BMW Motorrad R 1250 RT special vehicle 2018 Installation and maintenance manual

Rider's manual
R 1250 RT special vehicle
BMW Motorrad

Vehicle data/dealership details
Vehicle data
Model
Vehicle Identification Number
Colour code
Date of first registration
Registration number
Dealership details
Person to contact in Service department
Ms/Mr
Phone number
Dealership address/phone number (com-
pany stamp)

Welcome to BMW
We congratulate you on
your choice of a vehicle from
BMW Motorrad and welcome
you to the community of BMW
riders. Familiarise yourself with
your new vehicle so that you can
ride it safely and confidently in all
traffic situations.
About this Rider's Manual
Please read this Rider's Manual
carefully before starting to use
your new BMW. It contains im-
portant information on how to
operate the controls and how to
make the best possible use of all
your BMW's technical features.
In addition, it contains informa-
tion on maintenance and care to
help you maintain your vehicle's
reliability and safety, as well as its
value.
This record of the maintenance
work you have had performed on
your vehicle is a precondition for
generous treatment of goodwill
claims.
If the time comes to sell your
BMW, please remember to hand
over this Rider's Manual to the
new owner. It is an important
part of the vehicle.
Suggestions and criticism
If you have questions concern-
ing your vehicle, your authorised
BMW Motorrad dealer will gladly
provide advice and assistance.
We hope you will enjoy riding
your BMW and that all your jour-
neys will be pleasant and safe
BMW Motorrad.
01 40 9 443 691
*01409443691*
*01409443691*
*01409443691*

Table of Contents
1 General instructions ... . 5
Overview..................... 6
Abbreviations and
symbols...................... 6
Equipment ................... 7
Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Currentness.................. 8
Additional sources of informa-
tion........................... 8
Certificates and operating li-
cences ....................... 8
Data memory................. 8
2 General views .. .. .. .. .. . 13
General view, left side . . . . . . . 15
General view, right side . . . . . 17
Underneath the seat . . . . . . . . 18
Multifunction switch, left . . . . 19
Multifunction switch,
right......................... 21
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3 Status indicators . . . . . . . 25
Indicator and warning
lights ........................ 26
Meaning of symbols . . . . . . . . . 27
Multifunction display . . . . . . . . 29
Warnings.................... 30
Service-due indicator . . . . . . . . 49
Range....................... 50
Electronic oil-level check . . . . 50
Ambient temperature. . . . . . . . 51
Tyre pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Authorities speed indic-
ator.......................... 52
4 Operation................ 53
Ignition switch/steering
lock ......................... 54
Ignition with Key-
less Ride .................... 56
Emergency off switch (kill
switch) ...................... 62
Lights ....................... 63
Day run lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Hazard warning lights sys-
tem ......................... 68
Turn indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Light signals................. 69
Sound signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Multifunction display . . . . . . . . 78
On-board computer . . . . . . . . . 82
Authorities speed indic-
ator.......................... 83
Trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)........................ 85
Automatic Stability Control
(ASC) ....................... 85
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) ....................... 86
Electronic Suspension Ad-
justment (DESA) . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Riding mode ................ 88
Cruise-control system . . . . . . . 89
Hill Start Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Anti-theft alarm (DWA) . . . . . . 94
Heating...................... 98
Front seat................. 100
Rear seat.................. 101
Adjusting spray guard . . . . . 102

