Page 34 of 162

Operation332
In-key securityAn electronic component is inte-
grated into each of your keys. 
The motorcycle’s electronics 
exchange certain continuously 
changing signals with the elec-
tronics in the key; these signals 
are specific to your motorcycle 
and they are transmitted via the 
ring antenna in the ignition lock. 
The ignition is not enabled for 
starting until the key has been 
recognised as authorised for 
your motorcycle.
A spare key attached to 
the same ring as the igni-
tion key used to start the engine 
could "upset" the electronics, in 
which case the enabling signal 
for starting is not issued. The 
"EWS" warning is displayed in 
the multifunction display. Always store the spare key sep-
arately from the ignition key.c
Replacement and extra 
keysYou can only obtain replace-
ment/extra keys through an 
authorised BMW motorcycle 
dealer. The keys are part of an 
integrated security system, so 
the dealer is under an obligation 
to check the legitimacy of all 
applications for replacement/
extra keys.
If you want to have a lost key 
barred, you have to bring with 
you all the keys that belong to 
the motorcycle. A key that has 
been barred can subsequently 
be cleared and reactivated for 
use.
Hazard warning flashersSwitching on the hazard 
warning flashers• Switch on the ignition.
• Press the hazard warning 
flashers button 1.
» Hazard warning flashers in 
operation.
» Left/right turn indicator tell-
tale lights flash.
• Switch off the ignition.
» The hazard warning flashers 
continues to operate. 
     
        
        Page 35 of 162
333Operation
» Left/right turn indicator tell-
tale lights off.
The hazard warning 
flashers can also be 
switched on by simultaneously 
pressing the buttons for the 
left and right turn indicators.c
The hazard warning 
flashers places a load on 
the battery. Do not use the 
hazard warning flashers for 
longer than absolutely 
necessary.cSwitching off the hazard 
warning flashers• Press the hazard warning 
flashers button 1 or switch 
on ignition.
» Hazard warning flashers 
ceases to operate.
TripmasterSelecting the display
When you switch on the 
ignition, the information 
shown by the Tripmaster when 
the ignition was switched off 
always reappears on the multi-
function display.c
• Switch on the ignition.
• Press the Tripmaster 
button1 once briefly.» The following appear in the 
display field2 in this order:
– Total distance covered
– Trip odometer 1 (Trip I)
– Trip odometer 2 (Trip II)
– Residual range 
     
        
        Page 54 of 162

Riding452
Safety checkPrior to every journeyUse the following checklist to 
check important functions, 
settings and wear limits before 
starting to ride. Checklist–Brakes (
b 93)
– Brake fluid level (
b 91)
– Clutch function (b 93)
– Clutch fluid level (b 93)
– Warning and telltale lights
(
b 18)
– Shock absorber setting 
(b 44, 46) and spring 
preload (
b 47)
–Rims (
b 94), tread depth 
(
b 94) and tyre pressure
(b 47)
– Load, gross weight (
b 137)
– Secure luggage systemAt regular intervals:
– Engine oil level (every time 
you refuel) (
b 86)
– Brake pads (every second/
third time you refuel) 
(
b 90, 91)
Making your first tripSafe handling of your 
motorcycleEach motorcycle has its 'own 
life' that you have to get used 
to:
– Acceleration capability
– Road holding
– Cornering characteristics
–Braking power
The engine also has to be 
run in during the first 1,000 km 
(b 58).You will find information on 
BMW Integral ABS from 
(
b 69) onwards.
BMW Integral ABS incor-
porates braking power 
assistance, so that braking 
power is significantly higher 
than with conventional brake 
systems. Especially when 
cornering, unintentionally hard 
braking can lead to dangerous 
situations.
Practice braking with 
BMW Integral ABS in safe 
situations.c 
     
        
        Page 55 of 162
453Riding
Before you startSwitching on the ignition• Read the information on the 
EWS (
b 22).
• Kill switch1 in operating 
positionA.
• Switch on the ignition.
» Pre-ride check is carried out.
» With BMW Integral ABS: 
ABS self-diagnosis is 
performed. 
Pre-ride checkAfter the ignition has been 
switched on, a pre-ride check 
is carried out. Here, the func-
tions of all warning lights and 
warning symbols are checked. 
The following are displayed in 
succession in the multifunc-
tion display:
Phase 1
General warning light 
lights up red. 
Engine oil pressure 
symbol is displayed.Battery charge current 
symbol is displayed.
Phase 2
General warning light 
lights up yellow.
Engine electronics 
symbol is displayed.
EWS symbol is 
displayed. 
     
