2002 BMW MOTORRAD R 1150 GS Rider's Manual (in English)

4
95
Arrive safely
Always an idea aheadThis is our motto – and it is one
we live up to. For many years
now, BMW has offered the
enthusiast everything capable
of enhancing the fascination of
motorcycling. A unique pro-
gramme that is regularly
updated and offers plenty of
scope for choosing items
according to individual prefer-
ences.
Ask your BMW motorcycle
dealer for the latest upgrades
and retrofits.Every accessory product is
made to the same exemplary
standards of design, function
and quality as the motorcycle
itself. This calls for a great deal
of experience, but our engi-
neers are themselves enthusi-
astic motorcyclists who know
what is needed. Accessories
and motorcycle equipment are
included when a new motor-
cycle is being developed, and
their practical features opti-
mised in a series of thorough
tests. This is your guarantee of
the high quality you expect from
BMW.
BMW motorcycle accessories
10geBKg6.book Seite 95 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13

4
96
Arrive safely
Training means extra safety
Cornering and braking
need to be practiced
Develop a “sixth sense” for
potentially dangerous situa-
tions. What this means: look
ahead, plan how to avoid possi-
bly dangerous situations and
study other road users’ behav-
iour with a degree of healthy
scepticism.
– Take bends smoothly and rhythmically, avoiding violent
braking and acceleration
– Approach bends slower than
you feel they can be taken; a
neat riding style will get you to
your destination more safely
than sheer speed
– Ride at the inner edge of the
ideal line, look ahead and plan
to leave the bend as smoothly
as you entered it Allow for reaction time when
judging braking distances.
– At a speed of 50 km/h
(31 mph), for instance,
one second’s hesitation
means that about 14 metres
(46 feet) are covered addition-
ally before the brakes are
applied
– At 90 km/h (56 mph), this dis-
tance grows to 25 metres
(82 feet)
Practice applying the brakes
with and without an extra load
on the motorcycle, and study its
reactions on various kinds of
road surface.
Work up to the wheel lock limit
gradually.
BMW has a worthwhile safety
contribution to make in this area
too – BMW Safety Training.
These programmes are a won-
derful opportunity: systematic
basic and follow-up training
enables you to master situa-
tions close to the limit and keep
your motorcycle under
supreme control whatever hap-
pens.
10geBKg6.book Seite 96 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13

4
97
Arrive safely
Concluding thoughts
Now it is your turn. Regular care is important, with all functions checked
before the journey starts.
 Use only genuine BMW accessories. They comply
with all the relevant safety
requirements and are per-
fectly matched to your BMW
 Have your motorcycle serviced only by the trained,
expert personnel at your local
authorised BMW motorcycle
dealer
 Do not under any circum- stances install unapproved
extras: the use of unapproved
accessories constitutes a
safety risk and voids your
insurance and the motor-
cycle’s permit
 It is always advisable to have technical modifications car-
ried out only by an authorised
BMW motorcycle dealer or
workshop
L Note:
Your local BMW motorcycle
dealer can supply you with use-
ful items to accompany the
Maintenance Instructions.
– BMW Repair Manual
–BMW set of circuit diagrams
It's good to know you've
thought of everything, isn't it?
Our aim is to make your
journey safer
We want you to reach your des-
tination safely – and for riding
your BMW Boxer to be the most
delightful leisure pastime in the
world.
10geBKg6.book Seite 97 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13

