DOING MY OWN MAINTENANCE

[RICHRS59]

I'm looking to buy a 2024 RS and prefer to do most of the wrenching myself.  Fluid and filter changes, brake pads, valve adjustments, tire changes, etc.

Aside from some special tools is there anything that I should be concerned with?  

Also, I can't seem to find a BMW shop manual.  Can someone point be in the right direction for one?

 

Thanks,

Rich

[wbw6cos]

Hi Rich, welcome to the board.  A sticky topic for discussion, but BMW decided a couple of years ago to quite selling the factory service manual.   There  are serveral notable Tech folks online that have videos that  give you a better idea than no  FSM.   As far as the RS spcific model, you can post in the Shift Cam forum for questions for other owners of that bike.   The Shift Cam motor is common enough to view a video or two from our resident helpful  tech  by the name of @Boxflyer    He has some great videos that cover the motor, for sure, but as far as the chassis is concerned, I do not know how much the difference between the RS and the RT, which are covered in the Boxflyer videos.   See HERE for his youtube channel

 

Cheers!

[RadioFlyer]

For most of its history BMW Motorrad made service information available. This enabled owners and independent techs to undertake most service and repair procedures themselves. For many doing one's own maintenance is a valued part of the motorcycle ownership experience. For others, who live far from the nearest BMW dealership or who embark on a great adventure to remote places, doing it yourself is the only option. Similarly independent techs having service information give greater choice to those who don't want to DIY.

 

All that changed in 2021 when BMW discontinued the provision of service information on ALL bikes old and new. Only bootleg copies of the factory service manual are available now. Haynes/Clymer/Chilton haven't produced a BMW motorcycle manual since 2018. If you own one of the most recent models you are totally out of luck.

 

More and more we hear that BMW dealerships will not service bikes older than 10 years. When you combine the absence of service information with the unavailability of dealer service it does not bode at all well for the resale value of recent BMW bikes.

 

Fortunately there are quality alternative motorcycle manufacturers out there still offering service manuals. No way will I buy a motorcycle for which the manufacturer will not sell a service manual. 

[Hati]

I had no trouble whatsoever finding the iso file for the RSD (repair and service data September 2017 edition doing a Google search  It is not even piracy because it can no longer be obtained through official channels. I use that for the '13 R bike I have.

 

As mentioned already, you can't get the shiftcam manual any more, but your servicing is covered by Boxflyer and the other guy who charges for his videos.

[JCtx]

7 hours ago, wbw6cos said:

I do not know how much the difference between the RS and the RT

The main frame and power-train is basically the same on all R1250s. As far as RT vs RS, the biggest difference is the RS (and R) has no tele-lever (upside-down forks instead), and only half fairing (vs full). The RS and R are the most similar, with the only differences being the R having sportier steering geometry, handlebars (vs clip-ons), and no half fairing. All R1250s have the same TFT except the RT (which is larger). All R1250s have the same 17" cast wheels except the GSs (different sizes, and optional spoked ones). All R1250s have tele-lever, except the R and RS. And most options are available on all. I wish I could find a service manual for a R1250, but so far I haven't seen that mentioned, even though some say BMW made manuals until 2022 or so. Like Hati said, since BMW doesn't even offer anything anymore, I wouldn't feel bad getting a copy if I get the opportunity. I'd gladly pay for one if it was available. But like it was mentioned, for basically all we could do as owners, there's some kind of tutorial or video available from the wonderful members already mentioned.

[Hati]

5 hours ago, JCtx said:

I wouldn't feel bad getting a copy if I get the opportunity.

 

The problem with the shiftcam manual/dvd (the latest issue that was available) is that it needs activation, unlike the RSD for the pre-shiftcam bikes. It can be installed on another computer, (for example changing laptops) but I have no idea how simultaneous installs and activations work. Would it cancel one install if you activate it on another machine? I can't answer that and for that reason I will not share my copy.

 

Again, this is the pre-2021 10.25" TFT shiftcam RT manual. I don't believe the '21 on RT manual was ever made public.

 

I have offered before, however that I can print out required pages (pdf) and email it to anyone who needs it. That offer still stands.

[RICHRS59]

Thanks all for the information.  I will check out the available member postings.

[c10]

I purchased a pirated RS1250 manual on e bay for $39 usd . it is for a 2022 model with non EAS suspension .  It gives me all the real important items except fork oil lvl .  

My dealer though with our history was kind enough to tell me the amount .   My RS is a 2023 . After working on GS1250's , RS 1250's , GSA 1200's and RT1200's the big differences are mainly body work disassembly.  the R mode being the easiest followed by RS , the GS , and RT being the most time consuming .   I removed crash bars and checked the RT's cam timing , and valves faster than changing the Air filter .      

