? About '07 R1200RT manual

[C1H2I0R0HORT]

I just switched from a Harley to an 2007 R1200RT, good decision. I received a small owners manual but it has confused me. Page 28 of the manual refers to and shows a picture of a sight glass to check the oil in, page 106, not on my bike or am I missing something.

Page 28 talks about "FUEL DOWN TO RESERVE"
"A fuel shortage can lead to misfiring an to the engine dying unexpectedly. Misfiring can damage the catalytic converter, and the engind dying unexpected can lead to accidents." (Here is the kicker for me. Next sentence) " Do not drive until the fuel tank is completely empty." How can I drive with an empty fuel tank, was something lost in translation. I took it to the local parts manager and he said the manual may have been recalled but could find nothing. The mechanic said the statement made perfect sense. I'm not sure I want to use their service after that statement. Does anyone out there have the same manual and does it have the same statements???

How can I get a manual that gives me a better review of the bike its features and how they work??? Thanks Ron

[Omega Man]

Hi there YoungGeezer, Welcome to the forum. Your R122RT is part of our Hexhed/Camhead family so I'm going to move your post over there for you. The members over there should get you fixed up in no time. I've been to Mesa, after the rain it flushed the Tarantulas out of the ground and were so big they made popping sounds when hit by the car-they were everywhere! Again, welcome and enjoy. BTW you'll find a DIY section at the top of the Hex/Cam section. Gary

[C1H2I0R0HORT]

Thanks I was not sure wher to post the questions. Ron

[henzilla]

On your RT, look on the left front of engine below the cylinder...it's on the side of the block and you have to look between a gap in the fairing...full is to the middle of window..as long as you can see oil when engine is off...you are good.

The warning light will come on for fuel with about 45 miles average left to go

BTW welcome..I too came from a HD to an RT a few years back.

[VTBeemer]

The viewing sight glass could be best called an "out of sight glass". Viewable as mentioned above on the left hand side best from a view at an angle looking towards the back of the bike. Usually use a flashlight to best view it. Would of taken a picture for you, but bike is hibernating with 12" of fresh Vermont snow in the driveway to my bike shed.

FYI - the difference between the top of the viewing glass and bottom is .5 quarts.

Regarding the apocalyptic warning "How can I drive with an empty fuel tank". Like many cars, BMW's lawyers are warning you not to run out of gas or you could harm the bike. You have a great, great bike - enjoy it!

[C1H2I0R0HORT]

Thanks for the help. I did find the oil quick site.
There is no manual other than the small one that comes with the bike however a dvd is available that goes into great detail.
I am still mystified by the language about the reserve.

ron

[marchyman]

Here is the kicker for me. Next sentence) " Do not drive until the fuel tank is completely empty." How can I drive with an empty fuel tank, was something lost in translation.

The sentence is perfectly valid english. Did you miss the word UNTIL? The low fuel indication comes on when there is enough gas in the tank to go another 40 or 50 miles. When the light comes on if you continue to "drive until the fuel tank is completely empty" you can, according to BMW damage the bike.

Got it? In other words, don't run the tank dry. Get gas before you run out.

[C1H2I0R0HORT]

You are correct, the emphasis is on "Do not drive" My bad, feel stupid. Not the first time.

[gordonb]

Ron, no one has mentioned the correct sequence to check your oil level so here goes;
After a ride (and the oil is hot) put the bike on the side stand for about ten minutes. This will allow the oil to drain down from the oil cooler. If the oil cools the thermostat on the oil cooler will close, preventing the oil from draining down. After 10 mins put the bike on the center stand and check the oil level , it should be at the half way mark or slightly above.. Some riders will check the oil site glass while on the side stand. In this case the general rule of thumb is, if the site glass is completely full with oil your good to go. Whereas on the center stand the site glass will be at the half way mark.

[racer7]

You might also find that on your hexhead bike that the "sidestand drill" is a waste of time.
I quit doing it because I found just popping the bike on the centerstand after a ride and checking before I next take it out shows the same thing. Mine uses no oil between changes, a fairly normal thing for current boxers once broken in. Don't over react to trivial changes in fill level. As noted, the window covers about a pint and the engine capacity is similar to small car engines- unless you plan to add 4-8 oz or more (1/4 to 1/2 the window height), its not worth the trouble.

A few cases of twitchy sensors have been reported- coming on while riding even though the bike isn't actually low (out of the sight glass) on oil. Get in the habit of verifying with tthe sight glass if you should trigger a sensor and believe what you see, not what an electronic widgie is doing.