Shameless plug.

[Nick V]

Greetings, peoples!

As per subject line, I'd just like to make everyone aware that the site owners have started to host the GS-related tech articles and 'How-tos' I've been writing.
Thanks gentlemen!

How to reach them: On the top tab of the page you're looking at right now, click on the 'Quick Links' link. A drop-down will appear. Click on 'Nick's Technical Articles'.

The following articles have been uploaded so far (with more to come in the near future):

• Brake bleeding, all BMW EVO systems, '04-'07 (This is specifically for owners of BMWs with electrically-assisted brakes).
• Clutch bleeding, all BMW Motorrad models, '04 on (This is specifically for owners of BMWs equipped with mineral-oil hydraulic clutches).
• Converting an R1200GS or GSA to Supermoto, R1200GS & GSA, '04 to '13.
• Removal of the exhaust noise-control valve, BMW R-series, '10 to '13.

At the moment, I'm busy compiling a new article on how to change the battery on a dead RDC tyre-pressure sensor.

If anyone has any suggestions for new articles, or additional info which you'd like to see in the existing ones, my contact details are in all the uploaded docs.

Enjoy!

 

[Rallye Ripper]

Hi Nick
I have a 2012 R1200GS with ABS and cannot find anywhere a comprehensive brake bleeding guide so I would guess lots of us owners would like this mystery solved.
Cheers
Rallye Ripper

 

[Nick V]

Hi Nick
I have a 2012 R1200GS with ABS and cannot find anywhere a comprehensive brake bleeding guide so I would guess lots of us owners would like this mystery solved.
Cheers
Rallye Ripper

Hi Ripper

To the best of my knowledge, post-2007 bikes with non-assisted ABSII can be bled in the 'conventional' fashion (fill reservoir, pump lever a few times, expel fluid through bleed screw, repeat). I admit, I could be wrong.

The '04 to '09 R-series Haynes manual is no help - it states that any bike with ABS mustn't be touched by anyone but a BMW dealer.
Not an option, as far as I'm concerned.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this task?
Any 'exotic' steps to be taken during a post-'07 bike's brake bleed, such as filling with fluid through the caliper bleed nipples, or suchlike?

 

[Beemerman59]

Hi Ripper

To the best of my knowledge, post-2007 bikes with non-assisted ABSII can be bled in the 'conventional' fashion (fill reservoir, pump lever a few times, expel fluid through bleed screw, repeat). I admit, I could be wrong.

The '04 to '09 R-series Haynes manual is no help - it states that any bike with ABS mustn't be touched by anyone but a BMW dealer.
Not an option, as far as I'm concerned.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this task?
Any 'exotic' steps to be taken during a post-'07 bike's brake bleed, such as filling with fluid through the caliper bleed nipples, or suchlike?

I've just done my brake's in the conventional way - its an '08 GSA with ABS. Drain reservoir with a syringe, fill with new fluid, pump brake and release fluid via bleed nipple with pipe attached. Usual caveat of don't get the fluid on your paintwork etc etc. You can also bleed the master cylinder from the small bleed nipple on the handlebar. I have a GS911 which allows you to activate the modulators in the ABS to ensure fresh fluid is in there and air expelled. If you have this option you bleed the brakes again afterwards to get any air fully out of the lines.

 

[SteveM]

Is this 'shameless plug' the same fitment as a MAR8B-JDS ?

 

[Nick V]

I have a GS911 which allows you to activate the modulators in the ABS to ensure fresh fluid is in there and air expelled. If you have this option you bleed the brakes again afterwards to get any air fully out of the lines.

There's a similar technique used to bleed non-assisted ABSII systems on Oilhead (R850, R1100, R1150, R1200C) bikes. That ABS regulator is also a little more complicated, having two bleed nipples of it's own.

When I owned a 2000-model R1100S, I remember the brake bleed (conducted without a GS911 or similar) being interminable. You simply can't get all the air out without being able to operate the ABS unit modulators.
So for any ABSII system, I'd advise that if you flush and bleed for yearly maintenance, the first commandment should be 'Thou shalt not allow air to enter the system'. (If you do, burning sulphur is likely to fall on Sodom and Gamorrah.)
If any component needs to be changed with the consequence of breaking that rule, it's either GS911, or to BMW for bleeding using the GT1.

