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Rider’s Manual (US Model) R 1150 RS BMW Motorrad On-board documentation consisting of Rider's Manual and Maintenance Instructions...
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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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Welcome to BMW 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.
General view, right side ..5 - general ......28-29 Cockpit ......... 6 Brake system - without Indicator and warning lights .. 7 BMW Integral ABS ..30-33 Ignition switch and steering Brake system - with lock ........8-9 BMW Integral ABS ..34-36 Adjusting windshield ...
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Environmental protection ..83 Brake system BMW rider’s equipment..84 - general......70-71 BMW motorcycle equipment85 - with BMW Integral ABS 72-78 Training means extra safety. 86 BMW Integral ABS Concluding thoughts ... 87 - Troubleshooting chart ..79 Index ......88-92...
Ignition switch and steering lock Ignition key The ignition switch and steering If the motorcycle is fitted with lock, fuel filler cap and the hel- BMW Integral ABS , only RE- met/seat lock are all operated SIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION- with the same key. System...
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Ignition switch and steering lock • Turn the handlebars to full left lock. Key positions Engage the steering lock with Never turn the key to OFF or the handlebars in this position while riding the motorcycle! only. ON Operating position, OFF* Ignition and lights off, ignition, lights and all steering locked...
Adjusting windshield Adjusting windshield For safety reasons, do not re- position the mechanically ad- • Briefly press adjusting knob 1 justable windshield while – The knob pops out riding the motorcycle. • Turn in direction A or B to Always halt the motorcycle reposition before adjusting.
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...
Left handlebar fitting 3 Horn button 4 Left turn indicator switch To prevent air from entering • Press the clutch system: – Turn indicators operate • Do not turn the handlebar To switch off turn indicators: controls on the handlebar. •...
Right handlebar fitting 8 Emergency off (kill) switch for ignition ( 9 Turn indicator cancel switch To prevent air from entering • Press the brake system: – Left/right turn indicators • Do not turn the handlebar controls on the handlebar. 10 Turn indicator switch, right •...
To ensure that no air enters If you do not have a suitable the brake or clutch hydraulic torque wrench, have the han- circuits: dlebars adjusted by an autho- • Do not turn the handlebar rized BMW Motorcycle controls on the handlebar. retailer.
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Adjusting handlebars Adjusting reach A/B • Slacken, but do not fully remove screw 1 • Re-assemble the holder cor- • Remove holder from serra- rectly in its retaining serra- tions tions • Move in direction A or B until Tighten the retaining screw 1 to reach is correct a torque of 20 Nm...
Seat Removing seat • Turn the key in the helmet/ seat lock to position A and hold it in this position • Lift off the rear seat in the • Remove the front seat by pull- direction indicated by ing it up and to the rear, in the arrow 1.
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Seat Adjusting seat Front seat When installing the seat, make sure that it is firmly locked. Make sure the seat is at the same height in the front and rear mounts. Rear seat – Remove the rear seat • Take off the front seat When installing the seat, make There are three rider's seat sure that it is firmly locked.
System case Closing System case After an accident or if the motorcycle has fallen over, Risk of breaking the locking check that the system cases tongue. are correctly secured! Before closing handle 1 or lock- Max. load per system case: ing system 2, turn the key in the 22 lb (10 kg).
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System case Installing System case Risk of breaking the locking tongue. Before closing handle 1 or lock- ing system 2, turn the key in the case lock to position A. Always make sure that the cases are secured. An incorrectly secured case could be lost and endanger other road users.
Maintenance Instructions), or have it performed by your BMW motorcycle retailer or workshop, for example. This is to ensure that your motorcycle corresponds with road-vehicle use and safety laws.
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If you encounter any problems spring preload or difficulties, it is always best to – Condition of wheels and tires, contact your authorized tread depth and tire pres- BMW motorcycle retailer. sures He will provide the necessary – Load, gross weight advice and assistance.
Engine oil Checking the oil level after the engine has been run only briefly or when it is not properly warm will falsify the reading and could lead to the engine being oper- ated with the wrong quantity of oil, because cold oil is viscous and takes longer to drain back into the sump.
