BMW R 1200 GS 2004 Owner's Manual
Rider’s Manual (US Model)
R 1200 GS
BMW Motorrad
Welcome to BMW
We congratulate you on your
choice of a motorcycle from
BMW and welcome you to the
community of BMW riders.
Familiarize yourself with your
new motorcycle, so that you
can ride it safely and confidently
in all traffic situations.
To make sure of this, please
read this Rider’s Manual carefully before starting to use your
new motorcycle. It contains
important information on how to
operate the controls and how to
make the best possible use of
all your BMW’s technical
features.
Welcome to BMW
In addition, it contains information on maintenance and care
to help you maintain your
motorcycle’s reliability and
safety, as well as its value. It
also offers useful hints and
information on the correct
equipment for machine and
rider, again geared toward maximizing reliability and safety.
If you have any questions concerning your motorcycle, your
authorized BMW Motorrad
retailer will gladly provide
advice and assistance.
We hope you enjoy reading this
Rider’s Manual and wish you
many a pleasant, safe journey
on your BMW motorcycle.
Best wishes,
BMW Motorrad
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1
Introduction
General information
i
2
Symbols and abbreviations
Introduction
About this Rider’s Manual
We have tried to make all the
information in this Rider’s
Manual easy to find.
The quickest access to a particular topic or item is by consulting the detailed alphabetical
index at the end. The first chapter of this Rider’s Manual will
provide you with an initial overview of your motorcycle.
When the time comes to sell
your BMW, please remember to
hand over this Rider’s Manual; it
is, by law, an important part of
the vehicle.
This symbol indicates precautions and measures which
are essential in protecting the
rider and other persons from
severe or fatal injury.
Instructions and precautions
specifically intended to prevent
damage to the motorcycle. Disregarding them may render the
warranty invalid.
Special information on operating and inspecting your motorcycle as well as maintenance
and adjustment procedures.
X Tightening torque:
This symbol introduces values
for the various tightening
torques
• This symbol introduces a passage containing instructions
on how to perform a particular
operation
– This symbol draws your atten-
tion to the outcome of the
instructions on how to perform a particular operation
( ) Figure in parentheses
b page number with
explanations
General information
i
3
Introduction
OE Optional equipment
Your motorcycle was
assembled complete with
all the optional equipment
you ordered
OA Optional accessory
You can obtain optional
accessories only through
your authorized BMW
Motorrad retailer or specialized retail outlet;
optional accessories must
be retrofitted to the
motorcycle
EWS Electronic immobilizer
DWA Anti-theft alarm
General information
i
4
Introduction
Custom equipment
When you ordered your BMW
motorcycle, you chose various
items of custom equipment.
This Rider’s Manual describes
all the optional equipment (OE)
and selected optional accessories (OA) that BMW offers for
this model series.
This explains why the manual
may also contain descriptions
of equipment which you have
not ordered.
If your BMW was supplied with
equipment not described in this
Rider’s Manual (such as a radio
or anti-theft alarm, for example),
you will find these features
described in separate manuals.
Technical specifications
All dimensions, weights and
power ratings stated in the
Rider’s Manual are quoted to
the standards and comply with
the tolerance requirements
of the Deutsche Institut für
Normung e. V. (DIN).
Configurations for individual
countries may differ.
Safety information
For your own safety
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5
Introduction
Currency
The high safety and quality
standards of BMW motorcycles
are maintained by unceasing
development work on designs,
equipment and accessories.
Because of this, your motorcycle may differ from the information supplied in the Rider’s
Manual. Nor can errors and
omissions be entirely ruled out.
We hope you will appreciate
that no legal claims can be
entertained on the basis of the
data, illustrations or descriptions in this manual.
Use only parts and accessories approved by BMW for
your motorcycle.
Parts and products approved
for your motorcycle by BMW
have been checked for safety,
function and suitability.
BMW accepts product liability
for these products. Conversely,
BMW is unable to accept any
liability whatsoever for parts
and accessories which it has
not approved.
Safety information
i
6
Introduction
BMW cannot assess every
product of outside origin in
order to decide whether it can
be used on or with a BMW vehicle without constituting a safety
hazard.
Even approval by an official
inspection authority such as the
TÜV in Germany, or an official
permit (General Operating Permit) cannot always provide this
guarantee.
Genuine BMW parts and
accessories and other products
which BMW has approved can
be obtained from your authorized BMW Motorrad retailer,
together with expert advice on
their installation and use.
