BMW MOTORRAD R 850 R 2003 Rider's Manual (in English)

21
19
General information and controls
Installing system cases
e Attention:
Risk of breaking the latch.
Before closing handle 1 or lock-
ing device 2, turn the key in the
case lock to position A.
OAOptional accessory
d Warning:
When installing, make sure
the case is correctly seated.
An incorrectly secured case
could be lost and endanger
other road users.
 Insert the system case into
the holder (arrows), making
sure that bottom holder 4 and
top hook 5 are correctly
seated
 Turn the key in the case lock
to position A
 Close handle 1
– The two windows 3 turn black
 Lock the case and remove the
key
System caseOA
3
1
2
A
5
4
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20
Safety check
2
Checklist
Use the safety checklist –
before every journey
Please perform the safety
check accurately. If your motor-
cycle needs any routine mainte-
nance, you can attend to it
before the journey starts
(
b Maintenance Instructions),
or have it carried out by your
authorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
This is to ensure that your
motorcycle complies with road-
vehicle use and safety laws.
A motorcycle in perfect techni-
cal condition is essential for
your safety and that of other
road users.
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Safety check
2
For this reason, check the
details in the following sections
before you start the journey:
–Fuel level
– Positions of the handlebar-
lever fittings
– Brake fluid level
– Clutch fluid level
– Brakes
– Warning lights and telltale
lights
– Lights
– Shock-absorber setting and
spring preload
– Wheel rim and tyre condition,
tread depth and tyre
pressures
– Load, gross weight –
Check regularly (every time
you stop for fuel), on the basis
of the following section:
– Engine-oil level
(every 2nd/3rd stop for fuel):
– 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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Safety check
2
Engine oil
Checking oil levelCheck the oil level every time
you stop for fuel.
Always check the oil level when
the engine is at operating tem-
perature, because the differ-
ence between the oil level
indicated when the engine is at
operating temperature and the
oil level indicated when the
engine is very cold due to
extremely low outdoor temper-
atures (-10°C) can be as much
as 10 mm.
After switching off the engine at
operating temperature, wait at
least 5 minutes for the oil to
drain back into the sump. Checking the oil level after the
engine has been run only briefly
or when it is not properly warm
will falsify the reading and could
lead to the engine being oper-
ated with the wrong quantity of
oil, because cold oil is viscous
and takes longer to drain back
into the sump. At extremely low
outdoor temperatures (-10
°C),
this can take as long as
12 hours.
e Attention:
To avoid damage to the engine:
– Never exceed the maximum
oil level mark .
– Always keep the oil level
above the minimum mark .
Always check the oil level with
the motorcycle upright.
 Check the oil level with the
engine at its regular operating
temperature
 Check the oil level after the
engine has been stopped for
at least 5 minutes
 Make sure that the motorcy-
cle is upright
–Make sure the ground is
level and firm
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Safety check
2
Check the oil level at the sight
glass:
MAX Top edge
of marking ring
MIN Bottom edge
of marking ring
– The difference between the
two marks is approx. 0.5 litre
 If necessary, remove oil filler
plug 2 and top up the engine
oil through oil filler neck 1
 Reinstall oil filler plug 2
e Attention:
The red warning light
p (b 7)
for engine oil pressure indicates
no (or very little) oil pressure in
the lube-oil system; this light
must not be regarded as an oil
level check.
Oil pressure builds up after
1-2 seconds and the warning
light goes out – the red engine
oil pressure warning light
p
should remain off while the en-
gine is running.
Engine oil
BMW recommends Castrol
MAX
MIN12
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Safety check
2
Fuel
Refuelling
d Warning:
Fuel is flammable and explo-
sive. Do not smoke. Never
bring a naked flame near the
fuel tank.
Fuel expands when hot (for
instance if the fuel tank is in
the sun). For this reason, only
fill as far as the lower edge of
the filler neck.
e Attention:
Leaded fuel will destroy the
catalytic converter.
Do not run the fuel tank dry or
you may damage the engine or
the catalytic converter.
Wipe off plastic parts immedi-
ately if they are wetted with fuel.
 Place the motorcycle on the
centre stand
– Make sure the ground is level
and firm.
 Open fuel filler cap
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Safety check
2
Refuel
– Always use super (premium)
unleaded fuel to DIN 51607 or
equivalent standard, min.
octane number 95 (RON) or
85 (MON)
 Close the fuel filler cap
Capacity
\f Note:
The fuel gauge works only when
the ignition is on.
– Usable tank capacity
17.6 litres
– An orange warning light 1
comes on when there are
approximately 5 litres of fuel
left in the tank
Fuel
1
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Safety check
2
Adjusting clutch lever
e Attention:
Sudden changes in the amount
of play at the lever or a spongy
feeling when it is applied may
indicate a fault in the hydraulic
system.
If you are doubtful about the re-
liability of the hydraulic clutch
operating system, it is advisable
to consult an authorised BMW
motorcycle dealer.
d Warning:
To prevent air from entering
the clutch system:
 Do not turn the fitting on the
handlebar.
 Do not turn the handlebars
in the clamping blocks.
 Turn knob A to set the most
comfortable span:
– Setting 1: minimum span
– Setting 3: maximum span
Handlebar levers
31
A
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Safety check
2
Adjusting the handbrake
lever
d Warning:
To prevent air from entering
the hydraulic circuit of the
brake system:
 Do not turn the fitting on the
handlebar.
 Do not turn the handlebars
in the clamping blocks. 
Turn knob A to set the most
comfortable span:
– Setting 1: minimum span
– Setting 4: maximum span
Handlebar levers
41
A
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Safety check
2
Brake system - general
Work on the brake system
d Warning:
To ensure reliability have all
work on the brake systems
carried out by a specialist
workshop, preferably an au-
thorised BMW motorcycle
dealer.
Checking the brake
system
d Warning:
Sudden changes in play or
spongy action of the brake le-
ver indicate a fault in the
brake system.
Before riding off, therefore,
always check the resistance
of the front and rear brake le-
vers and test operation of the
brakes.
Do not ride the motorcycle if
you have any doubts about
the safety of the brake sys-
tem.
Immediately seek the advice
of a specialist workshop,
preferably an authorised
BMW motorcycle dealer.
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