Page 4 of 92

2
Introduction
12
i
General information and 
controls
General view, left side ........... 4
General view, right side ......... 5
Cockpit ................................. 6
Telltale and warning lights ..... 7
Ignition switch and steering 
lock .................................... 8-9
Odometer/clock .................. 10
Hazard warning flashers ...... 11
Left handlebar fitting ........... 12
Right handlebar fitting ......... 13
Seat .................................... 14
Softbag .......................... 15-18
Topcase .........................19-20 Safety check
Checklist ........................ 21-22
Engine oil ....................... 23-25
Fuel ................................ 26-27
Handlebar levers ............ 28-29
Brake system 
– general ........................ 30-31
Brake system ................. 32-33
Brakes ................................ 34
Drive belt ............................ 35
Spring preload .................... 36
Shock-absorber 
adjustment .......................... 37
Wheels ........................... 38-39
Accessories and tyres......... 40
Loading............................... 41
Coolant .......................... 42-43
Lights ............................. 44-46
Contents
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        Page 7 of 92
111
5
General information and controls
9Fuel tank/fuel-tank cap 
(
b 26, 27)
10 Fuse box
11 Engine oil filler neck/dip-
stick (
b25)
12 Brake-fluid reservoir for 
front brake (
b33)
( ) Figure in bracketsbpage number for 
description
13 Type plate
14 Headlight adjuster screw, 
up/down
15 Vehicle identification 
number
16 Drive belt
17 Brake-fluid reservoir for rear 
brake (
b34)
General view, right side
9101213
14
1516
11
17
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        Page 15 of 92
111
13
General information and controls
5Emergency off (kill) switch 
for ignition (
b56)
VIgnition circuit inter-
rupted
UIgnition circuit closed
6 Switch for heated handlebar 
grips
OE
οHandlebar-grip heat-
ing OFF
50%
 100%
7 Starter button  
y (b57)
OEOptional extra
d Warning:
To prevent air from entering 
the brake circuit:
 Do not turn the fitting on the  handlebar.
 Do not turn the handlebars 
in the clamping blocks.
Right handlebar fitting
5
7
6
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        Page 24 of 92
22
Safety check
2
Checklist
For this reason, check the 
details in the following sections 
before you start the journey: 
–Fuel level
–Clutch-lever play
– Brake pressure
– Brake fluid levels (front and rear)
–Drive belt
– Warning lights and telltale  lights
– Wheel rim and tyre condition,  tread depth and tyre pres-
sures – Load and gross weight
–Coolant level
– Lights
– Check regularly (every time 
you stop for fuel), on the basis 
of the following section:
– Engine oil level (every second 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 
provide the necessary advice 
and assistance.
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1
29
Safety check
2
Checking brake pressure
d Warning:
To prevent air from entering 
the brake circuit: 
– Do not turn the handlebars  in the clamping blocks
– Do not turn the fitting on the  handlebar.
Sudden changes in play or 
spongy resistance at the brake 
lever indicate a fault in the 
hydraulic system. 
For this reason, check pres-
sure at the handbrake lever 
and the brake pedal before 
starting each journey.
d Warning:
Do not ride the motorcycle if 
you have any doubts about 
the safety of the brake sys-
tem.
Immediately seek the advice 
of a specialist workshop, 
preferably an authorised 
BMW motorcycle dealer.
Handlebar levers
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30
Safety check
2
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 motorcycle 
dealer.
Brake system, checking
d Warning:
Sudden changes in play or 
spongy action of the brake le-
ver 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 sys-
tem.
Do not, under any circum-
stances, adjust the screw in 
the pedal of the footbrake.
Immediately seek the advice 
of a specialist workshop, 
preferably an authorised 
BMW motorcycle dealer.
Brake system – general
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1
31
Safety check
2
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: do not allow the 
pads to wear past the minimum 
specified thickness (b Mainte-
nance Instructions, Chapter 2)
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32
Safety check
2
Checking brake fluid levelGradual wear of the brake pads 
causes the brake fluid level in 
the reservoir to drop.
d Warning:
If brake fluid level in the fluid 
reservoirs for the front or rear 
brakes has dropped below 
the MIN mark (
b 33,  34) have 
the brake system checked 
without delay by a specialist 
workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle 
dealer.
Changing the brake fluid
d Warning:
Brake fluid is exposed to 
severe thermal loads, and 
absorbs moisture from the 
atmosphere.
Consequently, the brake fluid 
must be changed regularly  
by  a specialist workshop, 
preferably an authorised 
BMW motorcycle dealer.
Brake system 
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