Page 45 of 132

Catalytic converterIf misfiring causes unburned fuel
to enter the catalytic converter,
there is a danger of overheating
and damage.
For this reason, observe the fol-
lowing points:Do not run the fuel tank dry.
Do not attempt to start or run
the engine with a spark-plug
cap disconnected.
Stop the engine immediately if
it misfires.
Use only unleaded fuel.
Comply with all specified main-
tenance intervals.
Unburned fuel will destroy
the catalytic converter.
Note the points listed for protec-
tion of the catalytic converter.
Risk of fireTemperatures at the exhaust are
high.
Flammable materials (e.g.
hay, leaves, grass, clothing
and luggage, etc.) could ignite
if allowed to come into contact
with the hot exhaust pipe.
Do not permit flammable materi-
als to come into contact with the
hot exhaust system.
Cooling would be
inadequate if the engine
were allowed to idle for a lengthy
period with the motorcycle at
a standstill: overheating would
result. In extreme cases, the
motorcycle could catch fire.
Do not allow the engine to idle
unnecessarily. Ride away imme-
diately after starting the engine.
Tampering with the
control unit of the
electronic engine-
management system
Tampering with the engine
control unit can damage
the motorcycle and cause acci-
dents.
Do not tamper with the engine
control unit.
Tampering with the engine
control unit can result in
mechanical loads that the mo-
torcycle's components are not
designed to withstand. Damage
caused in this way is not covered
by the warranty.
Do not tamper with the engine
control unit.
543zRiding
Page 55 of 132

What is the design
baseline for BMW
Motorrad ABS?Within the limits imposed by
physics, BMW Motorrad ABS en-
sures directional stability on any
surface. The system is not op-
timised for special requirements
that apply under extreme com-
petitive situations off-road or on
the track.Special situationsThe speeds of the front and rear
wheels are compared as one
means of detecting a wheel's
incipient tendency to lock. If the
system registers implausible val-
ues for a lengthy period the ABS
function is deactivated for safety
reasons and an ABS fault mes-
sage is issued. Self-diagnos-
is has to complete before fault
messages can be issued.
In addition to problems with the
BMW Motorrad ABS, exceptionalriding conditions can lead to a
fault message being issued.
Exceptional riding
conditions:
Riding for a lengthy period with
the front wheel lifted off the
ground (wheelie).
Rear wheel rotating with the
motorcycle held stationary by
applying the front brake (burn-
out).
Heating up with the motorcycle
on the centre stand or an auxil-
iary stand, engine idling or with
a gear engaged.
Rear wheel locked for a lengthy
period, for example while des-
cending off-road.
If a fault message is issued on
account of exceptional riding
conditions as outlined above, you
can reactivate the ABS function
by switching the ignition off and
on again.
What significance
devolves on regular
maintenance?
Invariably, a technical sys-
tem cannot perform beyond
the abilities dictated by its level
of maintenance.
In order to ensure that the BMW
Motorrad ABS is always main-
tained in optimum condition, it
is essential for you to comply
strictly with the specified inspec-
tion intervals.
Reserves for safetyThe potentially shorter braking
distances which BMW Motorrad
ABS permits must not be used
as an excuse for careless riding.
ABS is primarily a means of en-
suring a safety margin in genuine
emergencies.
Take care when cornering. When
you apply the brakes on a corner,
the motorcycle's weight and
653zEngineering details
Page 85 of 132
grease, interfere with heat radi-
ation from the bulb. This leads
to overheating and shortens the
bulb's operating life.Removing headlight
housingMake sure the ground is level
and firm and place the motor-
cycle on its stand.
Remove screws1on left and
right.
Remove the left and right side
panels. Remove screws
2on left and
right and remove screw 3.
Ease the headlight housing for-
ward and up to remove.
Replacing low-beam and
high-beam headlight bulbSwitch off the ignition.
Remove the headlight housing
( 83) Disconnect plug
1.
Remove rubber cap 2.
883zMaintenance
Page 101 of 132

agents, the surfaces can be dam-
aged.
Do not use cleaning agents that
contain alcohol, solvents or ab-
rasives to clean plastic parts.
Even fly-remover pads or clean-
ing pads with hard surfaces can
produce scratches.Soften stubborn dirt and
insects by covering the af-
fected areas with a wet cloth.ChromeUse plenty of water and BMW
shampoo to clean chrome, par-
ticularly if it has been exposed to
road salt. Use chrome polish for
additional treatment.RadiatorClean the radiator regularly to
prevent overheating of the en-
gine due to inadequate cooling.
For example, use a garden hose
with low water pressure. Cooling fins can be bent
easily.
Take care not to bend the fins
when cleaning the radiator.
RubberTreat rubber components with
water or BMW rubber-care
products.
Using silicone sprays for
the care of rubber seals can
cause damage.
Do not use silicone sprays or
other care products that contain
silicon.Paint careWashing the motorcycle regularly
will help counteract the long-term
effects of substances that dam-
age the paint, especially if your
motorcycle is ridden in areas
with high air pollution or natural
sources of dirt, for example tree
resin or pollen. Remove particularly aggressive
substances immediately, how-
ever, as otherwise the paint can
be affected or become discol-
oured. Substances of this nature
include spilt fuel, oil, grease,
brake fluid and bird droppings.
We recommend BMW vehicle
polish or BMW paint cleaner for
this purpose.
Marks on the paintwork are par-
ticularly easy to see after the
motorcycle has been washed.
Remove stains of this kind im-
mediately, using cleaning-grade
benzene or petroleum spirit on a
clean cloth or ball of cotton wool.
BMW Motorrad recommends
BMW tar remover for removing
specks of tar. Remember to wax
the parts treated in this way.
999zCare