BBB61
Registered user
My 2010 1200RT is getting close to the 12k service and looking around it seems that dealers replace the rocker cover gasket at every service. Is this necessary or is it a case of replacing parts for the sake of it?
Rocker Cover Gasket - Is It Necessary To Replace Them at Every Service?
- Thread starter BBB61
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BBB61
Registered user
That's what I was thinking and I can't see the "wisdom" of replacing them at every service. The gasket set comes in at £48, and replacing them every 6k miles seems ridiculous.
I have new ones sitting on the shelf "just in case" they're needed.
But i've never had to replace a large outer one yet, including on bikes that have slid down the road and have damaged rocker covers, the gaskets have been undamaged .
The smaller round rocker cover inner seal does sometimes split.
But i've never had to replace a large outer one yet, including on bikes that have slid down the road and have damaged rocker covers, the gaskets have been undamaged .
The smaller round rocker cover inner seal does sometimes split.
BBB61
Registered user
Neil,
Do you know why BMW are saying they should be replaced at every service?
Do you know why BMW are saying they should be replaced at every service?
I would imagine it is something to do with profit 
swissrob
Registered user
i asked this exact question last year, the service manual also says its an "on condition" item
BBB61
Registered user
I would imagine it is something to do with profit
That had crossed my mind too Paul
BBB61
Registered user
It seems many dealers are replacing them as a service item. I could understand it if the bike was a number of years old and was still on the originals, but not a bike that is a few months old.
swissrob
Registered user
tell them not to replace it, if they insist ask them where is says to do so int he service manual.....
however some dealers would say " oh we had to change them in the end as they were damaged"
however some dealers would say " oh we had to change them in the end as they were damaged"
BBB61
Registered user
That's my plan Rob. They were replaced at 6k and I don't see why they should need replacing again so soon.
What's the worst scenario if you don't... a drip 
If you change brake pads, you are advised to replace pins or caliper bolts, but when you go to a car dealers and order some, they are never in stock. What does that tell you ?.
If you change brake pads, you are advised to replace pins or caliper bolts, but when you go to a car dealers and order some, they are never in stock. What does that tell you ?.
skywalker
Guest
They aren't Bob. The only ones I change are on the F650/800GS' cos they're prone to leak and in the gasket set you get rocker bolts as well.
Never ever had a problem on the twins. Occasionally the small centre ones can split but that happens once in a blue moon.
Your DOHC boxer has a larger redesigned middle gasket that looks like it will last the lifetime of the bike.
To answer the question its blatant profiteering,might have something to do with the service times being unattainable now !!
BBB61
Registered user
Skywalker,
Thanks for your reply, that confirms my own thoughts. I will certainly be instructing the dealer not to change them.
What did you mean by the service times being unattainble, do you mean the time that BMW say you should be able to carry out a full service in?skywalker
Guest
Because servicing contains so many variables nowadays the bare bones of the service has been drastically cut back and so a service is now usually made of the basic service plus add on's like mileage or time dependant items.
Someone like yourself is able to keep a detailed log of whats been done at the relevant time so in theory you know what your bike will require. What I was referring to is the time allowed to do any job in.
Someone like yourself is able to keep a detailed log of whats been done at the relevant time so in theory you know what your bike will require. What I was referring to is the time allowed to do any job in.
