BMW R 1200 GS Adventure (US) 2008 Owner's manual

Rider's Manual (US Model)

R 1200 GS Adventure

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.

Table of Contents

	You can also use the index at the		Standard warning indica-
	end of this Rider's Manual to find		tors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22
	a specific topic.		Warning indicators of on-
	1 General instructions .....	5	board computerOE . . . . . . . . . . .	26
	Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	6	ABS displaysOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
	Abbreviations and symbols . . . .	6	ASC displaysOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
	Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7	RDC displaysOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
	Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	7	Anti-theft alarm
	Currentness of this manual . . . .	7	displaysOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37
	2 Overviews .................	9	4 Operation................	41
	General view, left side . . . . . . . .	11	Ignition switch and steering
	General view, right side . . . . . .	13	lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
	Underneath seat . . . . . . . . . . . . .	14	Electronic immobilizer
	Left handlebar fitting . . . . . . . . .	15	EWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
	Handlebar fitting, right . . . . . . . .	16	Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44
	Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . .	17	Odometer and tripmeters . . . .	45
	Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	18	Onboard computerOE . . . . . . . .	48
	3 Status indicators .......	19	Tire Pressure Control	51
	Standard displays	20	RDCOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
			Lights	52
	Displays with onboard com-
			Turn indicators	53
	puterOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	21
	Displays with Tire Pressure		Hazard warning flashers . . . . . .	54
			Emergency ON/OFF
	Control RDCOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22		55
			switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Heated hand gripsOE . . . . . . . . . 56 BMW Motorrad Integral

ABSOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Automatic Stability Control

ASCOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Seat height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Windshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Shift lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Spring preload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Damping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Front and rear seats. . . . . . . . . . 67 Helmet holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

5 Riding .................... 71

Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Starting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Driving offroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Parking your motorcycle . . . . .

Refueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 Technology in detail ...

Brake system with BMW Motorrad Integral ABSOE . . . . . . . .

Engine management with BMW Motorrad ASCOE . . . . . .

Tire Pressure Control

RDCOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7 Accessories .............

General instructions . . . . . . . . . .

Onboard socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CaseOA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TopcaseOA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8 Maintenance ............

General instructions . . . . . . . .

Toolkit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

General brake system . . . . . .

Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

79	Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
81	Front wheel stand . . . . . . . . . .
83	Lamps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
	Air filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
84	Removing right side pan-
	el . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
86	Installing right side pan-
	el . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
88	Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
89	Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
90	9 Care .....................
90	Care products . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
91	Washing your motorcy-
92	cle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
95	Cleaning sensitive motorcy-
99	cle parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
	Paint care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
100	Protective wax coating . . . . .
100	Storing motorcycle . . . . . . . . .
101	Returning motorcycle to
103	use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
103	10 Technical data
105
107	Troubleshooting chart . . . . . .
108	Threaded fasteners . . . . . . . .
109	Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

109	Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
114	Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
116	Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	144
124	Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	144
	Rear-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . .	145
126	Running gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	145
	Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	146
126	Wheels and tires . . . . . . . . . . .	147
127	Electrical system . . . . . . . . . . .	150
128	Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	153
133	Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	153
134	Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	154
	Riding specifications . . . . . . .	154
134	11 Service ................	155
	BMW Motorrad Service . . . .	156
134	BMW Motorrad Service
135	Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	156
136	BMW Motorrad Service
136	Card - On-the-spot break-
	down assistance . . . . . . . . . . .	156
136	BMW Motorrad Service
137	Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	157
138	Maintenance work . . . . . . . . . .	157
139	Confirmation of mainte-
141	nance work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	158

Confirmation of service . . . . . 163

Reporting

Safety Defects. . . . . . . . . . 170

General instructions

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

5

instructionsGeneral

		Overview
		Chapter 2 of this Rider's Manu-
	6	al will provide you with an initial
		overview of your motorcycle. All
		maintenance and repair work car-
		ried out on your motorcycle will
	instructions	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 Manu-
	General	al; 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.

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.

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.

