BMW MOTORRAD K 1200 GT 2004 Rider's Manual (in English)

3
79
Starting – Riding – Parking•Start the engine.
• Move off
– ABS warning light1:
OFF (as of approx. 5 km/h
(3 mph) road speed)

Pull-away test successfully
completed

BMW Integral ABS is
available

Note:
Flashing at 1 Hz = 1 flash per
second (slow flashing)
Flashing at 4 Hz = 4 flashes per
second (fast flashing)

Note:
Starting on gradients:
Always switch on the ignition
with gear engaged, clutch lever
released and both brake levers
released.
Self-diagnosis cannot be per-
formed if you do not follow this
procedure.
When self-diagnosis com-
pletes, apply the brakes, disen-
gage the clutch, and start the
engine.
*n depending on national-market
specification
1*2
Brake system - with BMW Integral ABS
10k41bkg3.book Seite 79 Donnerstag, 27. Mai 2004 5:30 17

80
Starting – Riding – Parking
3
 Warning:
If the BMW Integral ABS fails
in both brake circuits, a RE-
SIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION
only is available (
77).
 Warning:
If the RESIDUAL BRAKING
FUNCTION (

77) is active,
maintain a defensive riding
style and proceed immediate-
ly to a specialist workshop,
preferably an authorised BMW
motorcycle dealer.
*n depending on national-market
specification
 Warning:
If there is a fault in the ABS
system, the reserves of safety
normally afforded by ABS are
not available until the defect
has been put right.
There is a risk of dropping the
motorcycle if the brakes are
applied too hard and the
wheels lock or the rear wheel
lifts clear of the ground as a
r e su l t o f a h i g h le v e l o f t yr e ad -
hesion. Have the defect recti-
fied immediately by a
specialist workshop, prefera-
bly an authorised
BMW motorcycle dealer.
1*2
Brake system - with
BMW Integral ABS
10k41bkg3.book Seite 80 Donnerstag, 27. Mai 2004 5:30 17

3
81
Starting – Riding – Parking
BMW Integral ABS - Troubleshooting
OEOptional extra
Warning light,
generalABS warning
light Malfunctions
OFF ON Only RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION available in both circuits (

77)
OFF Flashes at 1 HzABS not available
Pull-away test not completed (

78)
OFF Flashes at 4 HzOnly RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION
available in both circuits (

77)
Self-diagnosis not completed (
78)
ON OFF Rear light/brake light defective (

Maintenance Instructions, Chapter 2)
Cruise-control systemOE not available.
ON Flashes at 1 HzAt least one brake circuit without
ABS (

80)
ON Flashes at 4 HzAt least one brake circuit in RESIDUAL
BRAKING FUNCTION mode (

77)
Alternate
flashing at
1 Hz Alternate
flashing at
1 HzFluid level in BMW Integral ABS too low.
Check the motorcycle as follows:
– Ignition OFF: is brake pressure OK at
the brake levers?
– Are the brakes acting on both wheels?
– Is the brake system leaktight, no signs of brake fluid escaping?
The brake system is defective if the test
outcome is negative.
Alternate
flashing at
4 Hz Alternate
flashing at
4 HzFluid level in the BMW Integral ABS is too
low, perform the checks listed above.
Only RESIDUAL BRAKING FUNCTION
available in at least one circuit (

77)
 Warning:
Do not ride the motorcycle if you have
any doubts about the dependability of
the brake system.
10k41bkg3.book Seite 81 Donnerstag, 27. Mai 2004 5:30 17

82
Arrive savely
4
Know-how …In recent years, motorcycles'
technical design features have
become more and more
sophisticated.
Motronic, electronic ignition,
integral brakes, the catalytic
converter or the use of four
valves per cylinder are clear
signs that far more than basic
technical knowledge may be
needed to solve certain prob-
lems. In addition, high-tech
materials are increasingly tak-
ing the place of conventional
ones, which again calls for thor-
ough and expert knowledge if
they are to be handled correctly
during repair work.
To be sure of achieving the nec-
essary standard, it is always
advisable to consult your
authorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.The authorised BMW motorcy-
cle dealer employs staff who
attend regular and comprehen-
sive training courses.
Authorised BMW motorcycle
dealers also receive all the cur-
rent technical information and
are therefore fully aware of the
latest developments.
… technical features …The authorised BMW motorcy-
cle dealer's staff has the experi-
ence and all the necessary
facts at its disposal when it
comes to solving problems
quickly and effectively. Work-
shops are equipped with the
latest technical facilities, for
example the special tools
developed by BMW, such as
the
BMW diagnosis system and
exhaust emissions tester.
Reliability
10k41bkg3.book Seite 82 Donnerstag, 27. Mai 2004 5:30 17

4
83
Arrive safely
Regular visits to the workshop
for routine servicing are
strongly recommended even
after the warranty period has
elapsed. They are the only way
to be genuinely certain that your
BMW motorcycle is being kept
in perfect working order.
For generous treatment of
claims submitted after the war-
ranty period has expired, evi-
dence of regular maintenance
is essential.Certain signs of
wear may otherwise not be
noticed until it is too late to put
them right at moderate cost.The staff in the authorised BMW
motorcycle dealer's workshop
know every detail of your
motorcycle and can take reme-
dial action if necessary before
minor faults develop into seri-
ous problems. By having the
necessary repairs done prop-
erly and in good time, you save
time and money in the long run.
…ServiceYou can obtain accurate advice
in all cases, and make appoint-
ments with a firm completion
deadline which we will comply
with punctually. But the most
gratifying feeling of all is that
your BMW is in genuinely good
shape when it leaves the
authorised BMW motorcycle
dealer's workshop – and above
all, safe.
Reliability
10k41bkg3.book Seite 83 Donnerstag, 27. Mai 2004 5:30 17

