BMW R 1200 GS 2006 Owner's Manual

4 (2)

Rider's Manual (US-Model)

R 1200 GS

BMW Motorrad

The Ultimate Riding

Machine

Motorcycle/Retailer Data

Motorcycle data

Model

Vehicle Identification Number

Color number

First registration

Registration number

Retailer Data

Contact in Service

Ms./Mr.

Phone number

Retailer's address/phone number (company stamp)

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. Please read this Rider's Manual carefully before starting

to use your new BMW 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.

In addition, it contains information on maintenance and care to help you maintain your motorcycle's reliability and safety, as well as its value.

If you have questions concerning your motorcycle, your

authorized BMW Motorrad retailer will gladly provide advice and assistance.

We wish you many miles of safe and enjoyable riding

BMW Motorrad.

Table of Contents

You can also use the index at		3 Status indicators . . . . .	21	Odometer and
the end of this Rider's Manual		Multifunction display . . . . .	22	tripmeters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
to find a specific topic.		Warning and indicator		Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	46
1 General instructions . . .	5	lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22	Tire Pressure Control
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	6	ABS warning lightOE . . . . .	22	TPCOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
Abbreviations and		Function indicators . . . . . .	22	Onboard computerOE . . . .	48
symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	6	General warning		BMW Motorrad Integral
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7	indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	23	ABSOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51
Technical data . . . . . . . . . . .	7	Warning indicators of Tire		Automatic Stability Control
Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7	Pressure Control		ASCOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	52
2 Overviews . . . . . . . . . . . . .	9	TPCOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30	Emergency ON/OFF	54
General view, left side	11	ABS warning		switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
General view, left side	11	indicatorsOE	34	Heated hand gripsOE . . . . .	55
General view, right		indicatorsOE	34	Heated hand gripsOE . . . . .	55
side	13	ASC warning		. . . . .Adjusting windshield	56
side	13	indicatorsOE	36	Clutch	56
Underneath seat . . . . . . . . .	15	indicatorsOE	36	Clutch	56
Left handlebar fitting . . . . .	16	. . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Operation	41	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brakes	57
Handlebar fitting, right	17	Ignition switch and		Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	57
Handlebar fitting, right	17	Ignition switch and		Headlight	58
Instrument cluster . . . . . . .	18	steering lock . . . . . . . . . . . .	42	Headlight	58
Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	19	Electronic immobilizer		Turn indicators . . . . . . . . . .	59
		EWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43	Front and rear seats . . . . .	61
		Hazard warning		Helmet holder . . . . . . . . . . .	63
		flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44	Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
				Spring preload . . . . . . . . . .	64
				Shock absorbers . . . . . . . .	65

Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	66	7 Maintenance . . . . . . . . .	95	Storing motorcycle . . . . .	128
5 Riding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	69	General instructions . . . . .	96	Returning motorcycle to	129
Safety instructions	70	Toolkit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	96	use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	129
Safety instructions	70	Engine oil	97	9 Technical data	131
Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	72	Engine oil	97	9 Technical data	131
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	72	General brake system . . . .	98	Troubleshooting
Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75	Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	99	chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	132
Driving offroad . . . . . . . . . . .	76	Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . .	101	Threaded fasteners . . . . .	133
Parking your		Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	103	Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	134
motorcycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76	Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	104	Riding specifications . . . .	137
Refueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	78	Rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	104	Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	137
Tire Pressure Control		Wheels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	105	Transmission . . . . . . . . . . .	137
TPCOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80	Front wheel stand . . . . . .	110	Rear-wheel drive . . . . . . .	138
General brake system . . . .	80	Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	112	Running gear . . . . . . . . . . .	138
Brake system with BMW		Air filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	117	Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	139
Motorrad Integral		Jump starting . . . . . . . . . .	120	Wheels and tires . . . . . . . .	139
ABSOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	81	Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	121	Electrical system . . . . . . .	140
Engine management with		8 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	125	Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
BMW Motorrad ASCOE . . .	84	Care products . . . . . . . . . .	126	Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
6 Accessories . . . . . . . . . .	87	Washing your		Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	143
General instructions . . . . .	88	motorcycle . . . . . . . . . . . . .	126
Onboard socket . . . . . . . . .	88	Cleaning sensitive
Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	89	motorcycle parts . . . . . . .	127
CaseOA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	89	Paint care . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	128
Luggage rack . . . . . . . . . . .	92	Protective wax
		coating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	128

