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

Press button1.
You can adjust the
damping characteristic
while the motorcycle is on the
move.
The current setting is dis-
played.
Press button 1once briefly.
The display field starts
at the current status and
cycles through the following
sequence:COMFORT
Comfortable
damping characteristic
NORMAL
Normal damping
characteristic
SPORT
Sporty damping
characteristic
The setting shown on the
display is automatically
accepted as the damping
characteristic if you allow
a certain length of time
to pass without pressing
button 1. During the setting
procedure, the display
flashes.
Adjust spring preloadStart the engine.
You cannot adjust spring
preload while the motor-
cycle is on the move. Press button
1.
The current setting is dis-
played.
Press and hold down
button 1until the reading
changes.
The display field starts
at the current status and
cycles through the following
sequence:
One-up
One-up with luggage
472zOperation

Two-up (with luggage)
The setting shown on the
display is automatically
accepted as the spring
preload if you allow a
certain length of time to
pass without pressing
button 1. During the setting
procedure, the display
flashes.
TyresCheck the tyre pressures
Incorrect tyre pressures
impair the motorcycle's
handling characteristics and
can lead to accidents.
Always check that the tyre
pressures are correct.
At high road speeds, tyre
valves have a tendency
to open as a result of centrifu-
gal force.
In order to avoid a sudden loss of tyre pressure, fit a
metal valve cap with rubber
sealing ring to the rear tyre
and make sure that the cap is
screwed on firmly.
Incorrect tyre pressure
reduces the operating
life of the tyres.
Always check that the tyre
pressures are correct.
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 the tyre pressures.
473zOperation

High voltage
Touching live parts of
the ignition system with
the engine running can cause
electric shock.
Do not touch parts of the igni-
tion system when the engine
is running.
Catalytic converterIf misfiring causes unburned
fuel to enter the catalytic con-
verter, there is a danger of
overheating and damage.
For this reason, observe the
following 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
maintenance intervals. Unburned fuel will des-
troy the catalytic con-
verter.
Note the points listed for
protection 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 ma-
terials 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
immediately after starting the
engine.
Tampering with the
control unit of the
electronic engine-
management system
Tampering with the con-
trol unit of the electronic
engine-management system
can damage the motorcycle
and cause accidents.
Do not tamper with the
control unit of the electronic
engine-management
system.
Tampering with the con-
trol unit of the electronic
engine-management system
can result in mechanical loads
that the motorcycle's com-
577zRiding

What is the design
baseline for BMW
Motorrad Integral ABS?Within the limits imposed by
physics, the BMW Motorrad
Integral ABS ensures direc-
tional stability on any surface.
The system is not optimised
for special requirements that
apply under extreme compet-
itive 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 values for a
lengthy period the ABS
function is deactivated
for safety reasons and
an ABS fault message is
issued. Self-diagnosis hasto complete before fault
messages can be issued.
In addition to problems with
the BMW Motorrad Integ-
ral ABS, exceptional riding
conditions can lead to a fault
message being issued.
Exceptional riding
conditions:
Heating up with the motor-
cycle on the centre stand
or an auxiliary stand, en-
gine idling or with a gear
engaged.
Rear wheel locked by the
engine brake for a lengthy
period, for example while
descending 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 igni-
tion off and on again.
What significance
devolves on regular
maintenance?
Invariably, a technical
system cannot perform
beyond the abilities dictated
by its level of maintenance.
In order to ensure that the
BMW Motorrad Integral
ABS is always maintained
in optimum condition, it is
essential for you to comply
strictly with the specified
inspection intervals.
Reserves for safetyThe potentially shorter braking
distances which BMW Mo-
torrad Integral ABS permits
must not be used as an ex-
cuse for careless riding. ABS
is primarily a means of ensur-
ing a safety margin in genuine
emergencies.
589zRiding

