DIY, How to change oil in 2009 F650GS

[karlcchen]

It is time (600 miles) to change my 2009 F650GS oil. I read it is a dry sump? Any thing different in procedure? I am thinking using non-sythetic BMW 10W-50 for now and change to syn later.

Karl

[kentuvman]

Hi Karl - changing oil is a snap on the F650 - I'd suggest using the BMW 10W-50W, - mine is an '03 F650GS - the drain plug is easy to get to but you have to take off the skid plate. The filter is easy also - if you have some time and want to avoid a mess, let the oil drain for several hours before removing the oil filter. If in a hurry, take an aluminum can and cut off the top and cut it down the side so you can place under the area beneath the oil filter plate. Get your filter from BMW - I happened to find a bulk buy on ebay from a snowmobile dealer which was for the Rotax engine in my bike. Oh, one more thing - I learned from F650.com that a short cut is using an oil removal pump to pump the oil out of the reservoir under your faux tank. Once you get it out and are sure all the old oil is drained, you can replace the plug, insert the new filter and pour in the prescribed quantity of oil.

If you go to F650.com and search oil change, you'll see some images to help you along.

I'm sure you're really enjoying your ride!

[kentuvman]

Hi Karl - if your '09 is the new twin, the procedure is probably different and you should be able to get the procedure from F650.com

[BeemerMike]

It is time (600 miles) to change my 2009 F650GS oil. I read it is a dry sump? Any thing different in procedure? I am thinking using non-sythetic BMW 10W-50 for now and change to syn later.

I really don't mean to sound catty, but if you do not know whether your bike is dry sump or wet sump from reading the owners manual and looking at the bike (where do you add/fill oil?), then I strongly suggest you take your brand new bike to the dealer for this first service and oil change. I am sure there is bound to be a bunch of checks and adjustments that are performed at 600 miles, and it sounds like you need a competent BMW mechanic to do this. Start your new bike out on the right foot . . . or tire . . . or whatever. :thumb

[kentuvman]

Mike is right-on - you can do your next oil change or the one after but the 600 mile check should be done by the dealer.

KT

[karlcchen]

They told me they are going to do oil change and a visual check, $150 total. No other service was specifiied by BMW. So I figured I already know everything works for now, it is just the oil change. The problem is there is no service manual available yet.

Karl

[BeemerMike]

They told me they are going to do oil change and a visual check, $150 total. No other service was specifiied by BMW. So I figured I already know everything works for now, it is just the oil change. The problem is there is no service manual available yet.

Your owners manual, technical manual, and/or whatever else comes with new BMW motorcycles these days should tell you exactly what BMW recommends/requires be done at the initial (600-mile) service. Make sure the dealer does it all, and documents that they did it all.

[kentuvman]

You've got a new bike and it's under warranty - I'd do whatever needs to be done to keep the warranty in good standing. $150 sounds like a lot for just an oil change but I betcha they'll go through everything maybe even the valves.

[karlcchen]

Not sure if the new v-twin has freqent valve adjustment like the old boxer engine. But there is no mentioning of valve adjustment schedule in the owner manual.

But I am sure that F800S/ST owners know about answer to that.


Karl

[karlcchen]

I found the 600 miles running-in check items for F800S, so the 2009 F650GS should be similar. There is no valve adjustment.

http://www.ascycles.com/pdf/ServiceSchedules/F800S_600.pdf

Karl

[karlcchen]

Here is F650GS running-in check, same as F800S
http://www.ascycles.com/pdf/ServiceSchedules/F650GS_600.pdf

karl

[jimbob59]

I"m a cheapskate also, and I really enjoy doing my own maint. anyway but I think for $150 I would have the dealer do it since it is the FIRST service; then you get the little BMW stamp in your book.

Even better if you can WATCH the dealer do it....

ALSO, I would get the tech to give you a copy of the diag. computer printout I think they call it the "DLC system" printout.

In rambling commentary:

One thing I am not sure how DIY guys will address in the long haul is that since we don't have a BMW diagnostic computer in our garages we can't:

1) read fault codes (if any exist)

2) update the bike's computer with newer levels of code that fix issues
(like stalling)

3) reset the service interval counter in the on-board computer

The GS-911 unit http://www.hexcode.co.za/ can handle items #1 and #3 I believe, but ... alas there is no DIY way to handle item #2 that I am aware of....

Somebody please correct me if I've got this wrong, I've been riding for a long time, but this is my first "BMW experience" :blush

Jim

[jimbob59]

They told me they are going to do oil change and a visual check, $150 total. No other service was specifiied by BMW. So I figured I already know everything works for now, it is just the oil change. The problem is there is no service manual available yet.

Karl

The service manual is available on DVD for $135 or so.... I had the part number but lost it... I'm gonna buy it as soon as I get my act together...

Jim

[karlcchen]

Thank you for the code raeder info.

I called dealer, the parts sales told me the service CD is not worth the money. Every mechanics there hated it.

Karl


I"m a cheapskate also, and I really enjoy doing my own maint. anyway but I think for $150 I would have the dealer do it since it is the FIRST service; then you get the little BMW stamp in your book.

Even better if you can WATCH the dealer do it....

ALSO, I would get the tech to give you a copy of the diag. computer printout I think they call it the "DLC system" printout.

In rambling commentary:

One thing I am not sure how DIY guys will address in the long haul is that since we don't have a BMW diagnostic computer in our garages we can't:

1) read fault codes (if any exist)

2) update the bike's computer with newer levels of code that fix issues
(like stalling)

3) reset the service interval counter in the on-board computer

The GS-911 unit http://www.hexcode.co.za/ can handle items #1 and #3 I believe, but ... alas there is no DIY way to handle item #2 that I am aware of....

Somebody please correct me if I've got this wrong, I've been riding for a long time, but this is my first "BMW experience" :blush

Jim

[jimbob59]

Here is F650GS running-in check, same as F800S
http://www.ascycles.com/pdf/ServiceSchedules/F650GS_600.pdf

karl

I think this must be for the older single-cyl. 650 ... it says "check spoke tension" not that I think it is much different level of service for the twin...

Jim

[jimbob59]

Thank you for the code raeder info.

I called dealer, the parts sales told me the service CD is not worth the money. Every mechanics there hated it.

Karl

Karl:

Do you know what if any? :( other options we / the mechanics have?

Is there a BMW paper manual?


Thanks,
Jim

[karlcchen]

I think it will take one or two years for paper manual to be published.

Karl

[karlcchen]

You are right. It is for the old F650GS. Looks like there is no new 2009 F650GS running-in check-list there yet.

Karl

I think this must be for the older single-cyl. 650 ... it says "check spoke tension" not that I think it is much different level of service for the twin...

Jim

[jimbob59]

Here's a auth. dealer selling the service manual on CD for ~$72

http://www.sierrabmwonline.com/motorcycles-repair-manual-select-models-p-832.html

I'm not sure what other options we have ... or for that matter what other options the techs. at the dealer's shops have? :dunno

but... I'm all ears ;-)

[GrantMacEachern]

Not sure if the new v-twin has freqent valve adjustment like the old boxer engine. But there is no mentioning of valve adjustment schedule in the owner manual.

But I am sure that F800S/ST owners know about answer to that.


Karl

Isn't the 800 a parallel twin?