BMW R 1200 RT 4th Edition 2007 Owner's manual

Rider's Manual

R 1200 RT

BMW Motorrad

The Ultimate Riding

Machine

Motorcycle data/dealership details

Motorcycle data

Model

Vehicle identification number

Colour code

Date of first registration

Registration number

Dealership details

Person to contact in Service department

Ms/Mr

Phone number

Dealership 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. Familiarise 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 authorised

BMW Motorrad dealer will gladly provide advice and assistance.

We hope that you will enjoy riding your BMW and that all your journeys will be pleasant and safe.

BMW Motorrad.

1 General instructions . ... .

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

Abbreviations and symbols . . . .

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

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

Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 General views . ... .. ... ... .

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

General view, right side . . . . . .

Underneath the seat . . . . . . . . .

Handlebar fitting, left . . . . . . . . .

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

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

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

You can also consult the index at the end of this Rider's Manual if you want to find a particular topic or item of information.

Table of Contents

		3 Status indicators .. ... ..	21	4 Operation ... ... ... .. ... ..	45
		Standard status		Ignition switch and steering
		indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	22	lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
		Status indicators with on-		Electronic immobiliser
	5	board computer OE . . . . . . . . . . .	23	(EWS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48
	6	Status indicators with ra-		Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49
	6	dio OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24	Odometer and tripmeters . . . .	49
	7	Status indicators with		Multifunction display . . . . . . . . .	52
	7	tyre-pressure monitoring		On-board computer OE . . . . . . .	52
	7	(RDC) OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24	Tyre pressure monitoring
	9	Status indicators with seat		RDC OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	55
		heating OE	25	Lights	56
	11
	13	Telltale light with cruise con-		. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Turn indicators	57
	15	trol OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25	Hazard warning flashers . . . . . .	58
		Standard warnings	25	Emergency off switch (kill
	16
	17	Warnings issued by the on-		switch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	59
	18	board computer OE . . . . . . . . . . .	30	Grip heating OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60
		ABS warnings	33	Seat heating OE	60
	19
		. . . . . . . . . . . . .ASC warnings OE	35	Automatic Stability Control
		RDC warnings OE . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37	ASC OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	62
		Anti-theft alarm		Seat height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
		warnings OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42	Windscreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63
				Cruise-control system OE . . . . .	64
				Stowage compartment . . . . . . .	66

	Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	67	6 Engineering details. .. ..	91	Front-wheel stand . . . . . . . . . .	123
	Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	67	Brake system with BMW Mo-		Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	124
	Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68	torrad Integral ABS . . . . . . . . . .	. 92	Jump starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	133
	Spring preload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	68	Electronic engine manage-		Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	134
	Damping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	69	ment with BMW Motorrad		9 Care	139
	Electronic Suspension Ad-		ASC OE	94
		70			Care products . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	140
	justment ESA OE . . . . . . . . . . . . .		Tyre pressure monitoring		Washing motorcycle	140
	Tyres	72	RDC OE	96
					Cleaning easily damaged
	. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Headlight	73	... ... ... .. ..7 Accessories	99	components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	140
	Front and rear seats . . . . . . . . . .	74	General instructions . . . . . . . .	100	Paint care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	141
	Securing helmet to motor-		Power socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	100	Protective wax coating . . . . .	142
	cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	77	Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	101	Laying up motorcycle . . . . . .	142
	5 Riding .. ... .. ... ... ... .. ..	79	Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	102	Restoring motorcycle to
	Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . .	80	Topcase OA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	104	use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	142
	Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	81	8 Maintenance .. ... ... .. .	107	10 Technical data . ... .. .	143
	Starting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	82	General instructions . . . . . . . .	108	Troubleshooting chart . . . . . .	144
	Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	84	Toolkit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	108	Threaded fasteners . . . . . . . .	145
	Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	85	Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	109	Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	146
	Parking your motorcycle . . . . .	87	Brake system, general . . . . . .	111	Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	147
	Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	88	Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	112	Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	147
			Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	114	Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	148
			Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	116	Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	149
			Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	116	Rear-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . .	149
			Rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	116	Running gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	150
			Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	116	Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	151

Wheels and tyres. . . . . . . . . . . 151 Electrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 Riding specifications . . . . . . . 156

11 Service . ... ... ... .. ... . 157

BMW Motorrad service . . . . . 158 BMW Motorrad service

quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 BMW Motorrad Service

Card: on-the-spot break-

down assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 158 BMW Motorrad service network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Maintenance work . . . . . . . . . . 159 Confirmation of mainten-

ance work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 Confirmation of service . . . . . 165

General instructions

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

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instructionsGeneralz

1

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instructionsGeneralz

Overview

Chapter 2 of this Rider's Manual will provide you with an initial overview of your motorcycle. All maintenance and repair work on the motorcycle is documented in Chapter 11. This record of the maintenance work you have had performed on your motorcycle is a precondition for generous treatment of goodwill 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 reasons of your safety and the safety

of others, and to protect your motorcycle against damage.

