Reporting Safety Defects! (only tor US Models) you believe your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying BMW of North America, Inc., P.O. Box 1227, Westwood, New Jersey 07675-1227, Telephone (201) 307-4000. IL NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individal problems between you, your dealer, or BMW of North Ameria, Inc. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Washington, DC area) or write to: NHTSA, US Department of Transportation, Wash- ington, DC 20590. You can alse obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hat- line. ~~»Welcome to BMW !!! We are very pleased that you have de- cided to purchase the new BMW. Boxer, Wolcome to the ranks of BMW ‘motorcycle owners. Familarise yourself with your new motorbike to ensure you move safely and masterly in toad traffic. In this respect, please road these op- ‘rating instructions before you start your new motorcycle. You wil find in- teresting and useful information on ‘operation and use of all technical fea- tures, These manual will additionally provide Yyou with useful tips and information on the cotrect equipment with regard io ‘oad safety and operational reliability {as well as useful proposals on how to maintain the value of your motorayele ‘as best as possible. Your motorcycle dealer wil be pleased to provide you with advice and assist- ance at any time. We wish you great pleasure in reading these operating instructions and then, of course, a good stat. Yours BMW Motorrad GmbH + Co,Aider information display iD)ell Equipped jely Under Way — Reliability through care and maintenance. = Visit the workshop for the sake of the environment. 4 — You only stand to profit ftom out professionalism... 49 = Standby service telephone numbers .. = We wont leave you standing nthe rain st a7 [BMW leader suit Marathon = BMW Gore-Tex® suit Madison . BMW system helmet I Monaco ... "i ‘Accessories and clothing... Multvario Wo... cs sesese 2B Practical Points ~ Tipe to make biking even more enjoyable = Safety by training = With pion rider . = ..andina group... = ..and offroad = Closing thoughts 2BR288ZXWARNING Precautionary rules and measures which are Intended to protect the Fider or other persons from injuries br serious danger. @ ATTENTION Special information and precaution- ary measures Intonded to prevent Gamage tothe motorcycle. Failure to follow such advice may result in tho BMW. Limited Warranties being volded. @note Special notes to assist in operation, inspectionand adjustment as well as rmotoreyele care.Your new Boxer is at the forefront of technology ‘Already ator a few kilometres o {ng you wll no longer wish to do wit ‘out the advantages offered by our er- gonamicaly formed operating el ‘ements in Ukta-modem design even i {you Initially have to get used to handl- ing the one or ather switch Ergonomics in operation Al operating elements of the motor. bike are described very graphically in the following section.General layout, left side R 1100 GS4 Oil level inspection glass, engine (22) 2 Oilfiller opening, engine (=#22) 3 Socket, 12V ‘connection facility for adcitional ‘equipment - fuse protection to 15.8 4 Spring strut, monoshock setting (e928) 5 Saddle lock (x18) () Fagus in brackets Page wih expenain General layout, left side R 1100 RSGeneral layout, right side R 1100 GS1 Storage compartment for supplied tool box: 2 Fuse box 3 Brake fuid reservoir for front brake (a2) 44 Fuel tank cap #23) 5 Helmet holder 6 Brake fluid reservoir for rearbrake (#25) 7 Type identification plate |) igo acts a Page with explanation General layout, right side R1100 RSCockpitStandard equipment 1 Rotary knob reset, “Trip odometer 2 Speedometer 3 Odometer 4 Trip odometer 6 Tachometer (39) 13 Indicator lamp, right tum signal indicator green 14 Warning lamp, engine oll pressure red (37) (Popes in races Page wen expenaton 15 Ignition and steering lock (=18) 17 Incicator lamp, manual transmission neutral green (+6) ‘18 Warning lamp tank contents! al approx 4 lite reserve red (#23) 19 Indicator lamp, high bear blue 20 Indicator lamp, left tur signal indicator green 21 Warning lamp, battery charging current red (37) Cockpi Special equipment 5 Adjustment button for wind shold (R 1100 RS) (#16) 7 Engine oil temperature gauge * (mm46) 8 Fuel gauge" (46) 9 Indicator, shit poston! (gear inccator” (ow, 46) 10 Clock* (+46) 14 Minutes soting* (46) 12 Hours setting* (™*46) 18 Warning lamps, ABS check’ rot (#4245) 22 Rooker switch for hazard warning Syatem(n 4) 28 Rocker switch, ABS confirmation! ‘ABS acknowledgement button” (mia) 24 Rocker switch, heated grips! 