The right clothing
To reach your destination safely
every time, there's only one
choice:
•Helmet
• Suit
•Gloves
• Boots
It's foolish to ride without the
right clothing. This applies even
to short journeys, and to every
season of the year.
Your authorized BMW Motorrad
retailer will be happy to provide
advice and tell you about the
latest developments, and help
you select the right clothing for
your purpose.
Safety information
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7
Service
For safety reasons and to maintain the value of your motorcycle, regular maintenance
intervals have been laid down.
Always keep to the specified
maintenance intervals. This is
the only way to ensure that warranty claims are not invalidated.
Your authorized BMW Motorrad
retailer can provide information
on the currently specified Service, Inspection and Annual Inspection needed, or you can
fetch the information from the
Internet whenever you want by
visiting
“www.bmw-motorrad.com/
maintenance”.
Important:
BMW refuses to accept liability
for damage or consequential
damage due to repairs or
service work performed by
other than BMW-authorized
workshops.
Consequently, we advise you to
have service and inspection
work performed by your authorized BMW Motorrad retailer's
specially trained, expert personnel, and confirmed by an
entry in the “Service” section of
this Rider's Manual.
Authorized BMW Motorrad
retailers are supplied with the
latest technical information and
have the necessary technical
know-how and specially trained
staff.
Please do not hesitate to contact your authorized BMW
Motorrad retailer on all matters
concerning your motorcycle.
Authorized BMW Motorrad
retailers are fully informed about
all aspects of your motorcycle
and will gladly advise and assist
you.
Best wishes,
BMW Motorrad
Introduction
Contents
Welcome to BMW ..................1
General information............ 2-4
Safety information .............. 5-7
Overview .............................11
i
General view, left side ..........12
General view, right side........13
8
Left handlebar fitting ............14
Right handlebar fitting ..........15
Cockpit ................................16
Status indicators ................17
Indicator and
warning lights.......................18
Introduction
Multifunction display.............19
Function indicators...............20
Warning indicators ......... 21-23
ABS warning lights......... 24-25
Operation............................27
Ignition switch and
steering lock .................. 28-29
Electronic immobilizer
EWS............................... 30-31
Hazard warning
flashers .......................... 32-33
Tripmaster...................... 34-35
Kill switch.............................36
Heated handlebar grips........37
Clock ...................................38
Windshield ..........................39
Handlebar levers ............ 40-41
Lights ............................. 42-45
Seat ............................... 46-48
Mirrors .................................49
Spring preload ............... 50-51
Willkommen bei BMW 1
Allgemeine Informationen 2
Allgemeine Informationen 3
Allgemeine Informationen 4
Sicherheitsinformationen 5
Sicherheitsinformationen 6
Sicherheitsinformationen 7
8
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
11
Gesamtansicht links 12
Gesamtansicht rechts 13
Lenkerarmatur links 14
Lenkerarmatur rechts 15
Cockpit 16
17
Shock-absorber
adjustment...........................52
Wheels.................................53
Loading.......................... 54-55
Shift lever.............................56
Riding .................................57
Safety instructions ......... 58-59
Checklist........................ 60-61
First time out.................. 62-63
Before you start ............. 64-66
Starting ................................ 67
Running in...................... 68-69
Gear shifts ..................... 70-71
Off-road riding................ 72-73
Parking .......................... 74-77
Refueling........................ 78-79
Brake system -
general........................... 80-81
Brake system - with
BMW Integral ABS ......... 82-89
Accessories........................ 91
General instructions.............92
12 V sockets.................. 93-94
Luggage system .......... 95-101
Arrive safely......................103
Reliable operation .............. 104
Service worldwide..............105
Training means
extra safety ........................106
Contents
Maintenance .................... 107
Safety information.............. 108
Troubleshooting
chart........................... 109-110
Engine oil ...................111-112
Brake system -
general .......................113-114
Brake system ............. 115-116
