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

2
23
Safety check
Fuel
Refuel
– Refuel only with super (pre-
mium) grade fuel to DIN 51607
standard or equivalent, mini-
mum octane number 95 (RON)
and 85 (MON)
 Close the fuel filler cap
Capacity
\f Note:
The fuel gauge and RID do not
operate unless the ignition is
switched on. –
Usable tank capacity
25.2 litres (5.5 Imp. gal)
– When the reserve fuel quan-
tity is reached
(approx. 4 litres/0.9 Imp. gal)
the orange warning light 1
comes on
Fuel level display 2 in RID
\f Note:
If only two bars still appear,
about 4 litres (0.9 Imp. gal) of
reserve fuel quantity remain in
the tank (additional warning sig-
nal from orange light 1).
2
1
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2
24
Safety check
Adjusting clutch lever
e Attention:
Sudden changes in play or
spongy action indicate a fault in
the hydraulic system.
If you are doubtful about the re-
liability of the hydraulic clutch
operating system, it is best to
consult an authorised
BMW Motorrad dealer.
d Warning:
To prevent air from entering
the clutch system:
 Do not turn the fitting on the
handlebar.
 Turn knob A to set the most
comfortable span:
– Setting 1: minimum distance
– Setting 3: maximum distance
Handlebar levers
A
1
3
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2
25
Safety check
1
4
A
Adjusting handbrake lever
d Warning:
To prevent air from entering
the hydraulic circuit of the
brake system:
 Do not turn the fitting on the
handlebar. 
Turn knob A to set the most
comfortable span:
– Setting 1: minimum distance
– Setting 4: maximum distance
Handlebar levers
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2
26
Safety check
Brake system – general
Work on the brake system
d Warning:
To ensure reliability have all
work on the brake systems
carried out by a specialist
workshop, preferably an au-
thorised
BMW Motorrad dealer.
Checking the
brake system
d Warning:
Sudden changes in play or
spongy action of the brake
lever indicate a fault 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
brakes.
Do not ride the motorcycle if
you have any doubts about
the safety of the
brake system.
Immediately seek the advice
of a specialist workshop,
preferably an authorised
BMW Motorrad dealer.
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2
27
Safety check
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 Motorrad dealer. Brake pad wear depends on
your personal style of riding.
To ensure reliable operation of
the brakes: do not allow lining
thickness to fall below minimum
value (
b Maintenance Instruc-
tions, Chapter 2).
Brake system - general
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2
28
Safety check
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS
Checking brake fluid level
d Warning:
On a motorcycle equipped
with BMW Integral ABS, the
brake fluid level in the reser-
voir (
b 30, 31) does NOT drop
as the brake pads wear.
d Warning:
If brake fluid level in the fluid
reservoir (
b 30, 31) has
dropped below the MIN mark,
have the brake system
checked without delay by a
specialist workshop, prefera-
bly an authorised
BMW Motorrad dealer!
Changing brake fluid
d Warning:
Brake fluid is subject to
severe thermal loads and
absorbs moisture from the
atmosphere.
Consequently, the brake fluid
must be changed regularly
(see the Maintenance Instruc-
tions
b\bChapter 1) by a spe-
cialist workshop, preferably
an authorised BMW Motorrad
dealer.
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2
29
Safety check
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS
Residual braking function
d Warning:
When the ignition is switched
off, before and during self-
diagnosis (
b 68), or if the
BMW Integral ABS fails, only a
RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNC-
TION (
b 67) remains available
for slowing the motorcycle.
When the RESIDUAL BRAK-
ING FUNCTION is active, you
must apply CONSIDERABLY
higher pressure to the brake
levers in question in order to
apply the brakes, and lever
travel is longer.
When the RESIDUAL BRAK-
ING FUNCTION is active, the
ABS function is unavailable in
the brake systems in question.
d Warning:
When the RESIDUAL BRAK-
ING FUNCTION is active, main-
tain a defensive riding style
and proceed immediately to
the nearest specialist work-
shop, preferably an authorised
BMW Motorrad dealer.
\f Note:
When the RESIDUAL BRAKING
FUNCTION is active, it is advis-
able to set adjuster A (
b 25) on
the front-brake lever to
position 4.
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2
30
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 
Place the handlebars in full
left lock.
 Check brake fluid level in
sight glass
MIN Minimum level
(top of
marking ring)
\f Note:
The brake fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir remains
constant despite wear of the
brake pads.
MIN
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS
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