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2004 BMW K 1200LT Overview
The 2004 BMW K 1200LT is a touring motorcycle built around 1172 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Single cylinder engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 11.5:1. The bore and stroke measures 70.5 x 75 mm. 2004 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 2004 K 1200LT tips the scales at 378 kg, carries a 24-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 770 mm and spans a 1,633 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2004 BMW K 1200LT spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2004 K 1200LT - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: 2004 BMW K 1200LT makes 72 kW @ 6750rpm with 115 Nm @ 4750 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2004 BMW K 1200LT is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
DOHC engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
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 2004 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.
Fuel system care
The K 1200LT's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used K 1200LT. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
2004 BMW K 1200LT - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2004 BMW K 1200LT have?
The 2004 BMW K 1200LT uses a Single cylinder 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 24-litre fuel tank.
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 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
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons
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Full 2004 BMW K 1200LT Specifications
Year
2003 - 05
Colours
Anthracite Metallic, Impala Brown Metallic
Make Model
BMW K 1200LT
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
800 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
31.5 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)
800 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)
31.5 inches
Seat Height
770 mm / 30.3 in.
Seat Height
770 mm / 30.3 in
Wheelbase
1,633 mm / 64.3 in.
Wheelbase
1,637 mm / 64.4 in.
Height
1,395 mm / 54.9 in.
Length
2,505 mm / 98.6 in.
Width
920 mm / 36.2 in.
Dry Weight
353.5 kg / 779.3 lbs
Dry Weight
345 kg / 761 lbs
Fuel Capacity
24.00 litres / 6.34 gallons
Fuel Capacity
22 L / 5.8 US gal
Wet Weight
378 kg / 833 lbs
Bore x Stroke (mm)
70.5 x 75.0 mm
Displacement (cc)
1171.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
71.45 cubic inches
Engine Type
Single cylinder
Fuel Control
DOHC
Bore x Stroke (in,)
2.8 x 3.0 inches
Stroke
4
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
Fuel System
Injection
Bore x Stroke
75 x 70.5 mm
Compression Ratio
11.5:1
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
Fuel Reserve
4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
Ignition
MA 2.4 Bosch Motronic
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Final Drive
Shaft
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
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
Frame Type
Bridging frame consisting of die-cast aluminium, engine decoupled from vibration through bearings.
Suspension - Front
Motorrad Telelever, stanchion diameter ∅35 mm, central strut
Suspension - Front
BMW 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
Suspension - Rear
Die-cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel.
Wheel Travel - Front
102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
130 mm / 5.1 in.
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
285 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
11.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
12.6 inches
Brakes - Front
2 x ∅320mm disc, 4 piston calipers, ABS
Brakes - Front
Double disc
Brakes - Rear
Single ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliper, ABS
Brakes - Rear
Single disc
Tyres - Front
120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Front
120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear
160/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear
160/70-ZR17
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