HEXHEAD Tech - R1200RT - Transmission Oil Change - All Years

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The articles, posts and comments in this tech section are posted by individual members and reflect their personal thoughts and experiences with repairing, maintaining, and generally working on motorcycles. This information may require specific knowledge and skills, may or may not be correct or current to model.

The authors of information found here and the BMW MOA take no responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of any information (including procedures, techniques, parts numbers, torque values, tool usage, etc.), or further for any damage of any kind or injuries incurred or caused by anyone following the instructions or information found here.

It is the duty of the individual to either assume the liability himself for responsibly using the information found here, or to take the bike or accessory to a Dealer or other qualified professional service.

Lastly, please ensure you dispose of your used chemicals, oils and fuels in an environmentally responsible manner. Most Auto Parts stores and service stations will accept used oil and lubricants, tires and batteries, please check for your local availability.

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NOTE 1– This procedure will generate approximately 1 liter (quart) of waste gear oil.

Specifics:
- Bike shown is a 2008 R1200RT
- Heated Seat Option
- No Factory Radio

Note 2 - even though DIY is shown for the RT it is applicable to all Hex Heads. The primary differences will be in the amount of plastic removal that is necessary to get to the parts on the transmission. On some - such as the R1200R - it isn't necessary to remove any plastic.

Note 3 - the tools and materials used are by personal choice and not due to affiliation with any brand

Tools Used:

• 1 Quart Gear Oil (75W140)l
• 19mm 3/8” drive socket
• 3/8” drive 8mm Hex Socket
• Drain Port Plug Crush washer
• Fill Port Plug Crush washer
• 3/8” Drive ratchet and extension

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Transmission Oil Draining Process

Warm up bike.

Place bike on center-stand and place a suitable waste oil receptacle underneath the bike.

You will need to remove at a minimum the throttle side plastic - there are two choices

1 is for the full plastic - http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=35262

2 is just for the right side - http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=35015

CAUTION ENGINE PARTS AND TRANSMISSION OIL WILL BE HOT

Remove Fill bolt using an 8mm Hex Socket.

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Next you need to remove the Transmission Drain bolt.

The picture below if for orientation

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CAUTION ENGINE PARTS MAY BE HOT

Here is my draining set up - as you can see it is less than elegant but is does capture the fluid.

RECYCLE NOTE: for proper disposal of waste fluid please refer to this link to find approved recycling centers in your area http://earth911.com/ - special thanks to Ted for providing the link.

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Loosening the Drain Plug

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While the draining process is occurring replace both crush washers – note it may be necessary to cut
them off the drain and fill plugs – easily done with a set of side cutters

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Wipe area clean and insert Drain plug with new crush washer back into transmission.

Hand tighten to ensure correct thread engagement and then torque to 30 NM

To fill the transmission you need 1 Liter (Quart) of Gear oil. The fill location is perpendicular to the bike so there needs to be a fill process to accommodate the location ÔÇô shown below is what I used - you can use what ever you want to do the filling process

The bottle I use has an adjustable tip that will allow it to be angled.

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Fill the transmission up to the point where the gear oil can be seen reaching the threads of the Fill Port Plug

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This is how far you want to fill up.

As you look into the fill port you will see the oil level rise as it approaches the top of the bottom threads stop. You are full. Wait a moment or two double check that it is has settled and then insert the Fill plug with the new crush washer.

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Wipe area clean and insert Fill Port plug with new crush washer back into transmission.

Hand tighten to ensure correct thread engagement and then torque to 30 Nm

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Turn engine on ÔÇô check for leaks

Turn engine off

Re-install removed panels.

Transmission Oil changing procedure is complete.

Go Ride!