Hello everyone/DIY servicing

[the beakster]

Hello everyone,

I have just registered, although I have been a reader of the site for quite a while.

I have an 02 1150GS which I bought new, and up until now have had it dealer serviced at Southport superbikes.

Although I cannot fault the level of service, I did baulk at the cost of the last service I had last june (£310 for 12000+annual).

With this in mind, I have decieded to service the bike myself, as it is now due for an 18000mile/ annual service, my only concern is how much it will affect the value of the bike. Do I pay the dealer £300 again, or do it myself and lose £??? of the value??

 

[Greg Masters]

I took a long-term view on this - especially as I was pretty sure that I'd be keeping my bike for a while.

I had the bike dealer-serviced whilst it was still under warranty - in hindsight, I'm not too sure of the wisdom of doing even that. In the event, I made no warranty claims, so might have well have serviced it myself.

Since the warranty expired, I've done it all myself, but stuck to the official schedule. I've also kept every receipt and every document I've ever had for the bike and a careful note of the mileage when various items were replaced or serviced.

if I ever come to sell the bike, the prospective purchaser will be able to browse my dossier to satisfy themselves that the bike has been properly cared for. But by the time I come to sell it, the value will be quite low anyway and overall condition is likely to count for more than a few stamps in the service book.

Greg

 

[artman975]

I guess it depends on how long you intend keeping the bike.

You can download the service schedules from the BMW site, follow them and keep a record of what you have done to the bike.

I currently have an 01 1150gs doing 15k/year and plan on keeping it for the next few years doing all the service work myself and I will worry about losses when the time comes probably with about 100k on the clock.

Just done a quick calculation, 100k thats about 16 services at say £250 to allow a bit for consumables thats about 4 grand I wont have spent, I can't see a full service history making that much difference to the resale price.

 

[Twotter]

Another vote for diy servicing. I did my 24k, with help from a few East Anglian GSer's, and intend to carry on with diy as the bike is very straightforward to work on and I'll save a fortune over the life of the bike (currently 28.5k but aiming for 100k). I also like the idea that if ever something does go wrong I might have a clue how to sort it out. The dealer will still get nod on some things though.

Just keep all the paperwork and you can't go wrong.

 

[the beakster]

DIY servicing

Thanks Lads, You've told me what I wanted to hear!!

I'm planning to keep the bike for quite a while yet, as there's nothing else out there I fancy.

I already have a service CD from ebay, and just looking at the MW website, a service kit is £35. I just need to deciede whether to go for synthetic or normal multigrade.

Costco sells synthetic chevron oil for about £11 a gallon I think its 5W 40. I've used it in cars for ages, but wonder whether it's suitable for the GS?

 

[Greg Masters]

Re: DIY servicing

Costco sells synthetic chevron oil for about £11 a gallon I think its 5W 40. I've used it in cars for ages, but wonder whether it's suitable for the GS?

I've also bought the same oil from Costco with exactly the same thought in mind.

Car oil of the correct viscosity is absolutely fine for GSs, but don't use it in bikes with wet clutches (inc the 650GS).



Greg

 

[artman975]

Have a look at the service parts prices from James Sherlock ltd
www.devonbmw.co.uk

I personally have had one or two grumbles with MW, but have found Sherlocks to be fine cheaper and very helpful plus the gear turns up next day.

 

[the beakster]

Have a look at the service parts prices from James Sherlock ltd
www.devonbmw.co.uk

I personally have had one or two grumbles with MW, but have found Sherlocks to be fine cheaper and very helpful plus the gear turns up next day.

Indeed, they are cheaper and include a fuel filter too!! (£9.40 extra at MW)

I'll give them a try, thanks a lot!

 

[Steptoe]

or you could always try a fellow tosser here

 

[the beakster]

or you could always try a fellow tosser here

How do I PM you??

I fancy some of your braided hoses (non-ABS).

 

[Steptoe]

How do I PM you??

it's one of the many bonuses of being a forum sponser -