BMW R1200GS Motorcycles – Jump Starting

The following is extracted direct from the Riders Manual (the owners handbook that comes with all new BMW motorcycles) for a 2008 BMW R1200GS motorcycle (2008 BMW Motorrad). In case of your bike not starting due to a low state of battery charge or being stranded with a flat battery follow these instructions for Jump Starting your R1200GS / R1200 GS motorcycle:

R1200GS Jump Starting

	The wires leading to the power socket do not have a load-capacity rating adequate for jump-starting the engine. Excessively high current can lead to a cable fire or damage to the vehicle electronics. Do not use the on-board socket to jump-start the engine of the motorcycle.
	Touching live parts of the ignition system with the engine running can cause electric shock. Do not touch parts of the ignition system when the engine is running.
	A short-circuit can result if the crocodile clips of the jump leads are accidentally brought into contact with the motorcycle. Use only jump leads fitted with fully insulated crocodile clips at both ends.
	Jump-starting with a donor battery voltage higher than 12 V can damage the vehicle electronics. Make sure that the battery of the donor vehicle has a voltage rating of 12 V.
	If it is not standing firmly, the motorcycle could topple in the course of the operations described below. Always make sure that the motorcycle is stable and firmly supported. Make sure the ground is level and firm and place the motorcycle on its stand. Remove the front seat When jump-starting the engine, do not disconnect the battery from the on-board electrical system. Remove the protective cap from the battery’s positive terminal. Begin by connecting one end of the red jump lead to the positive terminal of the discharged battery and the other end to the positive terminal of the donor battery. Then connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative terminal of the donor battery, and the other end to the negative terminal of the discharged battery. The spring-strut screw can be used as an alternative to the battery’s negative terminal. Run the engine of the donor vehicle during jump-starting. Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery in the usual way; if the engine does not start, wait a few minutes before repeating the attempt in order to protect the starter motor and the donor battery. Allow both engines to idle for a few minutes before disconnecting the jump leads. Disconnect the jump lead from the negative terminals first, then disconnect the second lead from the positive terminals. Remember to reinstall the protective cap on the battery’s positive terminal. Do not use proprietary start-assist sprays or other products to start the engine. Install the front seat