GS-911 or OBD & Motorscan

[LochLaddie]

Through this forum I got a GS-911 but unfortunately and confirmed by hexcode it will not talk to my 2014 GS, so that will be getting put up for sale.

Now I have two options:

1 - Go full monty on a new GS-911, there is a deal at the moment which gives a free professional upgrade - total cost estimate £310

2 - OBD connector and motorscan software - total cost estimate £150

I do all my own servicing so would get the professional software for the motorscan as I believe this is needed to change brake fluid.

From a cash perspective there is an obvious winner but are there any downside not going GS-911? The research I have done on YouTube would suggest not but the key is identifying the right OBD connector.

For those doing their own servicing which one would you advise?

 

[fredaroony]

GS911 is the best consumer based option, I always have mine with me on the bike. I also have the Motoscan app but the GS911 is better as the software is far more refined and user friendly. I also have a TEXA IDC5 system which is a professional multi brand tool. This is good investment if you own multiple brand bikes

If you want to get serious, buy yourself an ICOM NEXT from a BMW dealer so you can run ISTA+. That way you can even do software updates on your bike.

Google ISTA+ and you will see it's not hard to find.

Not sure why this post was moved to the Hexcode forum as you asked for different options

 

[tspivey]

I can’t help regarding the MotoScan but I had the old yellow GS911 when I had my 2011 GS, served me very well and now have the red WiFi one, ready for when I self service my 2021 1250GS, got it for £200 used but virtually new.
GS911 for me but as said no experience of the MotoScan.

 

[LochLaddie]

Just noticed the GS-911 £305 price is excluding VAT thus it's £366 with VAT, the MotoScan is looking more attractive.

 

[leadfarmer]

https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showt...dule-service?p=6278084&viewfull=1#post6278084

 

[3bikesnospace]

The uniscan adaptor is £56,sold by the app developer so cost is gonna be less than £150 ,cant remember what I paid for full version of motoscan but wasn't £90 odd .

 

[philbuck]

I have both the GS911 and also Motoscan (Ultimate).

In my humble opinion, they both go about doing the majority of the tasks you require them to do, without fuss.

However, both companys have developed their own product slightly differently, so that for any given bike, one product may do a certain task, whereas, the other won't...........yet. It's just down to how fast their research is carried out in cracking the internal codes, etc.

Both compliment each other, but then, that's an expensive option, but does gives you slightly more options, should you need them.

For me, the Motoscan (on Android), and a blue tooth OBD adaptor is just easier to carry. But that's simply my personal preference.

 

[knutk]

They both work.

The way I use them, the GS-911 holds 2 advantages over the MotoScan:

- GS-911 will show faultcodes in text and explain what the issue is, whereas MotoScan merely display a code like C402-21, and then you will have to Google what the heck that is
- GS-911 does not require an active internet connection in order to be fully functional

- The Motoscan uses an OBD adapter that is smaller than the GS-911
- The MotoScan, even when paying for the fully licensed software, is a bit cheaper than the GS-911.

There has been mentioned the need for such an adapter when changing brakefluid. That is NOT THE CASE. The flush procedure is a leftover from the servo brake ABS that was discontinued in 2006. Using the flush procedure is not part of BMW maintenance procedure for later bikes.

When the day is over, it boils down to the following. You get what you pay for....

 

[LochLaddie]

Thanks for different views, appreciated.

@knutk, have I read you correctly with my 2014 GS it's a straight forward bleed bleed procedure i.e. remove old fluid fill with new, remove air bubbles and job done? I'm sure I read a post with a rider having a soft rear break and they 'cycled the abs' and it firmed up the rear brake. It's the only thing I am really disliking about the bike is this dam rear brake. I was hoping the 911 or motorscan would give me a clue.

 

[knutk]

Thanks for different views, appreciated.

@knutk, have I read you correctly with my 2014 GS it's a straight forward bleed bleed procedure i.e. remove old fluid fill with new, remove air bubbles and job done? I'm sure I read a post with a rider having a soft rear break and they 'cycled the abs' and it firmed up the rear brake. It's the only thing I am really disliking about the bike is this dam rear brake. I was hoping the 911 or motorscan would give me a clue.

Yes, straight forward...

Allow me to elaborate:

The first few generations of ABS, prior to -2007, where built internally different to the 2007-> and on. The newer one rely more on software when it comes to controlling the brake-pressure release, and the internal valves are merely solenoids controlling the bypass and return-pressure that avoids bottoming out the brake lever. This way of building the internal ABS unit means that there are little to none old remaining fluid after a regular brake fluid flush.

One more thing: For some reason, after bleeding the front brakes, I some times struggle to get a really firm feel from the brakelever. If I pull it hard, the lever will actually hit the handlebar.
I can not explain why, but by pulling and locking (zip-tie or rope) the handlebar lever and keep it locked over night seems to cure the soft feeling and makes the brake handle grip more firm.
I have not tried this for the rear brake...


As for my list of comparing the MotoScan to the GS911, I would also like to add that the GS911 shines when using a PC, the Phone APP only offers limited functiionality compared to the PC software. At the Hexcode webpage they describe the App functions as Emergency only, I.E reading/clearing faultcodes only.

 

[fredaroony]

GS911 also has limited encoding abilities, such as miles to klms on the dash. Not sure if Motoscan has that as I haven't used mine for ages.

GS911 is also more portable for the 10 pin bikes as you need an adapter cable and OBD unit for Motoscan.

 

[EPG_19]

GS911 is the best consumer based option, I always have mine with me on the bike. I also have the Motoscan app but the GS911 is better as the software is far more refined and user friendly. I also have a TEXA IDC5 system which is a professional multi brand tool. This is good investment if you own multiple brand bikes

If you want to get serious, buy yourself an ICOM NEXT from a BMW dealer so you can run ISTA+. That way you can even do software updates on your bike.

Google ISTA+ and you will see it's not hard to find.

Not sure why this post was moved to the Hexcode forum as you asked for different options

dont you have to pay for the software updates?

 

[fredaroony]

Yes, straight forward...

Allow me to elaborate:

The first few generations of ABS, prior to -2007, where built internally different to the 2007-> and on. The newer one rely more on software when it comes to controlling the brake-pressure release, and the internal valves are merely solenoids controlling the bypass and return-pressure that avoids bottoming out the brake lever. This way of building the internal ABS unit means that there are little to none old remaining fluid after a regular brake fluid flush.

One more thing: For some reason, after bleeding the front brakes, I some times struggle to get a really firm feel from the brakelever. If I pull it hard, the lever will actually hit the handlebar.
I can not explain why, but by pulling and locking (zip-tie or rope) the handlebar lever and keep it locked over night seems to cure the soft feeling and makes the brake handle grip more firm.
I have not tried this for the rear brake...


As for my list of comparing the MotoScan to the GS911, I would also like to add that the GS911 shines when using a PC, the Phone APP only offers limited functiionality compared to the PC software. At the Hexcode webpage they describe the App functions as Emergency only, I.E reading/clearing faultcodes only.

I've found getting firm front brake feel a pain too and spent a lot of time bleeding.

 

[fredaroony]

dont you have to pay for the software updates?

No, easily available on the 'net'.