Servicing the GSA

[tanneman]

That's what I'm busy to do at the moment. This time of year with nothing to do can just as well be spend doing something useful. The problem I have at the moment is finding a suitable spark plug spanner to fit BMW 1200 models. My current set is used on the R1100S, no problem. Apparently the tool made by Wunderlich does not fit all 1200 models. The one supplied by Motorworks is a hand wrench. I need something that can be fitted to a ratchet or torque wrench. 16mm thin wall deep socket. I see someone on this forum took a normal 16mm deep socket and turned it down to 21mm O/D. Good idea and last resort but I would like the proper tool as I take pride in my tools. I searched Halfrauds and Machine Mart but they don't have the correct socket. Any help to point point me in the direction of the correct tool is appreciated.

I'm doing the 1200mls service and if the spark plugs is in good condition I'll set the gap and refit it. It's a bit of a bitch to turn the engine by hand with the plugs fitted to do the rocker end float and valve clearances.

Oh, and a Merry Christmas to all the Tossers.

 

[tanneman]

I forgot about ebay. Thanx Wapping but it needs to be a 16mm.

I've found the BMW tool kit parts here
Tool kit
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0380&mospid=51731&btnr=77_0024&hg=77&fg=02

Service kit
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0380&mospid=51731&btnr=77_0249&hg=77&fg=02

Those with the earlier BMW GS models might have gotten the full tool kit but my 09 model just had the basics with it. The search continues and if no joy I'll pop over to Northampton to see the Richard at the spares department. The 16mm ones is 3x more expensive than the 14mm sockets

 

[Wapping]

Aha, I deleted my post when i realised it was a 14mm one

You should be able to find a 16mm thin wall double-length socket quite easily.

Have a look in a big Halford's store in their professional line, as opposed to on-line.

 

[Doofus]

Hi

I got one from Halfords (in store) - it's about 10" long (designed for poor access car engines) and is so thin walled it looks to me like some rolled up sheet steel. I'm not at home so can't check but I think it's made by Lazer (Laser?). I don't recall if it has a square drive or an external hex to drive by spanner (or other socket), but it worked great.

Don't be tempted to try a normal socket that looks like it might just be ok!

Darren

 

[cookie]

AAMOI does a socket that fits the old model, fit the twin cam as well?

Just wondered as I have a snap on socket that works fine on pre 2010 bikes.

 

[Greggers]

My old TRX motor had a similar problem with deep set plugs, the only tool I could get to fit was an old box type plug spanner with the corners of the hex ground off.
Take as much pride in your tools as you like, but it doesn't need always to be shiny or OE to be effective..

 

[Beemerman59]

I bought the Motorworks version which works just fine for me. Just tighten up to get resistance then nip up a shade more. Wish mine came with the tools in the realoem links mind you - minimalistic is'nt the word on the one I got.

 

[tanneman]

True, You don't need OE or shiny tools but if your a regular offroad tosser then it would make sense for BMW to include the spark plug socket in the tool kit just in case you drown the motorcycle.

I'm off to Halfords in Milton Keynes because the local one is too small to have all the tools.

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

BMW don't even supply the coil pulling thing in the tool kit anymore so what chance of a plug socket. Was me that turned the socket down and I am in no hurry to replace it. I have loads of one off hand made tools in my box so it doesn't look out of place, in fact its the shiny bought tools that look odd ;-).
I believe the plugs are smaller on the twin cam so the sockets wont fit both.

 

[Kenny Rodkiss]

Plug size

see here,

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=277192

So you will now need a 14mm socket.

 

[tanneman]

So it's 14mm hex for the twincam engines and 16mm hex for the rest of the 1200's.