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

i

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

i

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

i

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

i

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

Ignition switch and steering lock

Key positions



Do not switch over to

1 position while driving!

U Operating position;

ignition, parking light and
all circuits switched on,
predrive check is
performed (

V * Ignition and lights off,

steering not locked
(handlebars can be turned
freely to left or right)

* The key can be removed in these

positions

b 64)

13

29

Operation

1*Ignition and lights off,

steering lock engaged.



Turn the handlebars all the way
to the left before engaging the
steering lock.



Switch the parking light on only
for limited periods. Note state of
battery charge.

Electronic immobilizer (EWS)

3

30

Operation

In-key security

The electronic immobilizer
helps protect your BMW motor­cycle from theft, and this
enhanced security is at your
disposal without any need for
you to set parameters or acti­vate additional systems. The
engine of a motorcycle fitted
with this electronic immobilizer
can be started only with the
keys that belong to the vehicle.
You can also have your autho­rized BMW Motorrad retailer
bar individual keys, for example
if a particular key goes missing.
The engine cannot be started
with a key that has been barred.

Function

An electronic component is
integrated into each of your
keys.
The motorcycle’s electronics
exchange certain continuously
changing signals with the elec­tronics in the key; these signals
are specific to your motorcycle
and they are transmitted by the
ignition switch. Ignition, fuel
supply and starter are not
enabled for starting until the key
has been recognized as “autho­rized” for your motorcycle.

Electronic immobilizer (EWS)

13

31

Operation



A spare key attached to the
same ring as the ignition key
used to start the engine could
“irritate” the electronics, in
which case the enabling signal
for ignition, fuel supply and
starter is not issued. Under
these circumstances the mo­torcycle will refuse to start.
Consequently, always keep the
spare key or keys separate from
the ignition key.
Similarly, physical force could
damage the ignition key's inte­gral electronics. If this happens,
you will not be able to start the
engine.

Spare/extra keys

You can obtain spare/extra
keys only through an authorized
BMW Motorrad retailer. The
keys are part of an integrated
security system, so the retailer
is under an obligation to check
the legitimacy of all applications
for spare/extra keys.



If you want to have a key
barred, you have to bring along
all the keys that belong to the
motorcycle.
A key that has been barred can
subsequently be cleared and
reactivated for use.

Hazard warning flashers

3

32

Operation

Hazard warning flashers



You cannot activate the hazard
warning flashers if the ignition is
switched off.
Do not use the hazard warning
flashers for longer than abso­lutely necessary.
Note state of battery charge.

1

Switching on hazard warning flashers

• Switch on the ignition, ignition
key in the

– Hazard warning flasher

switch 1 lights up

• Operate hazard warning
flasher switch 1

– Hazard warning flashers in

operation

– Left/right flashing turn indica-

tor lights 2 in the indicator
light panel flash

U position

Hazard warning flashers

• Switch off the ignition, and
with the ignition key in the
position, the hazard warning
flashers continue to flash

– Left/right turn indicator

lights 2 in indicator light panel
go out

• Turn the handlebars to the
position for locking the steer­ing and lock the steering, turn
the ignition key to
– The hazard warning flashers

continue to operate

1

13

33

2

Operation

V

Switching off hazard warning flashers

• Actuate hazard warning
flasher switch 1 or switch on
ignition
– Hazard warning flashers

cease to operate

Tripmaster

3

34

Operation

1



You can activate the Tripmaster
only when the ignition is
switched on, in other words
when the ignition key is in the
U position.
When you switch on the ignition,
the information shown by the
Tripmaster when the ignition was
switched off always reappears
on the multifunction display.

• Each time you briefly
press button 1 on the left han-
dlebar fitting, you step from
one function to the next in the
following sequence:
– A Total distance covered
– B Tripmeter reading 1
– C Tripmeter reading 2
– D Residual range

Residual range

This reading appears only when
the fuel level drops to reserve.
The range is estimated on the
basis of style of riding and taking
the remaining supply of available
fuel into account.
If the motorcycle is resting on its
side stand the level in the tank
cannot be measured correctly,
so this estimate of residual oper­ating range will be inaccurate.
The display shows residual range
in km or miles (depending on the
national-market version). Also
observe the reading of fuel-level
gauge 2 (
The Tripmaster registers that you
have refueled when approxi­mately 3.2 qt (3 liters) have been
added.

b 19, 79).

Tripmaster

2

Resetting Tripmeter

– Only when the motorcycle is

at a standstill and the ignition
switched on, in other words
when the ignition key is in the
U position

• Repeatedly press button 1
(Trip) for less than 2 seconds
until
– B Tripmeter reading 1 Trip I

or
– C Tripmeter reading 2 Trip II
appears in the display

A

B

C

D

• Press button 1 (Trip) for longer
than 2 seconds

– Reading is reset to zero

13

35

Operation

Kill switch

3

36

Operation

Operating the kill switch

1

B

A

B

In an emergency only:

• Move switch 1 to the
B position

– The electrical circuits for the

electronic engine manage­ment system, instrument
panel, fuel pump and starter
motor are de-energized



If you move the kill switch to po­sition B while the ignition is on
(switch in the U position), the
BMW Integral ABS
operational (

OE

b 82-89).

remains

Heated handlebar grips

C

B

A

OE

13

37

1

Actuating heated handlebar grips



The grip heating is only active
with the engine running. The in­crease in power consumption
can drain the battery if you are
riding at low engine speeds.