2etege (4) amponar par ne AD + eminent AS ; 1"Handlebar instruments, left-hand side 1 Cold stant lever (engine speed increase) (#38) 2 High beanviow beam switch High beam © Low beam ©) Headlight flasher 3 Hom push button 4 Left turn signal switch © Press, = Tummsignal incicator in operation5 Emergency stop suitch for ignition (36) 6 Start push button switch 7 Turn signal reset switch * Press Lefuight turn signal indicators OFF {8 Right turn signal indicator switch Press = Tum signal indicator in operation 9 Light ewitch 0 Light off Parking light on Headight on Handlebar instruments, right-hand sideRocker switch strip (special equipment) note The hazard warning system cannot be switched om withthe ignition switched of. Switch on hazard warning system for a limited period of time only. heck battery charge status! + Switching on ignition + Press hazard warring switch 1 Hazard warning system | Heated grips = Hazard waming system switched on (special equipment) + Switeh of ignition '* Switching on ignition — Hazard waming system remains Antilock brake system + Press rocker switch 3 switched on (special equipment) Postion A= 50% Switch off hazard warning system: ~ ABS confirmation button 2 (45) Position B = 100% © Press hazard waming switch 1 14Ignition and steering lock WON \\ Bike key NOTE f Ignition and storing ocktank ap / wal a sod och re operated with the same key. You recave vo main heys a one rove ty Mo apd col scho- Soiabnaenotcreymumoor” GQWARNING OFF or P_ while riding your bike Key positions + Turn handlebar to left or right @note ON Operating position, ignition and FF Ignition off, steering lock ‘Switch on parking light for a limited al uneton circuits switched on lockes? period of time only. Check battery Ignition aff, steering ockun-at_—Parking ight swichod on, -—«—harge status! locked Steering lock choo + Yet omit yn mn pesteAdjusting wind shield* R 1100 RS R 1100 RS: ZXWARNING cs { Do not adjust wind shield while Fiding your bil + Biilly depress adjustment knob 1 Sint brpeit R 1100 GS: ‘* Adjust corresponding to direction of | * Release screw 2 lefvright rotaton Aor B «+ Adjust windshield indirection © Press in adjustment knob 1 AorB 1 Geculeuipmanegeroncspecage ‘Firmly tighton screw 2 lottightAXWARNING Handleber grips must only be ad- justed symmetrically. Ensure lines are arranged correctly. Do not dam- age cables. Retaining serew 1 must be tigh- toned to the specified tightening torque. Ifa torque wrench is not available, have handlebar adjusted by BMW Motorcycle Service, ‘Adjusting body spacing AVB: * Loosen retaining serow 1 * Lit suppor bracket out of lower gearing 2 * Adjust optimum spacing in direction Ror8 + Join support bracket corectly longaged in gearing ‘Firmly tighten retaining screw 1.10 tightening torque of 20 Nm * Spocalequpment toons package Adjusting handlebar* (R 1100 RS) ‘Adjusting angle of approach C/D : * Loosen rataining screw 1 « Lift support bracket out of upper gearing 3 * Optimally adust angle within range (on scale in direction C or D * Join support bracket correctly en- ‘gaged in gearing ‘+ Firmiy tighten retaining screw 1 to tightening torque of 20 Nm 7Opening saddle, adjusting driver's seat* (R 1100 RS) Opening saddle: +» Tum key in saddle lock to position 1 and hold * Detach rear seat Adjusting saddle: ‘+ Turn key in saddle lock to position 1 and hold ‘= Detach rear seat # Remove rider's seat Rider's coat is adjustable to rider's size @ ATTENTION When reinstalling ensure the saddle Js firmly anchored! + Push riders seat into the required locking positon + Slide rear seat ito the guide lock in ine saddle cetainingfocure by apply- ing sight proscur. + Spacitequpment ergonoric potageOpening saddle, adjusting rider's seat, single saddle (R 1100 GS) poring sda orm tay nando loco poston a «Detach or seat Adjusting saddle: & «Turn key in saddle lock to position and hold ys «Detach rear seat ‘+ Tum key in saddle lock to position and hold * Detach rider's seat Rider's seat is adjustable correspon- 477 ding to the rider's size * Open saddle Push locking part 2 into the hold the tool box cover 8 , close too! Box, = Tool box is protected against thet. # The tool box can be opened by way Locking saddle: of the saddle lock see A 1100 RS, page 18 1920 Check list Safety check