Page 66 of 168
Adjusting suspension
dampingSwitch on the ignition.You can adjust the damp-
ing characteristic while the
motorcycle is on the move.
Press button 1.
The current setting is
displayed.
Press button 1once at each
step.
The display field starts at the
current status and cycles through
the following sequence:
COMF
: Comfortable damping
characteristic
NORM
: Normal damping char-
acteristic
SPORT
: Sporty damping
characteristic
The setting shown on the dis-
play is automatically accepted
as the damping characteristic
if you allow a certain length of
time to pass without making
further changes.
Adjusting spring preloadStart the engine.
You cannot adjust spring
preload while the motor-
cycle is on the move. Press button
1.
The current setting is
displayed.
Press and hold down button 1
until the reading changes.
The display field starts at the
current status and cycles through
the following sequence: One-up
One-up with luggage
Two-up (with luggage)
464zOperation
Page 67 of 168

The settings shown on the
display are automatically ac-
cepted as the spring preload
and, if applicable, the damp-
ing characteristic if you allow a
certain length of time to pass
without pressing making further
changes. The reading flashes
while spring preload adjustment
is in progress.
Wait until adjustment com-
pletes (reading stops flashing)
before pulling away.TyresChecking tyre pressureMake sure the ground is level
and firm and place the motor-
cycle on its stand.Incorrect tyre pressures im-
pair the motorcycle's hand-
ling characteristics and increase
the rate of tyre wear.
Always check that the tyre pres-
sures are correct. At high road speeds, tyre
valves have a tendency to
open as a result of centrifugal
force.
Fit metal valve caps with rubber
seals and screw them on firmly
to prevent sudden deflation.
Check that tyre pressures are
correct as per the data below.
Tyre pressure, front
2.5 bar (one-up, tyre cold)
2.5 bar (two-up and/or with
luggage, tyre cold) Tyre pressure, rear
2.9 bar (one-up, tyre cold)
2.9 bar (two-up and/or with
luggage, tyre cold) If tyre pressure is too low:
Correct tyre pressure.
HeadlightAdjusting headlight for
driving on left/driving on
rightIf the motorcycle is ridden in a
country where the opposite rule
of the road applies, its asymmet-
ric low-beam headlight will tend
to dazzle oncoming traffic.
Have the headlight set accord-
ingly by a specialist workshop,
preferably an authorised BMW
Motorrad dealer.
Commercially available ad-
hesive tape will damage the
plastic lens of the light.
Consult a specialist workshop,
preferably an authorised BMW
Motorrad dealer, in order to avoid
damaging the plastic lens of the
light.
465zOperation
Page 108 of 168
Check the clutch fluid level in
clutch fluid reservoir1.
Wear of the clutch causes
the fluid level in the clutch
fluid reservoir to rise. Clutch fluid level
Do not permit the clutch flu-
id level to drop.
If the fluid level drops: Unsuitable hydraulic fluids
could cause damage to the
clutch system.
Do not attempt to top up the
system with fluids of any kind.
Have the defect rectified as
quickly as possible by a spe-
cialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad
dealer.
The clutch system is filled
with a special hydraulic
fluid that does not have to be
changed.
TyresMeasuring tread depth of
tyres
Your motorcycle's handling
and grip can be impaired
even before the tyres wear to
the minimum tyre tread depth
permitted by law.
Have the tyres changed in good
time before they wear to the
minimum permissible tread
depth.
Make sure the ground is level
and firm and place the motor-
cycle on its stand.
8106zMaintenance
Page 136 of 168

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.Protective wax coatingBMW Motorrad recommends
applying only BMW car wax or
products containing carnauba
wax or synthetic wax.
It is time to rewax the paint-
work when water "puddles" on
the surface, instead of forming
beads.Laying up motorcycleClean the motorcycle.
Remove the battery.
Spray the brake and clutch
lever pivots and the main andside stand pivots with a suit-
able lubricant.
Coat bright metal and chrome-
plated parts with an acid-free
grease (e.g. Vaseline).
Stand the motorcycle in a dry
room in such a way that there
is no load on either wheel.
Before laying the vehicle
up out of use, have the en-
gine oil and the oil filter element
changed by a specialist work-
shop, preferably an authorised
BMW Motorrad dealer. Com-
bine work for laying up/restoring
to use with a BMW service or
inspection.
Restoring motorcycle
to useRemove the protective wax
coating.
Clean the motorcycle.
Install a charged battery. Before starting: work through
the checklist.
9134zCare