BMW Motorrad R 1250RT Installation and maintenance manual

Rider's Manual (US Model)
R 1250 RT
BMW Motorrad

Motorcycle/Retailer Data
Motorcycle Data
Model
Vehicle identification number
Color number
Initial registration
License plate
Retailer Data
Contact in Service
Ms./Mr.
Phone number
Retailer's address/phone number (com-
pany stamp)

Welcome to BMW
Congratulations on choosing a
motorcycle from BMW Motorrad
and welcome to the community
of BMW motorcycle owners and
riders. Familiarize yourself with
your new motorcycle so that you
can ride it safely and confidently
in all highway 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
get the most benefit from your
BMW's advanced technical fea-
tures.
In addition, it contains information
on maintenance and care to help
you maintain your motorcycle's
reliability and safety, as well as its
value.
Documentation confirming per-
formance of scheduled mainte-
nance is a precondition for gen-
erous handling of out-of-warranty
claims and goodwill warranty
treatment.
Should you want to sell your
BMW one day, please also re-
member to turn over the Ride's
Manual to the new owner. it is
an important part of your motor-
cycle.
Suggestions and complaints
If you have any questions con-
cerning your motorcycle, your au-
thorized BMW Motorrad retailer
is always happy to provide advice
and assistance.
We wish you many miles of safe
and enjoyable riding on your
BMW
BMW Motorrad. 01 40 9 899 717
*01409899717*
*01409899717*
*01409899717*

Table of Contents
1 General instructions ... . 5
Overview..................... 6
Abbreviations and
symbols...................... 6
Equipment ................... 7
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Notice concerning current sta-
tus ........................... 8
Additional sources of informa-
tion........................... 8
Certificates and operating per-
mits .......................... 8
Data memory................. 8
2 Overviews ............... 13
General view, left side . . . . . . . 15
General view, right side . . . . . 17
Underneath the seat . . . . . . . . 18
Multifunction switch, left . . . . 19
Multifunction switch,
right......................... 21
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3 Displays ................. 23
Indicator and warning
lights ........................ 24
Meaning of symbols. . . . . . . . . 25
Multifunction display . . . . . . . . 27
Warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Service display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Cruising range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Electronic oil-level check . . . . 46
Ambient temperature. . . . . . . . 47
Tire pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
4 Operation................ 49
Steering and ignition
lock ......................... 50
Ignition with Key-
less Ride .................... 52
Emergency on/off switch (kill
switch) ...................... 57
Lights ....................... 58
Hazard warning flashers . . . . . 59
Turn indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Multifunction display . . . . . . . . 60
Onboard computer . . . . . . . . . . 65
Trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Automatic Stability Control
(ASC) ....................... 67
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) ....................... 67
Electronic chassis and
suspension adjustment (D-
ESA) ........................ 68
Riding mode ................ 69
Cruise-control system . . . . . . . 71
Hill Start Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Anti-theft alarm system
(DWA)....................... 75
Heating...................... 79
Rider's seat ................. 81
Passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Storage compartment . . . . . . . 84
Central locking system . . . . . . 85
5 Setting................... 91
Mirrors ...................... 92
Headlight.................... 92
Windshield .................. 92
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Clutch....................... 94
Gearshift lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Brakes ...................... 96
Spring preload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Damping .................... 99
6 Riding.................. 101
Safety information . . . . . . . . . 102
Observe checklist . . . . . . . . . 104
Always before riding off . . . 104
At every third refueling
stop....................... 104
Starting.................... 104
Runningin ................ 108
Shifting gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Brakes .................... 110
Parking your motorcy-
cle......................... 112
Refueling.................. 112
Securing motorcycle for
transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
7 Technology in de-
tail...................... 119
General instructions . . . . . . . 120
Antilock Braking System
(ABS)...................... 120
Automatic Stability Control
(ASC) ..................... 123
Dynamic Traction Control
(DTC) ..................... 124
Electronic chassis and
suspension adjustment (D-
ESA) ...................... 126
Riding mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Dynamic Brake Control . . . . 128
Tire pressure control
(TPC/RDC)................ 129
Shift assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Hill Start Control . . . . . . . . . . 132
8 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . 135
General instructions . . . . . . . 136
Standard tool kit. . . . . . . . . . . 136
Service tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Front wheel stand . . . . . . . . . 137
Engine oil ................. 138
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Clutch..................... 144
Coolant.................... 144
Tires ...................... 146
Wheel rims and tires . . . . . . 146
Wheels.................... 147
Muffler .................... 153
Light sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Battery .................... 160
Fuses ..................... 164
Data link connector . . . . . . . 165
9 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . 167
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Onboard power
sockets.................... 168
Case ...................... 169
Topcase................... 171
Navigation system . . . . . . . . . 174
10 Care .................. 179
Care products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Washing your motorcy-
cle......................... 180
Cleaning sensitive motorcy-
cle parts................... 181
Paint care ................. 182
Protective wax coating . . . . 182
Store motorcycle . . . . . . . . . . 182
Return motorcycle to
use........................ 182

