Cylinder Head Retorque

[GregoryT]

Hi, everyone.
I wonder if any one of you could share information on the detailed retorque cylinder head procedure on the hexagon engine. What I'm interested with is not only the torque specs but more specifically the proper sequence for the job. I wonder if I have to remove each bolt individually and use lubricant on the tread? Plus, I don't know if the engine should be cold or warm. I understand that this should be done only once at 600 miles service. or anytime that the cylinder head has been removed. Any input on this matter would be greatly appreciated. :thumb

[Semper_Fi]

Jim Von Baden has a very well described process for retorquing the heads.

Yes they need to be done at 600 miles

I would recommend that you have at least the 600 mi done at the delaer for record keeping only and then after that do the servicing your self.

I , like many others, have done that.

Here is Jim's information: www.jimvonbaden.com

[GregoryT]

Jim Von Baden has a very well described process for retorquing the heads.

Yes they need to be done at 600 miles

I would recommend that you have at least the 600 mi done at the delaer for record keeping only and then after that do the servicing your self.

I , like many others, have done that.

Here is Jim's information: www.jimvonbaden.com

Thanks for your response, Semper_Fi. The reason why i was asking is that so far every new BMW I purchase had done 600 miles service done at the dealer. Last one on my 07 R1200R was no exception. The only thing that happened during that service was that someone probably a mechanic working on the bike, damaged appeareance of the FD (deep scars) on my brand new bike. It took a while to convice the service manager that this occured during service of my bike at their dealer. Finally, they replaced the whole FD assembly. Since that incident I purchased 2 other brand new motorcycles (Non-BMW) and I decided to do 600miles service myself on them, as well. This time around I am contemplating replacing my roadster with 09 RT. And I'm planning on doing 600miles service myself.

From what I understand the only difference between 600miles service and let's say 6000miles service is the retorque on cylinder heads. And this task should be fairly easy to accomplish knowing the proper sequence and torque specs. I wonder which of Jim's videos covers this procedure? :thumb

[Semper_Fi]

Gregory - sorry to hear about the crappy service.

Regarding Jim's video he has a CD for the 24K check and I just follow that for the various items, including the valve check/head re-torque

He calls out all the tools needed and makes reference to torque values.

Also I have supplemented that CD with the BMW Rep Rom, spendy but it has a wealth of information.

I use both when working on the bike.

[GregoryT]

Thanks again, Semper_Fi.

Today I just took delivery of the silver 09 R1200RT. The protection from elements on this bike comparing to a roadster is unbelievable. Years ago, I had R1100RT. But, I guess I forgot what it's like to ride in quiet and calm air.

The cylinder head retorque procedure looks pretty straight forward. I'll do it myself, most likely. Thanks. :thumb

[Semper_Fi]

As a suggestion Gregory - you may just want to have the dealer do the intial re-torque at the 600 mile mark and then do it from there.

That way it is in your service history.

Congratulations on the new bike!!