Clutch ............................... 117
Wheels ....................... 118-129
Brake pads................. 130-131
Notes on
changing bulbs.................. 132
Bulbs.......................... 133-139
Air filter....................... 140-142
Jump starting .............143-145
Battery maintenance
instructions................. 146-148
Installing battery ......... 149-150
Care.................................. 151
Cleaning/care............. 152-155
Storing .............................. 156
Returning to use................ 157
Technical data ..................159
Engine................................160
Power train.........................161
Frame and
suspension................. 162-166
Fuel and lubricants..... 167-168
Electrical system ................169
Dimensions and weights ....170
Performance data...............171
Tightening torques .............172
Service..............................173
Maintenance ......................174
Confirmation of
maintenance .............. 174-180
Confirmation of
service ....................... 181-182
Concluding thoughts..........183
Index ......................... 185-192
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9
Introduction
Contents
i
10
Introduction
General view, left side
General view, right side
Left handlebar fitting
Right handlebar fitting
111
11
Overview
Cockpit
General view, left side
1 5
3
2
11
12
Overview
1 Spring-strut adjuster, front
b 50)
(
2 Power socket 12 V
3 Windshield, (
4 Headlight adjustment
b 45)
(
5 Reservoir for clutch
hydraulic fluid (b 117)
6 Helmet holder
7 Engine oil filler neck
b 111-112)
(
8 Seat adjustment (
9 Luggage rack (
16
b 39)
b 101)
4
OA
b 47)
(b 93)
7 9
6
1415
10 Seat lock (
11 On-board socket, 12 V
12 Rear suspension strut,
13 Primary spark plug
14 Secondary spark plug
15 Engine oil level display
16 Type plate
12
13 11
for connecting electrical
accessories (
shock-absorber adjuster
b 51-52)
(
b 112)
(
8
10
b 46-48)
b 93)
General view, right side
18
17
26
17 Toolkit storage
compartment
18 Fuel filler cap
b 78-79)
(
19 Brake-fluid reservoir for
front brake (
20 Vehicle identification
number
21 Air filter (
b 140-142)
24
25 22
b 115)
19
20
23
22 Helmet holder
23 Secondary spark plug
24 Primary spark plug
25 Spring-strut adjuster, rear
(b 51)
26 Brake-fluid reservoir for rear
brake (b 116)
111
13
21
Overview
Left handlebar fitting
2
11
14
Overview
1
4
6
5
3
To prevent air from entering
the hydraulic circuit:
• Do not turn the fitting on the
handlebar.
• Do not turn the handlebars
in the clamping blocks.
OE
(b 88)
b 34)
1 Tripmaster button (
2 Hazard warning flasher
b 32)
switch (
3 ABS button
4 Horn switch
5 Left flashing turn indicator
switch
6 High/low beam switch
b 42-45)
(
Right handlebar fitting
7
8
111
15
To prevent air from entering
the brake circuit:
• Do not turn the fitting on the
handlebar.
• Do not turn the handlebars
in the clamping blocks.
9
10
11
7 Emergency off (kill) switch
OE
b 65)
b 67)
(b 37)
for ignition (
8 Starter button (
9 Switch for heated handlebar
grips
10 Turn indicator cancel switch
11 Right flashing turn indicator
switch
Overview
Cockpit
11
16
Overview
The cockpit lights have automatic brightness control for
daytime/night-time riding. The
sensor that controls the brightness of the cockpit lights is next
to the indicator light for the
anti-theft alarm
OE
.
1
7
2
1 Speedometer
2 Tachometer (
3 Indicator and warning lights
(
4 Multifunction display (
5 Indicator light for anti-theft
alarm
bright/dark
6 Ignition switch and steering
lock (
7 Knob for setting clock
(b 38)
3
56
4
b 18)
OE
/Lighting sensor
b 28)
b 68)
b 19)
Indicator and warning lights
Multifunction display
Function indicators
Warning indicators
12
17
Status indicators
ABS
OE
warning lights
Indicator and warning lights
2
3
2
18
Status indicators
1
4
5
6
1 Left turn indicator light s
2 High beam indicator light
q
3 General warning light e
b 86)
(
4 Neutral indicator light
b 66)
(
k
5 ABS warning light l
(b 86)
6 Right turn indicator light
OE
t
Multifunction display
8
7
13
16
17
7 Fuel level n
(b 20, 79)
8 Gear indicator (
9 Oil temperature
10 Tripmaster display panel
b 34, 35)
(
11 Clock display panel (
b 66)
j (b 20)
b 38)
12
11 10
14
Possible warnings
12 Oil pressure
13 Battery charge light
b 22)
(
14 Bulb failure
15 EWS active (b 30)
16 Fault in electronic engine
management system
b 21)
(
17 Fuel reserve indicator
(b 20, 79)
9
15
i (b 21)
r
7
12
19
Status indicators
5
n
Function indicators
2
20
Indicator
light
Status indicators
N
e yellow
flashes
e red
ON
Multifunction
display
11 : 28
n
Meaning
Clock
Shows the time in
12-hour mode
Gear indicator
Indicator light k lights up when the
transmission is in neutral.
