Owner's manual deficient?

[Mister Tee]

It is just me, or is the owners' manual for newer BMW bikes deficient on some very basic maintenance items? For example, there is no mention of these in my manual:

 

1. Oil and filter changes. Looks straightforward, and the filter is easy enough to get to. Some idea of the required quantity would be nice, as well as whether the bike should be on the side stand, or the center stand. Draining and filling procedures, and levels for the transmission would be nice too. I don't think I saw a transmission oil spec.

 

2. Spark plug changes. Looks straightforward. A gap and torque spec would be nice, although I always use the German torque method (I make it gutentight.)

 

3. Air filter inspection and changes. Doesn't look straightforward at all, and I can't tell by looking. I'm assuming one removes the battery to get to the airbox. I hope one doesn't have to pull a fairing. That would suck.

 

This is just a rant. Every other motorcycle owner's manual I've ever seen at least covered THOSE procedures. What gives?

[Ken H.]

Basically what gives is that the maintenance manual is sold by BMW separately on a CD.

 

That being said, most any of your questions (or others) can be asked/answered here.

[krussell]

It is just me, or is the owners' manual for newer BMW bikes deficient on some very basic maintenance items? For example, there is no mention of these in my manual:

 

1. Oil and filter changes. Looks straightforward, and the filter is easy enough to get to. Some idea of the required quantity would be nice, as well as whether the bike should be on the side stand, or the center stand. Draining and filling procedures, and levels for the transmission would be nice too. I don't think I saw a transmission oil spec.

 

2. Spark plug changes. Looks straightforward. A gap and torque spec would be nice, although I always use the German torque method (I make it gutentight.)

 

3. Air filter inspection and changes. Doesn't look straightforward at all, and I can't tell by looking. I'm assuming one removes the battery to get to the airbox. I hope one doesn't have to pull a fairing. That would suck.

 

This is just a rant. Every other motorcycle owner's manual I've ever seen at least covered THOSE procedures. What gives?

 

On my 08 RT they do mention the engine oil change w/filter quantity as 1.1gal.

 

I suspect they don't list this stuff in the manual because these items, as well as many others, need to be done for proper maintenance. Doing just oil and spark plug changes isn't sufficient, so maybe they think whoever is doing those would be doing everything else and would need the service manual as well? BMW thinks their dealers should be servicing the bike, not the owner. That they do clearly say in the manual.

[Mister Tee]

Basically what gives is that the maintenance manual is sold by BMW separately on a CD.

 

That being said, most any of your questions (or others) can be asked/answered here.

 

I see. Being that there is a three-page history on tech forums, maybe a sticky or FAQ on normal maintenance items?

[Boffin]

Basically what gives is that the maintenance manual is sold by BMW separately on a CD.

 

That being said, most any of your questions (or others) can be asked/answered here.

 

 

 

I see. Being that there is a three-page history on tech forums, maybe a sticky or FAQ on normal maintenance items?

 

Something like the M/C FAQ at the top of the page perhaps?

 

Andy

[Dick_at_Lake_Tahoe_NV]

There are two ways you can proceed to get the information you need to have on hand to do your own maintenance. (1) Buy the Haynes Manual. http://www.themotorbookstore.com/9781844255986.html

 

(2) And then order the JVB DVD http://www.jimvonbaden.com/service1.aspx

 

And you'll be all set work on your bike. To answer one of your questions--Yes you have to remove the Right-side plastic to get at the Air Filter, then you Pull out two clips that secure the air input duct, Pry the middle of the duct loose--there's a little plastic peg on the back of the duct that will come out of a hole, then slide the duct out. Recommended change interval is 12,000 miles.

 

Put the bike on the center stand and drain the oil and change the filter, easy enough but you need a special filter wrench to fit the new filter.

 

Spark Plugs get changed at 24,000 miles, most of us gap them at .040, but down to .035 is OK. Torque spark plugs to 23Nm.

[bobbybob]

The 3 items you mentioned, plus adjusting the valves, are all pretty straight forward--anyone with a little sense of adventure ( ) can do those 4 items with no sweat. Don't worry about pulling plastic--the RT comes apart and goes back together much easier than any Japanese faired bike I have ever stripped. The plastic panels are robust, not likely to crack while handling, and the attachement points are easy to line up and re-fasten. Once you've done it, you'll be ashamed that you ever doubted yourself!

[Mister Tee]

Basically what gives is that the maintenance manual is sold by BMW separately on a CD.

 

That being said, most any of your questions (or others) can be asked/answered here.

 

 

 

I see. Being that there is a three-page history on tech forums, maybe a sticky or FAQ on normal maintenance items?

 

Something like the M/C FAQ at the top of the page perhaps?

 

Andy

 

To quote Homer, "D'oh!"

 

I missed that somehow, although it looks like it could use a bit of updating. But, yeah, like that.