Page 31 of 104
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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.
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Page 63 of 104

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61
Starting – Riding – Parking
Important notes
Catalytic converter
e Attention:
To avoid damage to the cata-
lytic converter:
Do not run the fuel tank dry
Push-start only when the
engine is cold
Do not run the engine with a
spark plug lead disconnected
Do not exceed the engine- speed limits marked on the
revolution counter
Comply with all specified
maintenance intervals
Stop the engine at once if it
misfires
In the event of misfiring or a severe drop in engine power,
consult a specialist work-
shop, preferably an author-
ised BMW motorcycle dealer
If misfiring or malfunction of the
fuel-air mixture preparation sys-
tem causes unburned fuel to
reach the catalytic converter,
there is a risk of it overheating
and being damaged.
Risk of fireHigh temperatures occur at the
exhaust system, particularly if a
catalytic converter is installed.
d Warning:
Make sure that whether riding
or standing still or when the
motorcycle is parked, no eas-
ily flammable material
(for example hay, grass,
leaves, clothing or luggage
etc.) can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system.
Do not allow the engine to
idle unnecessarily or for pro-
longed periods
– Risk of overheating or fire.
Ride away immediately after
starting the engine.
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Starting – Riding – Parking
Placing motorcycle on
side stand
d Warning:
For safety reasons, never sit
on the motorcycle with the
side stand extended.
e Attention:
Stop the engine before using
the side stand.
Make sure the surface under
the stand is firm.
On a gradient, the motorcycle
should always face uphill; se-
lect 1st gear. Switch off the ignition
Keep both feet on the ground
Hold the left handlebar grip
with your left hand
Keep your right hand on the
right handlebar grip and the
handbrake lever
Hold the motorcycle upright and balanced
U s e y o u r le f t f o o t a t t h e e x t e n -
sion pin to extend the side
stand fully (arrow)
Slowly lean the motorcycle to the side until its weight is
taken by the stand and dis-
mount from the motorcycle
Turn the handlebars to full left
lock (
b 11)
Check that the motorcycle
is firmly supported
Side stand
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Starting – Riding – Parking
1
Fully retract the side stand
L Note:
If the side stand is extended
and a gear engaged, you can-
not start the motorcycle.
Select neutral– Neutral indicator light 1
comes on green
k (b 9).
L Note:
Engine does not start:
– Move the gear lever to the
k position or disengage
the clutch
Engine stops when first gear is
engaged:
– Fully retract the side stand; if necessary, consult the trou-
bleshooting chart
(b Maintenance Instructions,
Chapter 2)
Before you start
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