Page 30 of 100
28
Safety check
2
Checklist
Use the safety checklist –
before every journey
Please perform the safety
check accurately. If your motor-
cycle needs any routine mainte-
nance, you can then attend to it
before the journey starts
(
Maintenance Instructions),
or have it carried out by a spe-
cialist workshop, preferably an
authorised BMW motorcycle
dealer. This is to ensure that
your motorcycle complies with
road-vehicle use and safety
laws.
A motorcycle in perfect techni-
cal condition is essential for
your safety and that of other
road users.
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Page 40 of 100
38
Safety check
2
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS
Checking brake fluid level
Warning:
On a motorcycle equipped
with BMW Integral ABS, the
brake fluid level in the reser-
voir (
40) does NOT drop as
the brake pads wear.
Warning:
Have the brake system
checked immediately by a
specialist workshop, prefera-
bly an authorised BMW mo-
torcycle dealer, if the brake
fluid level in the reservoir of
the brake system (
40) drops
below the MIN mark.
Changing the brake fluid
Warning:
Brake fluid is exposed to
severe thermal loads, and
absorbs moisture from the
atmosphere.
Consequently, the brake fluid
must be changed regularly
(
Maintenance Instruc-
tions, Chapter 1) by a special-
ist workshop, preferably an
authorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
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Page 45 of 100
22
43
Safety check
2
Attention:
The coolant level must be be-
tween the MIN and MAX
marks.
Never overfill the expansion
tank.
• Top up the coolant if neces-
sary (
Maintenance Instruc-
tions, Chapter 3)
Note:
If the expansion tank is full and
coolant temperature is high (as
indicated by red warning light
8) or coolant consumption
is excessive, consult a special-
ist workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
Coolant level
MAX
MIN
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Page 54 of 100
52
Safety check
2
Checking lights
Attention:
Check that all lights are opera-
tional at the start of each
journey.
Flashing turn indicatorsIf turn indicator repeater flashes
at twice the usual speed (
7):
defective indicator bulb.
Rear lightGeneral warning light ( 68)
ON:
Brake light or tail light defective.
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.
Note:
To change bulbs in parking
lights, headlight (low and high
beams), rear/brake lights, turn
indicators and the number-
plate light:
(
Maintenance Instructions,
Chapter 2)
Lights
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Page 61 of 100

3
59
Starting – Riding – Parking
Important notes
Catalytic converter
Attention:
To avoid damage to the cata-
lytic converter:
• Do not run the fuel tank dry
• Push-start only when the
engine is cold
• Do not run the engine with a
spark-plug cap detached
• Do not exceed the engine- speed limits marked on the
revolution counter
• Comply with all specified
maintenance intervals
• Stop the engine at once if it
misfires
• In the event of misfiring or a severe drop in engine power,
consult a specialist work-
shop, preferably an author-
ised BMW motorcycle dealer
If misfiring or malfunction of the
fuel-air mixture preparation sys-
tem causes unburned fuel to
reach the catalytic converter,
there is a risk of it overheating
and being damaged.
Risk of fireHigh temperatures occur at the
exhaust system, particularly if a
catalytic converter is installed.
Warning:
Make sure that whether riding
or standing still or when the
motorcycle is parked, no eas-
ily flammable material
(for example hay, grass,
leaves, clothing or luggage
etc.) can come into contact
with the hot exhaust system.
Do not allow the engine to
idle unnecessarily or for a
lengthy period when the mo-
torcycle is at a standstill
— risk of overheating or fire.
Ride away immediately after
starting the engine.
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Page 68 of 100
66
Starting – Riding – Parking
3
Before you start
Switch on the ignition– Move the kill switch to the run position A
• Ignition switch ON
In an emergency only:
• Move switch 1 to the B
position.
– The Motronic, fuel pump and
starter motor electrical cir-
cuits are de-energised
Note:
If you move the kill switch to the
B position while the ignition is
on (switch in ON position), the
BMW Integral ABS remains op-
erational (
74-81).
Fully retract the side stand
Note:
If the side stand is extended
and a gear engaged, you can-
not start the motorcycle.
Select neutral– Neutral indicator light green
is on ( 7)
– Gear indicator shows “0”
Note:
Engine does not start:
– Move the gear lever to the
position or disengage the
clutch
Engine stops when first gear is
engaged:
– Fully retract the side stand; if
necessary, consult the trouble-
shooting chart (
Maintenance
Instructions, Chapter 2)
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Page 69 of 100
3
67
Starting – Riding – Parking
BBA
2
1
Starting
Warning:
Do not allow the engine to idle
unnecessarily or for a lengthy
period when the motorcycle is
at a standstill — risk of overheat-
ing or fire. Ride away immedi-
ately after starting the engine.
Avoid high engine speeds after
a cold start.
Attention:
If you attempt to start the engine
when the battery is flat, you will
hear the relay chattering. Further
attempts will damage the starter
relay and starter motor. Before
trying again: charge the battery
(
Maintenance Instructions, Chapter 2).
Note:
Do not turn the throttle twistgrip
when starting the engine.
• Press starter pushbutton 2
– The engine starts
• Turn the throttle twistgrip carefully
Note:
At ambient temperatures below
0 °C, pull the lever to disengage
the clutch when starting the en-
gine.
Starting
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Page 83 of 100

3
81
Starting – Riding – Parking
BMW Integral ABS - Troubleshooting
OEOptional extra
Warning light,
generalABS warning
light Malfunctions
OFF ON Only RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION available in both circuits (
77)
OFF Flashes at 1 HzABS not available
Pull-away test not completed (
78)
OFF Flashes at 4 HzOnly RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION
available in both circuits (
77)
Self-diagnosis not completed ( 78)
ON OFF Rear light/brake light defective (
Maintenance Instructions, Chapter 2)
Cruise-control systemOE not available.
ON Flashes at 1 HzAt least one brake circuit without
ABS (
80)
ON Flashes at 4 HzAt least one brake circuit in RESIDUAL
BRAKING FUNCTION mode (
77)
Alternate
flashing at
1 Hz Alternate
flashing at
1 HzFluid level in BMW Integral ABS too low.
Check the motorcycle as follows:
– Ignition OFF: is brake pressure OK at
the brake levers?
– Are the brakes acting on both wheels?
– Is the brake system leaktight, no signs of brake fluid escaping?
The brake system is defective if the test
outcome is negative.
Alternate
flashing at
4 Hz Alternate
flashing at
4 HzFluid level in the BMW Integral ABS is too
low, perform the checks listed above.
Only RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION
available in at least one circuit (
77)
Warning:
Do not ride the motorcycle if you have
any doubts about the dependability of
the brake system.
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