list — before every trip Caught “What do you think bout when riding Jourbke my driving nstuctr once sked me. twas rather taken aback. Did he want {oinvestigate my inner ite? {Do you ove think ofthe condtion of Jour res”, he contrued. Arf you Eantlnd an ancwer toa prossure tnd ye toad when rrg at 180 koh then you nad better buy yoursl tread stooterInthat way you Wil endanger nether yoursll tr other road users” “This was abatant yet very clea pace Draco, Sudceny Int ony thought ty tyres rie, brakes, tgs, | Seanned my ene motereyelo hi my thous, Wat Brake id? Havent Stocked ter ages “That's probably why I now take great care to precisely check my tyres as ‘well as all the other things before: every tp. It really sa good fealing ‘when you can immediately provide all the right answers: Front tyre pressure 2.2 bar, rear2.5 bar Sill 6 mm tread Valve caps screwed on tight Brake fluid ok. ‘The following section will show you how you ean check the condition of your bike quickly and effectivelyImportant information For special version with catalytic converter @ artenTion In order not to damage the catalytic converter: * Do not drive fuel tank empty * Push start only when engine cold, preferably use jump loads + Do not run engine with spark plug connector disconnected High temperatures occur atthe ex- «Do not drive in range of engine haus (ith and without catalytic eee speed limits Z\WARNING “Take care to ensure that when driv. * Ensure all specified maintenance Do not touch any voltage-earrying _ing, idling or parking, no easily ‘work Is carried out arts of the ignition system and of flammable materials (e.g. hay, dried _* Immediately shut down engine it the digital motor electronics when _leaves, grass, clothing and luggage _—it misfire the engine is running or with the etc.) come in contact with the hot Call BMW Motorcycle Service in Jgnition switched on, coxhaust system! ‘the case of miefiring or drop in Do not run engine in closed rooms. Fire hazard! engine performancel(s*50) 2122. Engine oil Checking oil level @ ATTENTION Check engine oll level only when {engine is cold oat operating tem perature. te engine is at operat Ing tomperature, wait at least 10 minutos to allo the oil to collect in the sump. ‘Checking the ol level after the en- {Sine has only boen started for @ Short period oftime or is only mod- ferately warm can result in misinter- pretation and therefore in incorrect Ei filing capacity! Avoid damage to Sngine! Do not exceed maximum. {evel Do not allow oll to drop below ‘minimum level! * Support motoreyele on main stand. Ensure the ground is even and fm! « Rad of oi level at ring marking: 4 Maximum fovel 2 Minimum lve! “The dflerence between marks is ap- prox. 05 te * If necessary, top up engine ol via filer pening 3 + Refit oi filer plus $<Refuelling AXWARNING Petrol poses a fire hazard and is ox- plosive! Do not smoke! Avold naked flames during all activities concern- ing the fuel tank. Petrol expands when exposed to hheat and sunlight. Therefore never fill tank to the Brim! For version with catalytic converter: + Only refuel with unleaded premium grade fuel, DIN 51607, minimum oc- tane number 95 (RON) and 85 (MON) Leaded fuel destroys the catalytic converter! For version without catalytic con- verter: ‘+ Leaded premium grade fuel can be Used for refueling, DIN $1600, mini ‘mum octane number 95 (RON) and ‘85 (MON) For the sake of the environment we recommend you refuel with un- leaded petrol. Fuel Filling capacity Total filling capacity RI1O0RS: — 231re RI100GS: Bite ~ 2 of reserve quantity (approx. 4 itr) signal by waring lamp Fuel gauge in RID Special equipment (46)Front brake Checking brake fluid level + Turn handlebar tothe left — The inspection glass A must be completely covered with brake fui «* If air bubbles can be seen: Check brake pads for wear and top Up brake fluid necessary See Service and Technic Booklet! Adjusting handbrake lever Z\WARNING Ce cua peictenged, Sau ee oor seny reer a Motori aetna wre B Refer te additional warning informa ~ Posifon 1: Smaller distance tion on Page 25! Position 4: Greater distance 24 ee)Checking brake fluid level AXWARNING Ensure brake fluid level does not drop below MIN mark! «Road off brake fluid level (F110 GS} «© Read off brake fluid lovel through the opening 1 in the side faiing (R 1100 RS) ‘If brake uid level is low: Check. brake pads for wear and top up brake flid if necessary ‘Soe Service and Technic