11 Technical data . . . . . . 183
Troubleshooting chart . . . . . 184
Threaded fasteners . . . . . . . 185
Fuel....................... 187
Engine oil ................. 188
Engine .................... 188
Clutch..................... 189
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Rear-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . 190
Frame..................... 191
Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Brakes .................... 192
Wheels and tires . . . . . . . . . . 193
Electrical system . . . . . . . . . . 195
Anti-theft alarm system . . . 196
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Weights ................... 198
Performance data . . . . . . . . . 198
12 Service ............... 199
Reporting safety
defects.................... 200
BMW Motorrad Service . . . 201
BMW Motorrad Service
History .................... 201
BMW Motorrad Mobility
Services................... 202
Maintenance proce-
dures...................... 202
BMW Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Maintenance schedule . . . . 205
Maintenance confirma-
tions....................... 206
Service confirmations . . . . . 220
13 Appendix... . . . . . . . . . . 223
Certificate for Electronic
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Certificate for Remote
Key........................ 226
Certificate for Key-
less Ride .................. 230
Certificate for Tire Pressure
Control.................... 232
14 Index ................. 233

General instructions
Overview ............................ 6
Abbreviations and symbols . . . . . . . . . . 6
Equipment........................... 7
TechnicalData....................... 7
Notice concerning current status . . . . 8
Additional sources of information . . . . 8
Certificates and operating permits . . . 8
Datamemory ........................ 8
1
5
z General instructions

Overview
This Rider's Manual has been
designed to provide quick and ef-
ficient orientation. The quickest
way for you to find information
on specific topics is to consult
the comprehensive index at the
back of the manual. If you would
like to start with a quick overview
of your motorcycle, this informa-
tion has been provided in chapter
2. All maintenance and repair
work carried out on your mo-
torcycle will be documented in
Chapter 12. Documentation con-
firming performance of scheduled
maintenance is a precondition
for generous handling of out-of-
warranty claims and goodwill war-
ranty treatment.
When the time comes to sell
your BMW, remember to hand
over this Rider's Manual; it is an
important part of the motorcycle.
Abbreviations and
symbols
CAUTION Hazard with
low risk. Failure to avoid
this hazard can result in minor or
moderate injury.
WARNING Hazard with
moderate risk. Failure to
avoid this hazard can result in
death or serious injury.
DANGER Hazard with high
risk. Failure to avoid this
hazard results in death or serious
injury.
ATTENTION Special in-
structions and precaution-
ary measures. Non-compliance
can cause damage to the vehi-
cle or accessories and warranty
claims may be denied as a result.
NOTICE Special informa-
tion on operating and in-
specting your motorcycle as well
as maintenance and adjustment
procedures.
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 ac-
cessory or equipment-
dependent information.
Tightening torque.
Technical data.
1
6
z General instructions