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– the red engine oil pressure • If necessary, remove oil filler warning light should plug 2 and top up the engine remain off while the engine is oil through the oil filler 1 running. • Reinstall oil filler plug 2 BMW recommends Castrol...
Fuel Refuelling Note that fuel containing lead will destroy the catalytic con- verter. Do not run the fuel tank dry or The motorcycle’s fuel (gaso- you may damage the engine or line) is flammable and explo- catalytic converter. sive. Do not smoke. Never Wipe off plastic parts immedi- bring a naked flame near the ately if they come into contact...
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Fuel – It is encouraging to see that the • Refuel amount is stated a „usable tank – Refuel only with super capacity 6 gal (22.5 liters)“ (premium) grade fuel to – When the reserve fuel quan- DIN 51607 standard, tity is reached (approx.
If you are doubtful about the re- liability of the hydraulic clutch • Turn knob A to set the most operating system, it is best to comfortable span: consult an authorized BMW – Setting 1: minimum span motorcycle retailer. – Setting 3: maximum span...
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Handlebar levers Adjusting handbrake lever To prevent air from entering the hydraulic circuit of the • Turn knob A to set the most brake system: comfortable span: • Do not turn the fitting on the – Setting 1: minimum span handlebar.
To ensure reliability have all tem. work on the brake systems Immediately seek the advice performed by an authorized of an authorized BMW motor- BMW motorcycle retailer. cycle retailer.
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To ensure reliable operation of before they wear to the mini- the brakes: do not allow pad mum permissible thickness: thickness to fall below the have the work performed specified minimum by an authorized BMW motor- Maintenance Instructions, cycle retailer. Chapter 2).
Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS Checking brake fluid level Changing the brake fluid Gradual wear of the brake pads causes the brake fluid level in the reservoir to drop. Brake fluid is exposed to severe thermal loads, and...
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Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS Checking front brake fluid • Turn the handlebars fully to level the left • Check brake fluid level in sight glass MIN Minimum level Never permit the brake fluid (bottom of level to drop below the mini-...
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Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS Checking rear brake fluid level • Check brake fluid level in Never permit the brake fluid sight glass level to drop below the MIN Maximum level mark on the brake fluid reser- Minimum level voir •...
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 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 Changing brake fluid brake pads wear ( 35, 36).
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS Residual braking function When the ignition is switched off, before and during self- diagnosis ( 76), or if the BMW Integral ABS is inoperative, only a RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION ( remains available for slowing the motorcycle.
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS Checking front brake fluid level • Turn the handlebars fully to the left • Check brake fluid level in sight glass Never permit the brake fluid MIN Minimum level level to drop below the mini-...
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS • Placing the motorcycle on its main (center) stand Checking rear brake fluid – Make sure the ground is level level and firm • Check the brake fluid level minimum level Never permit the brake fluid...
Have the clutch system checked immediately by an • Placing the motorcycle on its authorized BMW motorcycle main (center) stand retailer. – Make sure the ground is level and firm • Turn the handlebars fully to...
Lights If turn indicator repeater flashes at twice the usual speed: inop- erative flasher bulb. BMW Integral ABS General warning light ON ( Check brake light or tail light. If the tail light is inoperative, the brake light is dimmed and acts as a tail light.
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Lights Masking off headlight If the motorcycle is ridden in a country where the opposite rule To prevent this, mask over part of the road applies, its asym- of the headlight glass (apply a metric low beam will tend to piece of adhesive tape cut to dazzle oncoming traffic.
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Lights Have the headlight basic set- ting adjusted by an authorized Adjusting headlight beam BMW motorcycle retailer. throw Adjust beam height so that on- When the basic setting is cor- coming traffic is not dazzled. rect, headlight beam throw is...
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Lights Adjust beam throw to suit load by adjusting the sus- pension strut • Change the suspension strut setting to suit the load Pivot lever 2: A = neutral position – Spring preload has an effect B = high load on headlight throw Only if the load carried on the motorcycle is very high, the...