Booklet! ZSWARNING Brake dises and brake pads must be free of oll and grease. ‘Suciden changes in clearance of Spongy resistance felt at the brake pedal are an indication of defects, ‘he hydraule system! Rear brake Do not use motoreycle should you hhave any doubt in the operational reliability of the brake system. ‘mediately contact BMW Motorcycle Service!Shock absorber and rear spring @ ATTENTION Botore starting each tip, adjust Spring preload and shock absorber corresponding to the gross weight. Adjusting shock absorber Hard setting He + Compicioly screw in adusting screw A Normal sting = Unscrew adjusting screw by half a tum Soft setting S: ‘© Completely unscrew adjusting sorew A Adjust spring preload (R 1100 RS) «Adjust preload of support spring B Using hook wrench with double exe tension (additional whee! wrench: 1 st stage - solo 4 th stage - with pion rider or uggage 7 th stage - with pion sider and luggageFront and rear springs (R 1100 GS) @ attention When riding oft-road, correspon ingly increase front and rear Spring preload. Adjust spring preload on front wheel * Adjust preload of support spring Using heok wrench A and double ex- tension (addtional wheel wrench). 4 st stage - on-road 3 rd stage - gravel or similar 5 th stage - offroad Adjust spring preload on rear wheel Setting "LOW" (solo): * Tum handvinee!1_ counterclockwise afar as wil go inthe arrow direc- tion "LOW" Setting "HIGH" (or of road or pillon rider and luggage ‘+ Tum handwheel 1 clockwise as far 8 it will go in arow direction "HIGH"Spokes — Tyres — Tyre pressure rims Check spokes (R 1100 GS) ZXWARNING Before every trip check that spokes are in perfect condition! Have damaged spokes replaced im- mediately! + Support motoryeleon main stand Enoure ground fe even a fem + Carryout sound test wih a sorew driver NOTE Different tones in sound indicate thatthe spoke tension is too loose for too tight! Have damaged spokes replaced im- tmodiately by BMW Motoreyole Service!Spokes ~ tyres — tyre pressure — rims Checking tyre pressure AXWARNING pressure according to ight. Do not exceed gross ‘eight as well as load bearing ca- pacity of tyres (31). Incorrect tyre pressure has acon- siderable effect on the handing‘ Rims/valve caps properties ofthe motoreyete and the service lite of the tyres Z\WARNING ~ Tyres cod Immodiatoly replace damaged rims! Checking tyre tread + Unscrew valve caps Due to centrifugal forces at high 2 Cecio Ire cimeais speeds, valve inserts tend'to open 2) WARNING 7 of their own accord! Note legally stipulated minimum * Serew on valve caps Well fitted valve caps prevent @ {read depth! front rear ‘sudden loss in tyre pressure! '¢ Measure tread depth in centre of Solo 22bar 2.5 bar © Check rims for damage had i Piion ec 2.5 Bar 2,708 Checkthat metal valve caps with BMW recommendation (minimum): Pilon rider seal are Tl fied on wheel front 2mm andluggage 2.5bar 2.9bar valves. rear 3mmClutch Clutch lever clearance @ ATTENTION Driving without clutch lever clear- lance can damage the clutch. The basic setting of the clutch is ad- justed during BMW inspections. Check * Pull lever until rosistance is felt © Measure clearance Nominal value: A= ..5 mm Adjusting: ‘© Release locknut 1 ‘© Tum adjusting screw 2 accordingly «= Firmly tighten locknut '* Chock clearance 30BMW luggage system (051/88) # Check that securing elements are fied contectly and securely Max. load for 1,2, 3 10 kg each Observing gross weight @ attention Do not exceed gross weight rating (450 kg). Gross weight consists of: = Motoreyele with full fuel tank ~ Rider = Pilon rider ~ Luggage Ensure even weight distribution on leftiright. ‘+ Adapt rear spring and shock ab- sorber as wel as the tyre pressure to te gross weight (26-29) Gross weightLights Adjusting light range Have BMW Motoreyele Service carry out exact headlamp adjust mont! ‘Check function of all lighting compo- rents before starting each trip. NOTE Increased frequency of tun signal indicator lamp: Lamp defective. For left-hand drive countries Motorcycles for countries with lett- hhand drive trafic are equipped with a leftasymmetric low beam light. note When driving in lefthand drive traffic on motoreycies with right- /mmetric tow bear, the visible @note one n the centre of the lens The lighting range is also adjusted should be temporarily masked oft automaticaly when adjusting the (cut adhesive tape to size, stick in Spring strut fo the load situation. position). Neen mmm!