[Dennis Andress]

On 4/21/2024 at 5:58 PM, c10 said:

I purchased a pirated RS1250 manual on e bay for $39 usd .

 

If that's your thing then please keep it to yourself. There's a few people here who use legally licensed software in their day jobs, lets respect that.

 

I'm saving for Porsche's diagnostic notebook...

[Hati]

3 hours ago, Dennis Andress said:

I'm saving for Porsche's diagnostic notebook...

 

At least you CAN buy one officially/legally if you choose to. BMW stopped selling ALL of their repair manuals no matter the format. I was lucky to be able to buy the first shiftcam DVD, but the latest model (10.25" TFT) RT manual was never released to the dealers to sell.

[Toruk]

I just did my 6000 mile oil change on my 2023 RS engine and final drive.  Using my OBDlink MX+ & Motoscan (Ultimate) App I reset my service interval mileage and date. This combination will serve you well as it does almost everything required to service your BMW. Your other option is the GS-911 unit. You will need either of these to do your own service. Enjoy your new ride!  BTW that OBDlink MX+ has many available Apps that let you use it with other 2 and 4 wheel vehicles!

[Dennis Andress]

6 hours ago, Hati said:

 

At least you CAN buy one officially/legally if you choose to. BMW stopped selling ALL of their repair manuals no matter the format. I was lucky to be able to buy the first shiftcam DVD, but the latest model (10.25" TFT) RT manual was never released to the dealers to sell.

You can bitch at me for something neither of us can control, or thank dirtrider for hanging out around here…

[Rougarou]

6 hours ago, Hati said:

 

At least you CAN buy one officially/legally if you choose to. BMW stopped selling ALL of their repair manuals no matter the format. I was lucky to be able to buy the first shiftcam DVD, but the latest model (10.25" TFT) RT manual was never released to the dealers to sell.

 

piratebay,......that's all I got to say about that.

[Dennis Andress]

4 hours ago, Rougarou said:

 

piratebay,.....

Didn’t those guys all go to jail?

 

[Rougarou]

It's still and active site and utorrent still works

 

Now,

[BMWRACEGUN]

I find this action by BMW a similar thing to the problems so many BMW bikes have these days.  It is a reflection that BMW does not seem to care. If they did, there would be no problems with  the DLC on cams, No stators going out,  and the long list of other issues. It makes no sense to use plastic for throttle cams  ( 2005 to 2014) .  Fuel level strips with no resolution for over 10 years!  Who the hell does something like that?  And now no service manuals!   People will get fed up with this. Only people with very deep pockets will ride BMW. Maybe that is what they want.  It seems all the good things that make up life up until 2020 have gone away.  The only reason to not allow folks to have a means to service their bikes is to make sure people take bikes to dealership.  SAD! VERY SAD INDEED! 

 

FWIW, I have been on ADVRIDER since 2004. I have been riding BMW's since 1975. I was a tech at a pitiful BMW dealership for about 6 months. At 72,  I still want to ride,  so I ride a 2008 R1200r. Easy to maintenance ..etc.  BTW, Honda and Suzuki dealerships around here not to good either! 

[Bernie]

20 minutes ago, BMWRACEGUN said:

I find this action by BMW a similar thing to the problems so many BMW bikes have these days.  It is a reflection that BMW does not seem to care. If they did, there would be no problems with  the DLC on cams, No stators going out,  and the long list of other issues. It makes no sense to use plastic for throttle cams  ( 2005 to 2014) .  Fuel level strips with no resolution for over 10 years!  Who the hell does something like that?  And now no service manuals!   People will get fed up with this. Only people with very deep pockets will ride BMW. Maybe that is what they want.  It seems all the good things that make up life up until 2020 have gone away.  The only reason to not allow folks to have a means to service their bikes is to make sure people take bikes to dealership.  SAD! VERY SAD INDEED! 

 

FWIW, I have been on ADVRIDER since 2004. I have been riding BMW's since 1975. I was a tech at a pitiful BMW dealership for about 6 months. At 72,  I still want to ride,  so I ride a 2008 R1200r. Easy to maintenance ..etc.  BTW, Honda and Suzuki dealerships around here not to good either! 

Blame it on COVID!

 

[Stiggy]

Or maybe Covid was the convenient excuse to initiate the unpopular changes, which of course will never be reversed.

 

(Kind of like my corporate UPS contract at the office: Next Day and 2 Day delivery service prior to Covid was 'guaranteed' or it was free with  refund.

That went away during Covid and not surprisingly hasn't been rescinded either. Businesses got away with poor service and that became the new standard in many industries.)

[JamesW]

Covid this and covid that.  How pitiful can it get!  I still can't believe the pathetic responses so many in this upstanding society to something as simple as wearing a mask had.  Makes me sad.  