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• Measure the distance H from the ground to the center of the headlight • Transfer this height H to the Have the headlight basic set- wall and draw a cross on the ting checked by an authorized wall at this point BMW motorcycle retailer.
Shock-absorber settings Basic setting (one-up): • Turn adjusting screw 1 or 2 in direction indicated by arrow H Before the journey starts, ad- (clockwise) just the front shock absorber as far as it will go to suit road surface conditions •...
Spring preload Before the journey starts, ad- just spring preload according to the gross weight. For safety reasons, never at- tempt to alter spring preload Basic setting, one-up: while the motorcycle is being • Turn knob 1 as far as it will go ridden.
• Measure tread depth at the of centrifugal force. center of the tire tread Use only metal valve caps with rubber seals. BMW's minimum tread depth Valve caps that are screwed recommendation: on well prevent air from es- Front....0.0787 in (2 mm) caping suddenly.
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Wheels – Tires cold: • Unscrew and remove valve • Check/correct tire pressure Checking tire pressures Tire pressures: Front Rear One-up 31.9 psi 36.3 psi (2.2 bar) (2.5 bar) Incorrect tire pressures have Two-up 36.3 psi 39.2 psi a considerable influence on (2.5 bar) (2.7 bar) handling and on tire life.
Accessories and tires BMW cannot examine or test each product of outside origin on the accessories and tyres market to ensure that it can be used on or in connection with BMW motorcycles with- out constituting a safety hazard. Even approval by a...
Loading • Max. load in each case (left and right): 22 lb (10 kg) • Max. load on luggage carrier and in tank-top rucksack Correct loading 11 lb (5 kg) each • Check that fastenings are correctly positioned and tight Overloading can impair the handling of your motorcycle.
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Loading Do not exceed the gross weight limit of 992 lb (450 kg). Do not exceed the wheel load limits of 396 lb (180 kg) at the front and 728 lb (330 kg) at the rear. Reset the suspension spring preload and the shock absorb- ers to match the total weight 43, 44, 46).
First time out BMW Integral ABS incorpo- rates a brake booster, so brak- ing efficiency is significantly higher than with conventional brake systems. Handling your motorcycle safely Each motorcycle has a charac- ter all its own. It is time now for...
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First time out Safe motorcycling doesn’t Do not ride the motorcycle af- depend on the motorcycle ter drinking alcoholic bever- alone. ages. 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- the road is a sensible balance...
AN ENCLOSED SPACE! Risk of fatal accident When the ignition is switched off Your motorcycle is equipped or if the BMW Integral ABS fails, with Digital Motor Electronics only a “RESIDUAL BRAKING (Motronic) and an increased- FUNCTION” remains available for output ignition system.
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(for severe drop in engine power, example hay, grass, leaves, immediately consult an clothing or luggage etc.) can authorized BMW motorcycle come into contact with the retailer. hot exhaust system. If misfiring or malfunction of the Do not allow the engine to...
Side stand • Switch off the ignition to stop the engine • Keep both feet on the ground Placing motorcycle on • Hold the left handlebar grip side stand with 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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• Hold the left handlebar grip with your left hand • Keep your right hand on the If the motorcycle is fitted with right handlebar grip and the BMW Integral ABS , only RESI- handbrake lever DUAL BRAKING FUNCTIONA- • Slowly raise the motorcycle to...
Main (center) stand • Switch off the ignition to stop the engine • Hold the left handlebar grip with your left hand • Hold the lifting handle with Placing motorcycle your right hand on main (center) stand • Place your right foot on the extension pin and press it down until the curved shoes of the main (center) stand touch the ground...
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• Turn the ignition key to the “R” or “ON” position ( If the motorcycle is fitted with – Handlebars unlocked BMW Integral ABS , only RESI- • Hold the left handlebar grip DUAL BRAKING FUNCTIONA- with your left hand LITY is available when the •...