Take care when cornering.
When you apply the brakes
on a corner, the motorcycle's
weight and momentum take
over and even BMW Motor-
rad Integral ABS is unable to
counteract their effects.Electronic engine
management with
BMW Motorrad ASC
OE
How does BMW
Motorrad ASC work?The BMW Motorrad ASC
compares the speed of rota-
tion of the front wheel and the
rear wheel. The differential
is used to compute slip as
a measure of the reserves
of stability available at the
rear wheel. If slip exceeds
a certain limit the electronic
engine management system
intervenes, adapting engine
torque accordingly.
What is the design
baseline for BMW
Motorrad ASC?BMW Motorrad ASC is de-
signed as an assistant system
for the rider and for use on
public roads. The extent to
which the rider affects ASC
control can be considerable
(weight shifts when cornering,
items of luggage loose on the
motorcycle), especially when
style of riding takes rider and
machine close to the limits
imposed by physics. The sys-
tem is not optimised for spe-
cial requirements that apply
under extreme competitive
situations off-road or on the
track. You have the option
of deactivating the BMW Mo-
torrad ASC for these circum-
stances.
Special situationsIn accordance with the laws
of physics, the ability to ac-
celerate is restricted more
and more as the angle of heel
increases. Consequently,
there can be a perceptible
lag in acceleration out of very
tight bends.
The 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 values for a
lengthy period the ASC
function is deactivated
for safety reasons and
an ASC fault message is
issued. Self-diagnosis has
to complete before fault
messages can be issued.
The BMW Motorrad ASC can
shut down automatically un-
590zRiding

der the exceptional riding
conditions outlined below.
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 motor-
cycle on the centre stand
or an auxiliary stand, en-
gine idling or with a gear
engaged.
Accelerating the motorcycle
to a speed in excess of 10
km/h after switching the ig-
nition off and then on again
reactivates the ASC. If the front wheel lifts clear of
the ground under severe ac-
celeration, the ASC reduces
engine torque until the front
wheel regains contact with
the ground.
Under these circumstances,
BMW Motorrad recommends
rolling the throttle slightly
closed so as to restore
stability with the least
possible delay.
When riding on a slippery
surface, never snap the
throttle twistgrip fully closed
without pulling the clutch
at the same time. Engine
braking torque can cause
the rear wheel to lock, with
a corresponding loss of
stability. The BWM Motorrad
ASC is unable to control a
situation of this nature.
591zRiding

1 extending tool holderAdapters to accommodate
all tools
2 1/4" bits 5x Torx bits
2x cross-head bits
1x plain screwdriver bit
3 3/8" adapter for socket-
head screws, w/f 22 Removing and installing
front wheel
4 Electric torch LED bulb 5 Set of spanners
3x open-ended spanners,
various sizes
6 Bit adapter Adapter for 1/4" bits
9x12 mm and 3/8" swivel
adapters
Engine oilChecking engine oil level
The engine can seize if
the oil level is low, and
this can lead to accidents.
Always make sure that the oil
level is correct.
Oil can collect in the
sump if the motorcycle
is out of use for an extended
period of time; this oil has to
be pumped into the oil tank
before the level is read. The
engine oil must be at oper-
ating temperature to do this.
Checking the oil level with the engine cold or after no more
than a short ride will lead to
misinterpretation; this in turn,
means that the engine will be
operated with the incorrect
quantity of oil.
In order to ensure that the en-
gine oil level is read correctly,
check the oil level only after a
lengthy trip.
The oil level varies with
the temperature of the
oil. The higher the temperat-
ure the higher the oil level in
the oil tank. Check the engine
oil level immediately after a
lengthy journey.
Make sure the ground is
level and firm and place
the motorcycle on its centre
stand.
Allow the engine to idle for
one minute.
Switch off the ignition.
7103zMaintenance

charger terminal clips from
the battery terminals.The battery has to be re-
charged at regular inter-
vals in the course of a lengthy
period of disuse. See the in-
structions for caring for your
battery. Always fully recharge
the battery before restoring it
to useRemove the battery-
compartment cover
If it is not standing firmly,
the motorcycle could
topple in the course of the
operations described below.
Always make sure that the
motorcycle is stable and
firmly supported.
Make sure the ground is
level and firm and place the
motorcycle on its stand.
Removing rear seat ( 65) Remove the front seat
( 65)
Remove screws
1.
Lift the battery compartment
cover up and back to re-
move.
Installing battery-
compartment cover
If it is not standing firmly,
the motorcycle could
topple in the course of the
operations described below.
Always make sure that the
motorcycle is stable and
firmly supported. Make sure the ground is
level and firm and place the
motorcycle on its stand.
Place the battery-
compartment cover in
mounts
2
7130zMaintenance

FrameFrame typeLight alloy weldment with bolt-on tubular
steel rear frame
Type plate location Frame cross-tube, rear
VIN location Frame side section, front rightDimensionsLength of motorcycle2318 mm
Width of motorcycle 982 mm, Across cases
Height of motorcycle (To top edge of wind-
screen) 1438 mm, DIN unladen weight, windscreen
down
Front-seat height 820 mm, without rider
with OE Front seat, low: 790 mm, without rider
9151zTechnical data