OE Optional extra.
BMW Motorrad optional
extras are already com-
pletely installed during
motorcycle production.
OA Optional accessory.
BMW Motorrad op-
tional accessories can
be purchased and in-
stalled at your autho-
rized BMW Motorrad
retailer.
EWS Electronic immobilizer.
DWA Anti-theft alarm.
ABS Anti-Lock Brake System.
ASC Automatic Stability Con-
trol.
D-
ESA
Electronic chassis and
suspension adjustment.
DTC Dynamic Traction Con-
trol (optional equipment
only in combination with
Pro riding modes).
TPC Tire Pressure Control
(TPC/RDC).
Equipment
When you ordered your
BMW motorcycle, you chose
various custom equipment items.
This Rider's Manual describes
optional equipment (OE) offered
by BMW and selected optional
accessories (OA). This explains
why the manual may also contain
descriptions of equipment which
you have not ordered. Please
note, too, that your motorcycle
might not be exactly as illustrated
in this manual on account of
country-specific differences.
If your motorcycle features
equipment that is not described
here, you can find these features
described in a separate manual.
Technical Data
All dimensions, weights and per-
formance data contained this
Rider's Manual refer to the Ger-
man DIN standards and comply
with their tolerance specifications.
The technical data and speci-
fications in this Rider's Manual
serve as points of reference. The
vehicle-specific data may vary,
for instance due to the selected
optional equipment, national-mar-
ket version or country-specific
measuring procedures. Detailed
values can be obtained from the
registration documents and the
signs on the vehicle or from your
authorized BMW Motorrad re-
tailer or other qualified service
partner or specialist workshop.
The information on the vehicle
documents always takes prece-
1
7
z General instructions

dence over the information in this
Rider's Manual.
Notice concerning
current status
The high safety and quality stan-
dards of BMW motorcycles are
maintained by consistent, on-
going development efforts em-
bracing their design, equipment
and accessories. For this reason,
some aspects of your motorcycle
may vary from the descriptions
in these operating instructions.
In addition, BMW Motorrad can-
not guarantee the total absence
of errors. We hope you will ap-
preciate that no claims can be
recognized based on the data, il-
lustrations or descriptions in this
manual.
Additional sources of
information
BMW Motorrad retailers
Your BMW Motorrad retailer is
always happy to answer any of
your questions.
Internet
The Rider's Manual for your
vehicle, the operating and
installation instructions for
optional accessories and general
BMW Motorrad information
related to the technology or
other features are available at
www.bmw-motorrad.com/
service.
Certificates and
operating permits
The certificates for the vehicle
and the official operating per-
mits for possible accessories
are available at www.bmw-
motorrad.com/certification.
Data memory
General
Electronic control units are in-
stalled in the vehicle. Electronic
control units process data re-
ceived from vehicle sensors,
self-generated data or data ex-
changed between control units,
for example. Some control units
are required for safe vehicle op-
eration or provide driving assis-
tance, such as driver assistance
systems. Control units also make
comfort and infotainment func-
tions possible.
Information about the stored or
exchanged data can be obtained
from the vehicle manufacturer,
such as in the form of a separate
booklet.
Personal references
Every vehicle is marked with a
unique vehicle identification num-
ber. Depending on the country,
the vehicle owner can be iden-
1
8
z General instructions