600 miles (1,000 km). Make an lead to increased engine wear. appointment with your autho- rized BMW motorcycle retailer in good time, so that the work can be performed punctually. While running-in the motorcy- cle, vary the throttle opening...
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Comply with the notes on This running-in procedure is BMW Integral ABS 72-79). essential if the tires are to reach their maximum level of grip.
In an emergency only: B position while the ignition is • Move switch 1 to the B on (switch in ON position), the position. BMW Integral ABS remains – The Motronic, fuel pump and operational ( 72-79). starter-motor electrical cir-...
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Before you start Fully retracting side stand Engine does not start: – Move the gear lever to the position or disengage If the side stand is extended the clutch and a gear engaged, you can- Engine stops when first gear is not start the motorcycle.
Starting A B C Starting Do not allow the engine to idle unnecessarily or for pro- longed periods — risk of over- heating or fire! If you attempt to start the en- Ride away immediately after gine when the battery is flat, starting the engine.
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Starting Do not turn the throttle twistgrip when starting the engine. Activating fast idle • Correct position of choke • Press starter pushbutton 2 lever 1: – The engine will then start – Lever up, in position A: • Turn the throttle twistgrip Cold start carefully –...
Warning light 1 goes out above idle speed. warning light The ABS warning light 3 lights up if the BMW Integral ABS develops a fault ( If indicator light 1 comes on while the motorcycle is being Warning light, general...
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If the warning light comes on switch even though the oil level is cor- • bring the motorcycle safely to rect, you must consult a certified a halt workshop, preferably an autho- • check engine oil level rized BMW motorcycle retailer.
5 minutes and check the oil level 23). If the oil level is correct, im- mediately consult an authorized The Rider Information Display BMW motorcycle retailer. Avoid only operates when the ignition high engine speeds until the prob- is switched on.
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Rider Information Display (FID) Fuel gauge 2 Gear indicator 3 1 - 0 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - E If only two bars still appear, ap- prox. 1 gal (4 liters) of reserve Clock 4 fuel quantity remain in the tank •...
Riding and changing gear Load changes Engine speed Try not to open or close the Limit engine speed in accor- throttle abruptly, particularly dance with engine temperature, on wet or slippery roads. using the highest engine speeds only when the engine Changing gear has reached its regular operat- ing temperature.
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Riding and changing gear Moving away/shifting up • Pull the clutch lever in • Press down on the gearshift lever (to select first gear) and take your foot off the lever • Engage the clutch again smoothly • Increase engine speed slightly as necessary Shifting down •...
Brake system - general Salt on brakes Wet brakes Brake applications may be After the motorcycle has been delayed if the motorcycle was washed, ridden through water ridden on salt-covered roads or ridden in the rain, the brake and the brakes were not disks and pads may be wet (or applied for some time after- iced-over in winter), and may...
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(i.e. without The brakes must first be resistance), a mechanical or applied until the disks and hydraulic fault may exist. pads are clean. Immediately consult an Dirt on the brakes increases authorized BMW motorcycle the rate of pad wear. retailer.
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS Sensitive BMW Integral ABS is the latest- electronic control generation BMW ABS develop- It takes skill and sensitive con- ment: by preventing both trol of the brakes to pull up wheels from locking and opti- safely on a motorcycle.
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS Extra safety reserves! 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 Partially integral brakes Brake booster The integral brake function interlinks the front and rear The hydraulic pump in the BMW brakes, so both wheels are Integral ABS actively boosts the braked when you operate the braking force acting on the brake lever.
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION The RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION is the braking effi- ciency without the hydraulic servo assistance of the BMW Integral ABS. If the BMW Integral ABS devel- ops a fault, a RESIDUAL BRAK- ING FUNCTION only is available in the brake circuits in question.
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS Self-diagnosis with pull- away test The BMW Integral ABS performs • Release the brake levers, if self-diagnosis and a pull-away necessary test to ensure its operability. • Switch on the ignition Self-diagnosis is performed...
