2005 GS DIY Servicing

dern

Registered user
Joined
Mar 5, 2014
Messages
60
Reaction score
0
Location
Newbury
After having had my bike for nearly a week and having done the play and the commute thing on it and covered 400 miles so far I really like the bike and can see myself keeping it for some time. Therefore I'd like to be as self-sufficient servicing and fixing it as possible as I have been with all my other bikes and cars.

So I'm just trying to collect what I need in terms of information and tools in one place if you'll indulge me. I've done a search of various threads and can't find all the info in one place. If I've missed it, sorry.

So info... there's the haynes manual and the jimvonbaden dvd... I was going to go for the latter for a 2005... is this the source of information to have? Will this give me all the information I need to to full services including abs servo brake services?

Tools... I have tons of sockets, torn bits, spanners, wrenches, hammers, compressors, welders... you name it, all slung all over the shop ;). Is there anything else I'm likely to need?

I've been reading about the gs911... do I need this to complete the services? That is do I need it to balance the throttle bodies, service the abs servo system and clear down the service indicator lights (are there service lights on the 2005?).

Is there anything else I'm likely to need?

Many thanks and sorry if this is in a faq somewhere, I did look but didn't find.

Cheers,

Mark
 
Hi Mark,
I have a 2005 R12GS myself, bought it new at the time. While I have mechanical skills, I had hardly ever done work on vehicles.

I'd recommend the JVB DVD. It is excellent and gave me the confidence to do the brake fluid change without any problem as well as all other maintenance.

Here on his homepage http://www.jimvonbaden.com/Tech_Pictorials.html you find also great pictorials covering most if not all service activities.

I have the Heynes manual but never opened it for normal service.

If all fails, there are knowledgeable and kind people in this forum (and on Adventure rider) to ask :thumb. But there is hardly any issue with the R12GS that has not been covered one way or the other earlier.

The challenge is often just to find the bit of information one is looking for...:nenau

Good luck :beerjug:
 
Thanks stu... I've ordered the park plug tool.

Thanks jogo... I'll order the dvd. Do you have/use a gs911 to reset the service lights and test the brake or is this unnecessary?

Regards,

Mark
 
dern said:
After having had my bike for nearly a week and having done the play and the commute thing on it and covered 400 miles so far I really like the bike and can see myself keeping it for some time. Therefore I'd like to be as self-sufficient servicing and fixing it as possible as I have been with all my other bikes and cars.

So I'm just trying to collect what I need in terms of information and tools in one place if you'll indulge me. I've done a search of various threads and can't find all the info in one place. If I've missed it, sorry.

So info... there's the haynes manual and the jimvonbaden dvd... I was going to go for the latter for a 2005... is this the source of information to have? Will this give me all the information I need to to full services including abs servo brake services?

Tools... I have tons of sockets, torn bits, spanners, wrenches, hammers, compressors, welders... you name it, all slung all over the shop ;). Is there anything else I'm likely to need?

I've been reading about the gs911... do I need this to complete the services? That is do I need it to balance the throttle bodies, service the abs servo system and clear down the service indicator lights (are there service lights on the 2005?).

Is there anything else I'm likely to need?

Many thanks and sorry if this is in a faq somewhere, I did look but didn't find.

Cheers,

Mark
Click to expand...


my 2006 doesn't appear to have a service indicator, throttles can be done with standard kit (pays to do it often)
you can get plastic coil pullers but they break, buy metal if available
and get the Allen bar piece (22mm?) for the front wheel spindle and take it when touring!! (don't ask)

gs911 has functions for abs test and bleed - search on forum as others know more than I..............
 
dern said:
Thanks stu... I've ordered the park plug tool.

Thanks jogo... I'll order the dvd. Do you have/use a gs911 to reset the service lights and test the brake or is this unnecessary?

Regards,

Mark
Click to expand...

Mark,
I don't have a gs911 and you do not need it to bleed the brakes with servo ABS. Jim's DVD shows the full procedure without using the 911 tool. I've done it myself 2 times without problems.

Jogo
 
Absolute piece of cake for all routine work. Fluids. Filters. Brakes. Go for it. Keep a detailed record of everything you do, with miles. With older vehicles, the buyer will be more interested in a detailed, truthful maintenance history than a service book fill of very expensive dealer stamps. Inc all previous MoT Certs for example. Go for it.

