Motorcycle Tips

Before every journey

Here you can find a few small suggestions to enjoy the riding pleasure on your BMW as much and for as long as possible. After all, it is a valuable piece of technology. Meaning careful treatment is essential for long and flawless functionality.

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A small check is always worthwhile

Light

Before every journey, check the dipped beam, high beam, rear and brake lights. We may only install parts of the highest quality and check that they are all working flawlessly at every service. But just to be on the safe side, you should briefly check them too.

Air

The right air pressure is one of the most important bases for flawless riding behaviour. So adjust it to suit your load and your riding style. The correct values are specifically listed in the operating instructions.

Oil

Oil lubricates the engine and keeps it running smoothly. But at the same time, oil also cools it down and keeps it at the ideal operating temperature. So always make sure that the right quantity of oil is in the engine, gearbox and drive. Too much oil can have a negative impact too, as the oil pressure in the engine is designed for a specified quantity.

Levers

Your hands control the clutch and the brake, your feet brake and shift gears. So all four levers should be working flawlessly. Particularly as the foot levers like to adjust themselves. Whereas the adjustable levers of many of our models make daily riding even more enjoyable.

Equipment

Your clothing is of course dependent on the weather. But always consider safety here. What must also be considered is that even the best care does not stop the ageing process: protectors and helmet shells become brittle with time, tend to break and lose their protective function. Leather and functional clothing also require care: for lasting breathability.

Self-check

For maximum riding pleasure, you should be fit too. Because only when you are healthy and balanced will you have fun on your machine. Just be sure to keep your head free before setting off.

Weather check

Adapt your riding style to the weather. Bear in mind that not just you – but also your engine and tyres require a certain operating temperature in order to be able to perform optimally. As far as clothing is concerned: not too cold, but not too warm either. Pay attention not only to wind but to fall protection as well.

Route check

Being aware of the traffic situation on your route really helps you relax. It also allows you to conveniently plan the time you need for your journey.

On the journey

BMW motorcycles are especially well prepared for the big journey. Thanks to their ergonomics, they can easily travel many thousands of miles. Furthermore, everything is designed and manufactured for demanding continuous operation. Countless luggage solutions offer you precisely the right transportation possibility for your odds and ends on every model. Nevertheless, you should always check that everything is positioned securely, because there is a great deal of force acting on your luggage depending on the road surface and your riding style. Here are a few more tips before we can then say: happy travels!

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So that every journey is the most beautiful

Luggage storage

The less luggage you have, the freer you are. Especially on a motorcycle. Depending on where the bike is, you always have to take your luggage into the tent or room with you. Your luggage should be packed well. We offer a wide range of luggage solutions – side cases, tank bags, topcases or even luggage rolls – almost all of which are absolutely watertight and tailored specifically to your BMW. Always put heavy luggage at the bottom. This way, it will have the minimum impact on the riding behaviour. But always adapt your riding style to your load.

Route planning

Plan carefully, enjoy properly: during the journey, your eyes should always be on the road. Making it all that much more important to get the required information quickly and safely. Our compact devices with GPS navigation or tank bag with transparent map pocket are valuable aids. And of course, you should also think about the range when planning the route – both with respect to the tank as well as to your own sustenance.

Brakes

Everyone has their own personal performance characteristics when it comes to energy and endurance. The bike gives you direct and intensive riding pleasure, whereas there is more effort involved than when driving a car. And so the reserves fade quicker: concentration and reaction capabilities drop and the danger of an uncontrolled situation increases – right up to microsleep. So especially on long bridging journeys, always give yourself sufficient breaks.

Service network

Increased safety on all routes: our all-encompassing service network comprises 80 countries with 1200 addresses. Whereby in the year 2020, there will already be over 1500 retailers. All international information – also about the BMW mobile service – can be found in your BMW's on-board literature. And there is also a brochure for overseas.

Mobile service

The reliability of our motorcycles has top priority. In the case of a breakdown, the mobile service is by your side. BMW is the only manufacturer to offer the services of its very own call-out duty in countless countries: qualified specialists with comprehensive expertise get your motorcycle going again. For fast and efficient aid when overseas, please always ring the mobile service in your home country. The information will be recorded here and all subsequent steps initiated immediately. The mobile service control centre coordinates your matter and helps you as much as possible over the phone. If you need immediate assistance, we direct the nearest BMW breakdown assistance vehicle to you. The phone number for the mobile service in your home country can be found in our numbers guide.

Before winter

The surfaces of a BMW have a very high-quality finish. Whether painted or finished with fully dyed materials or metals – we only use the highest quality products. Nevertheless, road salt, moisture and temperatures can take their toll on any material. If you should "lay up" your motorcycle, then store it in a warm and dry place – at the very least dry. Whereas it should be ensured that the covers have sufficient air circulation. Otherwise there is a danger of precipitative moisture – resulting in corrosion. If you want to be completely on the safe side, use a light oil such as bicycle gloss (the clear-red spray oil) – spray this lightly onto your bike. Particularly the metal surfaces are then better protected from corrosion. Before the start of the season, we recommend a wash with a little washing-up liquid in lukewarm water and a soft sponge. And of course, your BMW Motorrad partner has more tips as well.

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Always be well prepared

Cleaning

Regularly rinse off the salt deposits after winter rides and intensify the care with the appropriate means. Dose the high pressure cleaner softly and do not point the spray directly at the intake duct and bearing. You can of course get care products from us.

Relieving the frame

We recommend standing the motorcycle on the centre stand over the winter, so as not to permanently strain the tyres and spring elements over the immobilisation period at winter time. In order to avoid flat spots, you should move your BMW to and fro every now and again – the smallest space is sufficient for this.

Charge of the battery

If your motorcycle is not ridden for prolonged periods, the charge of the battery drops. In the past, people would have to laboriously remove the battery and take it with them into their warm flats in order to charge it up in time for the start of the season. Today, there are brilliant charge retention devices, which can usually be connected to the battery without it having to be removed. Practical, provided you also have access to a plug socket.

Operating materials

Your BMW's synthetic oils are not only highly resilient in operation, but also withstand the test of time during immobilisation periods. Because they continue working flawlessly even after winter after a short warm-up. For metal tanks, we recommend filling up before immobilisation, because otherwise the tank may corrode on the inside due to condensed moisture. For plastic tanks, this is not an issue. For carburettor-operated motorcycles, you should disconnect the feed cable between the tank and the carburettor and allow the fuel to drain out of the carburettor in order to prevent hardening. For modern injection engines – as exhibited by the entire BMW Motorrad range – this measure is not required.

BMW Service partners near you.

With our worldwide service network, we are there for you anywhere and anytime. Find a BMW service partner near you and benefit from our service offers.