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS • Start the engine. • Move off – ABS warning light 1: OFF (as of approx. 3 mph/5 Starting on grades: km/h) road speed) Always switch on the ignition Pull-away test successfully with gear engaged, clutch lever...
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Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS 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, only a RESID- normally afforded by ABS are...
Alternate flas- Alternate flas- Fluid level in the BMW Integral ABS is too hing at 4 Hz hing at 4 Hz low, perform the checks listed above. Only RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION...
To be sure of achieving the nec- facilities,for example the spe- essary standard, it is always cial tools developed by BMW advisable to consult your such as the BMW diagnosis sys- authorized BMW motorcycle tem or exhaust emissions retailer. tester.
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Arrive safely The staff in the authorized BMW motorcycle retailer’s workshop know every detail of your motorcycle and can take remedial action if necessary before minor faults develop into Regular visits to the workshop serious problems. By having for routine servicing are...
Service worldwide Call us if you have any questions about the BMW retailership net- work. You can contact us from any European country on a tele- phone hotline. The phone num- BMW Service worldwide bers are listed in the European...
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 …recycling in the future. Apart from the correct disposal For instance, your new Boxer is...
• Suit! sights too high. It is good to • Gloves! know that the BMW brand can • Boots! be trusted to supply you with safe, high-quality rider's cloth- It's foolish to ride without these ing as well.
This is our motto – and it's one and quality as the motorcycle we live up to! For many years itself. This calls for a great deal now, BMW has offered the of experience, but our engi- enthusiast everything capable neers are themselves enthusi-...
Work up to the wheel lock limit – take bends smoothly and gradually. rhythmically, avoiding violent BMW has a worthwhile safety braking and acceleration contribution to make in this area – approach bends slower than too – BMW Safety Training.
We want you to reach your des- should always be entrusted to tination safely – and for riding the trained specialists your BMW Boxer to be the most employed by your authorized delightful leisure pastime in the BMW motorcycle retailer.
Brake pads, checking, 29 Concluding thoughts, 87 Brake pads, checking wear, 29 Cornering and braking need to be Brake system practised, 86 General, 28, 29, 71 Correct loading, 48 With BMW Integral ABS, 33-36 Without BMW Integral ABS, 30, 31, 32...
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D - H Dirt on brakes, 71 Gear indicator (FID), 67 Downshifts, 69 General, 7 General view Left side, 4 Emergency off (kill) switch for Right side, 5 ignition, 13 Engine oil, 22, 23 Filler neck, 4 Handlebar fitting Oil filler, 23 Left, 12 Temperature display (FID), 66 Right, 13...
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I - O Lights Ignition key, 8 Adjusting headlight beam Ignition switch and steering throw, 40 lock, 6 Headlight beam Function, 8, 9 throw, 38, 39, 41 Ignition, switching on, 60, 61 Notes, 38, 39 Indicator and warning lights, 6 Lights, checking, 38 ABS, 65 Load changes, 68...
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P - S Risk of asphyxiation, 52 Partially integral brakes, 74 Risk of fatal accident, 53 Placing motorcycle on main Risk of fire, 52 (center) stand, 56 Running in, 58, 59 Placing motorcycle on side Running-in speeds, 58 stand, 54 Power socket, 12 V, 4 Pushing motorcycle off main Safety checklist, 20...
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T - Z Tachometer, 6 Technology, 80 Tires Pressures, 46 Running in, 59 Toolkit, 4 Training means extra safety, 86 Tread depth, tires, 45 Trip distance recorder, 6 Troubleshooting ABS, 79 Troubleshooting chart, 79 Turn indicator cancel switch, 13 Turn indicator repeater Indicator lights, 7 Turn indicator switch, left, 12 Turn indicator switch, right, 13...
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Not to be reproduced either result of such discrepancies. wholly or in part without written Dimensions, weights, fuel con- permission from BMW Motor- sumption and performance rad, data are quoted to the custo- After Sales.
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BMW recommends Castrol BMW Motorrad Printed information Order No.: 01 47 7 680 227 10.2002 The Ultimate 2nd edition US / RF Driving Machine...