Stowage compartment . . . . 103
Central locking system . . . . 103
5 Adjustment . .. .. .. .. .. . 109
Mirrors .................... 110
Headlight.................. 110
Windscreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . 111
Clutch..................... 112
Brakes .................... 112
Spring preload . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Damping .................. 114
6 Riding.................. 117
Safety information . . . . . . . . . 118
Comply with checklist . . . . . 120
Always before riding off . . . 120
Every 3rd refuelling
stop....................... 120
Starting.................... 121
Runningin ................ 124
Shifting gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Brakes .................... 126
Parking your motor-
cycle ...................... 128
Refuelling ................. 129
Securing motorcycle for
transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
7 Engineering
details ................. 135
General instructions . . . . . . . 136
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)...................... 136
Automatic Stability Control
(ASC) ..................... 139
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) ..................... 141
Electronic Suspension Ad-
justment (DESA) . . . . . . . . . 142
Riding mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Dynamic Brake Control . . . . 145
Tyre pressure control
(RDC) ..................... 146
Shift assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Hill Start Control . . . . . . . . . . 149
Engine run-on circuit . . . . . . 150
8 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . 151
General instructions . . . . . . . 152
Standard toolkit . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Service toolkit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Front-wheel stand . . . . . . . . . 153
Engine oil ................. 154
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Clutch..................... 160
Coolant.................... 160
Tyres...................... 162
Rims and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Wheels.................... 163
Silencer ................... 169
Lighting ................... 171
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Battery .................... 177
Fuses ..................... 185
Diagnostic connector . . . . . . 187
9 Accessories .. .. .. .. .. . 189
General instructions . . . . . . . 190
Power sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Cases ..................... 191
Case for special vehicle . . . 193
Fire extinguisher. . . . . . . . . . . 194
Radio transceiver box . . . . . 195
Topcase................... 196
Navigation system . . . . . . . . . 199
Socket for optional ac-
cessories.................. 202

10 Care .................. 205
Care products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . 206
Cleaning easily damaged
components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Care of paintwork . . . . . . . . . 208
Vehicle preservation . . . . . . . 208
Laying up the motor-
cycle ...................... 208
Restoring motorcycle to
use........................ 209
11 Technical data . . . . . . 211
Troubleshooting chart . . . . . 212
Screw connections . . . . . . . . 213
Fuel....................... 215
Engine oil ................. 216
Engine .................... 216
Clutch..................... 217
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Rear-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . 219
Frame..................... 219
Chassis and
suspension................ 220
Brakes .................... 221
Wheels and tyres. . . . . . . . . . 222
Electrical system . . . . . . . . . . 224
Anti-theft alarm. . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Weights ................... 227
Riding specifications . . . . . . 227
Country relevant encoding
for sound signals . . . . . . . . . . 227
Function key assign-
ment ...................... 228
Special functions . . . . . . . . . . 229
12 Service ............... 231
BMW Motorrad Service . . . 232
BMW Motorrad Service
history..................... 232
BMW Motorrad Mobility
services ................... 233
Maintenance work . . . . . . . . . 233
BMW Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Maintenance schedule . . . . 237
Maintenance confirma-
tions....................... 238
Service confirmations . . . . . 252
13 Appendix. . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Certificate for electronic
immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Certificate for remote
key........................ 258
Certificate for Key-
less Ride .................. 262
Certificate for tyre pressure
control (RDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
14 Index ................. 265

General instructions
Overview ............................ 6
Abbreviations and symbols . . . . . . . . . . 6
Equipment........................... 7
Technicaldata....................... 7
Currentness ......................... 8
Additional sources of information . . . . 8
Certificates and operating
licences.............................. 8
Datamemory ........................ 8
1
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z General instructions

Overview
An important aspect of this
Rider's Manual is that it can
be used for quick and easy
reference. Consulting the
extensive index at the end of this
Rider's Manual is the fastest way
to find information on a particular
topic or item. To first read an
overview of your motorcycle,
please go to Chapter 2. All
maintenance and repair work on
the motorcycle is documented
in Chapter 12. This record of
the maintenance work you have
had performed on your vehicle
is a precondition for generous
treatment of goodwill claims.
When the time comes to sell
your BMW, please remember
to hand over this Rider's Manual;
it is an important part of the mo-
torcycle.
Abbreviations and
symbols
CAUTION Low-risk hazard.
Non-avoidance can lead to
slight or moderate injury.
WARNING Medium-risk
hazard. Non-avoidance can
lead to fatal or severe injury.
DANGER High-risk haz-
ard. Non-avoidance leads
to fatal or severe injury.
ATTENTION Special
notes and precautionary
measures. Non-compliance can
lead to damage to the vehicle or
accessory and, consequently, to
voiding of the warranty.
NOTICE Specific instruc-
tions on how to operate,
control, adjust or look after items
of equipment on the vehicle.
Indicates the end of an
item of information.
Instruction.
Result of an activity.
Reference to a page with
more detailed informa-
tion.
Indicates the end of a
passage relating to spe-
cific accessories or items
of equipment.
Tightening torque.
Technical data.
NV National-market version.
1
6
z General instructions

