Yep, trading my 2023 for a 2016 BMW R1200RS.
I’ve had a few Beemers but no wet heads so, here we go!
I’ll report back after a bit and will stay connected here even though I’ll be Guzziless for the first time in a bit.
I might have a few take offs and I’ll post them up if/when I do.
RideOn!
inditx
If you are a DIY tye for maintnence the wetheads are not complicated and the even the valves are not bad to check/adjust. A $40 TDC tool is nice but not necessary and a steel ruler as a straight edge and a set of feeler gauges round out the speciality tools. Valve shim kits are avalaible off Amazon for around $40.
As for fluids I know the 1250 call for 70W-85 GL5 gear oil and from the dealership a 200ml bottle is priced like it's saffron. The good news is if you head down to the local Dodge dealership they have Mopar branded 70W-80 GL5 for about $19 a quart. A small animal water bottle (BB in the spout removed) or a hair dye bottle with graduations are great for refilling the final drive. Remember to use 180ml of oil in the FD. No more no less.
Engine oil a 5W-40 of your choosing coupled with a HiFlo oil filter.
Brake fluid - is DOT4. I use SuperTech or Prestonewhatever is cheapers or in stock. You can spenda fortune on exotic DOT4 LV brake fluid but unless you are running the IMO its overkill.
A GS911 or Motoscan software and a bluetooth OBD Link LX BT adapter will take care of service lights reading and clearing codes + a bunch of other stuff.
As a side note the drive shaft on the 1200/1250 watercooled bikes are now warranted for the life of the vehicle. Testing and replacing at specific intervals is all handled by BMW at thier cost. I would still not hestate to check the spline lube especially on th elower U-joint and if it dry or in need of being refreashed pick a spline lube and apply sparingly. Once my supply of Honda Moly paste 60 was consumend I bought a cartridge of Wurth SIG3000 that will last me several lifetimes. While technically not "spline lube" it works a treat. It sticks like dog sh!t in a vibram boot sole, resist pound out and sling and is heat tolerant. If you'd like a ration I can fill plastic tube that held epoxy putty and send it to you. Flux brushed from Harbor Freight maes excellent disposable applicators.
Its also not a bad idea to pull the valve covers and have a look at the cams. There were some hardening issue on some of the 1200's so catching it sooner than later is best, especially if you bike is coming with a warranty.
Good luck and enjoy
