2002 BMW MOTORRAD R 1150 RT brakes

2
19
Safety check
For this reason, check the
details in the following sections
before you start the journey:
–Fuel level
– Positions of the handlebar-
lever fittings
– Brake fluid level
– Clutch fluid level
– Brakes
– Warning lights and telltale
lights
– Lights
– shock absorber settings
and spring preload
– condition of wheels and tyres,
tread depth and tyre pres-
sures
– Load, gross weight –
Check at regular intervals as
described in the following
sections
(each time you stop for refuel-
ling):
– Engine oil level
(every second or third time
you stop for refuelling):
– Brake pads
If you encounter any problems
or difficulties, it is always best to
contact your authorised BMW
Motorrad dealer.
He will provide the necessary
advice and assistance.
Checklist
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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
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
33
Safety check
Lights
Checking lights
e Attention:
Check that all lights are opera-
tional at the start of
each journey.
\f Note:
If turn indicator repeater flashes
at twice the usual speed:
defective flasher bulb.
General warning light ON (
b 7):
Check brake light or tail light.
If the tail light is defective the
brake light is dimmed and acts
as a tail light. When you apply the
brakes the brake light shines at
full brightness. To change bulbs in parking
lights, headlight (dipped and
main beams), fog, rear, brake
and indicator lights:
(
b
Maintenance Instructions,
Chapter 2).
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3
44
Starting – Riding – Parking
Important notes
BMW Integral ABSMotorcycle equipped with
BMW Integral ABS (
b 64)
d Warning:
When the ignition is switched
off or if the BMW Integral ABS
fails, only a RESIDUAL BRAK-
ING FUNCTION remains
available for slowing the
motorcycle (
b 67).
Under these circumstances
you must apply CONSIDERA-
BLY higher pressure to the
brake levers in order to apply
the brakes, and lever travel is
longer!
Risk of poisoningExhaust fumes contain carbon
monoxide, which is colourless
and odourless but highly toxic.
d Warning:
Inhaling the exhaust fumes
therefore represents a health
hazard and can even cause
loss of consciousness with
fatal consequences.
Do not run the engine in an
enclosed space.
Risk of fatal accidentYour motorcycle is equipped
with Digital Motor Electronics
(Motronic) and high-power
ignition system.
d Warning:
When the engine is running or
the ignition switched on, nev-
er touch electrically live parts
of the ignition system or the
digital engine electronics.
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3
62
Starting – Riding – Parking
Brake system - general
Wet bra kesAfter the motorcycle has been
washed, ridden through water
or ridden in the rain, the brake
discs and pads may be wet
(or iced-over in winter), and may
not take effect immediately.
d Warning:
The brakes have to dry before
they start to bite.
Salt on brakesThe full breaking effect can be
delayed if the motorcycle is rid-
den on salt-covered roads and
the brakes are not applied for
some time.
d Warning:
The layer of salt on the brake
discs and pads must first be
worn away.
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3
63
Starting – Riding – Parking
Brake system - general
Oil and grease on brakes
d Warning:
Brake discs and pads must be
free from oil or grease.
Dirt or mud on brakesWhen riding on loose surfaces
or muddy roads, the brakes
may fail to take effect immedi-
ately because of dirt or mois-
ture on the discs or brake pads.
d Warning:
The brakes must first be
applied until the discs and
pads are clean.
Dirt on the brakes increases
the rate of pad wear.
d Warning:
If the brake lever can be moved
right to the limit of its travel, this
indicates a mechanical or
hydraulic fault. The brake sys-
tem is defective.
Immediately consult a specialist
workshop, preferably an autho-
rised BMW Motorrad dealer.
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