Specific instructions on how to operate, control, ad-

just or look after items of equipment on the motorcycle.

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 a passage relating to specific accessories or items of equipment.

Tightening torque.

Item of technical data.

OE	Optional extra
	The motorcycles are as-
	sembled complete with
	all the BMW optional ex-
	tras originally ordered.
OA	Optional accessory
	You can obtain option-
	al accessories through
	your authorised BMW
	Motorrad dealer; optional
	accessories have to be
	retrofitted to the motor-
	cycle.

EWS Electronic immobiliser (Elektronische Wegfahrsicherung).

DWA Anti-theft alarm (Diebstahlwarnanlage)

ABS Anti-lock brake system

ASC Automatic Stability Con-

trol.

ESA Electronic Suspension

Adjustment

Electronic Suspension

Adjustment.

RDC Tyre pressure control (ReifenDruck-Control)

Equipment

When you ordered your BMW motorcycle, you chose various items of custom equipment. This Rider's Manual describes optional extras (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 was supplied with equipment not described in this Rider's Manual, you will

find these features described in separate manuals.

Technical data

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. 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. Nor can BMW Motorrad entirely rule out errors and omissions. We hope you will appreciate that no claims can be entertained on

the basis of the data, illustrations or descriptions in this manual.

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1

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instructionsGeneralz

General views

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

2

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2

10

viewsGeneralz

General view, left side

1Adjuster for headlight beam throw (underneath the instrument cluster) ( 74)

2Brake-fluid reservoir, front ( 114)

3Radio operating panel (OE), see instructions for use for radio

4Power socket ( 100)

5On-board socket (OE)

6Adjuster for damping characteristic, rear suspension ( 69)

7Oil sight glass ( 109)

8Engine-oil filler neck ( 111)

2

11

viewsGeneralz

2

12

viewsGeneralz

General view, right side

1Seat lock ( 74)

2Rear-seat heating,

underneath the rear seat OE ( 61)

3Tank rucksack adapter

4Fuel filler neck ( 88)

5Clutch-fluid reservoir

6Windscreen ( 63)

7Stowage compartment or radio compartment ( 66)

2

13

viewsGeneralz

2

14

viewsGeneralz

Underneath the seat

1Front-seat height adjustment ( 63)

2Battery ( 134)

3Brake-fluid reservoir, rear ( 115)

4Adjuster for spring preload, rear ( 68)

5Toolkit ( 108)

6Type plate

7Helmet holder ( 77)

8Table of tyre pressures

9Notes on payload

2

15

viewsGeneralz

2

16

viewsGeneralz

Handlebar fitting, left

1Cruise-control system OE ( 64)

2	Operating ESA OE	( 70)
3	Radio operating unit (OE)
4	Operating ASC OE	( 62)

5Windscreen adjustment ( 63)

6Horn

7Flashing turn indicators, left ( 57), Hazard warning flashers ( 58)

8High-beam headlight and

headlight flasher ( 56)

Handlebar fitting, right

1 Control of the on-board computer OE ( 52)

2Emergency off switch (kill switch) ( 59)

3Starter button ( 82)

4 Grip heating OE ( 60)

5Flashing turn indicators, right ( 57), Hazard warning flashers ( 58)

6Cancel button, flashing turn indicators ( 58), Pushbutton, cancel hazard warning

flashers ( 59)

7Front-seat heating OE ( 60)

2

17

viewsGeneralz

2

18

viewsGeneralz

Instrument cluster

1Speedometer

2Telltale lights ( 22)

3Multifunction display ( 22)

4Rev. counter

5Telltale light, anti-theft alarm (OE)

6Set the clock ( 49) Adjust the dimmer ( 52)

7Select the odometer ( 49)

Reset the tripmeter ( 50)

8Sensor for instrument lighting

The instrument-cluster lighting has automatic day

and night switchover.

Headlight

1High-beam headlight

2Low-beam headlight

3Side lights

2

19

viewsGeneralz

2

20

viewsGeneralz

Status indicators
		Anti-theft alarm warningsOE		3
Standard status indicators	22		42
Status indicators with on-board com-				21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .puterOE	23
Status indicators with radioOE . . . . . . .	24			indicators
ingOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Status indicators with tyre-pressure
monitoring (RDC)OE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	24
Status indicators with seat heat-				Statusz
Telltale light with cruise con-
trolOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Standard warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	25
Warnings issued by the on-board
computerOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
ABS warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	33
ASC warningsOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	35
RDC warningsOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	37

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indicatorsStatusz

Standard status indicators

Multifunction display

1Fuel capacity ( 22)

2Gear indicator ( 22)

3Engine temperature ( 22)

4Clock ( 49)

5Odometer

6Trip meter ( 49)

Telltale lights

1Flashing turn indicators, left

2High-beam headlight

3Idle

4Flashing turn indicators, right

Fuel capacity

The column below the fuelpump symbol indicates the

remaining quantity of fuel. 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' telltale light also

lights up.

