BMW F 800 GS - Service Manual

Rider's Manual (US Model)F 800 GSBMW MotorradThe UltimateRiding Machine

18zGeneral instructions

To decrease clutch play: turnadjusting screw 3 out of han-dlebar fitting.Checking clutch play ( 97).Tighten nut 2 while holdingadjusting screw 3 to en

Lubricate drive chain at leastevery 620 mls (1000 km). Af-ter driving though water or dustand dirt, carry out lubricate ear-lier accordingly.Switch of

Tighten quick-release axlenut 1 to appropriate torque.Rear-wheel quick-releaseaxle in swinging arm74 lb/ft (100 Nm)Checking chain wearMake sure ground

are stored in the control unit asthe basis for all necessary calcu-lations. A change in these sizesdue to conversion to others thanthe wheels installe

lever when the brake calipershave been removed.Carefully pull brake calipersback to remove them from thebrake rotors.Place motorcycle on a suitableaux

Remove spacing bushing 5 onleft side from wheel hub.Installing front wheelMalfunctions may occurduring control interventionsby ABS and ASC if a wheel

Pinch bolt of quick-re-lease axleTightening sequence:Tighten alternatively14 lb/ft (19 Nm)Install the axis screw 2 withtorque.Front quick-release axle

Insert ABS sensor in its socketand install screw 1.Remove adhesive tape fromwheel rim.Operate brakes several timesuntil brake pads contact brakedisk.F

Remove axle nut 2.Loosen lock nuts 3 on left andright by turning counterclock-wise.Loosen adjusting screws 4 onleft and right by turning clock-wise.Re

torques checked by a specializedworkshop, preferably anauthorized BMW Motorradretailer.Roll rear wheel into swingingarm while guiding brake diskbetwee

OverviewsGeneral view, left side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11General view, right side . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Underneath seat . . . . . . . . .

Insert speed sensor in hole andinstall screw 1.Adjust chain sag ( 99).Front wheel standMounting front wheelstandThe BMW Motorrad frontwheel stand is n

Apply uniform pressure to pushfront wheel stand down andraise motorcycle.with center standOEIf the motorcycle is raisedtoo far at the front thecenter

Replace defective bulb.Bulb for high-beamheadlightH7 / 12 V / 55 WBulbs for low-beamheadlightH7 / 12 V / 55 WTo avoid contamination on thebulb's

Remove cover 2.Pull parking-light bulb 3 out ofheadlight housing.Pull bulb out of bulb socket.Replace defective bulb.Bulb for parking lightW5W / 12 V

Install cover 2.Replacing brake and taillight bulbThe diode taillight can only becompletely replaced. Pleasecontact a specialized workshopfor this pur

Install bulb 2 by screwingclockwise into light housing.Insert inside end of lens intolight housing and close.Install screw 1.Replacing license-platebu

Pull bulb out of socket.Replace defective bulb.Bulb for license-platelightW5W / 12 V / 5 WTo prevent contaminants frombeing deposited on the newbulb&a

Fairings and PanelsRemoving center fairingpanelRemove seat ( 52).Remove screws 1 on left andright.Remove four screws 2.Disconnect plug connection aton

Install screws 1 on left andright.Installing seat ( 53).Air filterRemoving air filterRemoving center fairing panel( 115).Remove four screws 1.Remove a

Installing center fairing panel( 115).Jump-startingThe wires leading to thepower socket do not havea load-capacity rating adequatefor jump-starting th

210zOverviews

Disconnect jump lead fromnegative terminals first, thendisconnect second lead frompositive terminals.To start the engine, do notuse start sprays or si

(230 V), 77 02 7 729 048(230 V), or 77 02 7 722 471(110 V). If in doubt, charge thedisconnected battery directly atthe terminals.If you switch on the

An incorrect disconnectionsequence increase the riskof short-circuiting.Always observe the propersequence.Remove negative cable 1 first.Then remove po

CareCare products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122Washing your motorcycle . . . . . . . . . . 122Cleaning sensitive vehicle parts . . . .

Care productsBMW Motorrad recommendsthat you use cleaning andcare products available at yourauthorized BMW Motorradretailer. BMW Care Productshave bee

contain alcohol, solvents or abra-sives to clean plastic parts.'Fly sponges' or sponges withhard surfaces can also lead toscratches.Fairings

mover. Then add a protectivewax coating to the paint at theselocations.Protective wax coatingTo preserve the finish of yourmotorcycle, BMW Motorrad re

Technical dataTroubleshooting chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126Threaded fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127Engine . . . . . . . . . . . .