10 Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

BMW Motorrad

service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 BMW Motorrad service

quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 BMW Motorrad Service

Card - On-the-spot breakdown

assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 BMW Motorrad service network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Maintenance work . . . . . . 147 Maintenance

schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Confirmation of

maintenance work . . . . . . 149 Confirmation of

service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

General instructions

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Abbreviations and symbols . . . . . . 6 Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

instructionsGeneralz

zinstructionsGeneral

Overview

Chapter 2 of this Rider's Manual will provide you with an initial overview of your motorcycle. All maintenance and repair work carried out on your motorcycle will be documented in Chapter 10. Proof of the maintenance work performed is a prerequisite for generous treatment of claims. Should you want to sell your BMW one day, please also remember to turn over the Rider's Manual to the new owner; it is an important part of your motorcycle.

Abbreviations and symbols

Indicates warnings you should always observe

to ensure your own safety, the safety of others and to

protect your motorcycle from damage.

Special information on operating and inspecting

your motorcycle as well as maintenance and adjustment procedures.

Indicates the end of a note.

Instruction to take action.

Results of an action.

Reference to a page with additional information.

Indicates the end of accessory or

equipment-dependent information.

Tightening torque.

	Technical data.
OE	Optional equipment
	BMW equipment avail-
	able only as a factory
	installed option.
OA	Optional accessories
	BMW optional acces-
	sories can be pur-
	chased and installed
	at your authorized
	BMW Motorrad retail-
	er.

EWS Electronic immobilizer.

DWA Anti-theft alarm.

ABS Anti-Lock Brake Sys-

tem.

ASC Automatic Stability

Control.

TPC Tire Pressure Control.

Equipment

When you ordered your BMW motorcycle, you chose various items of custom equipment. This Rider's Manual describes optional equipment (OE) offered by BMW and selected optional accessories (OA). This explains why the manual may also contain descriptions of equipment which you have not ordered. Please note, too, that your motorcycle might not be exactly as illustrated in this manual on account of country-specific differences.

If your BMW is equipped with options or accessories not described in this Rider's Manual, then this equipment is described in a separate operating manual.

Technical data

All dimensions, weights and outputs in the Rider's Manual refer to the Deutsche Institut für Normung e. V. (DIN) and comply with its tolerance regulations. Versions for individual countries may differ.

Currency

The high safety and quality standards of BMW motorcycles are maintained by constant development work on designs, equipment and accessories. Because of this, your motorcycle may differ from the information supplied in the Rider's Manual. In addition, BMW Motorrad cannot guarantee the total absence of errors. We hope you will appreciate that no claims can be entertained on the basis of

the data, illustrations or descriptions in this manual.

instructionsGeneralz

zinstructionsGeneral

Overviews

General view, left side . . . . . . . . . 11 General view, right side . . . . . . . . 13 Underneath seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Left handlebar fitting . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Handlebar fitting, right . . . . . . . . . 17 Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Overviewsz

zOverviews

General view, left side

1Adjusting front spring preload ( 64)

2Onboard socket (OA) ( 88)

3Adjustable windshield ( 56)

4Headlight range adjustment ( 59)

5Clutch fluid reservoir ( 103)

6Type plate

7Filler neck, engine oil ( 98)

8 Luggage rack ( 92)

9Seat lock ( 61)

10Onboard socket ( 88)

11Adjusting rear damping ( 65)

12Display for engine oil level ( 97)

Overviewsz

zOverviews

General view, right side

1Fill location for fuel ( 78)

2Brake-fluid reservoir, front ( 101)

3Vehicle Identification Number

4Air filter (under tank cover) ( 117)

5Adjuster, spring preload, rear ( 64)

6Brake-fluid reservoir, rear ( 102)

Overviewsz

zOverviews

Underneath seat

1Left and right helmet holder ( 63)

2 Battery ( 123)

3Toolkit ( 96)

4 Seat mount ( 62)

Overviewsz

2Left handlebar fitting

	1	Control, odometer
		( 45), Operation of
16		( 45), Operation of
		onboard computerOE
		onboard computerOE
		( 48)
	2	ASC buttonOE	( 53)
zOverviews	3	ABS buttonOE	( 51)
zOverviews	6	High-beam headlight
	4	Pushbutton, horn
	5	Left turn indicator button
		( 59), Hazard warning
		flashers button	( 44)

switch ( 58), Switch for headlight flasher

Handlebar fitting, right

1Emergency ON/OFF switch ( 54)

