2004 BMW MOTORRAD K 1200 S overheating

451Riding
Catalytic converterIf misfiring causes unburned
fuel to enter the catalytic con-
verter, there is a danger of
overheating and damage.
For this reason, observe the
following points:
– Do not ride the motorcycle
with the fuel tank empty.
– Do not run the engine with
the spark-plug cap removed.
– In the event of engine misfir-
ing, stop the engine immedi-
ately.
– Only refuel using unleaded
fuel.
– Be sure to adhere to the
prescribed maintenance
intervals.
Unburned fuel destroys
the catalytic converter.
Note the points listed for
protection of the catalytic
converter.c
Risk of fireHigh temperatures occur at
the exhaust pipe.
If highly flammable mate-
rials (e.g. hay, leaves,
grass, clothing and luggage,
etc.) make contact with the hot
exhaust pipe, they can start to
burn.
Ensure that no highly flamma-
ble materials can come into
contact with the hot exhaust
system.c
–If the engine runs for a
longer period when the
motorcycle is stationary, the
cooling is inadequate and
overheating can occur. In
extreme cases, the motorcy-
cle could catch fire.
Do not let the engine run for
unnecessary periods when the motorcycle is stationary.
After starting, move off
immediately.c
Manipulation of the engine
electronics control unit
Manipulation of the engine
electronics control unit can
cause damage to the motorcy-
cle and therefore lead to acci-
dents. Do not manipulate the en-
gine electronics control unit.c
Any manipulation of the
engine electronics
control unit can lead to
mechanical loads for which
the components of the motor-
cycle are not configured. Dam-
age caused in this way invali-
dates the warranty.
Do not manipulate the engine
electronics control unit.c

Maintenance6106
Do not touch the glass of
new bulbs with your
fingers. Use a clean, dry cloth
when fitting. Dirt deposits, in
particular oil and grease,
interfere with heat radiation
from the bulb. This will result in
overheating and therefore
shorten the service life of the
bulbs.c
You will find an overview
of the types of screw
used on (
b 124).c
Replacing the low-beam
headlight bulb
During the work
described below, a
motorcycle that has been
parked unsafely can fall over.
Make sure that the motorcycle
is parked securely.cThe bulb is pressurised,
injuries may result if the
bulb is damaged.
Wear protective goggles and
gloves when changing
bulbs.c
To achieve better acces-
sibility, turn the handle-
bars to the right.c
• If necessary, switch off the
ignition.
• Loosen the cover 1 by
turning it anticlockwise and
remove it.• Pull off the connector 2.
• Remove the spring wire
brackets 3 from their detents
on the left and right and fold
them up.

7119
Care
Do not use steam jet cleaners
or high-pressure cleaners.cPlasticsClean plastic parts with water
and BMW plastic care
emulsion. This includes in
particular:
– Windscreens
– Headlight lenses made of
plastic
– Covering glass of the
instrument cluster
– Black, unpainted parts
If plastic parts are
cleaned using unsuitable
cleaning agents, the surfaces
can be damaged.
Do not use cleaning agents
that contain alcohol, solvents
or abrasives to clean plastic
parts. "Fly sponges" or spong-
es with hard surfaces can also
lead to scratches.cSoften resilient dirt and
insects by applying a wet
cloth.c
WindscreenRemove dirt and insects with a
soft sponge and lots of water.
Fuel and chemical
solvents attack the
windscreen.
Do not use cleaning agents.cChromeEspecially in the case of road
salt, carefully clean chrome
with plenty of water and BMW
vehicle shampoo. Use chrome
polish for additional treatment.RadiatorClean the radiator regularly to
prevent overheating of the
engine due to inadequate cooling. For example, use a
garden hose with low water
pressure.
Cooling fins can be bent
easily.
When cleaning the radiator,
ensure that the fins are not
bent.c
Paint careRegular washing of the motor-
cycle counteracts the long-
term effects of materials that
damage the paint, especially if
your motorcycle is ridden in
areas with high air pollution or
natural sources of dirt, e.g.
tree resins or pollen.
However, remove particularly
aggressive materials immedi-
ately; otherwise changes in
the paint or discolouration can
occur. These include, e.g.,
spilt fuel, oil, grease, brake