Troubleshooting chartEngine does not start at all or is very difficult to startPossible cause RemedyEmergency-off switch (kill switch) Emergency-off s

Threaded fastenersFront wheel Value ValidBrake caliper on telescopicforksM10 x 40 28 lb/ft (38 Nm)Pinch bolt of quick-release axleM8 x 25 Tighten alte

General view, left side1 Onboard socket ( 76)2 Seat lock ( 52)3 Engine oil fill location andoil dipstick ( 91)211zOverviews

Mirror arm Value ValidLocknut (mirror) on clampingpieceM14 x 1 15 lb/ft (20 Nm)Clamping piece (mirror) onclamping blockM10 22 lb/ft (30 Nm)10128zTechn

EngineEngine design Two-cylinder, four-stroke engine, DOHC control,4 valves actuated by trailing valve levers, liquidcooling for cylinders and cylinde

FuelRecommended fuel quality Super unleaded (max. 10 % of ethanol) (E10)89 AKI (95 ROZ/RON)89 AKIwith regular unleaded gasoline (RON 91)OERegular unle

Engine oilEngine oil, capacity 3.1 quarts (2.9 l), with filter changeProducts recommended by BMW MotorradBMW Motorrad High Performance Oil SAE 15W-50,

TransmissionTransmission design Claw-shifted 6-speed transmission integrated inengine housingTransmission gear ratios 1.943 (35/68 teeth), Primary gea

Running gearFront wheelType of front suspension Upside-down forksSpring travel, front 9.1 in (230 mm), On wheelwith loweringOE7.5 in (190 mm), On whee

BrakesFront wheelType of front brake Hydraulically operated twin disk brake with 2-pis-ton floating calipers and floating brake disksBrake-pad materia

Rear wheelRear wheel design Spoked wheel, MT H2Rear-wheel rim size 4.25" x 17"Rear tire designation 150/70 - 17Tire inflation pressureTire p

Electrical systemElectrical rating of onboard sockets 5 AFuses All electrical circuits are electronically protected.If an electronic fuse trips and de

Maximum number of defective LEDs in taillight 6, Brake / taillightBulb for license-plate light W5W / 12 V / 5 WBulbs for flashing turn indicators, fro

212zOverviews

Driver's seat height 34.6 in (880 mm), without driver at unladenweightwith comfort seatOE35.2 in (895 mm), without driver at unladenweightwith lo

WeightsUnladen weight 472 lbs (214 kg), DIN unladen weight, ready forroad, 90 % full tank of gas, without OEPermissible gross weight 979 lbs (444 kg)M

10140zTechnical data

ServiceReporting safety defects . . . . . . . . . . . 142BMW Motorrad Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 143BMW Motorrad MobilityServices . . . . . . . .

Reporting safety defectsIf you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could causeinjury or death, you should immediately

BMW Motorrad ServiceWith its worldwide service net-work, BMW Motorrad can attendto you and your motorcycle inover 100 countries around theglobe. BMW M

BMW ServiceBMW Service is carried out oncea year. The scope of the ser-vices performed may be depen-dent on the vehicle owner andthe mileage driven. Y

Confirmation of maintenance workBMW Pre-DeliveryCheckConductedonStamp, SignatureBMW Running-inCheckConductedonOdometer readingNext serviceat the lates

BMW ServiceConductedonOdometer readingNext serviceat the latestonor, if reached sooner,Odometer readingStamp, SignatureBMW ServiceConductedonOdometer

BMW ServiceConductedonOdometer readingNext serviceat the latestonor, if reached sooner,Odometer readingStamp, SignatureBMW ServiceConductedonOdometer

General view, right side1 Fuel filler opening ( 65)2 Adjusting spring preload( 48)3 Brake-fluid reservoir, rear( 95)4 Brake-fluid reservoir, front( 94

BMW ServiceConductedonOdometer readingNext serviceat the latestonor, if reached sooner,Odometer readingStamp, SignatureBMW ServiceConductedonOdometer

BMW ServiceConductedonOdometer readingNext serviceat the latestonor, if reached sooner,Odometer readingStamp, SignatureBMW ServiceConductedonOdometer

Confirmation of serviceThe table is intended as proof of maintenance and repair work, the installed optional accessories and anyspecial campaign (reca

Work carried out OdometerreadingDate11151zService

AAbbreviations and symbols, 6ABSControl, 16Operating, 44Self-diagnosis, 60Technology in detail, 70Warning indicators, 32AccessoriesGeneral instruction