By keeping your bike clean you will spot anything needing attention. Annual oil and filter changes give peace of mind. Pads and tyres as needed. Remember the alternator belt after a few years even if low miles.

As said above. All the help you may need is on here. Complete with lots of extra BS and leg pulling.
 
Cool, that's all really encouraging. Thanks all.

Regards,

Mark
 
A question for those who do their own DIY servicing..

If owning the bike from new, do you do start doing your own servicing as soon as the warranty expires?
 
The Bear said:
A question for those who do their own DIY servicing..

If owning the bike from new, do you do start doing your own servicing as soon as the warranty expires?
Click to expand...

Let the shop do the 600 then did from theron. Spoke to BMW customer services first and was told to ensure to use genuine BMW service parts which is what I did, it's now almost 3 years old and I'm ready to tdo the 24k service shortly.
 
The Bear said:
A question for those who do their own DIY servicing..

If owning the bike from new, do you do start doing your own servicing as soon as the warranty expires?
Click to expand...

That's what I did with my fireblade that I bought new but I knew by then it was a keeper. In the end I kept it for 8 years and used it through several winters so a few dealer services would have been completely irrelevant to the buyer. I just sold my R1 that I've been servicing myself since 2009. It doesn't seem to matter that much if you price it right. I sold both bike very cheaply compared to others on sale but had saved my self hundred in servicing costs. Keep the receipts though and effectively write your own service history.
 
For the small amount of time it takes, I change my final drive oil when I do the oil change, i also grease the prop splines and make sure all is ok, and the rubber boot is doing its job. one of the things I love about the GS is that there is so much you can do yourself, its all accessible, and uncomplicated. I do some pretty good overseas touring miles and want to be sure that no stone is left unturned when doing the prep.
As for tools, pretty much the same as above, there are so many good tools on the market now without having to go Snap on everything too!
 
Exile said:
For the small amount of time it takes, I change my final drive oil when I do the oil change, i also grease the prop splines and make sure all is ok, and the rubber boot is doing its job. one of the things I love about the GS is that there is so much you can do yourself, its all accessible, and uncomplicated.
Click to expand...

Sounds pretty similar to my Land Rover Defender, which is essentially just a big maccano set.
 
Exile said:
For the small amount of time it takes, I change my final drive oil when I do the oil change, i also grease the prop splines and make sure all is ok, and the rubber boot is doing its job. one of the things I love about the GS is that there is so much you can do yourself, its all accessible, and uncomplicated. I do some pretty good overseas touring miles and want to be sure that no stone is left unturned when doing the prep.
As for tools, pretty much the same as above, there are so many good tools on the market now without having to go Snap on everything too!
Click to expand...

Agree and do the above too

I'm not completely convinced any dealer could take the time and consideration on each area being serviced that I can lavish on it.

I'm no spanner spinner but I really do enjoy working on my 1150, I need to know how it ticks, so if and when I have an issue whilst touring I know I can within reason, attempt a fix.

A few tools a good manual, take your time and you're away,

Enjoy it it's part of the fun.

H
 
Had mine from new, I wouldn't let a dealership anywhere near it (don't ask) so mine has never been back since I wheeled it out new. Self serviced from new and still fine, modified, love it to bits. had to fit a new clutch and gearbox oil seals at 25,000 due to oil contamination, but quite straight forward to do, bevel drive oil and gearbox oil done every service.
 
I have a shed that I'll keep the bike in over the winter (if it'll go in) but otherwise it lives outside and it gets worked on outside. I have a garage but it's full of toys and a half built track car so there's no room to work in there. I love sitting on the drive when it's sunny taking my bikes to bits and putting them back together. Hail, less so.

Cheers,

Mark
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

klj
  • Locked
Sold Red / Silver 2005 GS 1200 - amazing condition RJ 55 SOH
Replies
13
Views
2,076
klj
klj
Starting Issues - 2005 GS
2 3 4
Replies
72
Views
5,388
NeilMac
2005 GS front shock
Replies
7
Views
897
Savvar
snerkler
Service inclusive pack and servicing queries?
Replies
10
Views
1,439
snerkler
snerkler
GS R1200 servicing costs
2
Replies
22
Views
2,633
JohnnyBoxer
JohnnyBoxer


Back
Top Bottom