Essential lists

[LittleMark]

Just a quick question (but expecting a long answer)....

Has anyone put together any lists of things that people should "do to"/"check on" their new bikes (for me it's the 2008 GSAdv)?

There's lots of threads on here mentioning things such as:
* check the Numbers on your ring antennas and get replacement/or spare
* check water retention on the fuel pump housing
* get rid of/or check the water absorbed under the plastic cover at the front of the engine
* check the torgue settings on the front forks
...etc, etc...

BUT, has anyone actually put together a list of things to check if your the ultra paranoid type and/or a complete novice to the entire GS world (ideally by year/model)?
I've checked the sticky's at the top, and although the "Useful Links for GS owners" is really good, it is essentially what it says it is on the tin and not a list.

Also is there a list of essential mods that the majority agree are a "must have"?
Such as:
* Get a mud slinger (but not the one that damages the bike)
* replace the standard BMV battery
...etc, etc...
(I'm not talking bling here, just what could and SHOULD be improved on the standard model)

OK, I lied about it being a short question. It was in fact 2 questions, but thanks for reading this far.

 

[JohnnyOldBoy]

This will open the flood gates

Just get out and ride it and enjoy it.

I have done 13,500 trouble free miles on a 1200gs ...... fantastic. But I don't go looking for problems. Got warranty and AA membership in case.

Would you consider asking the same question about your car ?

 

[wully]

1. Ignore the doom mongers on here- ride and enjoy your bike.

2. Fit a set of LEs Wassels Hid's if you're going out at night.

3. A Machine Art Mud Sling from Nippy's is the one to get.

4. See (1) above

 

[Slowdown]

1. Petrol
2. Credit card
3. Helmet
4. Keys

Nothing's 'essential' except tax and insurance.

Just enjoy the bike, browse the catalogues/e-bay/etc and buy whatever takes your fancy.

And if you're throwing out the OE battery for no good reason can I have it?

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Ust it

1. Petrol
2. Credit card
3. Helmet
4. Keys

Nothing's 'essential' except tax and insurance.

Just enjoy the bike, browse the catalogues/e-bay/etc and buy whatever takes your fancy.

And if you're throwing out the OE battery for no good reason can I have it?

Just make sure that your credit card and your mobile 'phone will work abroad, take a list of BMW dealers and take off - on the continent.

 

[LittleMark]

Ah, don't get me wrong, I really enjoy the bike.
Have only had it 4.5months but it's done around 9,000 miles and visited 14 countries. So, it's definately getting enjoyment.
But I've noticed a lot of screws and nuts on the "fittings" (mirrors, tax disc holder, etc) do shake loose and start flopping around (mainly due due Bosnian and Romanian roads).
Now those are things that are easy to see and fix, but got me thinking about what else might now be loose that I need to check.... and then the next step from that is "does anyone have a list?".

Hence the question still stands.... does anyone?

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Whose fault?

".....But I've noticed a lot of screws and nuts on the "fittings" (mirrors, tax disc holder, etc) do shake loose and start flopping around (mainly due due Bosnian and Romanian roads)....." these items were probably mounted on your bike after it arrived (in a crate) at the dealers. At 9,000 miles it must have had its first service - or did you do it yourself? There is an 'official' check list that is worked through by the dealer - followed by a road test. Whatever you read about on this forum I think that it is safe to say that with a good dealer you should not have any problems between services - unless of course you shake the bike to pieces!

 

[luckylucian]

Sometimes people get too paranoid and forget to basic checks:

Levers not touching guards
Oil level
Tyre pressures
Look for any cuts or road debris sticking in the tyres



Just ride it 'cos chances are it won't break