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Rider’s Manual (US Model) R 1150 R BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad BMW Motorrad On-board On-board On-board On-board On-board...
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Important notes This symbol indicates pre- cautions and measures which are essential in pro-tecting the rider or other persons from severe or fatal injury. Specific instructions and safety precautions intended to pre- vent damage to the motorcycle. Disregarding them may render the warranty invalid.
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It contains important on your BMW bike. information on how to operate the controls and how to make Best wishes the best possible use of all the bike’s technical features. BMW Motorrad...
Contents Safety check Checklist......19 Engine oil ....... 20-21 General information and Fuel........ 22-23 controls Handlebar levers .... 24-25 General view, left side ... 4 Brake system - general .. 26-27 General view, right side ..5 Brake system - without Cockpit .........
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Contents Starting – Riding – Parking Your first journey ... 46-47 Important notes ..... 48-49 Side stand ..... 50-51 Center stand ....52-53 Running in ..... 54-55 Before you start..... 56-57 Arrive safely Starting ......58-59 Indicator and Reliability......74-75 warning lights ....60-61 Service worldwide ....
General view, right side 13 14 1 1 1 13 Luggage carrier 14 Case carrier 19 Brake fluid reservoir for 15 Storage compartment for front brake ( 29, 33) toolkit 20 Type plate/vehicle identifi- 16 Fuse box ( Maintenance cation number Instructions) 21 Primary spark plug, right 17 Air filter (...
Indicator and warning lights 1 1 1 6 Clock Adjust by pressing with a ballpoint pen or similar object at 1 Indicator light, left turn indi- point A (minutes) or cator repeater green point B (hours) 2 Warning light, battery 7 Warning light, general red charge current red 8 Indicator and warning lights,...
Ignition switch and steering lock The ignition switch and steering lock, fuel filler cap and the hel- met/seat lock are all operated with the same key. System cases with locks for the same key can be ordered on request. Vehicle keys You will receive two master keys and one spare key.
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Ignition switch and steering lock 1 1 1 • Turn the handlebars to full left Key positions lock. Never turn the key to OFF or Engage the steering lock with while riding the the handlebars in this position motorcycle! only. ON Operating position, OFF* Ignition and lights off, ignition, lights and all...
Left handlebar fitting To prevent air from entering the clutch system: 3 Horn button • Do not turn the fitting on the 4 Left turn indicator switch handlebar. • Press • Do not turn the handlebars – Turn indicators flash in the clamping blocks.
Right handlebar fitting 1 1 1 7 Starter button 8 Emergency ignition off (kill) switch ( To prevent air from entering 9 Turn-indicator cancel the brake system: switch • Do not turn the fitting on the • Press handlebar. – Left/right indicators off •...
Hazard warning flashers • Actuate hazard warning lights switch 1 – Hazard warning lights in oper- ation – The left/right flashing turn Hazard warning lights indicator on the indicator light panel ( 7) flashes • Switch off the ignition – The hazard warning lights You cannot activate the hazard continue to operate warning flashers if the ignition is...
Seat/helmet holder 1 1 1 Helmet holder • Turn key in helmet/seat lock to position B • The helmet holder 2 is open • Remove cover 1 in direction • Close the helmet holder by indicated by arrow C pressing it lightly into the hel- –...
Dualseat Locking cover of stowage box: • Engage the front seat in catches 5 and 4 on left and right and push it into guide 1 • Push cover to rear into lock 2 When installing, make sure co- and engage seat holder 3 by ver is firmly seated! pressing it lightly...
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Dualseat 1 1 1 Rear seat: Locking the rear seat • Turn the key in the seat lock position A • Rear seat is released from When installing, make sure that holder storage-compartment cover is • Remove rear seat in direc- correctly secured.
System case After an accident or if the Opening the System case motorcycle has fallen over, • Turn key in case lock to check that the System case is position A. correctly secured. • Pull up the carrying handle 1 Max.
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System case 1 1 1 • Turn key in case lock to position A • Push down catch 2 and carry- ing handle 1 – The two indicators 3 turn Closing System case black • Lock the case and remove the Risk of breaking the locking Removing System case tongue.
