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Chance

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello, I recently purchased a new 2017 R1200GS and while going over the features of the bike, the salesman brought to my attention a small red device, wrapped in plastic and wedged in a slot under the riders seat. He said this device is installed once break in / run in is complete and I bring the bike back for the initial 600 miles / run in service. He stated that the device is to allow full performance of the motor's power, and that BMW leaves it uninstalled from the factory to protect the motor during break in.

Question: Is this all true? Must a BMW dealer tech, install this device? I'd like to perform the initial servicing (motor and final drive fluid) change myself rather than the dealer. Can I install this device myself without the use of special tools or some computer connectivity?

Any one else have experience with what I'm referencing?

Comments greatly appreciated.

I'll post a photo shortly of this device I'm referring to.

Thank you,
Chance Smith
Camden, NC 27921
 
My owner's manual is elsewhere but your question and many others are answered, therein. It is my belief that you simply plug the dongle into the appropriate plug and off you go, "off" being the key word.....

From BMW site:

For more ambitious enduro riders, BMW Motorrad offers the “Enduro Pro” mode. This riding mode provides spontaneous engine response characteristics and is designed for use with studded tyres. At the same time, the ABS function is disengaged at the rear by pressing the footbrake lever; the optional Dynamic ESA shifts into traction-oriented and optimum bottom-out set-up. ASC is set to professional enduro mode and permits considerably more slip. In this configuration, the sporty face of the new BMW R 1200 GS is revealed off-road, too, and the experienced enduro rider can move into an added dimension of riding fun due to further improved controllability of the machine.
 
No, that's not exactly true. I installed the red plug on mine from the get go and never looked back. What it does, is enable some additional ride modes if you have Ride Modes Pro. Most notably, you get the Enduro Pro which is where I have my bike set anytime I'm off the pavement. It enables a bit more aggressive throttle map and allows wheelies and rear wheel spin but preserves the front ABS.

Your dealer is probably just exercising some caution in wanting you to get familiar with the bike before unleashing these additional modes but you can plug that thing in and forget about it. Just because the plug is in, doesn't mean you have to select the more aggressive modes. You can still run the bike in any mode that suits you.
 
In addition, before you go to Enduro Pro, it would be good if you fully understood ABS, ASC, ESA and Throttle Response differences. Your wonderful machine is capable but complex and time should be taken to understand its systems.

Enjoy the new ride!
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Here are photos of the little device

Here's some photos. Thanks for the prompt replies.

Okay, if were talking about the same thing, where is it that I install this so called "dongle"? It has two pin type connectors inside the "female" white plug.

Thank you again.

Chance
 

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Unless you are going to do some aggressive off road riding before the first service, I would leave it as is. I always let the dealer do the first service and let them check all the connections and such and fix or note any concerns. If you are doing your own first service or planning on some off road riding before then, you may as well go ahead and plug it in.
 
Maybe its cause when I bought my GSA, I had a Honda AT to trade in and talked about my ADV experience, my dealer showed it to me, explained what it was and plugged it in. Then continued to go over the features of the including the "Enduro Pro" mode I know had... Even with the stock Anakees I did a bit of offroad, nothing extreme, just some loose dirt and washboard, a bit steep in places, but no issues...
 
As the others have said, plugging in the device enables the PRO modes. The available PRO modes vary with the year the bike was made and the package you bought. See

https://www.snafu.org/pics/r1200gsw/2013/0730-enduro-pro/

for plug installation. On my bike in addition to enabling Enduro Pro it lets the bike remember the current riding mode and suspension settings. Without the plug every time I change modes the suspension is set to the default for that mode. With the plug the suspension is set to whatever setting was in use the last time I used that mode.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Thanks to all who have commented and provided valuable insight. I now feel informed. For now, I'll leave uninstalled until I accumulate more miles and perform the run in service. Thanks again,

Chance
 
I have the exact same model and year as you. In addition to Endure Mode Pro, it also offers the "Pro Mode" while in Dynamic mode. Once the plug is installed you will see a small icon to the right of the mode selected on the speedometer that indicates the plug is installed.
 
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