Collecting 1200GS technical wisdom

[Mouse]

In another thread, Big Lee suggested it would be nice to have a repository of useful technical information about the 1200. People could find info about how to do various jobs without having to try and guess which search term to use.

So - if you think this is a good idea, please suggest information that could be included. I think (but disagree if you want to) that we should limit this information to truely technical stuff - for example "How do I change the brake pads" is a good topic, but "What engine bars are the best" is not. I think also, to fit with the remit of this section, the information should be 1200 specific - anything that could apply to older GSs too should probably be in the general technical forum.

So, to start the ball rolling, here are some useful links - most are links to old topic on this forum, but not all. Please post suggestions for more

Cheap ass light bar, by mouse: http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37645

Extra lights wiring diagram, by mouse: http://www.ukgser.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=333117

Narrow handlebars, by mouse: http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33590

Renthal Twinwalls, by Tobers: http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=36099

R1200GS maintenance schedules, by BMW, hosted by HMarc:
http://www.r1200gs.info/R1200GS-Maintenance-Schedules.pdf

R1200GS torque values, by BMW, collated and hosted by HMarc:
http://www.r1200gs.info/misc/torque.html

Various HowTos, by HMarc:
http://www.r1200gs.info/#howto

 

[drdata]

Nice.

Now if we can add a valve adjust (I know, simmilar to 11xx, but still) and ABS bleed we would be set!

 

[GSmonkey]

A few pearls I could remember:

Fuel Tank Mod

Adjusting Gear Selector

Fitting Hepco Becker Engine Bars

BMW Alarm Setup

 

[Fanum]

Nice one Mouse

Keep them coming guys- this is going to go in the FAQ section so it's always available and easy to find

 

[alecmuffett]

Turning Off Dipped Headlights

Can/should we make this thread sticky?

 

[Mouse]

Can/should we make this thread sticky?

Not sure really. Personally I find I tend to skip past sticky threads without reading them. And there's no sense in having the information duplicated in two places.

But you're right that people need somewhere to suggest the info in the first place.

 

[Bullwinkle]

This is an excellent idea, as I live 400+ miles from the nearest dealer and plan to do all my own work whenever possible (as I'm sure lots of others would like the option).

The 12GS is relatively new, so doesn't have (yet?) the vast store of knowledge info on the internet that the other oilheads have (i.e. the huge amount of stuff that Rob Lentini put out for the R11RS, such as throttle body tuning, oil filter replacements, etc.).

To that end, the Internet BMW Riders (ibmwr.org) have good tech articles on generic oilhead stuff like adjusting valves. As Mouse points out, HMarc's site (r1200gs.info) has great info.

The brake system bleeding article at http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/service_abs3.pdf is good and very detailed.

May I also humbly submit my rear fender mod at
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44448

 

[GSmonkey]

Couple more I remembered:

Changing Rear Pads

Fitting Baglux Cover

 

[Fanum]

Can/should we make this thread sticky?

Alec....we're going one better.......

Mouse is (or should be if BHT works out how to press the right button ) a mod now on the 'faq production area', which is a secret little place that no-one else can see

The plan is to re-write this thread in a style that will be as clear and useful as possible, with as many links, bits of info and anything else Mouse can find (or other 12 owners can send him ).....then it'll be put into the FAQ section so it's easy to find and always there.

Watch this space...it'll be happening soon

Bill

 

[Clive]

Does Dahoum get a sticky on how to fall off a 1200 without hurting yourself

 

[Dahoum]

Does Dahoum get a sticky on how to fall off a 1200 without hurting yourself

Clive, you're as funny as a fart in a lift

I should however have a sticky on how to pick one up. I'd like to bet I've done that more times than anyone on this board

 

[Fanum]

Clive, you're as funny as a fart in a lift

I should however have a sticky on how to pick one up. I'd like to bet I've done that more times than anyone on this board

Don't ya just love it when someone opens their mouth and puts their foot right in it???

Nicely volunteered Ken........you are now the official faquer on how to pick up a GS

Quite seriously though, if you fancy writing one, get to it and we'll stick it in the FAQ section

 

[Dahoum]

Ok Ok - at least I'm good at something.

I'll try to organise a photo 'how to' whilst on the Baltic trip. Theres an idea "how to pick up a 1200 in Norwegian, Swedish, estonian, latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Kraut and Frog

 

[(RIP) Geriatric Germ]

She does it.

Pick it up

 

[Fanum]

Re: She does it.

Pick it up

Doesn't work for me Rob.....Having a generously proportioned posterior, mine gets wedged on the seat at this stage;

I can only pick mine up facing her......I also find that keeps my back much straighter, putting all the force through my legs, which is way better from a manual handling p.o.v

I think you should post pics of you doing it like her in your pink skirt

 

[Raindancer]

1200 Mods

Here is another....http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45705

Dan

 

[Tobers]

Fitting an Autocom and Kenwood radio

 

[Bullwinkle]

12GS Head Re-Torque & Valve Settings

Just having done the 600 mile initial check myself, I thought I would also add the knowledge I gained from that exercise here.

Valve clearances and procedure was obtained from:
AdvRider thread
For easy reference's sake, they are:
Exhaust: 0.3mm
Intake: 0.15mm

For re-torquing the heads (which should be done before the valve settings on the 600 miles check), I got this from the BMW manual at my dealers:

 

[tricolourforever]

tricolourforever...if you want to go and play with the big boys in the Beackchat and bollox, feel free......go and pick a fight there if you like.

But that sort of post in a very valid thread is unnessecary and unwelcome.

Please do not do it again.

Thanks

Bill

 

[tricolourforever]

There you go Bill, another with his head firmly planted in the sand. Your site has an opportunity to help your owners and BMW to realise there are grave misgivings with a very expensive machine. Instead you choose to help paper over shite cracks and pretend all is ok. I am surprised ABS, rear drive and God knows how many other issues are not serious enough for the people here who have spent good money to want to see BMW properly resolve them once and for all. I have never ever seen a bike issued with such a catalogue of errors (especially for the year 2004/5). Worst still, no recalls on such potentially dangerous issues. It smacks of corporate denial and blind faith at the buyer level.