BMW MOTORRAD K 1200 GT 2006 Rider's Manual (in English)

with OE ASC:Switch on the ignition.
Pre-ride check is
performed. ( 79)
ABS self-diagnosis is per-
formed. ( 80)
ASC self-diagnosis is per-
formed. ( 80)
Press starter button 1.
If ambient temperatures
are very low, you might
find it necessary to open the
throttle slightly when starting
the engine. At ambient tem-
peratures below 0 °C, disen- gage the clutch after switch-
ing on the ignition.
The start attempt is
automatically interrupted
if battery voltage is too low.
Recharge the battery before
you start the engine, or use
jump leads and a donor
battery to start.
The engine starts.
Consult the troubleshooting
chart below if the engine
refuses to start. ( 140)
Pre-ride checkThe instrument cluster runs
a test of the 'General' warn-
ing light when the ignition
is switched on. The warn-
ing light shows first red and
then yellow, so that you can
check that it is in working or-
der. This pre-ride check is in-
dicated by the word
CHECK!
appearing in the display. If
the motorcycle is equipped with the cruise control op-
tional extra,
SET
lights up
as well. The test is aborted
if you start the engine before
it completes.
Phase 1
General warning light
lights up red.
The
CHECK!
reminder ap-
pears on the display.
Phase 2 General warning light
lights up yellow.
The
CHECK!
reminder ap-
pears on the display.
Cruise control telltale
light shows.
If the 'General' warning light is
not displayed:
Some malfunctions can-
not be indicated if the
'General' warning light cannot
be displayed.
579zRiding

Check that the 'General'
warning light comes on, and
that it lights up yellow and
then red.Have the fault rectified as
quickly as possible by a
specialist workshop, prefer-
ably an authorised BMW
Motorrad dealer.ABS self-diagnosisBMW Motorrad Integral ABS
performs self-diagnosis to
ensure its operability. Self-
diagnosis is performed auto-
matically when you switch
on the ignition. The motor-
cycle has to move forward at
a speed above 5 km/h for the
wheel sensors to be tested.
Phase 1Test of the diagnosis-
compatible system
components with the
motorcycle at a standstill. ABS warning light
flashes.
Possible national variant
of the ABS warning light.
Phase 2 Test of the wheel sensors
as the motorcycle pulls
away from rest. ABS warning light
flashes.
Possible national variant
of the ABS warning light.
ABS self-diagnosis
completed The ABS warning light goes
out.
If an indicator showing an
ABS fault appears when ABS
self-diagnosis completes:
You can continue to ride.
Bear in mind that neither
the ABS function nor the integral braking function is
available.
Have the fault rectified as
quickly as possible by a
specialist workshop, prefer-
ably an authorised BMW
Motorrad dealer.
ASC self-diagnosis
OE
BMW Motorrad ASC performs
self-diagnosis to ensure its
operability. Self-diagnosis
is performed automatically
when you switch on the igni-
tion. The engine must be run-
ning and the motorcycle must
reach a speed of at least 5
km/h in order for ASC self-
diagnosis to complete.
Phase 1
Test of the diagnosis-
compatible system
components with the
motorcycle at a standstill.
580zRiding

ASC warning light slow-
flashes.
Phase 2 Test of the diagnosis-
compatible system
components while the
motorcycle is on the move. ASC warning light slow-
flashes.
ASC self-diagnosis
completed The ASC warning light goes
out.
If an indicator showing an
ASC fault appears when ASC
self-diagnosis completes:
You can continue to ride.
Bear in mind that the ASC
function is not available.
Have the fault rectified as
quickly as possible by a
specialist workshop, prefer- ably an authorised BMW
Motorrad dealer.
Running inThe first 1000 kmWhile running in the mo-
torcycle, vary the throttle
opening and engine-speed
range frequently.
Try to do most of your rid-
ing during this initial period
on twisting, fairly hilly roads,
avoiding high-speed main
roads and highways if pos-
sible.
Exceeding the specified
engine speeds while run-
ning in will lead to increased
engine wear.
Keep to the specified engine
speeds for running in.
Do not exceed the rpm lim-
its recommended for run-
ning in. Running-in speed
<7000 min
-1
No full-load acceleration.
Avoid low engine speeds at
full load.
Do not omit the first inspec-
tion after 500 - 1200 km.Brake padsNew brake pads must &#34;bed
down&#34; and therefore do not
achieve their optimum friction
levels during the first 500 km.
You can compensate for this
initial reduction in braking ef-
ficiency by exerting greater
pressure on the levers. New brake pads can ex-
tend stopping distance
by a significant margin.
Apply the brakes in good
time.
581zRiding