OE Optional extras.
The vehicles are as-
sembled complete with
all the BMW Motorrad
optional extras originally
ordered.
OA Optional accessories.
You can obtain
BMW Motorrad
optional accessories
through your authorised
BMW Motorrad dealer;
optional accessories
have to be retrofitted to
the vehicle.
EWS Electronic immobiliser.
DWA Anti-theft alarm (Dieb-
stahlwarnanlage).
ABS Anti-lock brake system.
ASC Automatic Stability Con-
trol.
D-
ESA
Electronic chassis and
suspension adjustment.
DTC Dynamic Traction Con-
trol (optional extra only
in combination with Pro
riding modes).
RDC Tyre pressure monitor-
ing.
Equipment
When purchasing your BMW mo-
torcycle, you chose a model with
individual equipment. This rider's
manual describes optional equip-
ment (OE) and selected optional
accessories (OA) provided by
BMW. Please make allowance
for the fact that some equip-
ment specifications may be de-
scribed that you have not selec-
ted. Equally, country-specific de-
viations to the motorcycle shown
are also possible.
If your motorcycle has equipment
that is not described, you will find
the relevant description in a sep-
arate manual.
Technical data
All dimensions, weights and
power outputs in the rider's
manual refer to the German
standard DIN (Deutsches Institut
für Normung e. V.) and comply
with its specified tolerances.
Technical data and specifications
in this rider's manual serve as
reference points. The vehicle-
specific data may deviate from
these, for example as a result of
selected optional equipment,
the national-market version or
country-specific measuring
procedures. Detailed values
can be taken from the vehicle
registration documents and
signs on the vehicle, or can be
obtained from your authorised
BMW Motorrad Retailer or
1
7
z General instructions

another qualified service partner
or specialist workshop. The
specifications in the vehicle
documents always have priority
over the information provided in
this rider's manual.
Currentness
The high safety and quality level
of BMW motorcycles is ensured
by constant further development
in the areas of design, equipment
and accessories. This may res-
ult in deviations between these
operating instructions and your
motorcycle. Also, mistakes can-
not be completely excluded by
BMW Motorrad. Please therefore
understand that we do not ac-
cept any liability for claims arising
from incorrect information, draw-
ings and descriptions.
Additional sources of
information
BMW Motorrad Retailer
Your BMW Motorrad Retailer will
be happy to answer any ques-
tions you may have.
Internet
The rider's manual for your
vehicle, operating and installation
instructions for any accessories
and general information on
BMW Motorrad, for example
relating to technology, are
available at www.bmw-
motorrad.com/service.
Certificates and
operating licences
The certificates for the vehicle
and the official operating licences
for any accessories are available
at www.bmw-motorrad.com/
certification.
Data memory
General
Control units are installed in the
vehicle. Control units process
data that they receive, for ex-
ample, from vehicle sensors, or
that they generate themselves or
exchange between each other.
Some control units are required
for the vehicle to function safely
or provide assistance during rid-
ing, for example assistance sys-
tems. In addition, control units
enable comfort or infotainment
functions.
Information on data that has
been stored or exchanged can
be obtained from the manufac-
turer of the vehicle, for example
via a separate booklet.
Personal reference
Each vehicle is identified with a
clear vehicle identification num-
ber. Depending on the country,
the vehicle identification num-
1
8
z General instructions