The display shows a number corresponding to the gear you have engaged
Fuel level
when the reserve range is reached, the
symbol
n appears and flashes, the gen-
eral warning symbol
The Tripmaster calculates the residual
operating range and shows this estimated figure on the display.
Engine temperature
The bar indicator flashes if the engine
overheats and
general warning light
e flashes.
e lights up.
Warning indicators
12
21
Warning
light
e yellow
ON
e red
ON
Multifunction
display
5
i
Meaning/measure
Engine electronics
There is a fault in the electronic engine
management system.
Maintain a defensive riding style and
proceed immediately to a specialized
workshop, preferably an authorized
BMW Motorrad retailer.
Oil pressure
Insufficient engine oil pressure
(
b 111, 112)
Taking the traffic situation into account:
Disengage the clutch
Operate the emergency (kill) switch
Bring the motorcycle safely to a halt
Check the engine oil level
If the warning indicator lights up but the
oil level is correct, always consult a specialized workshop without
delay, preferably an authorized BMW
Motorrad retailer.
Status indicators
Warning indicators
2
22
Status indicators
Warning
light
e red
ON
e yellow
ON
e yellow
ON
Multifunction
display
3
8
6
7
7
Meaning/measure
Battery charge current
The battery is no longer charging,
generator fault.
Immediately consult a specialized workshop, preferably an authorized
BMW Motorrad retailer.
Bulb failure
8 Rear light or brake light defective
Replace bulbs (
Bulb failure
6 Front parking light, low-beam head-
light, high-beam headlight defective
b 133)
7 Double flashing frequency, turn
indicator flasher defective
Replace bulbs (
b 134-139)
7 Combination of light defects
described above
Replace bulbs (
b 134-139)
Warning
light
e yellow
ON
Multifunction
display
EWS
Warning indicators
12
23
Status indicators
Meaning/measure
Electronic immobilizer
Key not recognized (b 30, 31).
Communication with engine electronics
defective
Various warnings may be issued simultaneously. Some
warnings combine
e red, in which case the
and
two are displayed alternately.
e yellow
ABSOE warning lights
2
24
Status indicators
General
warning
light
e
OFF ON ABS function deactivated by the rider,
OFF Flashes at
OFF Flashes at
Red ON OFF Brake-light switch defective or not cor-
Red ON Flashes at
Red ON Flashes at
ABS warning
light
D
1 Hz
4 Hz
1 Hz
4 Hz
Malfunctions
integral braking system available (
ABS not available, because pull-away
test not completed (
Only RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION
available in both circuits, (
self-diagnosis not completed (
rectly adjusted
ABS function unavailable in at least one
braking circuit
Only RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION
available in at least one circuit (
b 86)
b 88)
b 85) because
b 86)
b 85)
Warning light,
general
e
Red, alternate
flashing at
1 Hz
Red, alternate
flashing at
4 Hz
Warning light,
ABS
D
Alternate
flashing at
1 Hz
Alternate
flashing at
4 Hz
ABSOE warning lights
Malfunctions
Fluid level in BMW Integral ABS too low.
If the functions listed below are active,
maintain a defensive riding style and proceed immediately to the nearest specialized workshop, preferably an authorized
BMW Motorrad retailer.
– Ignition OFF, brake pressure OK at the
brake levers
–Brakes acting on both wheels
– Brake system leaktight, no signs of
brake fluid escaping
Otherwise the brake system is defective:
do not attempt to ride the motorcycle.
Fluid level in BMW Integral ABS insufficient, conduct checks listed above.
Only RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION
available in at least one circuit (
b 85)
12
25
Status indicators
Do not ride the motorcycle if you
have any doubts about the safety
of the brake system.
2
26
Status indicators
Ignition switch and steering lock
Electronic immobilizer (EWS)
Hazard warning flashers
On-board computer
Kill switch
13
27
Operation
Heated handlebar grips
Setting the clock
Adjusting the windshield
Handlebar levers
Lights
Seat
Mirrors
Spring preload
OE
Ignition switch and steering lock
3
28
Operation
If the motorcycle is fitted with
BMW Integral ABS
RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION is available when the ignition is switched off (b 85)
OE
, only
Keys
You will receive two master
keys and one spare key.
Ignition switch and steering
lock, tank lock and seat lock are
actuated with the same key. On
request, system cases
be arranged to lock with the
same key.
OA
can
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