TyresNew tyres have a smooth
surface. This must be
roughened by riding in a
restrained manner at various
heel angles until the tyres
are run in. This running in
procedure is essential if the
tyres are to achieve maximum
grip.Tyres do not have their
full grip when new and
there is a risk of accidents at
extreme angles of heel.
Avoid extreme angles of
heel.Parking your
motorcyclePlace the motorcycle on
side stand
If the ground is soft or
uneven, there is no guar- antee that the motorcycle will
rest firmly on the stand.
Always check that the ground
under the stand is level and
firm.
Switch off the engine.
Pull the handbrake lever.
Hold the motorcycle upright
and balanced.
Use your left foot to extend
the side stand fully. The side stand is de-
signed to support only
the weight of the motorcycle.
Do not lean or sit on the mo-
torcycle with the side stand
extended.
Slowly lean the motorcycle
to the side until its weight
is taken by the stand and
dismount to the left. If the motorcycle is on
the side stand, the sur-
face of the ground will de-
termine whether it is better to turn the handlebars to the
left or right. However, the mo-
torcycle is more stable on a
level surface with the handle-
bars turned to the left than
with the handlebars turned to
the right.
On level ground, always turn
the handlebars to the left to
set the steering lock.
Turn the handlebars to full
left or right lock.
Check that the motorcycle
is standing firmly. On a gradient, the mo-
torcycle should always
face uphill; select 1st gear.
Lock the steering lock.
Remove the motorcycle
from side standUnlock the steering lock.
From the left, grip the
handlebars with both hands.
582zRiding

Pull the handbrake lever.
Swing your right leg over
the seat and lift the motor-
cycle to the upright position.
Hold the motorcycle upright
and balanced.An extended side stand
can catch on the ground
when the motorcycle is mov-
ing and lead to a fall.
Retract the side stand before
moving the motorcycle.
Sit on the motorcycle and
use your left foot to retract
the side stand.Place the motorcycle on
centre stand
If the ground is soft or
uneven, there is no guar-
antee that the motorcycle will
rest firmly on the stand.
Always check that the ground
under the stand is level and
firm. Switch off the engine.
Dismount and keep your left
hand on the left handlebar
grip.
With your right hand, grip
the rear grab handle or the
rear frame.
Place your right foot on the
pin of the centre stand, and
press the stand down un-
til its curved feet touch the
ground.
Place your full body weight
on the centre stand and at
the same time pull the mo-
torcycle to the rear.
Excessive movements
could cause the centre
stand to retract, and the mo-
torcycle would topple in con-
sequence.
Do not lean or sit on the mo-
torcycle with the centre stand
extended. Check that the motorcycle
is standing firmly.
Lock the steering lock.
Remove the motorcycle
from centre standUnlock the steering lock.
Place your left hand on the
left handlebar grip.
With your right hand, grip
the rear grab handle or the
rear frame.
Push the motorcycle for-
ward off the centre stand.
Check that the centre stand
has fully retracted.Refuelling
Fuel is highly flammable.
A naked flame close to
the fuel tank can cause a fire
or explosion.
Do not smoke. Never bring
a naked flame near the fuel
tank.
583zRiding

