Self service 1200GSA

[Beemerman59]

Bike is an '08 1200 GSA now out of warranty with 15K on the clock. Have decided to take the plunge and not renew the warranty and to service the bike myself. I have a reasonably well equiped garage including all the torx bits etc and I have an order placed for oils from Opie. So the question is what else will I need to get for the service:

* I intend to buy filters etc from Motorworks either a service kit or just the individual parts because I don't need plugs yet. Any other recommendations for suppliers? Would a dealer be competitive on prices for spare parts - anyone have experience?

* I bought the very expensive service manual from BMW which I'm gradually getting to understand. All the special tools are outlined in this manual, but can anyone tell me from experience what actual BMW tools I will need just to perform the normal 6K and 12K services?

* Do I need the BMW special tool for removing the cap from the front brake reservoir or are their alternatives (read cheaper) available. Same for removing the plugs - special tools required?

* Do the rocker cover gaskets reuse OK or is it best to order them up beforehand?

* I don't have a GS911 but as nothings broke I can't see why I need one other than resetting the service interval on the computer which I'm not fussed about.

* On reading the manual, the only synchronisation one can do to the fueling is to adjust the two throttle cables making sure they open/close at the same time. Is that it? Seems too easy to me. I have the 4 channel carbtune pro which I think can be modified to just run 2 channels. Any problems encountered with these?

Any advice (of the constructive kind) is well appreciated. Once I have done this myself a few times I will be happy to show anyone else interested how to do the service.

 

[Slowdown]

Here's some links:-

http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/

http://www.jimvonbaden.com/

Pretty much all you need to know, IMHO

 

[elefantman]

not renew the warranty,you must be,it'll end in

 

[parkys100]

Hi they are really easy to service the carb tune will be fine and I much prefer to purchase oil at £2 a litre the Jim von Boden DVD is really good,GS 911 are easy to use and handy to reset errors when you power bike to bleed the brakes ,as this brings up 2 error codes.Give me a pm as I visit your neck of the country as family live near and will show you the GS911 or any other queries.Rgds

 

[dave perry]

If I Can do it ---- !!

They are pretty straight forward to look after, and I'm only average with the spanners ! The rocker gaskets will go a couple of times. I bought a naff plastic spark plug coil puller< it needs a screwdriver to help it work. A 16mm plug socket will come in handy, as will an oil filter socket. I get my filters etc from my local man, I want him to stay in business, and his wife wears hot pants in summer !! (Sorry) I love working on my bikes, and your fellow GS-ers will always keep you right - enjoy !!

 

[Steptoe]

* I don't have a GS911 but as nothings broke I can't see why I need one other than resetting the service interval on the computer which I'm not fussed about.

.

The gs911 recalibrates the idle actuator motors, and also locks the idle actuator motors when synchronising the throttle bodies. You can't do it properly without doing this, as the engine managment system will be trying to compensate as you adjust things. .

It also plots the lambda probes and shows you how they're functioning. This has shown up a few running problems that you wouldn't have found without a gs911.

 

[Beemerman59]

Thanks for the replies - some stuff there I did'nt realise - maybe a GS911 might be useful after all.