BMW R 1250 RT - Owner's Manual > Tyre recommendation

For each size of tyre, BMW Motorrad tests and classifies as roadworthy certain makes. BMW Motorrad cannot assess the suitability or provide any guarantee of road safety for other tyres.

BMW Motorrad recommends using only tyres tested by BMW Motorrad.

Detailed information is available from your authorised BMW Motorrad dealer or in the internet at: bmw-motorrad.com

Effect of wheel size on chassis and suspension control systems

Wheel size is very important as a parameter for the frame and suspension control systems ABS and ASC/DTC. In particular, the diameter and the width of the vehicle's wheels are programmed into the control unit and are fundamental to all calculations. Any change in these influencing variables, caused for example by a switch to wheels other than those installed ex-works, can have serious effects on the performance of the control systems.

The sensor rings are essential for correct road-speed calculation, and they too must match the motorcycle's control systems and consequently cannot be changed.

If you decide that you would like to fit non-standard wheels to your motorcycle, it is very important to consult a specialist workshop beforehand, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer. In some cases, the data programmed into the control units can be changed to suit the new wheel sizes.

RDC sticker

• with tyre pressure control (RDC) OE

ATTENTION Tyre removal not in compliance with correct procedure

Damage to RDC sensors

• Be sure to explain to the specialist workshop or authorised BMW Motorrad dealer that the wheel is fitted with an RDC sensor.

On motorcycles equipped with RDC, a corresponding sticker can be found on the wheel rim at the position of the RDC sensor.

When changing tyres, ensure that the RDC sensor is not damaged. Inform the authorised BMW Motorrad Retailer or the specialist workshop about the RDC sensor.

Removing front wheel

• Make sure the ground is level and firm and place the motorcycle on its centre stand.

• Remove ABS sensor cable from the holding clips 1 and 2.
• Remove screw 3 and remove the ABS sensor from the bore hole.
• Mask off the parts of the wheel rim that could be scratched in the process of removing the brake calipers.

ATTENTION Unwanted inward movement of the brake pads

Component damage on attempt to install the brake caliper or because brake pads have to be forced apart

• Do not operate the brakes with a brake caliper not correctly secured.
• Remove mounting bolts 4 of the left and right brake calipers.

• Force the brake pads 1 slightly apart by rotational movement of the brake caliper 2 against brake disc 3.
• Carefully pull the brake calipers back and out until clear of the brake discs.

  Lift the front of the motorcycle until the front wheel is clear of the ground, preferably using a BMW Motorrad front-wheel stand.

• Installing the front-wheel stand.

• Undo right axle clamping screw 1.

• Remove the bolt 1.
• Undo left axle clamping screw 2.
• Press quick-release axle slightly toward the inside, so as to be better able to grip it on the right-hand side.

• Withdraw quick-release axle 1, support the front wheel when doing this.
• Set down front wheel and roll forwards out of the front suspension.

• Remove spacer bush 1 from the wheel hub.

Installing front wheel

WARNING Use of a non-standard wheel

Malfunctions during ABS and ASC/DTC intervention

• See the information on the effect of wheel size on the ABS and ASC/DTC systems at the start of this chapter.

ATTENTION Tightening threaded fasteners to incorrect tightening torque

Damage, or threaded fasteners work loose

• Always have the security of the fasteners checked by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer.

• Insert spacer bush 1 into the wheel hub on the left-hand side.

ATTENTION Front wheel installed wrong way round

Risk of accident

• Note direction-of-rotation arrows on tyre or rim.

 

• Roll the front wheel into position between the front suspension.

• Lift front wheel and install quick-release axle 1.
• Remove front-wheel stand and firmly compress front forks several times. Do not operate handbrake lever.
• Installing the front-wheel stand.

• Install bolt 1 and tighten to specified torque. Counter-hold quick-release axle on the right-hand side.

• Tighten left axle clamping screw 2 to specified torque.

• Tighten right axle clamping screw 1 to specified torque.

• Remove the front-wheel stand.
• Position left and right brake calipers on the brake discs.

• Install mounting bolts 4 on left and right and tighten to specified torque.

• Remove the adhesive tape from the wheel rim.

WARNING Brake pads not lying against the brake disc

Risk of accident due to delayed braking effect.

• Before driving, check that the brakes respond without delay.

 

• Operate the brake several times until the brake pads are bedded.
• Insert ABS sensor line into the holding clips 1 and 2.
• Insert the ABS sensor into the bore hole and fit screw 3.

Removing rear wheel

• Pivot silencer outwards

• Engage first gear.
• Remove studs 1 from the rear wheel, while supporting the wheel.
• Roll the rear wheel out toward the rear.

Installing the rear wheel

WARNING Use of a non-standard wheel

Malfunctions during ABS and ASC/DTC intervention

• See the information on the effect of wheel size on the ABS and ASC/DTC systems at the start of this chapter.

ATTENTION Tightening threaded fasteners to incorrect tightening torque

Damage, or threaded fasteners work loose

• Always have the security of the fasteners checked by a specialist workshop, preferably an authorised BMW Motorrad dealer.

 

• Seat the rear wheel on the rear-wheel adapter.

• Install wheel studs 1 and tighten to specified torque.

• Securing silencer.

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