
116 TECHNOLOGY IN DETAIL
GENERAL NOTES
More information on the topic of technology
is available at: bmw-motorrad.com/technik
GENERAL DRIVE FUNCTIONS
Gearshift speed control
If the clutch is operated while riding and the
throttle grip is turned back, the RPM does
not drop to idle speed immediately.
The gearshift speed control maintains the
RPM above idle speed for several seconds
and thus reduces the RPM difference be-
tween the engine and transmission when
engaging the clutch. The breakdown torque
during a gear change is reduced, and the
shifting comfort for the rider is increased.
The gearshift speed control is active in the
RAIN and ROLL riding modes.
Maximum RPM limit at a standstill
To prevent the vehicle from rolling away un-
controllably, the maximum RPM is limited to
3600 RPM under the following conditions:
Gear is engaged.
Clutch is pulled.
Driving speed <2 mph (<3 km/h).
RPM is increased when the vehicle is
rolling in Neutral
If the gear is shifted to Neutral at a speed
above min 19 mph (min 30 km/h), the RPM
does not drop to idle speed immediately.
The RPM remains elevated to ensure better
adaptation to the RPM to the first gear. This
reduces the load on the rear-wheel drive
during gear shifting and increases the shift-
ing comfort for the rider.
ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
Fully integral brake
Your motorcycle is equipped with a fully in-
tegral brake. With this brake system, both
the front and rear wheel brakes are actu-
ated upon actuation of a brake lever (hand
or footbrake lever).
BMW Motorrad fully integral ABS adapts
the braking force distribution between the
front and rear wheel brakes during braking
by means of ABS modulation to suit the load
carried by the motorcycle.
ATTENTION
Attempt at a burn-out despite integral
function
Damage to rear-wheel brake and clutch
Do not perform burn-out.
How does ABS work?
The maximum braking force that can be
transferred to the road is partially depen-
dent on the coefficient of friction of the
road. Gravel, ice, snow and wet roads offer
a considerably lower coefficient of friction
than a dry, clean asphalt surface. The poorer
the coefficient of friction of the road is, the
longer the braking distance will be.
If the maximum transferable brake pressure
is exceeded when the driver increases the
brake pressure, the wheels begin to lock and
driving stability is lost; this could result in
a fall. Before this situation occurs, ABS is
activated and the brake pressure is adjusted
to the maximum transferable braking force.
This enables the wheels to continue to turn
and maintains riding stability regardless of
the road condition.
What happens when rough roads are
encountered?
Rough roads can briefly lead to a loss of
contact between the tires and the road
surface. The transferable braking force is
then reduced to zero. If braking is carried
out in this situation, ABS must reduce the
brake pressure to ensure riding stability
when restoring contact to the road. At this
point in time, BMW Motorrad full integral
ABS must assume extremely low coefficients
of friction (gravel, ice, snow) so that the
wheels turn in every imaginable case and
riding stability is ensured. After detecting
the actual conditions, the system adjusts the
optimum brake pressure.