Need answers for some maintenance ?

[davidk63]

I just bought my first BMW 3 weeks ago - a clean 2003 K1200GT with only 3900 miles. I now have about 4500 miles on it and have scheduled my 6000 mile service for the end of May at my dealers suggestion (I should have near 6k on it by then). Anyway, they suggested changing the brake fluid and said BMW recommends that every year. Is this correct? I've never had a bike with ABS before and my previous bikes (all Japanese) never required this type of interval. Also, what types of maintenance do most of you think is user-doable versus best left to the dealer. I'm handy with tools, but don't want to do things such as the brake fluid. I've also read in various forums about what types of engine oil are acceptable - most suggest only BMW oil or Mobile One. Any suggestions and tips are appreciated. I love this bike and want to keep it for a looonnnggg time. Thanks

David

[manicmechanic]

Contrary to what a lot of folks believe, brake fluid should be change at least every 2 years. It is hygroscopic, meaning it will absorb water from the atmosphere. That and the corrosion the moisture causes to the steel pieces in the brake system warrants flushing. Also, if it hasn't been done in a "while", you'd be surprised at the "goo" (technical term) that will form in the lower parts of the system, namely the calipers. Since it appears you don't feel comfortable doing the brakes, and they do have ABS, take it to the dealer. They'll not only flush the system, but do a diagnostic test on the system.

It appears quite a few people do some of the routine maintenance (oil changes, air filter, spark plugs) but for the more involved items (K-bike valves, clutches and splines, etc) it appears most go to a service facility. Notice I say "appear".

Oil is and has been a hot topic on occasion. Synthetis-vs-dino, this brand-vs-that brand. Personally, any is better than none. After that, choose your flavor. I use Amsoil, since that is what our shop sells. I have used Mobil-1 and Spectro. Some folks swear by, some swear at. Same with tires. Whatever works best for you. There can and will be a lot of advice and recommendations, but it's your bike, so choose wisely.

[Polarbear]

Brake fluid is a topic for good discussion and many have opinions: Here's another! When did you flush your auto/truck(with ABS) fluid last? Most never do it and it is not a frequent service listing in the auto handbooks either! Motorbikes are high risk transportation and mfg'ers like to keep many service intervals frequent, regardless wheather they need it or not,imo. I think Brake Fluid in bikes is another item for overspending and/or overservicing in too many shops. I don't think it needs it, I'm saying! I change my resevoirs only, every year and this replenishes some of the fluid and keeps my bikes happy. It takes only minutes doing this and enough peice of mind for me not to worry. I've done all my BMW service work for 30+ years. I am a mechanic. You know what kills break fluid faster than anything? Sun! Ultraviolet rays. remember the resevoirs used to be clear enough to see your fluid level on the handlebars. Not any more, for years. A good tight system(most) will never accumulate enough moisture to EVER make any difference in your fluid. It is a good answer from earlier posting, though. Moisture does kill the performance. Do you ride in "rain" all the time? Maybe then you have a concern, but not likely. OIL; I use BMW stuff, Super Synthetic. I've used Mobil One, Castrol GTX(Dino stuff) with huge success. I went back to dealer oil after a few years back, when the additive or SJ,etc.ratings on the oils changed. Zinc, etc. levels in all oils were deminished and m/c's require a bit more of the stuff. I moved to m/c only stuff again for this reason.

[dbrick]

The long answers were given by the previous posters.

The short answer is you have a choice: either change the brake fluid or, after a few years, begin changing brake parts because of corrosion. (Thanks to Tom Cutter for this pithy statement.) I'd rather change the fluid; I do so annually.

[mrlajoie]

I just picked up my barely used 2003 GT a couple of weeks ago also! Only 2,065 miles! Also, it is my first BMW after several Japanese models. I've only been able to put about 600 miles on mine so far, mostly because of rainy weather, but I hope to do a lot of riding this year!