 

More to the point.  Why would anyone be at all interested in the gadget filled and unnecessarily complex these BMW bikes have become and all for what?  Then there is the pretty obvious fact that these bikes are becoming more and more unreliable and there is less and less the owners of these modern day marvels can do about it.  For me the answer is simple that being to just say to blazes with present day BMW.  

[Hosstage]

When hydraulic lifters came out, there was much bashing that they will be a point of failure and downgrade of performance, how hard can it be to adjust solid lifters every 3000 miles? We only have hydros because people are too lazy to do the maintenance.

Try and find a car without them.

Power windows? Forget it, another point of unnecessary failure.

Good luck finding a car without power windows, even though an unnecessary newfangled doodad. They seem to be working just fine.

 

Products go forward, not always in a loved way at first. Eventually they become the norm, they become more reliable. They become "necessary."

 

As far as COVID, the Full Throttle section is gone, so no need for policy bashing. The economic and business changes due to it, sure. But commenting on people's personal opinions of it, not so much.

[BMWRACEGUN]

1 hour ago, JamesW said:

Covid this and covid that.  How pitiful can it get!  I still can't believe the pathetic responses so many in this upstanding society to something as simple as wearing a mask had.  Makes me sad.  

 

More to the point.  Why would anyone be at all interested in the gadget filled and unnecessarily complex these BMW bikes have become and all for what?  Then there is the pretty obvious fact that these bikes are becoming more and more unreliable and there is less and less the owners of these modern day marvels can do about it.  For me the answer is simple that being to just say to blazes with present day BMW.  

  Please do not shut down thread. I DID NOT realize about strict topic adherence.  I am used to ADVRIDER.

[RadioFlyer]

If this thread is to turn into a discussion of COVID it should be shut down. Members should know better than to stray so far from topic.

[Rougarou]

1 hour ago, Hosstage said:

 

As far as COVID, the Full Throttle section is gone, so no need for policy bashing.

 

[Dennis Andress]

1 hour ago, JamesW said:

….  pitiful…

… pathetic….

 

 

Don’t call people names. That’s one of the reasons FT is gone. 

[Hosstage]

Discussion of policies of businesses and how they were changed or affected by COVID is fine. Discussion of COVID policies and the politics of it, not.

One quick personal observation made earlier wasn't jumped on and expanded with rhetoric, all seems good. (Dennis has handled it)

Back to maintenance issues!

[Dennis Andress]

On 10/3/2024 at 8:43 AM, Bernie said:

Blame it on COVID!

 

Ya’ll need to relax! Yes COVID was a bad thing, but why can’t we talk about it without hurting those who disagree?

[JamesW]

Well, this has, imo, become an interesting thread in several ways.  Look at the reaction so many had to the covid epidemic, some folks went along with the program and followed instructions having to do with things we all should do to protect ourselves and our neighbors while others took personal offense to be told what they should do for the benefit of all.   

 

What would have been the result if people would have been of this mindset during the polio epidemic?  I mean think about it!  In my humble opinion society in general has indeed sunk to new lower levels.

 

Hey, have any of you checked out the latest Smoaks Vlog about the genius that overfilled his late model R1250GS with motor oil to something like 17+ quarts?  That is just flat unbelievable!  Man this is a world I no longer fathom.  I'll bet the dingy that did this is going to have a stroke when he gets the Pro Caliber BMW bill for this unbelievable screw up. Smoaks removed the O2 sensor and discovered oil 1/2" deep in the lower portion of the head pipe.  No doubt the catalytic converter and muffler are also contaminated as the genius actually tried to start the bike.  Just blows what's left of my mind!  I don't know maybe it was an R1200GS and not a 1250.  I was so blown away I couldn't concentrate.  I should maybe just stay off the internet.   It's sometimes not good for the mind. More lol..lol..

 

 

[JamesW]

51 minutes ago, Dennis Andress said:

Ya’ll need to relax! Yes COVID was a bad thing, but why can’t we talk about it without hurting those who disagree?

That's not a bad idea as it does no good what so ever and will never get through to the idiots anyway. 

[Hosstage]

James, your rhetoric is tiring.

[Dennis Andress]

22 minutes ago, JamesW said:

That's not a bad idea as it does no good what so ever and will never get through to the idiots anyway. 

Why are you calling me an idiot?

[MikeB60]

12 minutes ago, Hosstage said:

James, your rhetoric is tiring.

It's way past tiring. With respect to the current models of BMWs he dosent even know what he is talking about. 

[JamesW]

5 hours ago, MikeB60 said:

It's way past tiring. With respect to the current models of BMWs he dosent even know what he is talking about. 

Well, you're right about that and hopefully I never will.... God willing.