Operation

• Operate switch for heated
handlebar grips 1

A Heating function OFF
B 50% (center position)
C 100%

Clock

1

3

38

Operation

Setting clock



Do not attempt to set the
clock unless the motorcycle
is at a standstill
–Risk of accident

• Ignition switch in the
U position

• Press button 1 for longer than
2 seconds, until the clock
enters set mode

– Hours reading 2 starts flash-

ing: briefly press button 1 to
set

2

3

• Press button 1 again for
longer than 2 seconds

– Minutes reading 3 starts

flashing: briefly press button 1
to set

• Press button 1 again for
longer than 2 seconds to exit
set mode

Set mode is automatically
exited if 20 seconds elapse
without the button being
pressed.

A

Windshield

1

Adjusting windshield



Always be sure to adjust clamp­ing screws 1 on left and right
symmetrically and hand-tighten
the screws.

• Slacking clamping screws 1
on left and right until the wind­shield can be adjusted

B



You can set the windshield to
any of six different positions.

• Move the windshield in the
A or B direction

• Carefully retighten clamping
screws 1 on left and right

13

39

Operation

Handlebar levers

3

40

1

Operation

-

Clutch lever, adjusting

+



Sudden changes in the amount
of play at the lever or a spongy
feeling when it is applied may
indicate a fault in the hydraulic
system.
If you are doubtful about the re­liability of the hydraulic clutch
operating system consult a
specialized workshop,
preferably an authorized BMW
Motorrad retailer.



Do not attempt to turn adjust­ing screw 1 while riding the
motorcycle.

• Turn adjusting screw 1 to set
the most comfortable span:

– Turn clockwise: to increase

span

– Turn counter-clockwise:

to reduce span

Handlebar levers

1

13

41

Operation

Adjusting handbrake lever



Do not attempt to turn adjust­ing screw 1 while riding the
motorcycle.

• Turn adjusting screw 1 to set
the most comfortable span:

-

– Turn clockwise: to increase

span

– Turn counter-clockwise: to

reduce span

+

3

42

Operation

Lights

Switching on parking light



You can switch on the parking
light only immediately after
switching off the ignition, when
the ignition key is in the

V position.

Switching on low-beam head light

The low-beam head light
switches on automatically when
you start the engine.

• Switch off the ignition

• Press left turn indicator switch
– The parking light is on

Switching off the parking light

• Switch the ignition on and off
again
– The parking light is off

Lights

1

Checking lights



Always check that all lights are
in full working order before
riding off.



If turn indicator repeater flashes
at twice the usual speed:
Defective flasher bulb.
Similarly, general warning

e and warning indicator

light

7 in the multifunction dis-

play (

b 19) both light up notify

you if a bulb fails.

2

3

1 Low-beam head light
2 High-beam headlight
3 Parking light

For instructions on changing
bulbs for parking light, high­beam/low-beam head lights,
rear light, brake light and flash­ing turn indicators, (

b 133-139).

13

43

Operation

Lights

3

44

Operation

Headlight setting RHD/ LHD traffic

If the motorcycle is ridden in a
country where the opposite rule
of the road applies, its asym­metric low beam will tend to
dazzle oncoming traffic.
Consult a specialized work­shop, preferably an authorized
BMW motorcycle retailer, to
have the headlight adjusted to
suit whichever rule of the road
applies.



Adhesive films with unsuitable
adhesives can damage the
headlight lens.

Headlight beam throw adjustment



Headlight beam throw is kept
constant when spring preload is
adjusted to suit load.
For instructions on adjusting
spring-strut and shock­absorber settings to suit load,

b 50-52).

(
Consult a specialized work­shop, preferably an authorized
BMW motorcycle retailer, if you
are unsure whether the head­light basic setting is correct.

1

Lights

13

45

B

Headlight setting with motorcycle heavily loaded

Only if the load carried on the
motorcycle is very high, the
headlight beam can also be
lowered by moving pivot
lever 1. This shortens the beam
throw.

A

Operation

Pivot lever 1:

A = neutral position
B = high load

3

46

Seat

B

A

Operation

Removing seat



You must remove the rear seat
before the front seat can be
removed.
If it is difficult to turn the key in
direction A, apply firm pressure
on the driver’s seat for support.

• Turn the key in the seat lock
to position B

• Remove the rear seat

• Turn the key in the seat lock
to position A

• Pull front seat to the rear and
remove.

– Toolkit, Rider's Manual and

battery are accessible

A

B

1

Adjusting seat

A

B

Seat

2

13

47

Operation



Front and rear retainers 1 and 2
for height adjustment must al­ways both be set to the same
height. Never set retainer 1 to
the high position and retainer 2
to the low position, or vice
versa.

• Remove the rear seat

• Remove the front seat and
turn it upside down

The front seat can be set to
either of two positions by
means of retainers 1 and 2:

A = high
B = low

Seat

3

48

Operation

Installing seat



When installing, make sure
that front and rear seats are
firmly located.

2

1

3



Toolkit must be packed as flat
as possible.