Fuel expands when hot.
Fuel escaping from an
overfilled tank could make its
way onto the rear tyre. This
could cause a fall.
Do not fill the tank past the
bottom edge of the filler
neck.
Fuel attacks plastics,
which become dull or
unsightly.
Wipe off plastic parts immedi-
ately if they come into contact
with fuel.
Leaded fuel will destroy
the catalytic converter.
Use only unleaded fuel.
Make sure the ground is
level and firm and place the
motorcycle on its stand. Open the protective cap.
Open the fuel tank cap with
the ignition key by turning it
counter-clockwise.
Refuel with fuel of the grade
stated below; do not fill the
tank past the bottom edge
of the filler neck.
Recommended fuel
grade
98 ROZ/RON (Premium
plus unleaded) Recommended fuel
grade
95 ROZ/RON (Premium
unleaded (fuel grade,
usable with power- and
consumption-related
restrictions)) Usable fuel capacity
24 l Reserve fuel
4l
Press the filler cap down
firmly to close.
Remove the key and close
the protective cap.
584zRiding

Tyre pressure control
RDC
OE
FunctionA sensor integrated into each
tyre measures the air tem-
perature and the air pressure
inside the tyre and transmits
this information to the control
unit.
Each sensor has a
centrifugal-force tripswitch
that does not enable
transmission of the measured
values until the motorcycle
has accelerated to about
30 km/h. The display shows--
for each tyre until the
tyre-pressure signal is
received for the first time. The
sensors continue to transmit
the measured-value signals
for approximately 15 minutes
after the motorcycle comes to
a stop. The control unit can
administrate four sensors, so
two different sets of wheels
with RDC sensors can be
alternated on the motorcycle.
An error message is issued
if wheels without sensors
are fitted to a motorcycle
equipped with an RDC control
unit.
Temperature
compensationThe tyre-pressure readings
shown by the multifunction
display are temperature-
compensated; the reference
tyre temperature for these
readings is always 20 °C.
The air lines available to
the public in petrol stations
and motorway service areas
almost invariably show
temperature-dependent
tyre pressures, so in most
instances these gaugereadings will not tally with
the readings shown by the
multifunction display.
Tyre-pressure rangesThe RDC control unit differ-
entiates between three air-
pressure ranges, all of which
are parameterised for the mo-
torcycle:
Air pressure within permit-
ted tolerance.
Air pressure close to limit of
permitted tolerance.
Air pressure outside permit-
ted tolerance.Brake system, generalDescending mountain
passes
There is a danger of the
brakes fading if you use
only the rear brakes when
descending mountain passes.
Under extreme conditions, the
585zRiding

brakes could overheat and
suffer severe damage.
Use both front and rear
brakes, and make use of the
engine&#39;s braking effect as
well.Wet brakes
After the motorcycle has
been washed, ridden
through water or ridden in
the rain, the brake discs and
pads might be wet and the
brakes might not take effect
immediately.
Apply the brakes in good time
until the brakes have dried
out.
Salt on brakes
The brakes may fail to
take effect immediately
if the motorcycle was ridden
on salt-covered roads and the
brakes were not applied for
some time. Apply the brakes in good
time until the salt layer on the
brake discs and brake pads
has been removed.
Oil or grease on brakes
Oil and grease on the
brake discs and pads
considerably diminish braking
efficiency.
Especially after repair and
maintenance work, make
sure that the brake discs and
brake pads are free of oil and
grease.
Dirt or mud on brakes
When riding on loose
surfaces or muddy
roads, the brakes may fail
to take effect immediately
because of dirt or moisture on
the discs or brake pads.
Apply brakes in good time
until the brakes have been
cleaned.
Brake system with
BMW Motorrad
Integral ABSPartially integral brakesYour motorcycle is equipped
with partially integral brakes.
Both front and rear brakes
are applied when you pull the
handbrake lever. The foot-
brake lever acts only on the
rear brake.
When actively intervening
in the braking process, the
BMW Motorrad Integral ABS
adapts braking-force distri-
bution between front and rear
brakes to suit the load on the
motorcycle.
The integral braking
function makes it
very difficult to spin the
rear wheel by opening
the throttle with the front
brake applied to keep the
motorcycle stationary (burn-
586zRiding