ber, the number plate and the
corresponding authorities can
be referenced to ascertain the
vehicle owner. There are also
other ways to use data obtained
from the vehicle to trace the rider
or vehicle owner, for example
using the ConnectedDrive user
account.
Data protection rights
In accordance with applicable
data protection laws, vehicle
users have certain rights in re-
lation to the manufacturer of the
vehicle or in relation to compan-
ies which collect or process per-
sonal data.
Vehicle users have the right to
obtain full information at no cost
from persons or entities storing
personal data of the vehicle user.
These entities may include:
Manufacturer of the vehicle
Qualified service partners
Specialist workshops
Service providers
Vehicle users have the right to
request information on what per-
sonal data has been stored, for
what purpose the data is used,
and where the data comes from.
To obtain this information, proof
of ownership or use is required.
The right to information also in-
cludes information about data
that has been shared with other
companies or entities.
The website of the vehicle man-
ufacturer contains the applicable
data protection information. This
data protection information in-
cludes information on the right to
have data deleted or corrected.
The manufacturer of the vehicle
also provides their contact details
and those of the data protection
officer on their website.
The vehicle owner can also re-
quest that a BMW Motorrad Re-
tailer or another qualified service
partner or specialist workshop
read out the data that is stored in
the vehicle for a charge.
The vehicle data is read out us-
ing the legally prescribed socket
for on-board diagnosis (OBD) in
the vehicle.
Legal requirements for the
disclosure of data
As part of its legal responsib-
ilities, the manufacturer of the
vehicle is obligated to make its
stored data available to the rel-
evant authorities. This data is
provided in the required scope in
individual cases, for example to
clarify a criminal offence.
In the context of applicable laws,
public agencies are entitled in
individual cases to read out data
from the vehicle themselves.
1
9
z General instructions

Operating data in the vehicle
Control units process data to op-
erate the vehicle.
This includes, for example:
Status reports of the vehicle
and its individual components,
for example wheel revolutions,
wheel speed, deceleration
Environmental conditions, for
example temperature
The data is only processed in
the vehicle itself and is gener-
ally non-permanent. The data is
not stored beyond the operating
period.
Electronic components, for ex-
ample control units, contain com-
ponents for storing technical in-
formation. Information can be
temporarily or permanently stored
on the vehicle condition, com-
ponent loads, incidents or errors.
This information is generally used
to document the condition of a
component, a module, a system
or the surrounding area, for ex-
ample:
Operating conditions of system
components, for example filling
levels, tyre pressure
Malfunctions and faults in im-
portant system components,
for example light and brakes
Response of the vehicle in
special riding situations, for
example engagement of the
driving dynamics systems
Information on incidents result-
ing in damage to the vehicle
The data is necessary for the
provision of control unit functions.
Furthermore, the data is used to
detect and rectify malfunctions
and to enable the vehicle manu-
facturer to optimise vehicle func-
tions.
The vast majority of this data is
non-permanent and is only pro-
cessed in the vehicle itself. Only
a small amount of the data is
stored in incident or fault memor-
ies as required by events.
If services are accessed, for ex-
ample repairs, service processes,
warranty cases and quality assur-
ance measures, this technical in-
formation can be read out of the
vehicle together with the vehicle
identification number.
The information can be read out
by a BMW Motorrad Retailer or
another qualified service part-
ner or specialist workshop. The
legally stipulated socket for on-
board diagnosis (OBD) in the
vehicle is used to read out the
data.
The data is obtained, processed
and used by the relevant parts of
the retailer network. The data is
used to document the technical
conditions of the vehicle, to help
with error localization, to comply
with warranty obligations and to
improve quality.
1
10
z General instructions

In addition, the manufacturer has
various product monitoring ob-
ligations arising from product li-
ability legislation. To meet these
obligations, the vehicle manu-
facturer requires technical data
from the vehicle. The data from
the vehicle can also be used to
check warranty claims from the
customer.
Error and incident memories in
the vehicle can be reset dur-
ing servicing or repair work by
a BMW Motorrad Retailer or an-
other qualified service partner or
specialist workshop.
Data input and data transfer
in the vehicle
General
Depending on the equipment,
comfort and customised settings
can be stored in the vehicle and
can be changed or reset at any
time.
This includes, for example:
Settings of the windscreen po-
sition
Chassis and suspension set-
tings
If required, data can be entered
in the entertainment and commu-
nication system of the vehicle, for
example using a smartphone.
Depending on the individual
equipment, this includes:
Multimedia data, such as music
for playback
Contacts data for use in con-
nection with a communication
system or an integrated naviga-
tion system
Entered destinations
Data on the use of internet
services. This data can be
stored locally in the vehicle
or is located on a device that
is connected to the vehicle,
for example smartphone, USB
stick, MP3 player. If this data is
stored in the vehicle, the data
can be deleted at any time.
This data is transferred to third
parties only if personally reques-
ted within the context of using
online services. This depends on
the selected settings when using
the services.
Incorporation of mobile end
devices
Depending on the equipment,
mobile end devices connected to
the vehicle, for example smart-
phones, can be controlled using
the operating elements of the
vehicle.
The image and sound of the mo-
bile end device can then be out-
put via the multimedia system.
At the same time, specific in-
formation is transferred to the
mobile end device. Depending
on the type of integration, this in-
cludes, for example, position data
and additional general vehicle in-
formation. This enables optimal
1
11
z General instructions