7

instructionsGeneral

8

instructionsGeneral

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

9

Overviews

10

Overviews

General view, left side

1Clutch fluid reservoir ( 107)

2Headlight range adjustment (below instrument cluster) ( 67)

3Adjustment of rear damping ( 64)

4Seat lock ( 67)

5Onboard socket ( 90)

6Engine oil level indicator ( 101)

7Engine oil fill location ( 102)

8Adjusting front spring preload ( 63)

9Onboard socket (OA) ( 90)

10Windshield ( 59)

11

Overviews

12

Overviews

General view, right side

1Fuel filler opening ( 81)

2Vehicle Identification Number on steering-head bearing

3Brake-fluid reservoir, front ( 103)

4Air filter (under tank cover) ( 124)

5Adjustable footbrake lever ( 61)

6Adjuster for spring preload, rear ( 63)

7Brake-fluid reservoir, rear ( 106)

13

Overviews

Underneath seat

14

Overviews

1Battery ( 128)

2Rider's Manual (US Model)

3Toolkit ( 100)

4Flat tire set (OA) below toolkit

5Helmet holder ( 69)

Left handlebar fitting

1Operating odometer

( 45), Operating onboard computerOE ( 48)

2Operating the ASCOE ( 57)

3ABS operationOE ( 56)

4Horn

5Turn indicators, left ( 53), Hazard warning flashers

( 54)

6Headlight flasher and highbeam headlight ( 52)

15

Overviews

Handlebar fitting, right

16

Overviews

1Emergency ON/OFF switch ( 55)

2Starter button ( 74)

3Turn indicators, right

( 53), Hazard warning flashers ( 54)

4Turn indicators off ( 54), Hazard warning flashers off ( 55)

5Heated hand gripsOE ( 56)

Instrument cluster

1Speedometer

2Tachometer

3Indicator lights ( 20)

4Multifunction display ( 20)

5Anti-theft alarm indicator light (OE) and sensor for instrument lighting

6Selecting readings ( 45) Resetting tripmeter ( 46) Setting clock ( 44)

The instrument-cluster lighting has automatic day

and night switchover.

17

Overviews

Headlight

1 Low-beam headlight 18 2 High-beam headlight 3 Parking lights

Overviews

Status indicators

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

Displays with onboard comput-

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

Displays with Tire Pressure Control

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

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

ABS displaysOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ASC displaysOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 RDC displaysOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Anti-theft alarm displaysOE . . . . . . . . . . 37

19

Status indicators

Standard displays

Multifunction display

20

indicators
	1		Clock ( 44)
Status
	2		Gear indicator	( 20)
	3		Engine temperature ( 20)
	4		Odometer and tripmeters
			( 45)
	5		Fuel capacity	( 20)

Indicator lights

1Turn indicators, left

2High-beam headlight

3Idling

4Turn indicators, right

Fuel capacity

The horizontal bars under the gas pump symbol indicate 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 as 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 (1,000 km), the remaining miles (kilometers) are 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 areaOE ( 48)

21

Status indicators

22

Status indicators

Displays with Tire

Pressure Control RDCOE

1Tire inflation pressures alternating with clock, with onboard computer as additional value of onboard computerOE ( 51)

Standard warning indicators

Display

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

		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		( 24)
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.

23

Status indicators

24

Status indicators

Electronic immobilizer is active

General warning light shows yellow.

EWS ! appears on the display. 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 shows 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.

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

Reserve fuel quantity

1.1 gal (4 l)

Refueling ( 81)

Engine in emergencyoperation mode

General warning light shows 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, es-

pecially during passing maneuvers.

Adapt your driving style to the possibly reduced engine performance.

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 red.

Oil-can symbol appears on the display.

The oil pressure in the lubricating oil circuit is too low. 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

( 101)

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

If the engine oil level is correct:

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 shows red.

Battery symbol appears on the display.

A discharged battery can

result in the engine cutting 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.

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

Rear bulb defective

General warning light shows 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 soon as possible; always carry a

25

Status indicators

		complete set of spare bulbs if
		possible.
	26	Tail light or brake light bulb de-
		fective.
		Replacing brake and tail light
		bulb ( 119)

	indicators	Front bulb defective
		your safety at risk because
		LAMPF ! appears on the dis-
		play.
		A defective bulb places
	Status	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.

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

Replacing low-beam/high-beam bulb ( 116)

Replacing parking light bulb ( 118)

Replacing front and rear turn indicator bulbs ( 120)

Bulbs defective

General warning light shows 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.

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

	Meaning
Is indicated	Engine oil level too low ( 28)

Check Oil appears on the display

Is indicated Ice warning ( 28)

27

Status indicators

28

Status indicators

Engine oil level too low

Oil level symbol appears on the display.

Check Oil appears on the display.

The electronic oil level sensor has detected a low engine oil level.

The exact engine oil level can only be determined by conducting a check on the oil sight glass. During the next refueling stop:

Checking engine oil level ( 101)

If oil level is too low:

Topping up engine oil ( 102)

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.

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 displaysOE

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 ( 84); an overview of the possible warnings is provided on the following page.