84
Arrive savely
4
Service worldwide
BMW Service Card
A Service Card is available for
all new BMW motorcycles.
A wide range of emergency-
assistance services are in place
to help you in the unlikely event
of a problem occurring some-
where far from home.
If you have a breakdown any-
where in Europe, just call our
Central Emergency Service
number from any telephone.
Our experts are on duty there
day and night to arrange assist-
ance for you. They can provide
practical advice on what to do
next and can make arrange-
ments on your behalf, for exam-
ple notifying local emergency
services anywhere in Europe,
recovery and transportation of
the motorcycle to the nearest
authorised BMW motorcycle
dealer, a taxi for you, and even
a replacement vehicle and hotel
accommodation, if necessary.
BMW Service worldwideAnd if your travels take you
even further afield, you have no
need to worry: we are repre-
sented in more than 100 coun-
tries of the world.

Note:
Call us if you have an y qu estion s
about the BMW dealership net-
work. You can contact us from
any European country on a tele-
phone hotline. The phone num-
bers are listed in the European
Service booklet (see on-board
documentation). Or if you prefer
you can use the homepage
address to contact us on the
Internet.
10k41bkg3.book Seite 84 Donnerstag, 27. Mai 2004 5:30 17

4
85
Arrive safely
Environmental protection
Development …Motorcyclists have an intensive
relationship with nature. BMW
has made sure that they con-
tinue to enjoy the best possible
prospects for successful riding
in the future.
This not only because your new
BMW is available with exhaust
emission control by closed-
loop, three-way catalytic
converter.
… waste disposal …Behind the scenes, in the repair
shop, we do not neglect the
pro-environmental aspects of
our work either.
Wherever possible, we use
environmentally acceptable
biodegradable materials. We
ensure strict compliance with
all environmental legislation, for
example the correct disposal of
old oil, which is now classified
as hazardous waste in many
countries.
…recyclingAlongside the correct disposal
of environmentally hazardous
materials, recycling is another
high-priority issue for BMW.
For example, plastics that are
marked according to type can
more easily be returned to the
materials cycle. Remember:
when it comes to making
repairs to your motorcycle, the
authorised BMW motorcycle
workshop is far better equipped
to protect the environment than
you are at home.
10k41bkg3.book Seite 85 Donnerstag, 27. Mai 2004 5:30 17

86
Arrive savely
4
BMW Rider's equipment
The essentialsTo reach your destination safely
every time, there is only one
choice:
•Helmet
•Suit
• Gloves
• Boots
It is foolhardy to ride without
these items of clothing. This
applies even to the shortest
journeys, and to every season
of the year.
Well-planned riding
pleasure
Many motorcyclists have
learned the hard way that the
proper clothing contributes so
much to riding pleasure. You
must feel comfortable and
relaxed – and your own safety
must never be endangered.
There is no doubt about it:
when buying motorcycling
clothing, you simply cannot set
your sights too high. It is good
to know that the BMW brand
can be trusted to supply you
with safe, high-quality rider's
clothing as well.
Information on the latest prod-
ucts is always available from
your authorised BMW motorcy-
cle dealer.
10k41bkg3.book Seite 86 Donnerstag, 27. Mai 2004 5:30 17

4
87
Arrive safely
BMW Motorcycle accessories
Always an idea aheadThis is our motto – and it is one
we live up to. For many years
now, BMW has offered the
enthusiast everything capable
of enhancing the fascination of
motorcycling. A unique pro-
gramme that is regularly
updated and offers plenty of
scope for choosing items
according to individual prefer-
ences.
Ask your authorised BMW
motorcycle dealer for the latest
upgrades and retrofits.Every accessory product is
made to the same exemplary
standards of design, function
and quality as the motorcycle
itself. This calls for a great deal
of experience, but our engi-
neers are themselves enthusi-
astic motorcyclists who know
what is needed. Even
during development work on a
new motorcycle, its equipment
is thoroughly tested for practi-
cal suitability. This is your guar-
antee of the high quality you
expect from BMW.
10k41bkg3.book Seite 87 Donnerstag, 27. Mai 2004 5:30 17

88
Arrive savely
4
Training means extra safety
Cornering and braking
need to be practised
Develop a “sixth sense” for
potentially dangerous situa-
tions. What this means: look
ahead, plan how to avoid possi-
bly dangerous situations and
study other road users' behav-
iour with a degree of healthy
scepticism.
– Take bends smoothly and rhythmically, avoiding violent
braking and acceleration
– Approach bends slower than
you feel they can be taken; a
neat riding style will get you to
your destination more safely
than sheer speed
– Ride at the inner edge of the
ideal line, look ahead and plan
to leave the bend as smoothly
as you entered it Allow for reaction time when
judging braking distances.
– At 50 km/h (approx. 30 mph),
for instance, every second
lost represents a further dis-
tance of about 14 metres
(46 feet) before the brakes are
applied
– At 90 km/h (56 mph), this dis-
tance grows to 25 meters
(82 ft) !
Practice applying the brakes
with and without an extra load
on the motorcycle, and study its
reactions on various kinds of
road surface.
Work up to the wheel lock limit
gradually.
BMW has a worthwhile safety
contribution to make in this area
too – BMW Safety Training.
These programmes are a won-
derful opportunity: systematic
basic and follow-up training
enables you to master situa-
tions close to the limit and keep
your motorcycle under
supreme control whatever
happens.
10k41bkg3.book Seite 88 Donnerstag, 27. Mai 2004 5:30 17