That is, unless a way can be improvised to operate the ABS unit modulators without the benefit of either piece of electronic gear.
(Note to self: need pin-outs and circuit diagram for ABSII regulator)

 

[Nick V]

Is this 'shameless plug' the same fitment as a MAR8B-JDS ?

Nope.
Unfortunately, neither is this, even though it's a(nother) shameless plug...

 

[Mistacat]

Greetings, peoples!

As per subject line, I'd just like to make everyone aware that the site owners have started to host the GS-related tech articles and 'How-tos' I've been writing.
Thanks gentlemen!

How to reach them: On the top tab of the page you're looking at right now, click on the 'Quick Links' link. A drop-down will appear. Click on 'Nick's Technical Articles'.

The following articles have been uploaded so far (with more to come in the near future):

• Brake bleeding, all BMW EVO systems, '04-'07 (This is specifically for owners of BMWs with electrically-assisted brakes).
• Clutch bleeding, all BMW Motorrad models, '04 on (This is specifically for owners of BMWs equipped with mineral-oil hydraulic clutches).
• Converting an R1200GS or GSA to Supermoto, R1200GS & GSA, '04 to '13.
• Removal of the exhaust noise-control valve, BMW R-series, '10 to '13.

At the moment, I'm busy compiling a new article on how to change the battery on a dead RDC tyre-pressure sensor.

If anyone has any suggestions for new articles, or additional info which you'd like to see in the existing ones, my contact details are in all the uploaded docs.

Enjoy!

Ref RDC here is a link to a thread with photos http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=746068

 

[Bendy toy]

I have just rebuilt the rear brake on my 08 1200 and bled the fluid. It was as straightforward as any other bike. I'll need a GS-911 to do the fronts when the time comes.

 

[chablis]

A riders annual service? For bikes out of warranty.

Oil, filters, plugs, etc. what makes a good one?

If that is just an oil and filter change, fine, but what do people expect to see done?

Obviously keeping it realistic.

I know there are various guides, and even service recommendations, but this is about what actually needs doing.

 

[Nick V]

A riders annual service? For bikes out of warranty.

Oil, filters, plugs, etc. what makes a good one?

If that is just an oil and filter change, fine, but what do people expect to see done?

Obviously keeping it realistic.

I know there are various guides, and even service recommendations, but this is about what actually needs doing.

There are aspects that make that a very good idea.
But I don't think there will ever be 100% consensus on what constitutes 'actually needs doing'. Too often, it ends up being a rationalization for not performing certain service items as an exercise in 'pfennig-pfinching'.
And people tend to get very uptight when their point of view on this approach is challenged.

Two examples I can think of:

1. Tyres. We all know to our chagrin just how expensive these are. And the guideline is that even if they LOOK 100% in tread-depth and tread-condition terms, they should be discarded and replaced when past the five-year-old mark.
I know several people who would literally blanche at this. How in Dog's name can you throw away a R2 200 consumer item when it still looks 100%?!
But take a hard look at the sidewalls and between the treads. See those networks of fine hairline cracks? The rubber is hardening and perishing. That tyre no longer has the grip that it should, and there is now a chance - as yet very small, but now growing - of structural failure.

2. Spark plugs. Sure, a nickel-steel electrode plug that's done 10 000 Km LOOKS okay. And will the bike start and run on such a plug? Probably, if the battery and starter motor are in good shape. But because the electrodes are now eroded from their optimal profile... objectively, that bike is going to start with a little more difficulty, throttle response and fuel consumption will be slightly worse, and emissions will be slightly greater.

And so on, Ad Nauseam.
...See what I mean?

In my experience, people tend to respond better to service guidelines when it's explained to them - in a non-condescending manner - exactly WHY service items are on the list.

 

[Nick V]

Hi again all!

Just a quick heads-up. Two new articles have been added:
- How to change the battery on a dead RDC tyre-pressure sensor, and
- How to repair a malfunctioning Throttle-Position Sensor (BMW part number 7 696 412).

As always, feedback welcome!