98
Index
i
AAnti-lock braking systemnotes, 88, 89
switching off, 86
BBMW Integral ABS, 60Changing brake fluid, 41
Checking brake fluid level, 41
CCatalytic convertersafety instructions, 61
Checking brake fluid level, 38
Checking brake pads, 37
Checking front brake fluid level, 39, 43
Checking rear brake fluid
level, 40, 44
Checking the brake system, 36
Choke cold start lever, 14
Choke lever
position, 14
Clock (RID), 75
DDipswitch, 14
Dualseat lock, 4
EEngine oil, 31 level check, 4
oil filler, 31 Engine oil filler, 4
Engine oil temperature indicator
(RID), 74
Engine-oil pressure
telltale light, 9
FFront brakebrake fluid reservoir, 5
Front spring preload, 50
Fuel octane number, 33
Fuel cap, 5
Fuel gauge (RID), 74
Fuel tank capacity, 33
Fuse box, 5
GGear shifts, 76, 77
General view left side, 6
Right side, 5, 7
General view, left side, 4
HHandlebar fitting, left, 14
Handlebar fitting, right, 15
Handlebar levers
Clutch lever, 34
handbrake, 35
Hazard warning lights, 12
Heated handlebar grips, 12, 15
Helmet holder, 5
A - H
10geBKg6.book Seite 98 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13

99
Index
i
High/low (dipped) headlight switch, 14
Horn, 14
Hydraulic fluid clutch, 45
IIgnition switch and steering lock, 8
function, 10
Instrumente Cockpit, 8
KKatalysator, 61
Key positions, 11
Kill switch, 15
LLights
general instructions, 46, 47
headlight beam throw, 46, 47
MMain (centre) stand, 64, 65
Motorcycle equipment, 95
NNeutral, 69
OOctane number, fuel, 33
Odometer, 8
Oil filler, 4, 31 Oil level
checking, 31
engine oil pressure, 9
Oil level sight glass, 4
PPartially integral brakes, 82
Power socket, 4, 13
RRear brake fluid reservoir, 5
Refuelling, 32, 33
Residual braking function, 42, 83
Revolution counter, 8
Rider Information Display Fuel gauge, 75
Gear indicator, 75
Rider Information Display (RID), 8
clock, 75
engine oil temperature, 74
Rider’s equipment, 94
Riding, 76, 77
Risk of fire, 61
Risk of overheating, 61, 70
Risk of poisoning, 60
Running in new brake pads, 67
Running in new tyres, 67
SSafety checklist, 28
Safety instructions
braking, 78, 79
catalytic converter, 61
general, 60
H - S
10geBKg6.book Seite 99 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13

100
Index
i
Seat, 19, 20
Seat, single, 18
Service worldwide, 92
Shock, 52
Shock-absorber adjustment, 52
Side stand, 62, 63
Speedometer, 8
Spokes, 53
Spring preload, rear, 51
Spring strut, 4
Starter button, 15
Switching on the ignition, 68
TTank capacity, 33
Telltale and warning lightsABS check, 9
battery charge current, 9, 73
engine oil pressure, 9
fuel level, 9
general, 9
high-beam headlight, 9
neutral, 9
turn indicator repeater, left, 9
turn indicator repeater, right, 9
Telltale lights
ABS check, 9
Tool box, 18
Toolkit, 5
Topcase, 26
Trip meter, 8
Turn indicator switch left, 14
right, 15 Turn indicators
repeaters, 9
Turn-indicator cancel switch, 15
Type plate, 5
Tyre pressures, 54
Tyre tread, 55
VValve caps, 54
WWarning lights ABS warning light, 72
Battery charge current, 72
Engine oil pressure, 73
Low fuel level, 72
Warning light, general, 72
Wheel rims, 53
Windscreen, adjusting, 27
S - Z
10geBKg6.book Seite 100 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13

Details described or illustrated in
this booklet may differ from the
motorcycle’s actual specification
as purchased, the accessories
fitted or the national-market
specification. No claims will be
entertained as a result of such
discrepancies.
Dimensions, weights, fuel con-
sumption and performance data
are quoted to the customary
tolerances.The right to modify designs,
equipment and accessories is
reserved.
Errors and omissions excepted.
©2002 BMW Motorrad
Not to be reproduced either wholly
or in part without written
permission from BMW Motorrad,
After Sales.
Printed in Germany
10geBKg6.book Seite 88 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13

1
BMW Motorrad
Printed information
Order No.:
01 41 7 680 201
10.2002
6th edition GB / RF
The Ultimate
Driving Machine
BMW recommends Castrol
10geBKg6.book Seite 89 Dienstag, 19. November 2002 1:11 13