tified using the vehicle identifi-
cation number and license plate
and with the help of the relevant
authorities. There are also other
ways to trace data obtained from
the vehicle back to the driver or
vehicle owner, such as via the
used ConnectedDrive Account.
Data privacy laws
In accordance with applicable
data privacy laws, vehicle users
have certain rights over the ve-
hicle manufacturer or company
that collects or processes per-
sonal data.
Vehicle users have the right to
obtain comprehensive information
without charge from the locations
that store the vehicle user's per-
sonal data.
These locations may be:
The vehicle manufacturer
Qualified service partners
Specialist workshops
Service providers
Vehicle users may request in-
formation about the type of per-
sonal data that is stored, the pur-
pose for which the data will be
used and the source of the data.
This information can only be ob-
tained by a registered owner or a
person with written proof autho-
rizing use of the vehicle.
The right to information also in-
cludes information related to data
transmitted to other companies
or locations.
The vehicle manufacturer's web-
site contains the appropriate pri-
vacy policy notices. The privacy
policy notices contain information
on the right to delete or correct
data. The vehicle manufacturer
also provides the manufacturer
contact information and the con-
tact information of the data secu-
rity officer.
The vehicle owner can have a
BMW Motorrad retailer or other
qualified service partner or spe-
cialist workshop read out the
data stored in the vehicle for a
fee if required.
The vehicle data is read out via
the power socket required by law
for on-board diagnosis (OBD) in
the vehicle.
Legal requirements for the
disclosure of data
The vehicle manufacture is re-
quired by the law applicable in
this context to provide authori-
ties with the data stored by the
manufacturer. Providing this data
within the scope required is on a
case-by-case basis, for instance
to clarify a criminal offense.
Government agencies are autho-
rized by the law applicable in this
context to read out the data from
the vehicle themselves in individ-
ual cases.
1
9
z General instructions

Operating data in the vehicle
Control units process data so
that the vehicle can run.
Examples of these include:
Status messages from the ve-
hicle and its individual com-
ponents, such as wheel RPM,
wheel speed and deceleration
Environmental conditions, such
as temperature
The data is processed only in the
vehicle itself and is usually tem-
porary. The data is not stored
beyond the period in which the
vehicle is operating.
Electronic components such as
control units contain components
for storing technical information.
This may be information about
the vehicle's condition, compo-
nent load, events or faults stored
temporarily or permanently.
This information generally doc-
uments the condition of a com-
ponent, module, system or the
surrounding area; for example:
Operating conditions of system
components, such as fill levels
and tire pressure
Malfunctions and faults in key
system components, such as
lights and brakes
Vehicle responses in specific
driving situations, such as acti-
vation of dynamic driving sys-
tems
Information about events caus-
ing damage to the vehicle
The data is necessary for pro-
viding control unit functions. In
addition, it is used by the vehicle
manufacturer to detect and elim-
inate malfunctions as well as to
optimize vehicle functions.
The majority of this data is tem-
porary and is processed only
within the vehicle itself. Only a
small amount of event-driven
data is stored in the event data
recorder and fault memory.
When a vehicle is serviced,
such as for repairs, servicing
processes, warranty cases and
quality assurance measures, this
technical information can be read
out from the vehicle together
with the vehicle identification
number.
The information can be read out
by a BMW Motorrad retailer or
other qualified service partner or
specialist workshop. The power
socket required by law for on-
board diagnosis (OBD) in the ve-
hicle is used to read out the data.
The data is collected, processed
and used by the respective
service network locations. The
data documents the vehicle's
technical states and helps with
fault finding, compliance with
warranty obligations and quality
improvements.
1
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z General instructions

