clutch BMW MOTORRAD R 1150 RS 2002 Rider's Manual (in English)
Page 4 of 96
i
2
Introduction
General information and con-
trols
General view, left side ........... 4
General view, right side ......... 5
Cockpit ................................. 6
Telltale and warning lights ..... 7
Ignition switch and steering 
lock .................................... 8-9
Adjusting windshield ........... 10
Hazard warning flashers ...... 11
Left handlebar fitting ........... 12
Right handlebar fitting ......... 13
Adjusting handlebars ..... 14-15
Seat ............................... 16-17
System case .................. 18-19Safety check
Checklist ........................ 20-21
Engine oil ....................... 22-23
Fuel ................................ 24-25
Handlebar levers ............ 26-27
Brake system 
- general ........................ 28-29
Brake system - without 
BMW Integral ABS ......... 30-33
Brake system - with 
BMW Integral ABS ......... 34-36
Clutch ................................. 37
Lights ............................. 38-42
Shock-absorber settings ..... 43
Spring preload .................... 44
Wheels ........................... 45-46
Accessories and tyres......... 47
Loading.......................... 48-49
Contents
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General information and controls
4
987
124356
101112
1Front forks, shock-absorber 
setting (
b 43)
2 Reservoir for clutch fluid (
b 37)
3 Oil filler neck, engine (
b 23)
4 Lifting handle (
b 56, 57)
5 Helmet holder, left
6 Storage compartment for 
toolkit (supplied) (
b Mainte-
nance Instructions, Chapter 2)
7 Rear suspension strut, shock-
absorber setting (
b 43)
8 Rear suspension strut,
spring preload (
b 44)
OAOptional accessories
9Power socket, 12 VOA
Provision for connecting 
additional equipment – max. 
load 5 A
10 Primary spark plug, left 
(
b Maintenance Instruc-
tions, Chapter 2)
11 Secondary spark plug, left 
(
b Maintenance Instruc-
tions, Chapter 2)
12 Oil level sight glass, engine 
(
b 23)
( ) Figure in brackets
bpage number for description
General view, left side
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General information and controls
12
d Warning:
To prevent air from entering 
the clutch system: 
 Do not turn the fitting on the 
handlebar. 
1 Lever for cold start
(fast idle) (
b 62, 63)
2 Hazard warning flasher 
switch (
b 11) 3
Horn button
4 Left turn indicator switch
Press
– Turn indicators operate
To switch off turn indicators:
 Press turn indicator can-
cel switch 9
5 High/low (dipped) beam 
headlight switch
FHigh-beam headlight
GLow (dipped) beam
FHeadlight flasher
Left handlebar fitting
12
5
4
3
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General information and controls
14
d Warning:
To ensure that no air enters 
the brake or clutch hydraulic 
circuits:
 Do not turn the fitting on the 
handlebar. 
d Warning:
The left and right stub handle-
bars must be repositioned 
symmetrically if at all. Make 
sure that lines and cables run 
correctly. Avoid damage to 
electrical wiring.
Retaining screw 1 must 
always be tightened to the 
correct torque value.
If you do not have a suitable 
torque wrench, have the han-
dlebars adjusted by a special-
ist workshop, preferably a 
BMW motorcycle dealer.
Adjusting handlebars
1
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2
21
2
Safety check
For this reason, check the 
details in the following sections 
before you start the journey: 
– Fuel level
– Positions of the handlebar levers
– Brake fluid level 
– Clutch fluid level 
–Brakes
– Warning lights and telltale  lights
–Lights
– Shock-absorber setting and  spring preload
– Condition of wheels and 
tyres, tread depth and tyre 
pressures
– Load, gross weight  – Check regularly on the basis 
of this checklist
(every refuelling stop):
– Engine oil level
(every 2nd/3rd refuelling 
stop):
– Brake pads
If you encounter any problems 
or difficulties, it is always best to 
contact your authorised 
BMW motorcycle dealer. He will 
provide the necessary advice 
and assistance.
Checklist
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26
Safety check
Adjusting clutch lever
e Attention:
Sudden changes in play or 
spongy action indicate a fault in 
the hydraulic system. 
If you are doubtful about the re-
liability of the hydraulic clutch 
operating system, it is best to 
consult a specialist workshop, 
preferably an authorised BMW 
motorcycle dealer.
d Warning:
To prevent air from entering 
the clutch system: 
 Do not turn the fitting on the 
handlebar. 
Turn knob A  to set the most 
comfortable span:
–Setting  1: minimum span
–Setting  3: maximum span
3
1
Handlebar levers
A
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37
2
Safety check
MIN
Checking fluid level in the 
clutch fitting
e Attention:
If the fluid level drops, assume 
there is a defect in the clutch 
system. 
Have the clutch system 
checked immediately by a spe-
cialist workshop, preferably an 
authorised BMW motorcycle 
dealer.
d Warning:
Never permit the fluid level to 
drop below the minimum level 
(MIN mark)
L Note:
The fluid level in the reservoir 
rises as the clutch wears.
 Place the motorcycle on its  main (centre) stand
– Make sure the ground is level and firm
 Turn the handlebars fully to  the right
 Check fluid level in sight glass MIN Minimum level 
(centre of sight glass)
Clutch
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61
3
Starting – Riding – Parking
1
Fully retracting the side 
stand
L Note:
If the side stand is extended 
and a gear engaged, you can-
not start the motorcycle.
Selecting neutral– Neutral indicator light  1 
green
 k  on (b 7).
L Note:
Engine does not start:
– Move the gear lever to the
k 
position or disengage 
the clutch
Engine stops when first gear is 
engaged:
– Fully retract the side stand; if 
necessary, consult the trou-
bleshooting chart (
b Mainte-
nance Manual, Chapter 2)
Before you start
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65
3
Starting – Riding – Parking
5
Engine oil pressureWarning light5 goes out above 
idle speed.
e Attention:
If warning light 5 comes on dur-
ing the journey, take the follow-
ing action as soon as traffic 
conditions permit: 
declutch
 operate the kill switch
 bring the motorcycle safely to 
a halt
 check engine oil level (b 22)
e Attention:
If the warning light comes on 
even though the oil level is cor-
rect, you must consult a spe-
cialist workshop, preferably an 
authorised 
BMW motorcycle dealer.
Telltale and warning lights
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68
Starting – Riding – Parking
Engine speedLimit engine speed in accord-
ance with engine temperature, 
using the highest engine 
speeds only when the engine 
has reached its regular operat-
ing temperature.
When the revolution counter 
needle enters the red zone on 
the dial, the fuel supply is inter-
rupted in order to protect the 
engine against overspeeding.
L Note:
The governor cuts in at 
7,900 rpm.
Load changes
d Warning:
Try not to open or close the 
throttle abruptly, particularly 
on wet or slippery roads.
Changing gear
L Note:
Never slip the clutch excessive-
ly when changing gear. Vary 
your speed only by using the 
throttle in a suitable gear, not by 
slipping the clutch.
The digital gear indicator in the 
Rider Information Display shows 
which gear is selected (
b 67)
Riding and changing gear
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