BMW R 1200 GS 2008 Owner's manual

4 (1)

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 any questions concerning your motorcycle, your authorized BMW Motorrad retailer

is always happy to provide advice and assistance.

We wish you many miles of safe and enjoyable riding

BMW Motorrad.

1 General instructions . ... .

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Abbreviations and symbols . . . .

Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Currentness of this manual . . . .

2 Overviews .. ... ... .. ... ... .

General view, left side . . . . . . . .

General view, right side . . . . . .

Underneath seat . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Left handlebar fitting . . . . . . . . .

Handlebar fitting, right . . . . . . . .

Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . .

Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 Status indicators .. ... ..

Standard displays . . . . . . . . . . . .

Displays with onboard computer OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Displays with Tire Pressure Control TPC/RDC OE . . . . . . . . .

You can also use the index at the end of this Rider's Manual to find a specific topic.

Table of Contents

	Standard warning indica-		Hazard warning flashers . . . . . .	55
	tors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22	Emergency ON/OFF
	Warning indicators of on-		switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56
5	board computer OE . . . . . . . . . . .	26	BMW Motorrad Integral
6	ABS warning indica-		ABS OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	57
6	tors OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28	Automatic Stability Control
7	ASC warning indica-		ASC OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	58
7	tors OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	31	Seat height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59
7	TPC/RDC warning indica-		Windshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60
9	tors OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34	Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60
9	Anti-theft alarm warning indi-		Brakes	61
11	Anti-theft alarm warning indi-		Brakes	61
13	cators OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39	Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	62
13	4 Operation	43	Handlebars	62
14	4 Operation	43	Handlebars	62
15	Ignition switch and steering		Spring preload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
16	lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44	Damping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	64
17	Electronic immobilizer		Electronic suspension adjust-
18	EWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45	ment ESA OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	65
19	Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	46	Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68
19	Odometer and tripmeters	47	Headlight	68
20	Odometer and tripmeters	47	Headlight	68
20	Onboard computer OE	49	Front and rear seats	69
	Onboard computer OE	49	Front and rear seats	69
21	Tire Pressure Control TPC/		Helmet holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	71
	RDC OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	52
22	Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	53
	Turn indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54

5 Riding .. ... .. ... ... ... .. ..	73	Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 97	9 Care . ... ... .. ... ... ... .. .	137
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . .	74	Case OA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 98	Care products . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	138
Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	75	Topcase OA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	100	Washing your motorcy-
Starting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	76	Luggage rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	104	cle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	138
Lowered suspension OE . . . . . .	78	8 Maintenance	105	Cleaning sensitive motorcy-
Running in	79	8 Maintenance	105	cle parts	139
Running in	79	General instructions . . . . . . . .	106	cle parts	139
Driving offroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	80	Onboard toolkit	106	Paint care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	140
Brakes	81	Onboard toolkit	106	Protective wax coating	140
Brakes	81	Engine oil	107	Protective wax coating	140
Parking your motorcycle	82	Engine oil	107	Storing motorcycle	140
Parking your motorcycle	82	Brake system	108	Storing motorcycle	140
Refueling	83	Brake system	108	Returning motorcycle to
Refueling	83	Brake pads	109	Returning motorcycle to
Securing motorcycle for		Brake pads	109	use	141
Securing motorcycle for		Brake fluid	111	use	141
transport	85	Brake fluid	111	10 Technical data	143
transport	85	Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	113	10 Technical data	143
6 Technology in detail . ..	87	Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	114	Troubleshooting chart . . . . . .	144
Brake system with BMW Mo-		Rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	115	Threaded fasteners . . . . . . . .	145
torrad Integral ABS OE . . . . . . . .	88	Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	115	Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	147
Engine management with		Front wheel stand . . . . . . . . . .	121	Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	148
BMW Motorrad ASC OE . . . . . .	90	Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	122	Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	148
Tire Pressure Control TPC/		Air filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	129	Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	150
RDC OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	92	Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	132	Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	150
Electronic suspension adjust-		Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	133	Rear-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . .	151
ment ESA OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	93			Running gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	151
7 Accessories ... ... ... .. ..	95			Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	153
General instructions . . . . . . . . . .	96			Wheels and tires . . . . . . . . . . .	153
Onboard socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	96			Electrical system . . . . . . . . . . .	155
Additional headlight OA . . . . . . .	97			Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	156

Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Riding specifications . . . . . . . 158

11 Service . ... ... ... .. ... . 159

Reporting safety defects . . . 160 BMW Motorrad Service . . . . 161 BMW Motorrad Service

Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 BMW Motorrad Service

Card - On-the-spot break-

down assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 161 BMW Motorrad Service

Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Maintenance work . . . . . . . . . . 162 Confirmation of mainte-

nance work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Confirmation of service . . . . . 168

General instructions

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Abbreviations and symbols . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Currentness of this manual . . . . . . . . . . . 7

instructionsGeneralz

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 11. Proof of the maintenance work performed is a prerequisite for generous treatment of claims. When the time comes to sell your BMW, please remember

to hand over this Rider's Manual; it is an important part of the motorcycle.

Abbreviations and symbols

Indicates warnings that you must comply with for rea-

sons of your safety and the safety of others, and to protect your motorcycle against damage.

Special information on operating and inspecting your

motorcycle as well as maintenance and adjustment procedures.

Indicates the end of an item of information.

Instruction.

Result of an activity.

Reference to a page with more detailed information.

Indicates the end of accessory or equipmentdependent information.

Tightening torque.

Technical data.

OE	Optional equipment
	The motorcycles are as-
	sembled complete with
	all the BMW optional ex-
	tras originally ordered.
OA	Optional accessories
	BMW optional acces-
	sories can be purchased
	and installed at your au-
	thorized BMW Motorrad
	retailer.

EWS Electronic immobilizer.

DWA Anti-theft alarm.

ABS Anti-Lock Brake System.

ASC Automatic Stability Con-

trol.

ESA Electronic Suspension Adjustment Electronic suspension adjustment.

RDC Tire Pressure Control

(TPC).

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.

Currentness of this manual

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

Overviews

General view, left side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 General view, right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Underneath seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Left handlebar fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Handlebar fitting, right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Overviewsz

Overviewsz

General view, left side

1Adjusting front spring preload ( 63)

2Adjusting windshield ( 60)

3Headlight range adjustment (below instrument cluster) ( 69)

4Clutch fluid reservoir ( 113)

5Type plate (on frame behind side cover)

6Seat lock ( 69)

7Onboard socket ( 96)

8Adjustment of rear damping ( 64)

9Engine oil fill location ( 108)

10Engine oil level indicator ( 107)

Overviewsz

General view, right side

1Adjuster for spring preload, rear ( 63)

2Fuel filler opening ( 83)

3Brake-fluid reservoir, front ( 111)

4Vehicle Identification Number (on steering-head bearing)

5Air filter (behind right side panel) ( 129)

6Brake-fluid reservoir, rear ( 112)

Overviewsz

Underneath seat

1Rider's Manual (US Model)

2Battery ( 133)

3Onboard toolkit, Payload table (in tool tray), Tire inflation pressure table (in tool tray)

4Helmet holder ( 71)

Left handlebar fitting

1Operating odometer

( 47), Operating onboard

	computer OE ( 49)
2	ABS operation OE	( 57),
	Operating ASC OE	( 58)
3	Operating ESA OE	( 65)

4Horn

5Flashing turn indicators, left ( 54), Hazard warning flashers ( 55)

6Headlight flasher and highbeam headlight ( 53)

Overviewsz

Handlebar fitting, right

1Emergency ON/OFF switch ( 56)

2Starter button ( 76)

3Heated hand grips

4Flashing turn indicators, right ( 54), Hazard warning flashers ( 55)

5Turn indicators off ( 55), Hazard warning flashers off ( 56)

