front. The rear uses Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever. 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 Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, engine with vibration-decoupled mountings, 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
387 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 2008 BMW K 1200LT with its 1171 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 18 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 1171 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.
2008 BMW K 1200LT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2008 BMW K 1200LT have?
The 2008 BMW K 1200LT uses an In-line four engine with 1171 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2008 BMW K 1200LT weigh?
The 2008 BMW K 1200LT weighs 387 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much torque does the 2008 BMW K 1200LT produce?
The 2008 BMW K 1200LT produces 120 of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2008 BMW K 1200LT?
The 2008 BMW K 1200LT has a 24-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 400-480 km between stops.
Is the 2008 BMW K 1200LT suitable for shorter riders?
The 2008 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 2008 BMW K 1200LT have?
The 2008 BMW K 1200LT uses double disc with ABS at the front and single disc with ABS at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2008 BMW K 1200LT use?
The 2008 BMW K 1200LT runs 120/70-17 front and 160/70-17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
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
Weight
387.0 kg / 853.2 lbs
Fuel Capacity
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons
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Full 2008 BMW K 1200LT Specifications
Seat Height
770 mm / 30.3 in.
Wheelbase
1,627 mm / 64.1 in.
Height
1,915 mm / 75.4 in.
Length
2,502 mm / 98.5 in.
Width
1,080 mm / 42.5 in.
Dry Weight
353.5 kg / 779.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons
Wet Weight
387.0 kg / 853.2 lbs
Bore x Stroke (in,)
2.8 x 3.0 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
70.5 x 75.0 mm
Displacement (cc)
1171.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
71.45 cubic inches
Engine Type
In-line four
Stroke
4
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMW engine management, Motronic MA 2.4 with overrun fuel cut-off
Compression Ratio
10.8:1
Fuel Reserve
2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Single dry plate clutch, hydraulically operated
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gearbox
5-speed
Frame Type
Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium, engine with vibration-decoupled mountings
Suspension - Front
BMW Motorrad Telelever
Suspension - Rear
Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Rake
27.0°
Trail
117 mm / 4.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
130 mm / 5.1 in.
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
11.2 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
285 mm
Brakes - Front
Double disc. ABS
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. ABS
Tyres - Front
120/70-17
Tyres - Rear
160/70-17
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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