Servicing - a dilemma

[Smalesy]

Hello, I have a 2005 12GS that I've owned from new. It has just 17'000 miles on it.

I have absolutely no intention of changing it, certainly until I retire in ten years time as I love the bike to bits but don't get nearly as much chance to ride as I'd like.

It's just about to go in for its first MOT and annual service at the dealers, I don't suppose I'll get much change from £250. Seems a lot when I doubt I'll have done 4k in the last year.

Is it really worth me having it serviced every year at a dealer or could I save myself by going to an independent specialist every couple of years and perhaps dropping the oil myself every 4000 miles?

I have done valves claerances myself on cars about 20 years ago, but I'm not sure that I really want to do them myself any more.

What are the options or how do other people go on?

Thanks
Steve
North Yorkshire

 

[millard]

I have an 04 1200 that was always dealer serviced until I bought it last year. Buggered if I'm paying dealers a coupla hundred quid for a few hours work that I can easily do myself. If you've old done car valves then the GS is even easier.
Have a go, you've nothing to lose.
Only thing that was slightly difficult was loosening the oil filter without the special tool, but it's manageable. If you want to spend about £30 quid on a tool though it's still far cheaper than paying a dealer.
millard

 

[Smalesy]

Asside from the oil, and general pivot point & cable lubrication, I presume there's the valves, the alternator drive belt, some kind of shaft drive oil level change/check and then the dreaded ABS fluid change every few so often.

Aside from the ABS fluid bleed/change, which is probably a step to far for me, which are the most challenging bits?

Is the Haynes manual sufficiently detailed as I've found them to be less detailed for cars of late.

 

[julio100]

oil filter key

try ASK in kippax less than a fiver

 

[D6]

everything is dead easy, dealers prices are far too high, do it your self in under 2 hour

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

someone may provide a loan of a backup copy of the maintenance CD, iykwim

 

[Deleted Member I]

Thank god you don't live in London!!!!

You won't get much change from £400!!!!

 

[D6]

u got steptoe down there , im sure he,s more reasonable?

 

[Steve E]

I bought the Haynes Manual from Halfords and do most of the servicing myself. Its easy. I take it to my local dealer to do the ABS, Brake fluid changes and the Computer Download/Diagnostics. By doing it myself, I save loads of money and have a servicing schedule that I fit around my riding and not fixed to mileage/calender parameters.


Steve

 

[RickG]

As they say, servicing is simple. These bikes must be the easiest on the planet as most of the bits stick out in the breeze. If you are worried about taking too much on, just stick to oil/filter changes (6000 for engine), valve adjustment (they often don't need adjusting more than every 20,000 miles, but check every 6000). Air filter is easy too, and leave just the more complicated stuff like ABS and a diagnostic plug-in for a chat with the computer to the dealers or reputable independent.

Gearbox is v. easy and final drive bevel box worth doing too (lots of threads on this)

If you don't buy a manual there's loads of how-to's on basic servicing on this and other sites, especially advrider

 

[mermoto]

Hi Steve

Like a lot have said - do it yourself.

We all start somewhere and there are basic rules - read, read and read some more. This site is a wonderful resource with members only to pleased to share their knowledge.

To be honest I wonder if some of the failures we hear about are actually caused by BMW technicians not spotting potential problems during routine work or actually not making the correct adjustments when they do. Valve clearance is a great example, to do it properly and effectively on our beloved twins takes time. You take your time, a dealer can't so they do it quickly. They may be in tollerance but I bet they are not matched.

If something breaks or fails its down to the component, if something breaks or fails because of poor or lack of adjustment its down to the mechanic. I check, double check and check again my adjustments - do they?

I always smile to myself when people say they do their own servicing but leave important things like brakes to the dealer - yeah like they will take more care then you will when you are the one that opens the throttle!

Don't do all the service requirements in one go either, just tackle them logically and without disturbances.

Ride safe and sound - don't have nightmares

Mermoto

 

[redburley]

Hi Steve
I spoke to Andy at Moll Springs in Huddersfield this morning. Ive heard nothing but good things about these guys.
I have a 2010 gs which is "overdue" for its 12000 mile service. Hes quoted £195 all in!, Thats half what a certain dealer wanted.
Somebody has to pay to heat the dealers fancy showrooms.

 

[itspilsbury]

DO IT YOURSELF. You will do a better job as you have more time to spend doing it. Buy the oil filter tool, which as stated is only a fiver or so.
I had a new 04 R1150RT, the dealer did it for the first year I did it for the next 6, including the EVO ABS brakes (10 bleed nipples) all info re the brake bleeding is online and its a lot easier than it sounds!
I admit I did buy a twinmax to check throttle slide balance and a good torque wrench but hey ho they werent much.
I have swapped the bike for a new 2011 1200GSA and again I paid the dealer for the 1st year and I have just bought a GS911 and done the 12K sevice myself which is easier than the 1150! as the valve clearances are easier than simple!
I always did more than was necessary, for example I always changed the shaft oil and gearbox oil at every service, for what it costs whilst my hands are dirty I might as well.
I have also for the first time done my wifes 883 HD Sportster 20k - sinch!
If I had paid for both bikes to be serviced before we go to Morocco it would have cost around £750 but it cost a little over £200 for both and that was using all the genuine parts including their recommended oils!!!!

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Hi Steve
I spoke to Andy at Moll Springs in Huddersfield this morning. Ive heard nothing but good things about these guys.
I have a 2010 gs which is "overdue" for its 12000 mile service. Hes quoted £195 all in!, Thats half what a certain dealer wanted.
Somebody has to pay to heat the dealers fancy showrooms.

Have you seen how old this thread is

 

[Giles]

Have you seen how old this thread is

I started reading .... 2005 bike ... first MOT .... I was thinking WTF ...

 

[Wapping]

Hi Steve
I spoke to Andy at Moll Springs in Huddersfield this morning. Ive heard nothing but good things about these guys.
I have a 2010 gs which is "overdue" for its 12000 mile service. Hes quoted £195 all in!, Thats half what a certain dealer wanted.
Somebody has to pay to heat the dealers fancy showrooms.

Drop in the dealer's and ask for a calendar

 

[redburley]

Have you seen how old this thread is

And? your point is...

 

[ebbo]

And? your point is...

its, erm, an old thread...

 

[skywalker]

Great - another dealer bashing thread and everyones an expert!! Nothing changes

 

[Sgt Bilco]

And? your point is...

My point is that the OP is no longer on here so probably couldn't read your somewhat late reply.