Page 31 of 104
2
29
Safety check
Checklist
For this reason, check the
details in the following sections
before you start the journey:
– Fuel level
– Positions of the handlebar-lever fittings
–Brakes
– Brake fluid level
– Clutch fluid level
– Warning lights and telltale lights
–Lights
– Shock absorber settings and spring preload
– Wheel rim and tyre condition,
tread depth and tyre
pressures
– Load, gross weight – Check regularly (every time
you stop for fuel),
on the basis of the following
section:
– Engine oil level
(every second/third stop for
fuel):
– brake pads
If you encounter any problems
or difficulties, it is always best to
contact your authorised BMW
motorcycle dealer. He will pro-
vide the necessary advice and
assistance.
10geBKg6.book Seite 29 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13
Page 39 of 104
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37
Safety check
Brake system - general
Checking brake pads
d Warning:
Have the brake pads replaced
before they wear to the mini-
mum permissible thickness:
have the work performed
by a specialist workshop,
preferably an authorised
BMW motorcycle dealer. Brake pad wear depends on
your personal style of riding.
To ensure reliable operation of
the brakes: Have the brake
pads replaced before the mini-
mum permitted thickness is
reached (Maintenance Instruc-
tions b Chapter 2).
10geBKg6.book Seite 37 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13
Page 40 of 104
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38
Safety check
Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS
Checking brake fluid levelGradual wear of the brake pads
causes the brake fluid level in
the reservoir to sink.
d Warning:
Have the brake system
checked immediately if the
brake fluid level in the reser-
voir of the front or rear brake
system drops below the MIN
mark (
b 39, 40) ; have the
brake system checked imme-
diately by a specialist work-
shop, preferably an
authorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
Changing brake fluid
d Warning:
Brake fluid is subject to
severe thermal loads and
absorbs moisture from the
atmosphere.
The brake fluid must there-
fore be changed regularly
(Maintenance Instructions
b Chapter 1) by a specialist
workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
10geBKg6.book Seite 38 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13
Page 41 of 104
2
39
Safety check
Checking front brake fluid
level
d Warning:
Do not permit the brake fluid
level to drop below minimum
(MIN).
Place the motorcycle on the centre stand
– Make sure the ground is level and firm
Handlebars in straight-ahead
position; front wheel in con-
tact with the ground Check brake fluid level at
sight glass
MIN minimum level
(centre of sight glass)
L Note:
Gradual wear of the brake pads
causes the brake fluid level in
the reservoir to drop.
Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS
MIN
10geBKg6.book Seite 39 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13
Page 42 of 104
2
40
Safety check
Checking rear brake fluid
level
d Warning:
Never permit the brake fluid
level to drop below the MIN
mark on the reservoir
Place the motorcycle on the centre stand
– Make sure the ground is level and firm Check the brake fluid level
MAX maximum level
MIN minimum level
L Note:
Gradual wear of the brake pads
causes the brake fluid level in
the reservoir to drop.
Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS
MIN
MAX
10geBKg6.book Seite 40 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13
Page 43 of 104
2
41
Safety check
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABSOE
Checking brake fluid level
d Warning:
On a motorcycle equipped
with BMW Integral ABS, the
brake fluid level in the reser-
voir does NOT drop as the
brake pads wear (b 43, 44).
d Warning:
If the brake fluid level in the
reservoir (
b 43, 44) drops be-
low the MIN mark, have the
brake system checked imme-
diately by a specialist work-
shop, preferably an author-
ised BMW motorcycle dealer.
Changing brake fluid
d Warning:
Brake fluid is subject to
severe thermal loads and
absorbs moisture from the
atmosphere.
The brake fluid must there-
fore be changed regularly
(Maintenance Instructions
b Chapter 1) by a specialist
workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
OEOptional extra
10geBKg6.book Seite 41 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13
Page 45 of 104
2
43
Safety check
Checking front brake fluid
level
d Warning:
Never permit the brake fluid
level to drop below the mini-
mum level (MIN mark)
Place motorcycle on centre stand
– Make sure the ground is
level and firm
OEOptional extra
Handlebars in straight-ahead position and front wheel in
contact with the ground
Read off brake fluid level in sight glass
MIN minimum level
(centre of sight glass)
L Note:
The brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir remains
constant despite wear of the
brake pads.
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABSOE
MIN
10geBKg6.book Seite 43 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13
Page 46 of 104
2
44
Safety checkMIN
Checking rear brake fluid
level
d Warning:
Never permit the brake fluid
level to drop below the MIN
mark on the brake fluid reser-
voir
OEOptional extra
Place motorcycle on centre
stand
– Make sure the ground is level and firm
Check the brake fluid level
MIN Minimum level
L Note:
The brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir remains
constant despite wear of the
brake pads.
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABSOE
10geBKg6.book Seite 44 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13