Service tools

[Dunblane56]

OK I know this must have come up befor now but I have tried loads of searches and can not find it.

I am going to take on the servicing of my 1200 GSA in the future, well as much as I reasonably can do, and I need a few basic BMW Service Tools.
For example Alternator Belt fitting tool, Oil Filter Remove and tightening tool, coil extractor and the Syringe to refill the FD unit.
the rest of the tools and equipment I already have from years of self servicing my bikes but I can not find these specific BMW ones.
Any (sensible) ideas as to where I can get them

 

[(RIP) orbit]

Nippy normans for oil filter tool .
Local chemist for syringe for FD . Carefull use of a flatblade screwdriver as a lever against the rocker cover with a bit of cloth in between so as not to mark the cover will get the coils out.
Piece of plastic for the alternator belt see here http://www.r1200gs.info/howto/alt-belt.html

 

[Alan R]

Don't forget the thin walled spark plug socket and a GS911 to help with calibration of stepper motors and resetting service reminder. Also, you don't need a alternator belt fitting tool: a 25mm wide by 150mm long strip of polythene cut from a gear oil container will allow removal and fitting of the alternator belt. A twin max vacuum calibration tool will allow you to accurately balance the throttles too.
Alan R

 

[Bendy toy]

I remove the coil with a small crowbar/podger. Its got a flat blade ant one end and a spike at the other (for aligning holes) both angled about 10 degs. Perfect for popping out the coil.

As Alan says, a standard toolbox plug spanner wont work. I got long thin wall tube socket from Halfords. Not cheap but essential.

I get the alternator belt on without any special tools. Just turn the big retaining nut with a socket ratchet handle and wind the belt into place. Its easiest with the bike on the side stand as that moves the front wheel out of the way.

 

[Dunblane56]

Great tips guys many thanks
Think I will Pass on the GS911 and get the Guys at Motoscot to do the Balancing,Tappets and the Diagnostics once a year
The rest I can do
Next I'll sort the oils from hundreds of opinions on the site them I good to go

 

[Bendy toy]

I balanced my throttles (TBs) using a carb balance tool without needing the 911.

With ignition off disconnect the idle solenoids.
Attach throttle balance gauge and start the engine.
Engine needs a little throttle to get it going and will stall at the point where the solenoids normally take over. But its not an issue for balancing the TBs.
When the TBs are balanced turn off ignition and reconnect the idle solenoids.

The bike will be smoother at low revs but and at low throttle settings but will feel just the same under power.

I like olive oil but its rubbish in the bike sump (and expensive).

 

[Dunblane56]

Bendy, I actually made 30lt of Olive Oil last year so no shortage here, but as you say its great on salad but S**T in the motor.

I have been through as many "Oil" discussions as I can manage and have come to the conclusion that it really is down to personal choice so long as you stay with in the recommended parameters.

Here is my choices

Engine
Castrol Power 1 4T 15w-50

Gearbox and Final Drive unit
Castrol Syntrax 75w-140

The only other thing is the brake and clutch fluids, can they be the same say DOT 4 or equivallent or must you only use Vitamol V10 in the clutch ?

 

[fatnfast]

Good choice with the oils ;-)
Vitamol only for the clutch, but it should not need changing. Never put dot 4 in.
Dot 4 for the brakes is good.

Jim's DVD is quite good and you will see that things like valve checks are pretty easy to do yourself.
http://www.jvbproductions.com/DVD_Info_Sales.html

 

[Bendy toy]

Citroen LM hydraulic oil is the same as Vitamol V10 but A LOT less costly.