• Set the front seat to the
desired height (

• Slide the front seat into front
lock 1 and press firmly on the
seat to secure it

b 47)

• Engage the rear seat in rear
retainers 3 first, and then in
front retainers 2

• Press firmly to engage the
seat

Adjusting mirrors

Simply turn the mirrors to adjust
them:

• Grip the mirror by the edge of
the glass and

• turn it to the desired position

Mirrors

1

13

49

2

Operation

Adjusting mirror arms

In order to improve ergonomics
or if a mirror arm has worked
loose:

• Push back protective cap 1
on the threaded fastener of
the left or right mirror arm, as
applicable

• Loose union nut 2

• Turn the left or right mirror
arm to the desired position

• Retighten union nut 2

• Pull protective cap 1 back into
position concealing the
threaded fastener

Spring preload

3

50

A

Operation



Before starting off, adjust
spring preload to suit the sur­face on which you intend
riding.
Check and correct the tire
pressures (b 53).

Adjusting spring preload of front wheel

• Make sure the ground is level
and firm and lift the motorcy­cle onto its main stand

B

• Adjust preload of spring to a
stage between 1 and 9:
3rd stage – paved road
5th stage – loose gravel or

similar

9th stage – off-road

Fine-tune the setting in accor­dance with your personal
preferences.



Stage 1:
Turn all the way in the direction
indicated by A
Stage 9:
Turn all the way in the direction
indicated by B

1

H



Before starting off, adjust
spring preload to suit the
gross weight of the motorcy­cle and the surface on which
you intend riding.
Check and correct the tire
pressures (
For safety reasons, never at­tempt to alter spring preload
while the motorcycle is being
ridden.
Always bring the motorcycle
to a stop before adjusting.

b 53).

Spring preload

13

51

L

Operation

Adjusting spring preload of rear wheel

LOW setting (one-up):

•Turn knob1 as far as it will go
counter-clockwise in LOW
direction (L) as indicated by
arrow.

• Then turn it ten clicks clock­wise

HIGH setting (for off-road use,
or two-up with luggage)

•Turn knob1 as far as it will go
clockwise in HIGH direction
(H) as indicated by arrow.

Fine-tune the setting in accor­dance with your personal
preferences.

Shock-absorber adjustment

3

52

1

Operation

Basic setting (one-up):

• Turn adjusting screw 1 as far as



Before starting the journey,
adjust the shock absorber to
match total weight.
If spring preload is changed,
it is essential to adjust the
shock-absorber setting ac­cordingly (and vice versa).

• Make sure the ground is level
and firm and lift the motorcy­cle onto its main stand

• Adjust the rear shock
absorber

• Turn adjusting screw 1 one

Hard setting “H”:

• Turn adjusting screw 1 as far

Soft setting “S”:

• Turn adjusting screw 1 as far

it will go clockwise in the direc­tion indicated by the H arrow

and a half turns counter­clockwise in the direction
indicated by the S arrow

as it will go clockwise in the
direction indicated by the
H arrow

as it will go counter-clockwise
in the direction indicated by
the S arrow

Checking tire pressures



Incorrect tire pressures have
a considerable influence on
handling and on tire life.
Adjust tire pressures to suit
total weight. Never exceed ei­ther the motorcycle’s gross
weight or the individual wheel
load limits (b 55).

Tires cold:

• Unscrew and remove valve
cap

• Check/correct tire pressure

• Screw the valve caps back on
tightly

Wheels

Tire pressures for
road tires and massive-bar
tires:

front rear

One-up 31.9 psi 36.3 psi

(2.2 bar) (2.5 bar)
Two-up or
luggage 36.3 psi 42 psi

(2.5 bar) (2.9 bar)
passenger and
luggage 36.3 psi 42 psi

(2.5 bar) (2.9 bar)

Screw the valve caps back on tightly



At high road speeds, tire
valves have a tendency to
open as a result of centrifugal
force.
Use only metal valve caps
with rubber seals.
Valve caps that are screwed
on well prevent air from es­caping suddenly.

13

53

Operation

Loading

3

54

Operation

Correct loading



Overloading can impair the
handling of your motorcycle.

• Make sure that the weight is
uniformly distributed between
right and left

• Pack heavy items at the bot­tom and toward the inboard
side

• Maximum load in each case
left and right:
approx. 22 lbs (10 kg)

• Maximum load in tank-top
rucksack
max. approx. 11 lbs (5 kg)
each

• Check that fastenings are
correctly positioned and tight

OA

and topcase



OA

With cases installed, it is ad­visable not to exceed 80 mph
(130 km/h).

OA



Do not exceed the gross weight
limit of 937 lbs (425 kg)
Do not exceed the wheel load
limits of 375 lbs (170 kg) at the
front and 617 lbs (280 kg) at the
rear.
Adjust shock absorbers front
and rear, rear-wheel spring and
tire pressures to suit total
weight (
The total weight is the sum of:
– motorcycle with full tank
–rider
–passenger
– luggage

b 50-, 53).

Loading

13

55

Operation

Shift lever

3

56

Operation



For safety reasons, do not at­tempt to change the position
of the shift lever.

If you would like settings
changed to suit your personal
preferences, please contact a
specialized workshop, prefera­bly your authorized BMW
motorcycle retailer.

Safety instructions

Checklist

First time out

Before you start

Starting

Running in

Shifting gear

Off-road riding

Parking

Refueling

4

57

Riding

Brake system - general

Safety instructions

4

58

Riding

BMW Integral ABS

Motorcycle equipped with
BMW Integral ABS (

OE

b 82-89)

Risk of poisoning

Exhaust fumes contain carbon
monoxide, which is colorless
and odorless but highly toxic.



