BMW R 1200 RT LC (K52) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
1,170cc Air/Liquid-Cooled Boxer Twin DOHC 8-Valve · Source: BMW R 1200 RT LC (K52) (2014–2018) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the BMW R 1200 RT LC (K52) (2014–2018) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 2014–2018 BMW R 1200 RT LC (K52) (chassis K52/0A03/0A53) requires 3.6 L (3.80 US qt) of SAE 5W-40 (JASO MA2, API SL / BMW Advantec Ultimate 5W-40) engine oil for a drain-only change and 4 L (4.23 US qt) with filter service (11427721779 / 11425B69258 (HF160)). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI front (120/70 ZR17) and 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI rear (180/55 ZR17), paired with 2× NGK LMAR8D-J / LMAR8AI-10 spark plug(s) and a YTZ14S / BMW AGM 12Ah battery.
Drain only: 3.6 L (3.80 US qt)
R 290 kPa (2.90 bar)
Est. Range: ~510 km (317 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 5W-40 · JASO MA2 · API SL / BMW Advantec Ultimate 5W-40 |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 3.6 L (3.80 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 4 L (4.23 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 4.4 L (4.65 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 11427721779 / 11425B69258 (HF160) |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 42 N·m (31.0 lb-ft / 4.28 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
| Final Drive / Bevel Gear Oil | 180 ml (0.18 L) — Hypoid Axle Oil G3 SAE 70W-80 / 75W-90 (180 ml exact) |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 120/70 ZR17 · Rear: 180/55 ZR17 (Tubeless) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI Rear: 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI Rear: 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK LMAR8D-J / LMAR8AI-10 × 2 (Gap: 0.8–1.0 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTZ14S / BMW AGM 12Ah (12V 12.0Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | Cardan Shaft Final Drive — Replace rear bevel-gear hypoid oil at exact measured volume |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · OAT ethylene-glycol coolant for aluminum radiators (50:50 premix) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 1170 cc · 125 hp @ 7,750 rpm · 125 N·m (92.2 lb-ft) @ 6,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 805 mm (31.7 in) · 274 kg (604 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 25 L (6.6 US gal) · ~20.4 km/L → ~510 km (317 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 10,000 km / 10,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 20,000 km / 20,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 20,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Continental K52 luxury tourer pairing K1600-inspired wind tunnel bodywork, Hill Start Control, and Gear Shift Assistant Pro with the smooth heavy-flywheel Water-Boxer.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Enclosed full touring bodywork relies on twin side radiators and clean SAE 5W-40 JASO MA2 synthetic oil (4.0 L with HF160) to stabilize summer traffic oil temperatures.
Garage Wrenching Gotchas
- At 274 kg plus luggage, always mount reinforced GT/HWM-spec 120/70 and 180/55 ZR17 tires rather than soft standard sport carcasses.
- Access the AGM battery behind the right side panel—confirm terminal polarity and snug the hold-down bracket before reattaching painted fairing panels.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What oil volume, JASO grade, and oil filter code does the BMW R 1200 RT LC (K52) (2014–2018) require?
Because its wet multi-plate clutch shares engine oil with the gearbox, run SAE 5W-40 (JASO MA2) at 3.6 L (3.80 US qt) drain-only and 4 L (4.23 US qt) with filter (11427721779 / 11425B69258 (HF160)). Also service final drive 180 ml.
How do you accurately check the oil level on the R 1200 RT LC (K52), and what are its service intervals?
Hold the motorcycle dead-vertical on level ground 2–3 minutes after warm shutdown and verify the oil sits mid-way between the Upper and Lower marks in the crankcase sight glass—never on the sidestand. Torque the drain plug to 42 N·m with a new crush washer. Factory oil change intervals are every 10,000 km, with valve clearance inspection every 20,000 km.
What are the cold tire pressures, puncture repair type, seat height, and range of the R 1200 RT LC (K52)?
Fitted with 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tubeless rims (compatible with roadside plug kits), set cold tire pressures to 36 / 42 PSI (250/290 kPa) solo or 36 / 42 PSI loaded. Seat height is 805 mm (31.7 in) at 274 kg wet weight, delivering ~510 km per 25 L tank.