Engine temperature

The column below the temperature symbol indicates

the engine temperature.

Service-due indicator

If the next service is due in less than one month, the date for

the next service is shown briefly after the Pre-Ride Check completes. The month and year show, accompanied by the wording SERVICE; in this example the next service is due in March 2007.

If the motorcycle covers long distances in the course of the year, under certain circumstances it might be necessary to have it serviced at a date in advance

of the forecast due date. If the countdown distance to the odometer reading at which a service will be due is less than 1000 km,

the distance is counted down in steps of 100 km and is shown briefly after the Pre-Ride Check completes.

If service is overdue, the due date or the odometer reading at which service was due is accompanied by the 'General' warning light showing yellow. The word "Service" remains permanently visible.

If the service-due indicator appears more than a

month in advance of the actual due date or if the word "Service" does not show permanently even though a service is overdue, the date stored in memory in the instrument cluster is incorrect and must be set. This situation can occur if the battery was disconnected for a prolonged period of time.

If you want to have the date set consult a specialist workshop,

preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer.

Status indicators with on-board computerOE

1Status-indicator panel of the on-board computer OE ( 52)

2The tripmeter readings alternate with the odometer reading.

3

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indicatorsStatusz

3

24

indicatorsStatusz

Status indicators with

radioOE

Status indicators with tyre-pressure monitoring (RDC)OE

Motorcycles without onboard computer

1Panel for the audio system's status indicators

1 Tyre pressures as additional readings of the tripmeter OE ( 55)

Motorcycles with onboard computer

1Tyre pressures as an additional set of readings of the on-board computer OE ( 55)

Status indicators with		Telltale light with cruise		Standard warnings
seat heatingOE		controlOE		Mode of presentation

1 Indicator for active heating stages OE ( 60)

1Telltale light of cruise control

Warnings are indicated by 'General' warning light 1 showing

in combination with one of the warning symbols 2. The 'General' warning light shows red or yellow, depending on the urgency of the warning.

If two or more warnings occur at the same time, all the appropriate warning lights and warning symbols appear. The status of the 'General' warning light matches the most urgent warning.

3

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indicatorsStatusz

3

26

indicatorsStatusz

The possible warnings are listed on the next page.

Warnings, overview

		Meaning
Lights up yellow	EWS ! appears on	Electronic immobiliser active ( 28)
	the display.
Lights up yellow	Flashes	Fuel down to reserve ( 28)
Lights up yellow	Appears on the dis-	Engine in emergency-operation mode
	play	( 28)
Flashes red	Appears on the dis-	Insufficient engine oil pressure ( 28)
	play
Lights up red	Appears on the dis-	Insufficient battery charge current
	play	( 29)
Lights up yellow	Appears on the dis-	Rear light bulb defective	( 29)
	play
	Appears on the dis-	Front light bulb defective	( 30)
	play
Lights up yellow	Appears on the dis-	Bulbs defective ( 30)
	play

3

27

indicatorsStatusz

3

28

indicatorsStatusz

Electronic immobiliser active

General warning light shows yellow.

EWS ! appears on the display. The key being used is not authorised for starting, or communication between key and engine electronics is disrupted.

Remove all other vehicle keys from the same ring as the ignition key.

Use the reserve key. Have the defective key re-

placed, preferably by an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer.

Fuel down to reserve

General warning light shows yellow.

Reserve fuel level symbol flashes.

Lack of fuel can result in

the engine misfiring and

cutting out unexpectedly. Mis-

firing can damage the catalytic

converter; a hazardous situation can result if the engine cuts out unexpectedly.

Do not run the fuel tank dry.

The fuel tank contains no more than the reserve quantity of fuel.

Reserve fuel

≥4 l

Refuelling ( 88)

Engine in emergencyoperation mode

General warning light shows yellow.

Engine symbol appears on the display.

The engine is running in emergency operating mode.

Engine power might be reduced and this can cause hazardous situations, particularly if you at-

tempt to overtake other road users.

Engine power level might be lower than normal: adapt your style of riding accordingly.

The engine control unit has diagnosed a fault. In exceptional cases, the engine stops and refuses to start. Otherwise, the engine runs in emergency operating mode.

You can continue to ride, but bear in mind that the usual engine power might not be available.

Have the fault rectified as quickly as possible by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer.

Insufficient engine oil pressure

General warning light flashes red.