Inhaling exhaust fumes there­fore represents a health haz­ard and can even cause loss
of consciousness with fatal
consequences.
Do not run the engine in an
enclosed space.



When the ignition is switched
off or if the BMW Integral ABS
fails, only a RESIDUAL BRAK­ING FUNCTION remains
available for slowing the
motorcycle (
Under these circumstances
you must apply CONSIDER­ABLY higher pressure to the
brake levers in order to apply
the brakes, and lever travel is
longer.

b 85).

Risk of fatal accident

Your motorcycle is equipped
with digital engine electronics
and a high-power ignition
system.



When the engine is running or
the ignition switched on, nev­er touch electrically live parts
of the ignition system or the
digital engine electronics.

Catalytic converter

Safety instructions

4

59



To avoid damage to the cata­lytic converter:

• Do not run the fuel tank dry

• Do not run the engine with a
spark-plug lead disconnected

• Do not exceed the engine­speed limits marked on the
tachometer

• Comply with all specified
maintenance intervals

• Stop the engine at once if it is
misfiring

• In the event of misfiring or a
severe drop in engine power,
consult a specialized work­shop, preferably an autho­rized BMW Motorrad retailer.

If misfiring or malfunction of the
fuel-air mixture preparation sys­tem causes unburned fuel to
reach the catalytic converter,
there is a risk of it overheating
and being damaged.

Riding

Risk of fire

High temperatures occur at the
exhaust system, particularly if a
catalytic converter is installed.



Make sure that whether riding
or standing still or when the
motorcycle is parked, no eas­ily flammable material
(for example hay, grass,
leaves, clothing or luggage
etc.) can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system.
Do not allow the engine to
idle unnecessarily or for pro­longed periods of time
– risk of overheating or fire!
Ride away immediately after
starting the engine.

Checklist

4

60

Riding

Use the safety checklist – before every journey

Please perform the safety
check accurately. If your motor­cycle needs any routine mainte­nance, you may be able to
attend to it before the journey
starts, see the chapter entitled
Maintenance in this manual, or
you can have it performed by a
specialized workshop, prefera­bly your authorized BMW
Motorrad retailer.

This is to ensure that your
motorcycle complies with road­vehicle use and safety laws.
Your vehicle must be in perfect
technical order: this is a basic
prerequisite for your safety and
the safety of other road users.

Checklist

– Fuel level
– Positions of the handlebar

levers

–Brakes
– Brake fluid level
– Clutch fluid level
– Warning lights and indicator

lights

–Lights
– Shock-absorber setting and

spring preload

– Condition of wheels and tires,

tread depth and tire pres­sures

– Load, gross weight
– Check secure hold of luggage

system

Checklist

4

61

Riding

– Check regularly (every time

you stop for fuel):
– Engine oil level
(every second/third stop for
fuel):
– Brake pads

If you encounter any problems
or difficulties, it is always best to
contact your authorized BMW
motorcycle retailer. He will pro­vide the necessary advice and
assistance.

First time out

4

62

Riding

Handling your motorcycle safely

Each motorcycle has a charac­ter all its own. It is time now for
you to familiarize yourself with
the way your own motorcycle
behaves:
– acceleration
– roadholding
–cornering
–braking …

These are all things you need to
become familiar with.
Please remember too that if the
motorcycle has not yet covered
1,000 kilometers
(approx. 600 miles), the engine
is not yet fully run in.



BMW Integral ABSOE incorpo­rates a brake booster, so brak­ing efficiency is significantly
higher than with conventional
brake systems.

If you ride at high speed, always
bear in mind that various
boundary conditions such as
the spring preload setting and
the shock absorber setting, an
unbalanced luggage load,
loose clothing, low tire pres­sure, poor tire tread, and so on,
can affect the handling of your
motorcycle.

First time out

4

63

Riding

Safe motorcycling doesn’t
depend on the motorcycle
alone.
Your own skill and common­sense are needed too.
The key to genuine safety on
the road is a sensible balance
between the motorcycle’s tech­nical features and the rider’s
skill, so that together they form
a single efficient unit.
Riding safely in traffic and off­road calls for a sense of
responsibility to your passenger
and to other road users.



Do not ride the motorcycle af­ter drinking alcoholic bever­ages. Even small amounts of
alcohol or drugs, particularly
if taken in conjunction with
medicines, will adversely af­fect your perception and your
ability to assess situations
and make decisions, and also
slow down your reflexes.

Take to the road now by all
means, but think carefully about
everything you do.

Before you start

4

64

A

Riding

Predrive check

A predrive check is performed
when you switch on the ignition,
in other words when the ignition
switch is in the
the warning lights come on
briefly and then go out again.
The multifunction display
shows the following in the order
in which they are described
below:
–Phase1, A, with General

warning light

–Phase2, B, with General

warning light

–Phase3, C, without General

warning light e

U position. All

e red

e yellow and

B

C

Once the predrive check com­pletes, the various gauges and
indicators in the instrument
panel show their current values.



The predrive check is aborted if
you start the engine before it
completes.

ABS self-diagnosis

If the motorcycle is fitted with
BMW Integral ABS
performs self-diagnosis (

OE

, the ABS

b 86).