Checking play, 97Technical data, 131Confirmation of maintenancework, 145CoolantChecking level, 96Fill level indicator, 13Overtemperature warningindica

Helmet holderPosition on vehicle, 14Securing helmet, 53Horn, 16IIgnitionSwitching off, 36Switching on, 36ImmobilizerSpare key, 37Warning indicator, 30

Multifunction switchGeneral view, left, 16General view, right, 17OOdometer and tripmetersControl, 18Resetting, 39Offroad riding, 62Onboard socketInfor

Bulbs, 136Clutch, 131Dimensions, 137Electrical system, 136Engine, 129Engine oil, 131Frame, 137Fuel, 130Rear-wheel drive, 132Running gear, 133Spark plu

Details described or illustratedin this booklet may differ fromthe motorcycle's actual specifi-cation as purchased, the acces-sories fitted or th

Underneath seat1 Storage spacewith first-aid kitOAStoring first-aid kit2 Standard tool kit ( 90)3 Payload table4 Tire inflation pressure table5 Helmet

Important data for refuelingFuelRecommended fuel quality Super unleaded (max. 10 % of ethanol) (E10)89 AKI (95 ROZ/RON)89 AKIwith regular unleaded gas

Under fairing1 Battery ( 118)2 Air filter housing ( 116)215zOverviews

Multifunction switch,left1 Headlight high beam andflasher ( 41)2 Selecting display readings( 38).with onboardcomputerOEResetting average data( 39).3 H

Multifunction switch,right1 with heated handlebargripsOEHeated hand grip ( 43)2 Starter button ( 58)3 Emergency-off switch (killswitch) ( 43)217zOverv

Motorcycle/Retailer DataMotorcycle dataModelVehicle Identification NumberColor numberFirst registrationRegistration numberRetailer DataContact in Serv

Instrument cluster1 Warning and indicatorlamps ( 24)2 Speedometer3 Setting clock ( 37).with onboardcomputerOEOperation of stopwatch( 39)4 Multifunctio

6 Ambient light sensor (forbrightness adjustment ofinstrument lighting)with anti-theft alarmOEAnti-theft alarm indicatorlight (see anti-theft alarmope

220zOverviews

Status indicatorsMultifunction display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Meaning of symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Warning and indicator la

Multifunction display1 Warning for electronic en-gine management ( 31)2 with heated handlebargripsOEDisplay of the selectedheated handlebar grip set-t

10 – With onboard computer(OE)Gear indicator, "N" isshown for Neutral11 Fuel level ( 25)12 – With onboard computer(OE)Reading display range(

Warning and indicatorlamps1 ABS warning lamp ( 32)2 with ASCOEASC warning lamp ( 33)3 Fuel-reserve warning lamp( 25) ( 30)4 Universal warning lamp,app

The ABS symbol can beshown differently depend-ing on the country.Fuel levelDue to the complex fuel tank ge-ometry, the fill level cannot bedetermined

The odometer for the fuel re-serve is reset, if the fuel level isgreater than the reserve quantityafter refueling.Service displayIf the time remaining

by temporarily reverting to -- asthe display reading.When ambient temperaturesdrop below 37°F (3°C) the tem-perature display responds byflashing a war

Welcome to BMWWe congratulate you on yourchoice of a motorcycle fromBMW and welcome you to thecommunity of BMW riders.Familiarize yourself with your n

Overview of warning indicatorsWarning light Displays MeaningLights up yellow + "EWS" is indi-catedElectronic immobilizer is active ( 30)Ligh

Warning light Displays MeaningLights upABS deactivated ( 32)Lights upABS error ( 32)Flashes rapidlyASC intervention ( 33)Flashes slowlyASC self-diagno

Electronic immobilizer isactiveGeneral warning light showsyellow.+ "EWS" is indicated.Possible cause:The key being used is not autho-rized f

Engine in emergency-operation modeGeneral warning light showsyellow.Engine symbol appears onthe display.The engine is in the emer-gency operating mode

black ice must especially be ex-pected on bridges and in shadyroad areas.Think well ahead when driving.Anti-theft alarm batterydrainedwith anti-theft

ASC interventionwith ASCOEASC warning light flashesrapidly.The ASC has detected insta-bility at the rear wheel and hasreduced the torque. The warn-ing

334zStatus indicators

OperationSteering and ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . 36EWS Electronic immobilizer . . . . . . . . . 37Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Steering and ignitionlockKeysTwo main keys and one emer-gency key are provided with thevehicle. The emergency key fea-tures a light, compact design, a