out). Attempted burn-outs
can result in damage to the
rear brake and the clutch.
Do not attempt burn-outs.How does ABS work?The amount of braking force
that can be transferred to
the road depends on factors
hat include the coefficient of
friction of the road surface.
Loose stones, ice and snow
or a wet road all have much
lower coefficients of friction
than a clean, dry asphalt sur-
face. The lower the coeffi-
cient of friction, the longer the
braking distance.
If the rider increases braking
pressure to the extent that
braking force exceeds the
maximum transferrable limit,
the wheels start to lock and
the motorcycle loses its dir-
ectional stability; a fall is im-
minent. Before this situationcan occur, ABS intervenes
and adapts braking pressure
to the maximum transferrable
braking force, so the wheels
continue to turn and direc-
tional stability is maintained
irrespective of the condition of
the road surface.
What are the effects of
surface irregularities?Humps and surface irregu-
larities can cause the wheels
to lose contact temporarily
with the road surface; if this
happens the braking force
that can be transmitted to
the road can drop to zero.
If the brakes are applied un-
der these circumstances the
ABS has to reduce braking
force to ensure that direc-
tional stability is maintained
when the wheels regain con-
tact with the road surface.
At this instant the BMW Mo-
torrad Integral ABS must as-
sume an extremely low coef-
ficient of friction, so that the
wheels will continue to rotate
under all imaginable circum-
stances, because this is the
precondition for ensuring dir-
ectional stability. As soon as
is registers the actual circum-
stances, the system reacts
instantly and adjusts braking
force accordingly to achieve
optimum braking.
What feedback does the
rider receive from the
BMW Motorrad Integral
ABS?If the ABS system has to re-
duce braking force on ac-
count of the circumstances
described above, vibration is
perceptible through the hand-
brake lever.
When the handbrake lever is
pulled, brake pressure is also
587zRiding

built up at the rear wheel by
the integral function. If the
brake pedal is depressed
after the handbrake lever is
pulled, the brake pressure
built up beforehand is per-
ceptible as counter-pressure
sooner than is the case when
the brake pedal is depressed
either before or at the same
time as the brake lever is
pulled.How can stopping
distance be minimised?Each time the brakes are
applied, a load distribution
shift takes place with the
load shifting forward from
the rear to the front wheel.
The sharper the motorcycle
decelerates, the more load
is shifted to the front wheel.
The higher the wheel load, the
more braking force can betransmitted without the wheel
locking.
To optimise stopping dis-
tance, apply the front brakes
rapidly and keep on increas-
ing the force you apply to the
brake lever. This makes the
best possible use of the dy-
namic increase in load at the
front wheel. Remember to
pull the clutch at the same
time. In the &#34;panic braking
situations&#34; that are trained so
frequently braking force is ap-
plied as rapidly as possible
and with the rider&#39;s full force
applied to the brake levers;
under these circumstances
the dynamic shift in load dis-
tribution cannot keep pace
with the increase in decel-
eration and the tyres cannot
transmit the full braking force
to the surface of the road.
ABS has to intervene to keep
the front wheel from locking;this increases stopping dis-
tance.
Rear wheel liftEven under severe braking,
a high level of tyre grip can
mean that the front wheel
does not lock up until very
late, if at all. Consequently,
ABS does not intervene until
very late, if at all. Under these
circumstances the rear wheel
can lift off the ground, and the
outcome can be a highsiding
situation in which the motor-
cycle can flip over.
Severe braking can
cause the rear wheel to
lift off the ground.
When you brake, bear in mind
that ABS control cannot be
relied on in all circumstances
to prevent the rear wheel from
lifting clear of the ground.
588zRiding