Instrument cluster

1Speedometer

2Tachometer

3Indicator lights ( 20)

4Multifunction display ( 20)

5Ambient brightness sensor (for brightness adjustment of instrument lighting)

with anti-theft alarm OE Anti-theft alarm indicator light (see anti-theft alarm operating instructions)

6Operating odometer

( 47), Operating clock ( 46)

Overviewsz

Headlight

1Low-beam headlight

2High-beam headlight

3Parking lights

Status indicators

Standard displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Displays with onboard comput-

erOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Displays with Tire Pressure Control TPC/RDCOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Standard warning indicators . . . . . . . . . 22

Warning indicators of onboard computerOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

ABS warning indicatorsOE . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ASC warning indicatorsOE . . . . . . . . . . . 31 TPC/RDC warning indicatorsOE . . . . . . 34

Anti-theft alarm warning

indicatorsOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

indicatorsStatusz

Standard displays

Multifunction display

1Clock ( 46)

2Gear indicator ( 20)

3Engine temperature ( 20)

4Odometer and tripmeters ( 47)

5Fuel capacity ( 20)

Indicator lights

1Flashing turn indicators, left

2High-beam headlight

3Idling

4Flashing turn indicators, right

Fuel capacity

The horizontal bars under the gas pump symbol indicated the remaining fuel quantity.

When the fuel in the tank is topped up the gauge briefly shows the original level, before the reading is updated.

Gear indicator

The gear engaged or N for neutral appears on the

display.

If no gear is engaged, the 'neutral' indicator light also

lights up.

Engine temperature

The lateral bars under the temperature symbol show

the engine temperature level.

Service display

If the time remaining until the next service lies within a month,

the service date is briefly displayed following the pre-ride check. The month and year are shown with two digits each separated by a dash. In this example the display means "March 2007".

If the motorcycle is driven long distances annually, it is possible that earlier service is required. If the odometer reading for the earlier service lies within 600 miles (1000 km), the remaining miles (kilometers) are counted down

in 60-mile (100-km) steps and briefly displayed following the pre-ride check.

If the service interval has been exceeded, the general warning light also lights up yellow in addition to the date or mileage display. The Service lettering is displayed continuously.

If the service display already more than one month be-

fore the service date, or if the Service lettering does not stop after the service date is exceeded, then the date stored in the instrument cluster must be set. This situation can occur if the battery has been disconnected for a longer time.

Consult a certified workshop, preferably an authorized BMW Motorrad retailer, for setting of the date.

Displays with onboard computerOE

1 Onboard computer display area OE ( 49)

indicatorsStatusz

3	Displays with Tire	Standard warning
3	Pressure Control TPC/	indicators
22	RDCOE	Display

indicatorsStatusz

1 Display of tire inflation pressures OE ( 52)

The tire inflation pressures are shown temperature-

compensated (see the chapter "Technology in Detail").

Warnings are indicated by the 'General' warning light 1 showing in combination with a warning word, for example 2 or with one of the warning symbols 3. The 'General' warning light shows red or yellow, depending on the urgency of the warning.

If several warnings are active, all corresponding warning lights and warning symbol are displayed; warnings are shown alternately.

The possible warnings are listed on the next page.

Overview of warning indicators
Indicator lights	Displays	Meaning

Lights up yellow	EWS ! appears on	Electronic immobilizer is active		( 24)
	the display

Lights up yellow	FUEL ! appears	Fuel down to reserve ( 24)
	on the display

Lights up yellow	Is indicated	Engine in emergency-operation mode
		( 24)

Flashes red	Is indicated	Engine oil pressure insufficient		( 25)

Lights up red	Is indicated	Battery charge current insufficient
		( 25)

Lights up yellow	LAMPR ! appears	Rear bulb defective	( 25)
	on the display

	LAMPF ! appears	Front bulb defective	( 26)
	on the display

Lights up yellow	LAMPS ! appears	Bulbs defective ( 26)
	on the display

indicatorsStatusz

Electronic immobilizer is active

General warning light lights up yellow.

