K1200RS 600 mile initial service

[GeoffMiller]

Anybody out there service there own 1200? I was thinking of saving a buck AND getting to know the new machine better by doing my own service. I usually serviced my old airhead and am well equiped with most tools. I was thinking that changing engine oil, gearbox lube and rear end lube would pretty much cover what is necessary. Engine sounds good and runs fine. I've worked on a friends 1100S and found the toughest part to be getting the tupperware off the first time.

[kbasa]

I always pay for the initial service on a bike, but do most of the rest of the stuff myself. I know BMW can't ding you for not having it done by them, but I figure it may be the path of least resistance if there's a problem later.

[MCohen]

Getting the fairing off the first time can take some time. And you'll need to learn to keep track of three different bolt lengths. Be sure to check out this website (http://www.gunsmoke.com/scot/k12/fairing.html) and print out the pages. Personally, I like having the dealer take care of the initial service since they may recognize any unusual wear. It's also important to keep injectors in sync and exhaust bolts torqued up to minimize vibrations around 4200 and 4700 rpms.

Michael

[flash412]

I always pay for the initial service on a bike, but do most of the rest of the stuff myself. I know BMW can't ding you for not having it done by them, but I figure it may be the path of least resistance if there's a problem later.When BMW releases a new model, sometimes the dealer receives neither parts fiche nor service information until weeks after they get bikes. The "factory trained mechanic" who works on your bike might be SCHEDULED to attend the school covering YOUR new bike a few weeks AFTER he services your bike. At the end of the day, you may be paying someone to learn on YOUR bike.

Legendary motorcycles of Germany - indeed. What that CAN mean these days is a mechanic saying "I've HEARD of one of those. But I've never actually seen one, yet." (All at $100/hour out of YOUR wallet.)

[GeoffMiller]

Thanks Michael! I printed out the artical. Any recommendations as to which service manuals to purchase?

[MCohen]

Geoff, a donation at Vic's K1200RS site (http://www2.i-bmw.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=Fund) will get you a CD manual. I don't have an opinion on aftermarket manuals but I'm sure there are plenty of people on Vic's site that do. ;)

Michael

[pdbiker]

I did my own initial service and had the dealer do the first 12,000 service. My logic being that I wanted the dealer to be the first to check the valve lash and replace any shims that might be needed. Since that time I've done all my own service, taking the bike in to have any error codes read if there is a problem. The one thing that you must do is to keep track of the mileage and the services performed. This is for warranty considerations. I always bought BMW oil and filters, crush washers, plugs and any other bits and pieces I needed. I bought them as I needed them and wrote the date and mileage of the service on the invoice. I also recorded the invoice number for the supplies in my service booklet.
Maybe this is unnecessary but better to have too much documentation in case of trouble. I've got 45,000 miles on the bike with no problems.

Good Luck!!

PS The manual is worth the cost. Less than 1/4 of a routine service.

[K12RS]

I bought a cd copy of the BMW service manual in english on E-bay from a guy in Greece for $12. You may want to check E-bay to see if he is still selling copies. :thumb :drink

[Johnny_Boy]

:jawdrop WOW! I was shocked at the cost of the 12k checkup. I asked if anything was broke. It was over $600 with normal parts and service time.

Has anyone in Wisconsin had better luck?

[GeoffMiller]

OK, this is going to sound like blasphemy! I decided to do my own 600 mile (ok, a bit late at 1200 miles!). It really is not hard to do. Observations: BMW does not give you the tools to do even the most basic service! I think that they are pushing to have everything done by the dealer ( Duh, what was I thinking). The plastic, although a pain, is relatively easy to remove. I bought a filter wrench from the dealer (required) and changed all the fluids. Close your eyes and think really, really hard...... this is just another motor, there is nothing magical about it.......I am able to work on this as easily as the lawn mower in the garage!!! I can't believe that BMW is so determined to brainwash us into thinking that we are so incompetant as to require the dealer to change the oil!