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System case Always make sure that the case is secured. An incorrectly secured case could be lost and endanger other road users. Installing System case • Insert the System case into the holder (arrows), making sure that it is firmly seated in the lower holder 4 and the Risk of breaking the locking upper hook 5...
Checklist Use the safety checklist – before every journey Please perform the safety check accurately. If your motorcycle needs any routine maintenance, you can then attend to it before the journey starts – Warning lights and indicator Maintenance Instructions), lights or, for example have it –...
Engine oil Checking the oil level after the engine has only been used for a short time or is only just warm could lead to wrong interpretati- ons and thereby to an incorrect oil fill because the cold, more viscous oil takes longer to flow back into the sump.
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Engine oil • Check the oil level at the sight glass: Upper edge Warning light, engine oil pres- Ring marking sure red 7) indicates no Lower edge (or very little) oil pressure in Ring marking the lube-oil system; this light –...
Fuel Leaded fuel will destroy the Refuelling catalytic converter. Do not run the fuel tank dry or you may damage the engine or the catalytic converter. Fuel is flammable and explo- Wipe off plastic parts sive. Do not smoke. Never immediately if they are wetted bring a naked flame near the with fuel.
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Fuel Capacity The fuel gauge does not oper- ate unless the ignition is switched on. • Refuel – Refuel only with super – Usable tank capacity 5.4 gal- (premium) grade fuel to lons (20.4 liters) DIN 51607 standard or equiv- –...
Handlebar levers Adjusting clutch lever To prevent air from entering the clutch system: • Do not turn the fitting on the Sudden changes in play or handlebar. spongy action may indicate a • Do not turn the handlebars fault in the hydraulic system. in the clamping blocks.
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Handlebar levers Adjusting handbrake lever To prevent air from entering the hydraulic circuit of the brake system: • Do not turn the fitting on the • Turn knob A to set the most handlebar. comfortable span: • Do not turn the handlebars –...
Brake system - general Checking the brake system Sudden changes in play or spongy action of the brake lever indicate a possible problem in the brake system. Before riding off, therefore, always check the resistance of the front and rear brake le- vers and test operation of the Work on the brake system brakes.
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Brake system - general Checking brake pads Brake pad wear depends on Have the brake pads replaced your personal style of riding. before they wear to the mini- To ensure reliable operation of mum permissible thickness: the brakes: do not allow lining have the work performed thickness to fall below minimum by an authorized...
Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS Checking brake fluid level Gradual wear of the brake pads causes the brake fluid level in Changing brake fluid the reservoir to drop. Brake fluid is subject to If brake fluid level in the fluid severe thermal loads and reservoirs for the front or rear absorbs moisture from the...
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Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS Checking front brake fluid level • Turn the handlebar fully to the left Never permit the brake fluid • Check brake fluid level in level to drop below the mini- sight glass mum level (MIN mark) MIN Minimum level (top of marking ring) •...
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Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS Checking rear brake fluid level Never permit the brake fluid level to drop below the MIN mark on the brake fluid reser- • Check the brake fluid level voir Maximum level Minimum level •...
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 2( Checking brake fluid level On a motorcycle equipped with BMW Integral ABS, the brake fluid level in the reser- voir does NOT drop as the brake pads wear ( 33, 34). Changing brake fluid Have the brake system Brake fluid is subject to checked immediately by an...
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 2( Residual braking function When the ignition is switched off, before and during self-diagnosis ( 70), or if the BMW Integral ABS is inoperative, only a RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION remains available for slowing the motorcycle ( 69).
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 2( Checking front brake fluid level • Turn the handlebar fully to the left • Check bake fluid level in sight Never permit the brake fluid glass level to drop below the mini- MIN Minimum level mum level (MIN mark) (top of marking ring)
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 2( • Hold motorcycle upright or Checking rear brake fluid place on main stand level – Make sure the ground is level and firm • Check the brake fluid level Minimum level Never permit the brake fluid level to drop below the MIN mark on the brake fluid reser- voir...
Clutch Checking fluid level in the clutch fitting If the fluid level drops, assume that a fault may be present in The fluid level in the reservoir the clutch system. rises as the clutch wears. Have the clutch system checked immediately by an •...
