BMW MOTORRAD R 1150 GS 2002 Rider's Manual (in English)

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89
Starting – Riding – Parking
BMW Integral ABSOE Troubleshooting
OEOptional extra
General
warning
lighte ABS warning
light
l Malfunctions
ON OFF Tail light/brake light defective (Maintenance Instructions, b Chapter 2)
ON Flashes at 1 HzAt least one brake circuit without
ABS (
b 82)
ON Flashes at 4 HzAt least one brake circuit in RESIDUAL
BRAKING FUNCTION mode (
b 83)
Alternate flas-
hing at 1 Hz Alternate flas-
hing 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 flas-
hing at 4 Hz Alternate flas-
hing 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 (
b 83)

d Warning:
Do not ride the motorcycle if you
have any doubts about the
dependability of the brake system.
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90
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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 motor-
cycle dealer employs staff who
attends regular and compre-
hensive 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 motor-
cycle dealer’s staff has the
experience and all the neces-
sary 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 or exhaust emissions
tester.
Reliable operation
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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 goodwill work after the war-
ranty period has expired, evi-
dence of regular maintenance
by an authorised BMW motor-
cycle dealer is essential.
Certain signs of wear may not
otherwise be noticed until it is
too late to put them right at
moderate cost.
The staff in the authorised
BMW motorcycle dealer or
workshop know every detail of
your motorcycle and can take
remedial action if necessary
before minor faults develop into
serious problems. By having the necessary repairs
done properly 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.
Reliable operation
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Service worldwide
BMW Service CardA 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 workshop, a taxi for
you, and even a replacement
vehicle and hotel accommoda-
tion, 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.
L Note:
Call us if you have any ques-
tions about the BMW dealer-
ship network. You can reach us
directly by hotline in any country
in Europe. The phone numbers
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.
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Protecting the environment
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.
For instance, your new Boxer 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.
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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
even applies to short 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 BMW motorcycle dealer.
BMW rider’s equipment
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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 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. Accessories
and motorcycle equipment are
included when a new motor-
cycle is being developed, and
their practical features opti-
mised in a series of thorough
tests. This is your guarantee of
the high quality you expect from
BMW.
BMW motorcycle accessories
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Training means extra safety
Cornering and braking
need to be practiced
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 a speed of 50 km/h
(31 mph), for instance,
one second’s hesitation
means that about 14 metres
(46 feet) are covered addition-
ally before the brakes are
applied
– At 90 km/h (56 mph), this dis-
tance grows to 25 metres
(82 feet)
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 hap-
pens.
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Concluding thoughts
Now it is your turn. Regular care is important, with all functions checked
before the journey starts.
 Use only genuine BMW accessories. They comply
with all the relevant safety
requirements and are per-
fectly matched to your BMW
 Have your motorcycle serviced only by the trained,
expert personnel at your local
authorised BMW motorcycle
dealer
 Do not under any circum- stances install unapproved
extras: the use of unapproved
accessories constitutes a
safety risk and voids your
insurance and the motor-
cycle’s permit
 It is always advisable to have technical modifications car-
ried out only by an authorised
BMW motorcycle dealer or
workshop
L Note:
Your local BMW motorcycle
dealer can supply you with use-
ful items to accompany the
Maintenance Instructions.
– BMW Repair Manual
–BMW set of circuit diagrams
It's good to know you've
thought of everything, isn't it?
Our aim is to make your
journey safer
We want you to reach your des-
tination safely – and for riding
your BMW Boxer to be the most
delightful leisure pastime in the
world.
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98
Index
i
AAnti-lock braking systemnotes, 88, 89
switching off, 86
BBMW Integral ABS, 60Changing brake fluid, 41
Checking brake fluid level, 41
CCatalytic convertersafety instructions, 61
Checking brake fluid level, 38
Checking brake pads, 37
Checking front brake fluid level, 39, 43
Checking rear brake fluid
level, 40, 44
Checking the brake system, 36
Choke cold start lever, 14
Choke lever
position, 14
Clock (RID), 75
DDipswitch, 14
Dualseat lock, 4
EEngine oil, 31 level check, 4
oil filler, 31 Engine oil filler, 4
Engine oil temperature indicator
(RID), 74
Engine-oil pressure
telltale light, 9
FFront brakebrake fluid reservoir, 5
Front spring preload, 50
Fuel octane number, 33
Fuel cap, 5
Fuel gauge (RID), 74
Fuel tank capacity, 33
Fuse box, 5
GGear shifts, 76, 77
General view left side, 6
Right side, 5, 7
General view, left side, 4
HHandlebar fitting, left, 14
Handlebar fitting, right, 15
Handlebar levers
Clutch lever, 34
handbrake, 35
Hazard warning lights, 12
Heated handlebar grips, 12, 15
Helmet holder, 5
A - H
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