B

Before you start

A

1

Switching on the ignition

• See the notes on the electronic
immobilizer (EWS) (

– Move the kill switch 1 to the

run position A

• Ignition switch in the

b 30)

U position

– Predrive check is performed
– ABS self-diagnosis is

performed



OE

ABS

self-diagnosis is not
performed unless both brake
levers are in their fully re­leased positions.
Only the RESIDUAL BRAKING
FUNCTION is available until
self-diagnosis is completed
(b 85).

B



Starting on gradients:
Always switch on the ignition
with gear engaged, clutch lever
released and both brake levers
released.
Self-diagnosis cannot be per­formed if you do not follow this
procedure.
When self-diagnosis com­pletes, apply the brakes, disen­gage the clutch, and start the
engine.

4

65

Riding

Before you start

4

66

Riding

1

2

Fully retract side stand



If the side stand is extended
and a gear engaged, you can­not start the motorcycle.

Selecting neutral

– Neutral indicator light 1

k lights up and gear

green

indicator 2 in the multifunc­tion display shows 0.



Engine does not start:
– Move the gear lever to the

position or

– Do not pull the clutch lever

until after you switch on the

ignition
Engine stops when first gear is
engaged:
– Fully retract the side stand; if

necessary consult the trou-

bleshooting chart (

b 109)

k

Starting

Starting



Do not allow the engine to idle
unnecessarily or for prolonged
periods of time
— risk of overheating or fire.
Ride away immediately after
starting the engine.
To avoid overheating the air­cooled engine and possible
damage as a result, avoid even
short warming-up periods at a
standstill.
Avoid high engine speeds after
a cold start.



The start attempt is automati­cally interrupted if battery volt­age is too low.
Before trying again: recharge
the battery.

1



Do not turn the throttle twistgrip
when starting the engine.
At ambient temperatures below
32 °F (0 °C), switch on the igni­tion and pull the lever to disen­gage the clutch when starting
the engine.

• Press starter pushbutton 1
– The engine will then start

• Observe instruments and dis­play for warnings and infor­mation (

b 20-25)

4

67

Riding

Running in

4

68

Riding



Exceeding the specified engine
speeds while running in will lead
to increased engine wear.

Running-in engine speeds

From 0 to 600 miles (1,000 km)

• Engine speed max. 4,000 rpm
and no full-load acceleration

• The first inspection should
always be performed after
approx. 300 to 700 miles (500
to 1,200 km).
Make an appointment with
your authorized BMW Motor­rad retailer in good time, so
that the work can be per­formed punctually.



While running in the motorcycle,
vary the throttle opening and
engine-speed range frequently.
Try to do most of your riding dur­ing this initial period on twisting,
fairly hilly roads rather than high­speed main roads and highways.

From 600 to 1,200 miles
(1,000 to 2,000 km)

• Engine speeds can be gradu­ally increased after 600 miles
(1,000 km)

• Avoid lengthy periods at full
load until approx. 1,200 miles
(2,000 km) have been
covered

Brake pads: running in



New brake pads must “bed
down” and therefore do not
achieve their optimum friction
levels during the first
300 miles (500 km).
This slight initial reduction in
braking efficiency can be
compensated for by exerting
greater pressure on the lever.
Try to avoid all unnecessary
hard braking during this initial
period.



Comply with the notes on
BMW Integral ABS
(b 82-89).

OE

Running in

4

69

Riding

Tires: running in



New tires have a smooth sur­face. This must be roughened
by riding in a restrained man­ner at various heel angles
until the tires are run in.
This running in procedure is
essential if the tires are to
achieve maximum grip.

Shifting gears

4

70

Riding

Load changes



Try not to open or close the
throttle abruptly, particularly
on wet or slippery roads.

1

Engine speed

Do not use the high end of the
engine-revolutions range in any
gear unless the engine is at
operating temperature
When the tachometer needle
enters the red zone on the dial,
the fuel supply is interrupted in
order to protect the engine
against over-revving.
The governor cuts in at
7,900 rpm.

Shifting gears

4

71

Riding

Shifting gears



Always disengage the clutch in
order to shift gear.



Digital gear indicator 1 in the
multifunction display tells you
which gear is engaged.

Off-road riding

4

72

Riding

Wheels and tires



If you lowered the pressure in
the tires for more traction
when riding off-road, remem­ber that you must immediate­ly reinflate the tires to the
correct pressures when you
return to paved roads (b 53).



This motorcycle is a touring En­duro machine, which means it
can also be used for light off­roading on unsurfaced tracks. If
you are contemplating heavy
off-road usage or long trips that
will involve a lot of off-road
riding, it is advisable to fit cross­spoked wheels
avoid damage to the cast-alu­minum rims of the standard
wheels.

OE

in order to

Dirt or mud on brakes



Dirt on the brake disks or
brake pads will increase the
braking distance.
The brakes must first be
applied until the disks and
pads are clean.
Dirt on the brakes increases
the rate of pad wear.

BMW Integral ABS

If you are riding off-road or on a
loose surface, you might prefer
to deactivate the ABS function.

b 88-89).

(

OE

Off-road riding

4

73

Riding

Spring preload



Adjust spring preload and the
shock-absorber settings before
you start off-roading.
Remember to reset spring pre­load and the shock absorbers
to the correct setting when
you return to paved roads
(b 50-52).

