Diagnostic tools

[sycomoto]

I see lots of people raving about the GS-911 tool but it’s bloody expensive and as my bikes an older 08 ADV I’m wondering do I really need something like the hex. I’ve seen a tool called the obd link lx and was wondering if folk on here use one. I’m really only needing the tool to recalibrate my fuel sensor and to reset service lights. Maybe the odd bit of fault finding etc.
what’s the view from you guys.

 

[Jim72]

I see lots of people raving about the GS-911 tool but it’s bloody expensive and as my bikes an older 08 ADV I’m wondering do I really need something like the hex. I’ve seen a tool called the obd link lx and was wondering if folk on here use one. I’m really only needing the tool to recalibrate my fuel sensor and to reset service lights. Maybe the odd bit of fault finding etc.
what’s the view from you guys.

If you have android, try motoscan does what you want.

 

[Pukmeister]

I was an early adopter of the original yellow GS911, gifted to a mate with a K1300S when I traded my old hexhead GSA. It was (still is) a good piece of kit if you can get one second hand with a few chassis allocations still free.

The newer red GS911 is also excellent but not cheap, look out for deals on Black Friday, fathers Day etc, I got mine with the professional license so unlimited VINs.

 

[er-minio]

I’m really only needing the tool to recalibrate my fuel sensor and to reset service lights. Maybe the odd bit of fault finding etc.

Motoscan + ODB reader.

 

[dashfixer]

I have an old yellow GS911 that I have used for 14 years on my 09 GS. It's an excellent bit of kit and you might be able to pick one up second hand now. Just make sure it's got some frame number slots left if it's a non-pro one. It really depends what you are going to use it for, if you're going to be doing all your own maintenance then it's worth it, if just to read fault codes and reset the service reminder then probably not worth it.

 

[MotoRevive]

Motoscan is more than enough for anyone unless you're getting into more serious diagnostics and retrofitting. I managed to run an independent BMW repair shop for five years using JUST motoscan professional and a Link LX dongle.

However, I've been a BMW tech for 12 years and I know a few work-arounds. But honestly, you don't need a GS911 or Texa kit etc.


It all depends what you want it for ???

 

[botus]

the motoscan guy knows more about vehicle diagnostics than nearly anyone out there - the only issues are two fold -

1) just like other IT Gods his ears are not functional, so where you do find small issues the resolution takes ages as they never believe the accurate info you supply to help them

2) he doesn't approve of fiddling for fun - so unlike GS911 has not provided hacking for the VO (vehicle order)

as he actually understands the weird beard mismatch muddle up of vehicle comms protocols - he likes you to use his own in house bluetooth comms "dongles" - indeed he just told me my older unicarscan 2000 dongle won't connect to a later toyota as its firmware isn't up to date... but then his update tool doesn't reach passed his own firewall to get the update - but some how the issue (in his eyes) is incompetent operator error

check which of these high end dongles / adapters sits at the top of the list

BimmerCode for BMW and MINI - Supported adapters

All you need for coding your vehicle with BimmerCode is one of the supported OBD adapters.

bimmercode.app

 

[MotoRevive]

There is another fault with Motoscan. It will not work if you're offline. You need a good 4g or WiFi signal.

Otherwise it won't verify that you're a professional subscriber and it locks you out to basic settings.

As I found out trying to turn out a service light in a poor reception area.

 

[er-minio]

There is another fault with Motoscan. It will not work if you're offline.

Yes, this is annoying. If it doesn't "read" the license online you have (at least in my case) to restart the app. I run Motoscan off an old Android mobile phone that "steals" the internet connection from my iPhone via wifi.

I don't nearly have the experience MotoRevive has as a professional, but I've been using Motoscan (with the Green ODB adapted) for a few years and it is perfectly adequate for basic maintenance.

Tasks I've completed with the help of Motoscan:
- replace ABS modulator motor and used Motoscan to do a full modulator flush when putting it all back together
- park the stepper motors to do the throttle bodies alignment with a vacuometer during routine service
- re-added pressure sensors (and enabled the sensors option on the OBC as my bike came without originally)
- reading errors and other random crap or sensor data
- my bike doesn't have the service thingie, but I did reset/remove it on a mate's bike
- switch the HP2's 2D dashboard between miles/km when needed

I use this adaptor: https://www.amazon.com/ScanTool-OBDLink-Bluetooth-Professional-Diagnostics/dp/B00H9S71LW

Sample:

Considering upgrading as I was planning to get Bimmercode for my car and, as botus pointed out, you are forced to use some more expensive dongles (if you use iOS) with that one for some reason.

Whatever you decide, 911 or Motoscan, have fun messing about

 

[botus]

There is another fault with Motoscan. It will not work if you're offline. You need a good 4g or WiFi signal.

Otherwise it won't verify that you're a professional subscriber and it locks you out to basic settings.

As I found out trying to turn out a service light in a poor reception area.

that was meant to be fixed - I pointed it out ages back - it was a inept attempt to check licensing - but what use is diagnostics out in the sticks that have to dial home where there is no connection

I believe we are 2 editions on from that fix - maybe it will read and clear faults but not code as that's not 100% needed on the road

 

[RadioFlyer]

If your Motoscan licence requires verification before use it is because you have an account linking issue with your Google account.

 

[Mzokk]

Another + for motoscan and a ODB2 dongle used it with my R1200RT and on friends 1200 Racer and 1000XR. Very good much cheaper than HEX (though not as capable) and not limiting in terms of the number of bikes you can use it on.

 

[Hann]

Another + for motoscan and a ODB2 dongle used it with my R1200RT and on friends 1200 Racer and 1000XR. Very good much cheaper than HEX (though not as capable) and not limiting in terms of the number of bikes you can use it on.

As a complete newbie as far as diagnostics are concerned what am i looking at for service light resetting and basic fault code reading?

Is the Motoscan the App which is on your phone which then has to communicate (via Wifi/wireless?) with a dongle which is plugged into the bike?
Which dongles are suitable?

 

[er-minio]

Bluetooth.

I use the ODBLink LX.

 

[Hann]

Any options that work with Iphone?

 

[botus]

motoscan's own dongles work with apple - but there is no version of motoscan for iOS
GS911 has an app for either https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gs-911wifi/id771720761 updated Oct this year - but of course need the costly tool to connect to the bike

 

[er-minio]

Any options that work with Iphone?

No. As botus explained above.

I use a cheap Android phone I keep in the garage to use motoscan on the bikes.
I do have to tether it to the iPhone for internet connection so it can check I paid the license, that is a bit fiddly at times. But doable.

 

[Hann]

motoscan's own dongles work with apple - but there is no version of motoscan for iOS

Eh?


Kin`ell, it all sounds a bit much just to reset the service light.

 

[Steptoe]

Kin`ell, it all sounds a bit much just to reset the service light.

GS911 does everything and much much more, very very simple to use. Free updates, Very small, can take it with you if riding abroad, in your pocket or tucked away under the seat. Why feck around with anything else. It’s made specifically for use on bnw motorcycles, not a generic unit adapted to fit.

 

[Hann]

GS911 does everything and much much more,

Why feck around with anything else.

Cos it`s about three hundred quid isn`t it?
Might as well get it dealer serviced....!