Page 23 of 92
21
Safety check
2
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 setting and
spring preload
– Wheel rim and tyre condition,
tread depth and tyre
pressures
– Load, gross weight –
Check regularly (every time
you stop for fuel), on the basis
of the following section:
– Engine-oil level
(every 2nd/3rd 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.
Checklist
10Classic1g.book Seite 21 Freitag, 27. Januar 2006 2:01 14
Page 30 of 92
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.
10Classic1g.book Seite 28 Freitag, 27. Januar 2006 2:01 14
Page 31 of 92
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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Page 32 of 92
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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34
Safety check
2
Residual braking function
d Warning:
When the ignition is switched
off, before and during self-
diagnosis (
b 72) or if the
BMW Integral ABS develops a
fault, only a RESIDUAL BRAK-
ING FUNCTION (
b 71) 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.
2(Optional extra
d Warning:
When the RESIDUAL BRAK-
ING FUNCTION is active,
maintain a defensive riding
style and proceed immediate-
ly to the nearest specialist
workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
\f Note:
When the RESIDUAL BRAKING
FUNCTION is active at the front
wheel, it is advisable to set ad-
juster A of the front-brake lever
to position 4 (
b 27).
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS2(
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38
Safety check
2
Checking lights
e Attention:
Check that all lights are opera-
tional at the start of each
journey.
\f Note:
If the turn indicator telltale light
flashes at twice the usual
speed: defective flasher bulb.
Motorcycle with
BMW Integral ABS
OE:
General warning light ON (
b 7):
check the brake light and the
rear light.
If the rear light is defective the
brake light is dimmed and acts
as a rear light. When you apply
the brakes the brake light shines
at full brightness. To change bulbs in parking
lights, headlight (low and high
beams), rear/brake lights, turn
indicators and the number-
plate light:
(
b Maintenance Instructions,
Chapter 2)
Masking off headlightIf the motorcycle is ridden in a
country where the opposite rule
of the road applies, its asym-
metric low headlight beam will
tend to dazzle oncoming traffic.
To prevent this, mask over part
of the headlight glass (apply a
piece of adhesive tape cut to
the correct size and shape).
OEOptional extra
Lights
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Page 52 of 92

50
Starting - Riding - Parking
3
Important notes
BMW Integral ABSOE
Motorcycle equipped with
BMW Integral ABS (
b 68)
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 71).
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
2(Optional extra
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 a digital engine manage-
ment system (Motronic) and a
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.
10Classic1g.book Seite 50 Freitag, 27. Januar 2006 2:01 14
Page 68 of 92
66
Starting - Riding - Parking
3
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 braking 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 has to be
worn off before the brakes
start to bite.
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