Parking

4

74

Riding

Placing motorcycle on side stand



For safety reasons, never sit
on the motorcycle with the
side stand extended.



Stop the engine before using
the side stand.
Make sure the surface under
the stand is firm.
On a grade, the motorcycle
should always face uphill;
select 1st gear.

• Switch off the ignition

• Pull the handbrake lever

• Hold the motorcycle upright
and balanced

• Use your left foot to extend
the side stand fully (arrow)

• Slowly lean the motorcycle to
the side until its weight is
taken by the stand and dis­mount from the motorcycle

• Turn the handlebars to full left

b 29)

lock (

• Check that the motorcycle is
firmly supported

Removing motorcycle from side stand

Parking

4

75

Riding



If the motorcycle is equipped
with BMW Integral ABS
RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNC­TION is available when the igni­tion is switched off (
Make sure the side stand is fully
retracted before you ride off.
– Allowing the motorcycle to

roll with the side stand
extended represents a
safety risk.

OE

b 85).

only a

• Ignition key in the
position
– Handlebars unlocked

• Both feet on the ground, no
weight on the motorcycle

• Pull the handbrake lever

• Slowly raise the motorcycle to
the upright position and keep
it balanced

• Sit on the motorcycle and use
your left foot to retract the
side stand

V or U

Parking

4

76

Riding

Placing motorcycle on main stand



For safety reasons, never sit
on the motorcycle with the
main stand extended.



Stop the engine before using
the main stand.
Make sure the surface under
the stand is firm.

A

B

• Switch off the ignition

• Hold the left handlebar grip
with your left hand

• Place your right hand on the
luggage rack A or on the rear
frame B

• Place your right foot on the
pin of the main stand, and
press the stand down until its
curved feet touch the ground

• Apply all your body weight to
the stand

• Pull the motorcycle to the rear
and upwards (arrow) until it
rests on the main stand

• Check that the motorcycle is
firmly supported

Parking

Removing motorcycle from main stand



Make sure the main stand is ful­ly retracted before you ride off.

• Ignition key in the V or U
position
– Handlebars unlocked

A

B

• Hold the left handlebar grip
with your left hand

• Place your right hand on the
luggage rack A or on the rear
frame B

• Push the motorcycle forward
off the main stand

• Check that the main stand
has fully retracted

4

77

Riding

Refueling

4

78

Riding

Refueling



Fuel is flammable and explo­sive. Do not smoke. Never
bring a naked flame near the
fuel tank.
Fuel expands when hot (for
instance if the fuel tank is in
the sun). For this reason, only
fill as far as the lower edge of
the filler neck.



Leaded fuel will destroy the cat­alytic converter.
Do not run the fuel tank dry or
you may damage the engine or
catalytic converter.
Fuel can damage plastic parts,
so make sure they are not
brought into contact with fuel.

• Make sure the ground is level
and firm and lift the motorcy­cle onto its main stand

• Open the fuel filler cap

• Refuel with fuel of the
approved quality

• Close the fuel filler cap

Fuel quality

The engine is designed for:
– Super unleaded gasoline

(95 RON) (AKI 90)
It is preferable to use this fuel
quality to comply with the nom­inal values for performance and
fuel consumption.
In addition, the following fuel
quality can also be used:
– Super Plus gasoline

(98 RON) (AKI 93)
The minimum quality is:
– Regular unleaded gasoline

(91 RON) (AKI 87)
It is recommended that gaso­line with a fuel quality lower than
(91 RON) (AKI 87) not be used

Refueling

1

Capacity



The fuel gauge in the multifunc­tion display works only when the
ignition is switched on, in other
words when the ignition key is in

U position.

the
– Usable tank capacity is 5.3

gal (20 liters), including a
reserve of approximately
1 gal (4 liters)



When the reserve area is reached,
the symbol 1 flashes and the
turns yellow. At this point there are
about 1 gal (4 liters) of fuel left in
the tank. The estimated residual
operating range appears on the
Tripmaster's display.

e

4

79

Riding

Brake system - general

4

80

Riding

Descending mountain passes



There is a danger of the brakes
fading if you use only the rear
brakes when descending
mountain passes. Under ex­treme conditions, the brakes
could overheat and suffer se­vere damage.

Wet brakes

After the motorcycle has been
washed, ridden through water
or ridden in the rain, the brake
disks and pads may be wet (or
iced-over in winter), and may
not take effect immediately.



The brakes have to dry be­fore they start to bite.

Salt on brakes

The brakes may fail to take
effect immediately if the motor­cycle was ridden on salt-cov­ered roads and the brakes were
not applied for some time.



The layer of salt on the brake
disks and pads must first be
worn away.

Brake system - general

Oil and grease on brakes



Brake disks and pads must be
free from oil and grease.

Dirt or mud on brakes

When riding on loose surfaces
or muddy roads, the brakes
may fail to take effect immedi­ately because of dirt or mois­ture on the disks or brake pads.



The brakes must first be
applied until the disks and
pads are clean.
Dirt on the brakes increases
the rate of pad wear.

4

81

Riding



If the brake lever can be moved
right to the limit of its travel, this
indicates a mechanical or hy­draulic fault. The brake system is
defective.
Immediately consult a special­ized workshop, preferably an
authorized BMW Motorrad
retailer.

Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS

OE

4

82

Riding



If ABS indicator light 1 or 2
lights up, consult the
ABS troubleshooting table
(b 24-25).

Sensitive electronic control

It takes skill and sensitive con­trol of the brakes to pull up
safely on a motorcycle. If the
front wheel brake locks and the
wheel skids, the necessary lon­gitudinal and lateral stabilizing
forces are lost, and a fall can
result.
For this reason, the rider sel­dom makes full use of available
braking performance in an
emergency.

1

BMW Integral ABS is the latest­generation BMW Motorrad ABS
development: by preventing
both wheels from locking and
optimizing braking-force distri­bution by means of the integral
function, it offers much
improved braking performance

b 84). Full use is made of tech-

(
nical braking capacity to mini­mize braking distances, even
when road conditions are poor.
When the motorcycle is ridden
in a straight line, the BMW Inte­gral ABS is able to handle
emergency braking safely.

2

Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS

Safety margin

But remember: the potentially
shorter braking distances
which BMW Integral ABS
mits must not be used as an
excuse for careless riding. ABS
is primarily a means of ensuring
a safety margin in genuine
emergencies.
– You have to familiarize your-

self with the new, electroni-

cally assisted braking. Try the

brakes several times when

you take your motorcycle out

for the first time. Find out for

yourself how the brakes feel.

per-

– Take care when cornering.

When you apply the brakes on
a corner, the motorcycle's
weight and momentum take
over and even BMW Integral
ABS is unable to counteract
their effects.

OE

4

83

Riding

Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS

4

84

Riding

Partially integral brakes

The integral brake function
interlinks the front and rear
brakes, so both wheels are
braked when you operate the
brake lever.
The electronic controller in the
BMW Integral ABS computes
the braking-force distribution
between the front and rear
wheels, and applies the brakes
accordingly.
Braking-force distribution
depends on load and is recal­culated every time the ABS
controller comes into action.
In this partially integral brake
configuration, the integral brak­ing function is activated only
when you pull the handbrake
lever. The footbrake lever acts
only on the rear brake.

Brake booster

The hydraulic pump in the BMW
Integral ABS actively boosts the
braking force acting on the
wheel when the brakes are
applied.
By boosting the braking force in
this way, BMW Integral ABS
achieves higher braking effi­ciency than standard brake
systems.

ABS anti-lock brake system

ABS prevents the wheels lock­ing under heavy braking, thus
contributing significantly to
road safety.

OE

Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS

RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION

If the BMW Integral ABS develops
a fault, only a RESIDUAL BRAK­ING FUNCTION is available in the
brake circuits in question.
The RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNC­TION is the braking efficiency
without the hydraulic servo assis­tance of the BMW Integral ABS.
Under these circumstances,
therefore, you must apply CON­SIDERABLY higher pressure to
the brake levers in question in
order to apply the brakes, and
lever travel is longer.
When the RESIDUAL BRAKING
FUNCTION is active, the ABS
function is unavailable in the
brake system in question.
When the RESIDUAL BRAKING
FUNCTION is active, the integral
braking function is partially or
entirely unavailable.



When the RESIDUAL BRAKING
FUNCTION is active at the front
wheel, it is advisable to set the
adjuster in such a way as to
permit maximum movement of
the handbrake lever (

The RESIDUAL BRAKING
FUNCTION is active under the
following circumstances:
– Ignition off
– Before and during

self-diagnosis (

– Fault in the BMW Integral ABS

b 24-25)

(

b 41).

b 86)



When the RESIDUAL BRAKING
FUNCTION is active, maintain a
defensive riding style and pro­ceed immediately to the near­est specialized workshop,
preferably an authorized BMW
Motorrad retailer.



When the RESIDUAL BRAKING
FUNCTION is active for both
brake circuits, the noise of the
pump is no longer audible when
you operate the brake levers.

OE

4

85

Riding

Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS

OE

4

86

Riding

Self-diagnosis with pull-away test

The BMW Integral ABS per­forms self-diagnosis and a
pull-away test to ensure its
operability.
Self-diagnosis is performed
automatically when you switch
on the ignition.



Self-diagnosis is not per­formed unless both brake le­vers are in their fully released
positions.
Only the RESIDUAL BRAKING
FUNCTION is available until
self-diagnosis is completed
(b 85).

1

• Release the brake levers, if
necessary

• Switch on the ignition

Initially:
– ABS warning light 2:

flashes at 4 Hz

– General warning light 1:

ON

b Self-diagnosis is in

Then:
– ABS warning light 2:

flashes at 1 Hz

– General warning light 1:

OFF

b Self-diagnosis successfully

2

progress

completed

Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS

•Start the engine.

• Move off
– ABS warning light 1:

OFF (as of approx. 3 mph
(5 km/h) road speed)

b Pull-away test successfully

completed

b BMW Integral ABS

is available



Flashing at 1 Hz = 1 flash per
second (slow flashing)
Flashing at 4 Hz = 4 flashes per
second (fast flashing)



Starting on gradients:
Always switch on the ignition
with gear engaged, clutch lever
released and both brake levers
released.
Self-diagnosis cannot be per­formed if you do not follow this
procedure.
When self-diagnosis com­pletes, apply the brakes, disen­gage the clutch, and start the
engine.