Lights To change bulbs in parking lights, headlight (dipped and main beams), rear/brake lights, Checking lights turn indicators and the number- plate light: ( Maintenance Instructions, Chapter 2) Check that all lights are opera- tional at the start of each jour- Headlight setting, RHD/ ney.
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Lights Adjusting beam throw When the basic setting is cor- Adjusting to suit load rect, headlight beam throw is regulated when spring preload • Change the spring strut set- is adjusted to suit load. ting to suit the load ( –...
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Lights • Check tire pressures and correct if necessary • Set the spring-strut adjuster Use adjusting screw 1 only for to the position for one-up adjusting the basic setting of riding the headlight. – Make sure lever 2 is horizontal (neutral position) Headlight •...
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Lights • Measure the distance H from the ground to the center of the headlight • Transfer this height H to the wall and draw a cross on the • Adjusting screw 1: wall at this point – Turn screw counter- •...
Shock-absorber adjustment Basic setting (solo): • Turn adjusting screw 1 or 2 in direction indicated by arrow H (clockwise) as far as it will go Before the journey starts, ad- • Turn adjusting screw 1 or 2 just the front shock absorber two turns in the direction indi- to suit road surface conditions cated by arrow S (counter-...
Suspension spring preload Adjusting suspension spring preload • Place the motorcycle on the side stand or center stand • Adjust spring preload at handwheel 1 Before the journey starts, adjust spring preload Basic setting, solo: according to the gross weight. •...
Wheels Checking wheel rims Have damaged wheel rims checked and, if necessary, replaced by an authorized BMW motorcycle retailer. Checking tire treads Screwing valve caps on tightly Comply with statutory legal requirements concerning minimum tread depth. Worn tires can impair handling. At high road speeds, tire valves have a tendency to open as a result of centrifugal...
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Wheels – Tires cold: • Remove valve caps • Check/correct tire pressure Checking tire pressures Tire pressures: Front Rear Solo (2.2 bar) (2.5 bar) Incorrect tire pressures have 32.0 psi 36.3 psi a considerable influence on Two-up (2.5 bar) (2.7 bar) handling and on tire life.
Accessories and loads BMW cannot examine or test each product of outside origin on the accessories and tyres BMW accessories and other market to ensure that it can products approved by BMW be used on or in connection can be obtained from your with BMW motorcycles with- BMW motorcycle retailer.
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Accessories and loads Do not exceed the gross weight • Max. load in each case* (left limit of 992 lbs (450 kg). and right): 22 lbs (10 kg) Do not exceed the wheel load • Max. load on luggage carrier limits of 397 lbs (180 kg) at the and in tank-top backpack front and 660 lbs (300 kg) at the...
Your first journey BMW Integral ABS incorpo- rates a brake booster, so brak- ing efficiency is significantly higher than with conventional brake systems. The tires need to cover a cer- tain distance before they acquire their full road grip ( 55).
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Your first journey Safe motorcycling does not Do not ride the motorcycle af- depend on the motorcycle ter drinking alcoholic beve- alone. rages. Even small amounts of Your own skill and common- alcohol or drugs, particularly sense are needed too. if taken in conjunction with The key to genuine safety on medicines, will adversely af-...
Important notes 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 eas- ily flammable material (for ex- ample hay, grass, leaves, clothing or luggage etc.) can come into contact with the...
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Important notes Catalytic converter Risk of poisoning Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which is colorless and odorless but highly toxic. To avoid damage to the cata- lytic converter: • Do not run the fuel tank dry • Push-start only when the Inhaling the exhaust fumes engine is cold therefore represents a health...
Side stand • Switch off the ignition • Keep both feet on the ground Placing motorcycle on • Hold the left handlebar grip with side stand your left hand • Keep your right hand on the right handlebar grip and the handbrake lever For safety reasons, never sit •...
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Side stand • Turn the ignition key to the “R" or "ON" position ( – Handlebars unlocked • Both feet on the ground, no Lifting motorcycle off the weight on the motorcycle side stand • Hold the left handlebar grip with your left hand •...