Battery can be recharged viaonboard socket.Locking handlebarsTurn handlebars to left.Turn key to position 3 whilemoving handlebars slightly.Ignition,

Table of ContentsYou can also consult the index atthe end of this Rider's Manual ifyou want to find a particular topicor item of information.1 Ge

Adjust the clock only when themotorcycle is stationary.Switch on ignition.Press and hold button 1 untilhours 2 flash.Press button repeatedly untildesi

Distance driven sincereaching reserve quantity inmlsResetting tripmeterSwitch on ignition.Select desired trip odometer.Press and hold button 1 untiltr

the onboard computer must beoperated with the button 1.The stopwatch continues to runin the background when the dis-play is temporarily switched overt

OFF: operation of stopwatchwith button 2 in instrumentcluster.To save the setting made,press and hold button 1 andbutton 2 simultaneously untilthe dis

Turn indicatorsOperating turn indicatorSwitch on ignition.After driving for approx.ten seconds or after cov-ering a distance of approx. 980 ft(300 m),

Emergency-off switch(kill switch)1 Emergency-off switch (killswitch)Operating the emergencyON/OFF switch when ridingcan cause the rear wheel to lockan

The handlebar grips can beheated at two different levels.The second level 2 is used forfast heat-up of the grips; thenthe switch should be switchedbac

ABS warning light goesout; if self-diagnosis hasnot been completed, it begins toflash.Release button 1 within twoseconds.ABS warning lamp remainsoff o

As an alternative, the ignitioncan also be switched off andthen on again.If the ASC warning lightlights up after switching theignition off and on and

Turn adjusting screw 1 clock-wise to increase distance be-tween brake lever and handle-bar grip.Turn adjusting screw 1 coun-terclockwise to decrease d

Refueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65Securing motorcycle fortransport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 666 Technology indetail .

Slide protective cap overthreaded fastener.Spring preloadSettingIt is essential to set the springpreload of the rear suspension tosuit the load carrie

DampingSettingThe damping must be adjustedto the road conditions and thespring preload.A rough road surface requiressofter damping than a smoothroad s

ESA ElectronicSuspensionAdjustmentwith ESAOEAdjustment optionsYou can use the ESA ElectronicSuspension Adjustment featureto adapt damping on the rearw

The damping can be ad-justed while the motorcycleis being ridden.If button 1 is not pressed for alonger time, damping is set asindicated.The ESA displ

torcycle is very heavily loaded.In this case, the headlight rangemust be adjusted to the weight.If you are unsure whetherthe headlight range is cor-re

Take off seat and place ona clean surface with rubberbuffers facing downward.Installing seatInsert seat in brackets 3.Firmly press down on seat atfron

Tightly fold the open side ofthe bag several times andclose subsequently usingVelcro fastener 1.Stow bag in the vehicle rear.with anti-theft alarmOESl

RidingSafety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Starting . . . . .

Safety instructionsRider's equipmentDo not ride without the correctclothing. Always wear:HelmetRider's suitGlovesBootsThis applies even to s

with TopcaseOAorwith aluminum TopcaseOAObserve maximum payload andtop speed as indicated on labelin Topcase.with tank rucksackOAObserve maximum payloa

Catalytic converterIf misfiring causes unburned fuelto enter the catalytic converter,there is a danger of overheatingand damage.For this reason, obser

Do not allow the motorcycle toroll for longer periods or push itover longer distances with theengine switched off.Switch on ignition.Pre-ride check is

switched off consecutively in thereverse order.If a pointer has not been moved,or if one of the warning andindicator lights has not beenswitched on:If

Phase 2Diagnostic system evaluatesstatus of monitored systemcomponents while vehicle isunderway (at least 3.1 mph[5 km/h]).ASC warning light flashessl

accidents when driving atextreme angles.Avoid extreme angles.Speedwith onboard computerOEEngine speed warningThe engine speed warning sig-nals to the

BrakesWhen the motorcycle isridden on loose surfacesor muddy roads, the brakes mayfail to take effect immediatelybecause of dirt or moisture onthe dis

as quickly as possible and withgreat force, the dynamic loaddistribution cannot follow theincreased deceleration and thebraking force cannot be com-pl

On a grade, the motorcycleshould always face uphill; se-lect 1st gear.Center standwith center standOESwitch off engine.If the ground is soft or un-eve

Refuel with quality listed belowat most until lower edge of fillerneck is reached.When refueling after run-ning on reserve, make surethat you top up t

The motorcycle can tipaway to the side and fallover.Secure the motorcycle againsttipping away to the side.Push motorcycle onto transportsurface, and d

General instructionsOverview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Abbreviations and symbols . . . . . . . . . . 6Equipment . . . .