EWS ! appears on the display. Possible cause:

The key being used is not authorized for starting, or communication between the key and engine electronics is disrupted.

Remove other motorcycle keys from the ignition key 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 ! appears on the display.

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.

Possible cause:

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

Reserve fuel quantity

≥1.1 gal (≥4 l)

Refueling ( 83)

Engine in emergencyoperation mode

General warning light lights up yellow.

Engine symbol appears on the display.

The engine is in the emer- gency operating mode. On-

ly 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.

Possible cause:

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

Oil-can symbol appears on the display.

The oil pressure in the lubricating oil circuit is too low. Stop immediately and switch off 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.

Possible cause:

The engine oil level is too low.

Checking engine oil level ( 107)

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

Possible cause:

The engine oil pressure is insufficient.

Driving with insufficient en-

gine oil pressure can result

in engine damage.

Do not continue driving.

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

Battery charge current insufficient

General warning light lights up red.

Battery symbol appears on the display.

A discharged battery leads to the failure of various mo-

torcycle systems, e.g. lighting, engine or ABS. This can result in dangerous driving situations.

If possible, do not continue driving.

The battery is not being charged. If you continue driving, the vehicle electronics will discharge the battery.

Possible cause:

Alternator or alternator belt defective

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

Rear bulb defective

General warning light lights up yellow.

LAMPR ! appears on the display.

A defective bulb places

your safety at risk because it is easier for other users to oversee the motorcycle. Replace defective bulbs as

indicatorsStatusz

soon as possible; always carry a complete set of spare bulbs if possible.

Possible cause:

Tail light or brake light bulb defective.

The diode tail light must be replaced. Please contact a specialized workshop, preferably an authorized BMW Motorrad retailer.

Front bulb defective

LAMPF ! appears on the display.

A defective bulb places your safety at risk because

it is easier for other users to oversee the motorcycle. Replace defective bulbs as soon as possible; always carry a complete set of spare bulbs if possible.

Possible cause:

Low-beam headlight, high-beam headlight, parking light or turn indicator bulb defective.

Replacing low-beam/high-beam bulb ( 123)

Replacing parking light bulb ( 124)

Replacing front and rear turn indicator bulbs ( 125)

Bulbs defective

General warning light lights up yellow.

LAMPS ! appears on the display.

A defective bulb places your safety at risk because

it is easier for other users to oversee the motorcycle. Replace defective bulbs as soon as possible; always carry a complete set of spare bulbs if possible.

Possible cause:

A combination of several bulb defects is present.

See the fault descriptions above.

Warning indicators of onboard computerOE

Display

Warnings of the onboard computer are shown in area 1.

The possible warnings are listed on the next page.

Overview of warning indicators
Indicator lights	Displays	Meaning

	Is indicated	Engine oil level too low ( 28)

Check Oil ap-

pears on the display

Is indicated Ice warning ( 28)

indicatorsStatusz

Engine oil level too low

Oil level symbol appears on the display.

Check Oil appears on the display.

Possible cause:

The electronic oil level sensor has detected a low engine oil level. Check the engine oil level on the oil level indicator the next time you stop for refueling:

Checking engine oil level ( 107)

If oil level is too low:

Topping up engine oil ( 108)

Possible cause:

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.

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

Ice warning

Ice crystal symbol appears on the display.

Possible cause:

The ambient temperature measured at the motorcycle is lower than 37 °F (3 °C).

The ice warning does not mean that there is no risk

of black ice forming at measured temperatures above 37 °F (3 °C). Always think well ahead when temperatures are low, especially on bridges and where the road is in the shade.

Think well ahead when driving.

ABS warning indicatorsOE

Display

ABS warnings are indicated by the ABS warning light 1.

In some countries an alternative display of the ABS warning light is possible.

Possible country-dependent versions.

Additional information on the BMW Motorrad Integral ABS is provided from page ( 88); an

+ 148 hidden pages