Center stand • Switch off the ignition • Hold the left handlebar grip Place motorcycle on with your left hand center stand • Hold the lifting handle with the right hand • Place your right foot on the pin used to extend the center For safety reasons, never sit stand, and press the stand on the motorcycle with the...
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Center stand Removing motorcycle from center stand • Ignition key in “R” or “ON” position ( – Steering column lock unlocked If the motorcycle is fitted with • Hold the left handlebar grip BMW Integral ABS , only RESI- with your left hand DUAL BRAKING FUNCTIONA- •...
Running in Running-in engine speeds From 0 to 600 miles (1,000 km) • Engine speed max. 4,000 rpm and no full-load acceleration • Do not omit the first inspec- tion after 600 miles (1,000 km). Exceeding the specified engine Make an appointment with speeds while running in will lead your authorized BMW motor- to increased engine wear.
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Running in Running in new brake pads 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 Running in new tires greater pressure on the lever.
Before you start Switching on the ignition – Move the kill switch to the run position A • Turn ignition key to ON If you move the kill switch to the In an emergency only: B position while the ignition is •...
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Before you start Fully retract the side stand Engine does not start: – Move the gear lever to the position or disengage the clutch If the side stand is extended Engine stops when first gear is and a gear engaged, you can- engaged: not start the motorcycle.
Starting A B C Starting Do not warm up the engine with the motorcycle at a standstill — risk of overheating or fire! If you attempt to start the en- Ride away immediately after gine when the battery is flat, you starting the engine.
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Starting Do not turn the throttle twistgrip when starting the engine. Choke • Correct position of choke • Press starter pushbutton 2 lever 1: – The engine starts – Lever up, in position A: • Turn the throttle twistgrip cold start carefully –...
Indicator and warning lights If warning light 2 comes on dur- ing the journey, take the follow- ing action as soon as traffic conditions permit: • Declutch • Press the kill switch • Bring the motorcycle safely to a halt Fuel level •...
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Indicator and warning lights Battery charge current Warning light 5 goes out above Warning light, general idle speed. General warning light 3 lights up if the BMW Integral ABS develops a fault ( 73), or if the tail light or brake light is If warning light 5 comes on dur- inoperative.
Riding, gear shifts Load changes Engine speed Limit engine speed in accor- dance with engine temperature, using the highest engine Try not to open or close the speeds only when the engine throttle abruptly, particularly has reached its regular operat- on wet or slippery roads.
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Riding, gear shifts Moving off and upshifts: • Pull the clutch lever in • Press down on the gearshift lever (to select first gear) and take your foot off the lever • Smoothly re-engage the clutch Downshifts: • Increase engine speed slightly as necessary •...
Brake system - general Wet brakes Salt on brakes After the motorcycle has been The full breaking effect can be washed, ridden through water delayed if the motorcycle is rid- or ridden in the rain, the brake den on salt-covered roads and disks and pads may be wet (or the brakes are not applied for iced-over in winter), and may...
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Brake system - general Oil and grease on brakes Warning: Brake disks and pads must be free from oil or grease. Dirt or mud on brakes When riding on loose surfaces or muddy roads, the brakes may fail to take effect immedi- ately because of dirt or mois- ture on the disks or brake pads.
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 2( BMW Integral ABS is the latest- Sensitive electronic generation BMW ABS develop- control ment: by preventing both It takes skill and sensitive con- wheels from locking and opti- trol of the brakes to pull up mising braking-force distribu- safely on a motorcycle.
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 2( Safety margin But remember: the potentially shorter braking distances which BMW Integral ABS per- mits must not be used as an excuse for careless riding. ABS is primarily a means of ensuring a safety margin in genuine emergencies.
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 2( Partially integral brakes The integral brake function Brake servo interlinks the front and rear The hydraulic pump in the BMW brakes, so both wheels are Integral ABS actively boosts braked when you operate the the braking force acting on the brake lever.
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 2( RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION If the BMW Integral ABS develops a fault, a RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION only is available in the brake circuits in question. The RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION is the braking efficiency without the hydraulic servo assis- tance of the BMW Integral ABS Under these circumstances, there-...