2Pushbutton, starter ( 72)

3Right turn indicator button ( 60), Hazard warning flashers button ( 44)

4Turn indicators off button ( 60), Hazard warn-

ing flashers off button ( 45)

5Heated hand grips switchOE ( 55)

Overviewsz

2Instrument cluster

	1	Speedometer
	2	Tachometer
18	2	Tachometer
	3	Warning and indicator
	3	Warning and indicator
		lights ( 23)
	4	Multifunction display
zOverviews		( 23)
zOverviews	5	( 45)
	5	Anti-theft alarm indicator
		light (OE) and sensor for
		instrument lighting
	6	Control, odometer

Headlight		2
1	Low-beam bulb	2
2	High-beam bulb	19
3	Parking-light bulb
		Overviewsz

zOverviews

Status indicators

Multifunction display. . . . . . . . . . . 22 Warning and indicator lights . . . 22 ABS warning lightOE . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Function indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 General warning indicators. . . . . 23

Warning indicators of Tire

Pressure Control TPCOE . . . . . . . 30 ABS warning indicatorsOE . . . . . . 34 ASC warning indicatorsOE . . . . . 36

indicatorsStatusz

zindicatorsStatus

Multifunction display

1Clock ( 46), Area for TPC displaysOE ( 47), Area for oil level informationOE ( 51)

2Area for warning symbols ( 23)

3Area for onboard computer displaysOE ( 48)

4 Gear indicator ( 23)

5Engine-oil temperature display ( 23)

6 Odometer display ( 45)

7Fuel level display (OE) ( 22)

Warning and indicator lights

1Indicator light, left turn indicator

2Indicator light, high-beam headlight

3 Warning light, general

4 Indicator light, neutral

5 ABS warning light (OE)

6Indicator light, right turn indicator

ABS warning lightOE

In some countries a different display of the ABS warning light is possible.

Possible country-depen- dent versions.

Function indicators

Fuel capacity (OE)

The horizontal bars under the gas pump sym-

bol indicated the remaining fuel quantity.

On motorcycles without an onboard computer, the upper cross bars are shown enlarged. As a result, the upper bar is equal to approximately half the possible tank volume, and the next bar approximately one-quarter. The remaining fuel tank volume is shown in greater detail with the smaller horizontal bars.

Gear

Engaged gear is indicated.

If no gear is engaged, the gear indicator displays N and the 'neutral' indicator light lights up.

Engine temperature

The lateral bars under the temperature symbol

show the engine temperature level.

ASC intervention (OE)

General warning light flashes rapidly in yellow.

ASC symbol lights up.

The ASC has detected instability at the rear wheel and has reduced the torque. The warning light flashes one second longer than the ASC intervention lasts. As a result,

the driver is provided with optical feedback on the regulation carried out even after the critical driving situation.

Offroad ASC intervention (OE)

General warning light flashes rapidly in yellow.

Offroad ASC symbol lights up.

The offroad ASC has detected instability at the rear wheel and has reduced the torque. The warning light flashes one second longer than the ASC intervention lasts. As a result, the driver is provided with optical feedback on the regulation carried out even after the critical driving situation.

General warning indicators

Display

General warnings are displayed by means of information and symbols in the multifunction display. In some cases, an additional general warning light lights up red or yellow. If several warnings are active, all corresponding indicator lights and warning

symbols are displayed. Warnings are shown alternately.

indicatorsStatusz

zindicatorsStatus

Overview of warning indicators
Display		Meaning

Lights up yellow	EWS! warning	Electronic immobilizer is active
	appears.	( 26)

Lights up yellow	FUEL! warning	Fuel down to reserve ( 26)
	appears.

Lights up yellow	Is indicated	Engine electronics ( 26)

Flashes in red	Is indicated	Engine oil pressure insufficient
		( 27)

	Displayed with	Engine oil level too low ( 27)
	CHECK OIL
	warning

Lights up red	Is indicated	Battery charge current insufficient
		( 28)

Lights up yellow	LAMPR! warning	Rear bulb defective	( 28)
	appears.