The manufacturer also has prod-
uct monitoring obligations arising
from product liability law. The
vehicle manufacturer requires
technical data from the vehicle in
order to fulfill these obligations.
The data from the vehicle can
also be used to verify customer
warranty and guarantee claims.
The fault memory and event data
recorder in the vehicle can be
reset by a BMW Motorrad retailer
or other qualified service partner
or specialist workshop as part of
repair work or servicing.
Data input and data transfer
in the vehicle
General
Depending on the equipment,
comfort settings and individual-
ized settings in the vehicle can
be saved and changed or reset
at any time.
Examples of these include:
Windshield position settings
Chassis and suspension adjust-
ment settings
It is possible to introduce data
into the vehicle entertainment
and communication system via a
smartphone, for instance.
Depending on the individual
equipment, this includes:
Multimedia data, such as music
for playback
Address book data for use in
conjunction with a communi-
cation system or integrated
navigation system
Entered navigation destinations
Data about the use of inter-
net services. This data can be
stored locally in the vehicle or
is on a device connected to the
vehicle, such as a smartphone,
USB stick or MP3 player. If
this data is saved in the vehi-
cle, it can be deleted at any
time.
This data is transmitted to third
parties only upon personal re-
quest as part of the use of online
services. The data transmitted
depends on the selected settings
when using the services.
Integrating mobile end de-
vices
Depending on the equipment,
mobile end devices connected
to the vehicle, such as smart-
phones, are controlled using the
vehicle's controls.
This enables audio and visual
output from mobile end devices
through the multimedia system.
At the same time, certain infor-
mation is transmitted to the mo-
bile end device. This includes for
instance position data and other
general vehicle data, depending
on the type of integration, and
makes it possible to optimize
the use of selected apps, such
1
11
z General instructions

as those for navigation or music
playback.
The way the data is processed
further is determined by the
provider of the particular app
used. The range of possible
settings depends on the
particular app and the operating
system of the mobile end device.
Services
General
If the vehicle has a mobile phone
connection, this connection
makes it possible to exchange
data between the vehicle and
other systems. The mobile
phone connection is made
possible through the vehicle's
transmitter and receiver or via
personally integrated mobile end
devices such as smartphones.
Online functions, as they are
called, are used over this mobile
phone connection. These
include online services and
apps provided by the vehicle
manufacturer or other providers.
Vehicle manufacturer ser-
vices
In the case of the vehicle man-
ufacturer's online services, the
particular functions are described
at the appropriate location, such
as in the Rider's Manual or on
manufacturer's website. The rel-
evant legal information on data
privacy is also provided there.
Personal data may be used in
order to provide online services.
The data is exchanged over a
secure connection, i.e. with the
vehicle manufacturer's IT sys-
tems which are intended for this
purpose.
Any collection, processing and
use of personal data that goes
beyond the provision of services
take place only as permitted by
law, on the basis of a contractual
agreement or as a result of con-
sent. It is also possible to have
the entire data connection acti-
vated or deactivated. This is not
the case for legally prescribed
functions.
Services of other providers
When using the online services
of other providers, these services
are subject to the responsibil-
ity and the data protection and
usage conditions of the respec-
tive provider. The vehicle manu-
facturer has no control over the
content exchanged via these ser-
vices. Information about the type,
scope and purpose of collecting
and using personal data as part
of third-party services can be ob-
tained from the particular service
provider.
1
12
z General instructions

Overviews
General view, left side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
General view, right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Underneath the seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Multifunction switch, left . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Multifunction switch, right . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2
13
z Overviews

2
14
z Overviews

General view, left side
1Clutch fluid reservoir
( 144)
2Fuel filler opening
( 113)
3Seat lock ( 81)
4Passenger seat heating
( 80)
52nd power socket
6Left storage compartment
( 84)
7Load capacity table
Tire inflation pressure table
2
15
z Overviews

2
16
z Overviews

General view, right side
1Rider's Manual (US Model)
2Onboard power socket
( 168)
3Brake-fluid reservoir, front
( 142)
4Right storage compartment
( 85)
5Vehicle identification num-
ber (on the steering-head
bearing)
Type plate (on the
steering-head bearing)
6Coolant level indicator (be-
hind side panel) ( 144)
7Oil filler opening ( 138)
8Behind the engine spoiler:
Battery ( 160)
Remote positive terminal
( 159)
Data link connector
( 165)
9Brake fluid reservoir, rear
(behind the side trim panel)
( 143)
2
17
z Overviews

Underneath the seat
1Adjustment of driver's seat
height ( 82)
2Standard tool kit ( 136)
3Tool for adjusting the
spring preload ( 98)
4Fuses ( 164)
2
18
z Overviews