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 2( Self-diagnosis with pull-away test • Release the brake levers, if The BMW Integral ABS per- necessary forms self-diagnosis and a pull- • Switch on the ignition away test to ensure its operabil- Initially: ity.
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 2( • Start the engine. • Move off – ABS warning light 2: OFF (as of approx. 3 mph (5 km/h) road speed) Pull-away test successfully completed BMW Integral ABS is available Starting on gradients: Always switch on the ignition with gear engaged, clutch lever released and both brake levers...
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 2( If the BMW Integral ABS If there is a fault in the ABS establishes a fault in both system, the reserves of safety brake circuits, a RESIDUAL normally afforded by ABS are BRAKING FUNCTION only is not available until the fault available (...
BMW Integral ABS - Fault table General war- ABS warning Malfunctions ning light e light brake failure Only RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION available in both circuits ( Flashes at 1 Hz ABS not available Pull-away test not completed ( Flashes at 4 Hz Only RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION available in both circuits ( Self-diagnosis not completed ( Tail light/brake light inoperative (Mainte-...
Reliability To be sure of keeping pace with the new standards, take the motorcycle to an authorized BMW motorcycle retailer. The authorized BMW motor- cycle retailer employs person- nel who attend regular and comprehensive training courses. Your authorized BMW motor- Know-how…...
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Reliability Certain signs of wear may not otherwise be noticed until it is too late to put them right at moderate cost. The staff in the authorized BMW motorcycle retailer or workshop know every detail of your motorcycle and can take reme- dial action if necessary before minor faults develop into seri- ous problems.
Service worldwide BMW Service worldwide And if your travels take you even further afield, you have no need to worry: we are repre- sented in more than 100 coun- tries of the world. Note: BMW service partners are listed in the Service Stations booklet for Europe or Asia, available from any authorized BMW motorcycle retailer.
Environmental protection Development… Motorcyclists have an intensive relationship with nature. BMW has made sure that they con- tinue to enjoy the best possible prospects for successful riding in the future. For instance, your new Boxer is available with exhaust emission control by closed-loop, three- way catalytic converter.
BMW rider’s equipment Well-planned riding pleasure Many motorcyclists have learned the hard way that the proper clothing contributes so much to riding pleasure. You The essentials must feel comfortable and To reach your destination safely relaxed – and your own safety every time, there is only one must never be endangered.
BMW motorcycle equipment Every accessory product is made to the same exemplary Always an idea ahead standards of design, function This is our motto – and it is one and quality as the motorcycle we live up to. For many years itself.
Training means extra safety Allow for reaction time when judging braking distances. – At a speed of 31 mph (50 km/h), for instance, one second’s hesitation means that about 46 feet (14 metres) are covered addi- tionally before the brakes are Cornering and braking applied need to be practiced...
– BMW Repair Manual is best placed to service your – BMW set of circuit diagrams motorcycle – BMW Motorrad Tour Service • Do not under any circum- stances install unapproved It is good to know you have extras: the use of unapproved...
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A - F Choke ABS - anti-lock brake system, 68 cold start, 10, 59 Active brake with ABS Choke lever changing the brake fluid, 31 operation, 59 checking brake fluid level, 31 position, 10 Anti-lock braking system Clock (in cockpit), 7 notes, 73 Closing the System case, 17 Clutch...
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F - O Fuel, 22 Ignition, switching on, 56, 57 octane number, 23 Indicator and warning lights refuelling, 22 ABS, 7 Fuel filler cap, 5 battery charge, 7 Fuse box, 5 engine oil pressure, 6 fuel level, 6 high (main) headlight beam, 7 Gear shifts, 62, 63 neutral indicators, 7 General view...
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O - Z Oil level engine oil pressure, 6, 60 Tachometer, 6 sight glass, 4 Tire pressures, 43 Opening the System case, 16 Tire valve caps, 42 Overheating, 58 Tires running-in, 55 Toolkit, 5, 15 Partially integral brakes, 68 Tread depth, tires, 42 Power socket, 4 Troubleshooting chart, 73 Troubleshooting, ABS, 73...
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