	LAMPF! warning	Front bulb defective	( 28)
	appears.

Lights up yellow	LAMPS! warning	Bulbs defective ( 29)
	appears.

Display		Meaning

	Is indicated	Ice warning (OE) ( 29)

	DWALO! warning	Anti-theft alarm battery (OE) weak
	appears	( 29)

Lights up yellow	DWA! warning	Anti-theft alarm battery (OE) dead
	appears.	( 30)

indicatorsStatusz

	Electronic	immobilizer is
3
	active
	General warning light

26
	lights up yellow.

	EWS! warning appears.

	The key being used is not au-
indicators	thorized for starting, or com-
	keys from the ignition key
	munication between the key
	and engine electronics is dis-
	rupted.
	Remove other motorcycle
zStatus	ring.
	Use the reserve key.
	Have the defective key re-
	placed, preferably by an

authorized BMW Motorrad retailer.

Fuel down to reserve

General warning light lights up yellow.

FUEL! warning appears.

A fuel shortage can lead to misfiring and to the

engine dying unexpectedly. Misfiring can damage the catalytic converter, and the engine dying unexpected can lead to accidents.

Do not drive until the fuel tank is completely empty.

The probable operating range is indicated.

At the most, the fuel tank still contains the reserve fuel quantity.

Reserve fuel quantity

1.1 gal (4 l)

Refueling ( 78)

Engine electronics

General warning light lights up yellow.

Engine electronics symbol is displayed.

The engine is in the

emergency operating mode. Only reduced engine performance may be available, which can lead to danger driving situations, especially during passing maneuvers.

Adapt your driving style to the possibly reduced engine performance.

The engine-electronics control unit has diagnosed a fault. In exceptional cases, the engine stops and can no longer be started. Otherwise, the engine runs in emergency operating mode.

Continued driving is possible, however the accustomed engine performance may not be available.

Have the malfunction corrected as soon as possible by a specialized workshop, preferably an authorized BMW Motorrad retailer.

Engine oil pressure insufficient

General warning light flashes in red.

Engine oil pressure symbol is displayed.

The oil pressure in the lubricating oil circuit is too low. If the warning light lights up, stop immediately and switch off the engine.

The warning on insufficient engine oil pressure is no substitute for the

function of an oil-level indicator.The correct engine oil level can only be checked at the oil sight glass.

The cause of the warning on insufficient engine oil pressure can be an insufficient engine oil level.

Checking engine oil level ( 97)

If oil level is too low: Top up engine oil.

If the warning on insufficient engine oil pressure appears despite a correct engine oil level:

In addition to an insufficient engine oil level,

other problems in the engine can lead to the warning on insufficient engine oil pressure. Continuing to ride in these cases can cause engine damage.

If this warning appears, do not continue to ride even though the engine oil level might be correct.

	Do not continue driving.	3
	Have the malfunction cor-	3
	rected as soon as possible	27
	by a specialized workshop,	27
	by a specialized workshop,
	preferably an authorized
	BMW Motorrad retailer.

	Engine oil level too low	indicators
	Oil level symbol is dis-	indicators
	Oil level symbol is dis-
	play with CHECK OIL
	warning.
	The electronic oil level sensor
	has detected a low engine oil	Statusz
	only be determined by con-	Statusz
	level.
	The exact engine oil level can
	ducting a check on the oil
	sight glass. During the next
	refueling stop:
	Checking engine oil level
	( 97)
	If oil level is too low:
	Topping up engine oil
	( 98)

zindicatorsStatus

If "Check oil level" appears in the display, although a correct oil level has been read off at the oil sight glass, the oil level sensor may be defective. Checking engine oil level

( 97)

If oil level is too low:

Contact a specialized workshop, preferably an authorized BMW Motorrad retailer.

Battery charge current insufficient

General warning light lights up red.

Battery charge current symbol is displayed.

A discharged battery can result in the engine cut-

ting out unexpectedly, causing a hazardous situation. Have faults eliminated as soon as possible.

If the battery is no longer charged, continued

driving can lead to deep discharging, and therefore to the destruction of the battery. If possible, do not continue driving.

The battery is not being charged.

Continued driving is possible until the battery is discharged. However, the engine can die suddenly and the battery can be exhaustively discharged and therefore destroyed.