use of the selected apps, for ex-
ample navigation or music play-
back.
The type of additional data pro-
cessing is determined by the
provider of the respective app.
The scope of the possible set-
tings depends on the corres-
ponding app and the operating
system of the mobile end device.
Services
General
If the vehicle has a wireless con-
nection, this enables the ex-
change of data between the
vehicle and other systems. The
wireless connection is enabled by
the vehicle's own transmitter and
receiver unit or using personally
integrated mobile end devices,
for example smartphones. On-
line functions can be used using
this wireless connection. These
include online services and apps
that are provided by the vehicle
manufacturer or by other pro-
viders.
Services of the vehicle manu-
facturer
For online services of the vehicle
manufacturer, the individual
functions are described at
suitable points, for example
rider's manual, website of the
manufacturer. At the same time,
information is also provided on
the relevant data protection law.
Personal data may be used to
provide online services. Data
is exchanged using a secure
connection, for example with
the IT systems provided by the
vehicle manufacturer.
Obtaining, processing and us-
ing personal data outside of the
normal provision of services re-
quires legal permission, contrac-
tual agreement or consent. It is
also possible to have the entire
data connection activated or de-
activated. Statutory functions are
excluded from this.
Services from other providers
When using online services from
other providers, these services
are subject to the responsibil-
ity and the data protection and
operating conditions of the indi-
vidual provider. The vehicle man-
ufacturer has no influence on the
content that is exchanged in this
instance. Information on the type,
scope and purpose of the data
capture and use of personal data
as part of the services of third
parties can be ascertained from
the individual provider.
1
12
z General instructions

General views
General view, left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
General view, right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Underneath the seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Multifunction switch, left . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Multifunction switch, right . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Instrumentpanel.................... 23
2
13
z General views

2
14
z General views

General view, left side
1Storage compartment, left
( 103)
2Clutch-fluid reservoir
( 160)
3Fuel filler neck ( 130)
4Radio transceiver box
( 195)
5Radio preparation ( 195)
Mobile radio system
Intercom system in the ra-
dio transceiver box ( 77)
Auxiliary battery ( 181)
6Plug
with power socketOE
2nd socket
7Rear fog light ( 68)
8Cases ( 191)
Case for special vehicle
( 193)
9Rider's manual in the case
Fire extinguisher in the
case ( 194)
10 Seat lock ( 100)
11 Hailing system ( 75)
Emergency power siren
( 76)
12 Payload table
Table of tyre pressures
2
15
z General views

2
16
z General views

General view, right side
1Rear STOP signal ( 73)
2LED 360° marker strobe
( 71)
3Power socket ( 190)
4Brake-fluid reservoir, front
( 158)
5Cover
6LED flashing warning lights
( 69)
7Front STOP signal ( 72)
8Vehicle identification num-
ber (on the steering-head
bearing)
Type plate (on the
steering-head bearing)
9Hailing system ( 75)
Emergency power siren
( 76)
Intercom system ( 77)
10 Coolant level indicator (be-
hind the side trim panel)
( 160)
11 Engine-oil filler neck
( 154)
12 Behind the engine spoiler:
Battery ( 177)
Remote positive terminal
( 176)
Diagnostic connector
( 187)
13 Brake fluid tank rear (be-
hind the side trim panel)
( 159)
2
17
z General views

Underneath the seat
1Adjuster for front-seat
height ( 101)
2Standard toolkit ( 152)
3Tool for adjusting the
spring preload ( 113)
4Fuses ( 185)
2
18
z General views