        
        Page 56 of 162

Riding454
Phase 3
Lamps defective warning 
light is displayed.
If one of the warning 
lights or a warning 
symbol cannot be displayed, 
a function fault in the corre-
sponding system cannot be 
displayed.  
Pay attention to the displays 
for all lights and symbols.cIf one of the lights or symbols 
is not displayed:
• Have the fault remedied as 
soon as possible by a spe-
cialist workshop, preferably 
an authorised BMW motor-
cycle dealer.
After completion of the pre-
ride check, the current values 
are displayed.
If the engine is started 
during the pre-ride 
check, the pre-ride check is 
cancelled.c
With BMW Integral ABS, the 
ABS self-diagnosis is also 
carried out.
ABS self-diagnosisThe ABS warning light is 
shown in one of the following 
three variants depending on 
the country:
The operational readiness of 
the BMW Integral ABS is 
checked by the self-diagnosis 
and starting-off test (
b 58). 
Self-diagnosis is performed 
automatically when you switch 
on the ignition.
Self-diagnosis is not per-
formed unless both brake 
levers are in their fully released  
     
        
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455Riding
positions. Before conclusion 
of the self-diagnosis, only 
residual braking function 
(b 71) is available.
• Release the brake lever.
• Switch on the ignition.
Phase 1
General warning light 
lights up. 
ABS warning light flashes 
4 times per second. 
Self-diagnosis is carried out.
Phase 2
ABS warning light flashes 
once per second.
Self-diagnosis is complete. The warning light goes out 
after completion of the start-
ing-off test (
b 58).
If the ignition is switched 
on with the brake lever 
operated and then the engine 
is started and the motorcycle 
moves off immediately, the 
BMW Integral ABS is still in the 
residual braking function 
(
b 71). The self-diagnosis is 
carried out as soon as the 
brake lever is released com-
pletely for the first time. During 
this period, neither the ABS 
function nor the braking power 
assistance is available.
When you start the engine, 
wait until the ABS self-diagno-
sis has been carried out.cStarting on gradients:
Switch on the ignition 
with the gear engaged, clutch 
lever released and brake lever 
released. Then press the 
brake, press the clutch and 
start the engine.c
Side-standIf the side stand is extended 
and a gear is engaged, you 
cannot start the motorcycle.
If the motorcycle has been 
started in neutral and a gear is 
then engaged while the side 
stand is extended, the engine 
switches off. 
     
        
        Page 58 of 162
Riding456
Manual gearboxThe motorcycle can be started 
in the neutral position or with a 
gear engaged and the clutch 
pressed. Only press the clutch 
after switching on the ignition.
In the neutral position, the 
"neutral" telltale light lights up 
in green and the gear display 
in the multifunction display 
shows 0.Starting
Do not turn the throttle 
twistgrip when starting 
the engine. At ambient tem-
peratures below 0 °C, disen-
gage the clutch after switching 
on the ignition.c• Press starter button1.
» The engine starts.
• Observe warning and infor-
mation displays (
b 18-28).
The start attempt is auto-
matically interrupted if 
the battery voltage is too low.
Prior to renewed starting 
attempts, charge the battery 
or obtain starting assistance
(
b 111).cHigh engine speeds with 
a  cold engine could lead 
to increased engine wear.
Avoid high engine speeds 
when the engine is cold.c
If you are unable to start 
the engine, the following 
troubleshooting chart can 
provide assistance.c 
     
        
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Riding458
RidingABS starting-off testThe ABS warning light is 
shown in one of the following 
three variants depending on 
the country:
ABS warning light flashes 
once per second. 
After starting off, the BMW 
Integral ABS checks the ABS 
sensors. The ABS warning 
light then goes out and the 
BMW Integral ABS is active.
Running in• During the running-in period, 
ride in frequently changing 
load and engine speed 
ranges.
• Choose hilly routes with a 
large number of corners, but 
avoid motorways where 
possible.
Exceeding the running-in 
speeds increases engine 
wear.
Adhere to the guide values 
described below.cUp to 1,000 km distance 
ridden• Engine speed max. 
7,000 rpm.
• No full-load acceleration.
• At full load, avoid low engine 
speeds. • After 500 – 1,200 km be 
sure to have the first 
inspection carried out.
Brake padsNew brake pads must "bed 
down" and therefore do not 
achieve their optimum friction 
levels during the first 500 km. 
The reduction in braking effi-
ciency can be compensated 
for by exerting greater pres-
sure on the brake lever. 
New brake pads can 
considerably lengthen 
the braking distance. 
Brake carefully and safely. 
Avoid braking sharply.c