568zRiding

Technology in detailBrake system with BMW MotorradABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Engine management with BMWMoto

Brake system withBMW Motorrad ABSHow does ABS work?The maximum braking force thatcan be transferred to the roadsurface is partially dependent onthe fr

resulting under extreme weatherconditions offroad or on the race-track.Special situationsTo detect the tendency of thewheels to lock up, the speedsof

How does ASC work?The BMW Motorrad ASC com-pares the wheel speeds of thefront and rear wheel. From thespeed difference the slip, andwith it the stabil

If the front wheel loses contactto the ground during extremeacceleration, the ASC reducesthe engine torque until the frontwheel touches the ground aga

674zTechnology in detail

AccessoriesGeneral instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76Onboard sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76Luggage . . . . . . . . .

General instructionsBMW Motorrad recommendsthe use of parts and accessoriesfor your motorcycle that are ap-proved by BMW for this purpose.Your authori

ing off the ignition to reduce thestrain on the onboard electricalsystem.Additional devices with lowpower consumption are possiblynot detected by the

OverviewChapter 2 of this Rider's Man-ual will provide you with an ini-tial overview of your motorcycle.All maintenance and repair workcarried ou

Press button 1 to switch onthe auxiliary headlights.The indicator lamp ofthe auxiliary headlights isswitched on.If the auxiliary headlights wereswitch

If the carrying handle isfolded down when the slotof the case lock is oriented in thedirection of travel, the lock tabcan be damaged.Before folding do

Pull up red release lever 4.Locking flap 5 pops up.Fold locking flap all the wayopen.Remove case from mount byits handle.Mounting caseTurn key in case

Fold carrying handle down.Turn key in direction of traveland remove.Topcasewith TopcaseOAOpen the TopcaseTurn key 1 in Topcase lockinto vertical posit

Adjusting TopcasevolumeOpen and empty Topcase.Engage pivot lever 1 in frontend position to set larger vol-ume.Engage pivot lever 1 in rearend position

Fold up locking flap 5 com-pletely by pulling red releaselever 4 toward rear if neces-sary.Hook Topcase into front hold-ers 6 of Topcase retainingplat

Aluminum casewith aluminum caseOAOpen caseTurn key 1 counterclockwise.The case cover can beopened with both the leftand the right latch.Press lock hou

Hook in lid retaining cable 1.Close case lid.Close second lock of case lid.Remove caseTurn key 1 counterclockwise.Press lock housing 2 to side torelea

Aluminum Topcasewith aluminum TopcaseOATopcase when drivingoffroadWhen driving offroad, the Top-case should be removed or theback padding available as

Mounting the TopcasePosition Topcase on Topcasecarrier and slide forward so thatmounts on Topcase carrier 5and on Topcase 4 mesh.Position locking claw

EquipmentWhen you ordered your BMWmotorcycle, you chose variousitems of custom equipment. ThisRider's Manual describes optionalequipment (OE) off

788zAccessories

MaintenanceGeneral instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90Onboard tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90Engine oil . . . . . .

General instructionsThe "Maintenance" chapter de-scribes work involving the check-ing and replacement of wearparts that can be performed wit

For expanded service work (e.g.removing and installing wheels),BMW Motorrad has put togethera service tool kit matched to yourmotorcycle. You can purc

Remove oil dipstick and readoil level.Specified level of engineoilbetween MIN and MAXmarkingIf oil level is below MIN mark:Topping up engine oil ( 92)

Checking front brake padthicknessMake sure ground is level andfirm and park motorcycle.Visually inspect left and rightbrake pads to determine theirthi

tion of view: from rear at brakecaliper 1.Rear brake-pad wearlimitmin 0.04 in (min 1.0 mm)(Only friction material with-out carrier plate.)If brake pad

Front brake fluid level(visual check)Brake fluid (DOT4)The brake fluid level mustnot fall below the MIN mark.If brake fluid level falls below theappro

Rear brake fluid level (vi-sual check)Brake fluid (DOT4)The brake fluid level mustnot fall below the MIN mark.If brake fluid level falls below theappr

Topping up coolantOpen cap 1 of expansion tank.Add coolant up to specifiedlevel using a suitable funnel.Close cap of expansion tank.ClutchChecking clu