2003 BMW MOTORRAD R 850 R Rider's Manual (in English)

23
Safety check
2
Check the oil level at the sight
glass:
MAX Top edge
of marking ring
MIN Bottom edge
of marking ring
– The difference between the
two marks is approx. 0.5 litre
 If necessary, remove oil filler
plug 2 and top up the engine
oil through oil filler neck 1
 Reinstall oil filler plug 2
e Attention:
The red warning light
p (b 7)
for engine oil pressure indicates
no (or very little) oil pressure in
the lube-oil system; this light
must not be regarded as an oil
level check.
Oil pressure builds up after
1-2 seconds and the warning
light goes out – the red engine
oil pressure warning light
p
should remain off while the en-
gine is running.
Engine oil
BMW recommends Castrol
MAX
MIN12
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24
Safety check
2
Fuel
Refuelling
d Warning:
Fuel is flammable and explo-
sive. Do not smoke. Never
bring a naked flame near the
fuel tank.
Fuel expands when hot (for
instance if the fuel tank is in
the sun). For this reason, only
fill as far as the lower edge of
the filler neck.
e Attention:
Leaded fuel will destroy the
catalytic converter.
Do not run the fuel tank dry or
you may damage the engine or
the catalytic converter.
Wipe off plastic parts immedi-
ately if they are wetted with fuel.
 Place the motorcycle on the
centre stand
– Make sure the ground is level
and firm.
 Open fuel filler cap
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25
Safety check
2
Refuel
– Always use super (premium)
unleaded fuel to DIN 51607 or
equivalent standard, min.
octane number 95 (RON) or
85 (MON)
 Close the fuel filler cap
Capacity
\f Note:
The fuel gauge works only when
the ignition is on.
– Usable tank capacity
17.6 litres
– An orange warning light 1
comes on when there are
approximately 5 litres of fuel
left in the tank
Fuel
1
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26
Safety check
2
Adjusting clutch lever
e Attention:
Sudden changes in the amount
of play at the lever or a spongy
feeling when it is applied may
indicate a fault in the hydraulic
system.
If you are doubtful about the re-
liability of the hydraulic clutch
operating system, it is advisable
to consult an authorised BMW
motorcycle dealer.
d Warning:
To prevent air from entering
the clutch system:
 Do not turn the fitting on the
handlebar.
 Do not turn the handlebars
in the clamping blocks.
 Turn knob A to set the most
comfortable span:
– Setting 1: minimum span
– Setting 3: maximum span
Handlebar levers
31
A
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27
Safety check
2
Adjusting the handbrake
lever
d Warning:
To prevent air from entering
the hydraulic circuit of the
brake system:
 Do not turn the fitting on the
handlebar.
 Do not turn the handlebars
in the clamping blocks. 
Turn knob A to set the most
comfortable span:
– Setting 1: minimum span
– Setting 4: maximum span
Handlebar levers
41
A
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28
Safety check
2
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 motorcycle
dealer.
Checking the brake
system
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.
Immediately seek the advice
of a specialist workshop,
preferably an authorised
BMW motorcycle dealer.
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29
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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30
Safety check
2
Brake system - without BMW Integral ABS
Checking brake fluid levelGradual wear of the brake pads
causes the brake fluid level in
the reservoir to sink.
d Warning:
If brake fluid level in the fluid
reservoirs for the front or rear
brakes has dropped below
the MIN mark (
b 31, 32) have
the brake system checked
without delay by a specialist
workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle
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
(
b Maintenance Instructions,
Chapter 1) by a specialist
workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
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