OE

4

87

Riding

Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS

4

88

Riding

Deactivating ABS



Never switch the ignition off
and on unless the motorcycle
is at a standstill.
Brake boost and the integral
function remain operational,

Off-road deactivation

In contrast to road riding, when
BMW Integral ABS should
always be active in order to pre­vent wheel lock and a resulting
accident, it may be desirable to
dispense with ABS when riding
off-road or on a loose surface.
This is the reason why the ABS
function of BMW Integral ABS
can be deactivated.

even if the ABS function is de­activated.



The ABS function is reactivated
once the self-diagnosis routine
has completed successfully af­ter you switch off the ignition
and switch it on again with the
motorcycle at a standstill.

OE

Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS

1

2



When the ABS function is
deactivated – as indicated by
the ABS warning light 1 – the
safety reserves normally
offered by the anti-lock brak­ing system are not available
until the ABS function is
reactivated.
There is a risk of dropping the
motorcycle if the brakes are
applied too hard and the front
wheel locks or the rear wheel
lifts clear of the ground as a
result of a high level of front
tire adhesion.

– With the motorcycle at a

standstill, switch off the
ignition

• Press and hold down ABS
button 2

• Switch on the ignition

• Release ABS button 2

– ABS warning light 1 remains

ON

– The ABS function is

deactivated

– Warning light 1 remains per-

manently on to remind you
that ABS has been
deactivated

OE

4

89

Riding

4

90

Riding

General instructions

12 V sockets

15

91

Accessories

Luggage system

General instructions

5

92

Accessories



BMW accessories and BMW­approved products can be
obtained from your authorized
BMW Motorrad retailer.



BMW cannot examine or test
each product of outside origin
on the accessories and tires
market to ensure that it can
be used on or in connection
with BMW motorcycles with­out constituting a safety haz­ard. Even approval by an
official inspection authority or
an official permit (General Op­erating Permit) cannot always
provide this guarantee. Tests
conducted by these instanc­es cannot make provision for
all operating conditions expe­rienced by BMW motorcycles
and consequently, they are
not sufficient in some
circumstances.

1

Sockets

The on-board sockets 1 and

OA

2

and the plug for optional
accessories have a combined
maximum rating of 5 A. Socket

OA

is intended solely for acces-

2

sories mounted in the cockpit
or secured to the handlebars,
for example GPS, Roadbook,
Tripmaster etc.



The supply to the sockets is
switched off automatically if
battery voltage is low or the
load exceeds the maximum
rating.

12 V sockets

2

Operating electrical accessories



You can start using electrical
accessories only when the igni­tion is switched on, in other
words when the ignition key is

U position. The acces-

in the
sory remains operational if the
ignition is subsequently
switched off.
Approx. 15 minutes after the
ignition is switched off and/or
during starting, the on-board
sockets are switched off to
reduce the load on the on­board electrical system.

15

93

Accessories

12 V sockets

5

94

Accessories

Wiring



Have the wiring installed by a
specialized workshop, prefera­bly an authorized
BMW Motorrad retailer.



The wiring must be installed
in such a way that the cable(s)
– do not impede the rider
– do not restrict or impede

movement of the handle­bars and/or handling

– cannot be trapped

Luggage system

2

1



After an accident or if the
motorcycle has fallen over,
check the system cases for
firm seating.
Max. load per system case:
22 lbs (10 kg).
With system cases installed, it
is advisable not to exceed 80
mph (130 km/h).

Opening system cases

• Turn the key in the case lock

to position A

OA

15

95

3

4

A

Accessories

•Release latch1 by pressing in
the direction indicated by the
arrow

• Hold down latch 1 and pull up
carrying handle 2
– Yellow rocker switch 3 and

red lever 4 are accessible

• Press ribbed part of yellow
rocker switch 3

• Hold the rocker switch down
and open the lid of the case

Luggage system

5

96

B

C

1

Accessories

Closing system case



Before closing the carrying han­dle, make sure that the case
lock is in position A.
Risk of breaking the locking
tongue.

• Turn the key in the case lock
to position A (

• Lift the lid and push it closed
until the two hooks 2 at the
sides engage with an audible
click.

• Fold down the carrying
handle

• Lock the case and remove the
key

b 97)

2

OA

Changing case volume



Pivot lever 1 enables you to
change the volume of the case.

• Open the system case

• Take everything out of the
system case

• Turn pivot lever 1 to change
the volume of the case

Turn pivot lever 1 into end
position B:

– Case set to low volume

Turn pivot lever 1 into end
position C:

– Case set to high volume

Luggage system

1

3

15

97

2

A

Installing system case

OA



When attaching, make sure
that the case is retained
securely.
An incorrectly secured case
could be lost and endanger
other road users.

• Fold up carrying handle 3

• Pull up red lever 4 to unlock
latching flap 1

4

• Pull latching flap 1 fully open

• Hold the case straight and
lower it into the two top
holders

• Push down latching flap 1
until window 2 turns black

Accessories

Luggage system

5

98

1

Accessories



Mushroom head 1 must be ad­justed accordingly if the case
sits loose or refuses to latch.

2

•Turn red lever 7 (
while pressing on the latching
flap 3
– Latching flap 3

b 99) engages

(

• Engage locking lever 2 in the
holder and close it

• Check the security of the
case

• Fold carrying handle (
down

•Lock the case and remove the
key

b 99) down

b 99)