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24K Mile Service on an R1200RT By Jim Shaw

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Tasks:

  1. Check valve clearance
  2. Replace spark plugs
  3. Replace coolant

This procedure is similar to my last article in the club online Tech section (Jan.2017) plus coolant change. The coolant change is recommended bi-annually. I used pre-mix (50/50) M/C specific coolant. Because draining coolant is messy you may want to do it outside. After draining/filling I hosed off areas that were splashed/spilled with coolant. It’s slimy stuff.

I placed valve clearance specs/data on a form and filed it for future reference. I can provide the form used upon request. If clearances were out of spec I would have the shims replaced by the dealer because of the complexity and special tools required.

The spark plugs showed wear*, no contamination, and a brown color. Because they were originals I installed new OEM plugs I had on hand. I always apply some dry Moly-lube to plug threads. (*) 0.04” vs new 0.03” gap.

I could have used old valve cover gaskets with silicone but replaced them with OEM items.

The old silicone sealer from previous work was removed with care. Note that left/right gaskets are unique and center gaskets must be located so that notch aligns with notch in head.

For the coolant change I removed body

Coolant drain, left side.

panels from both sides for access to the

Coolant drain, right side.

radiator cap, lower hoses and cylinder drain plugs. After replacing hoses and drain plugs I filled the radiator slowly. After coolant topped the filler, I started the engine and allowed the fluid to lower, then repeated the fill, start again, fill until full. I replaced the cap tightly and ran the engine until the heat indicator stopped rising.

Coolant drain.

After the engine cooled, I checked the coolant

Coolant fill

level. If it was at top I replaced the cap. Now for the “proof” ride around the block until the temperature stabilized and stopped and waited for the fan to run. If the temperature stays below alarm – success. If temperature rises to alarm level, allow the engine to cool and check the radiator, top-up and repeat road trials until there are no alarms – success. The last step wasn’t required, only the reservoir needed fluid. Make sure to check for leakage.

Parts

  1. Valve cover gaskets (typical BMW kit ~$70/side)
  2. Spark plugs (NGK LMAR8D-J) ~$10 at O’Reillys Auto
  3. Coolant 1.5 ltrs. (1.6 qts.) ~$17 at Cycle Gear
  4. Seal rings if lost or damaged

Tools

  1. T50, 30 & 25 torx bits or driver (valve cover, wire retainer & body panels)
  2. 14mm deep socket (plugs)
  3. Torque wrench 5-20 NewtonMeters minimum range (plugs & fasteners)
  4. 5mm hex bit (left cyl. coolant drain)
  5. 15mm hex socket (right cyl. coolant drain)
  6. Feeler gauges (0.10 to 0.041mm, 0.004 to 0.016 inches)
  7. Clearance record form
  8. 1 ft. rod or long Phillips screwdriver (determine TDC)
  9. Large & small drain pans (coolant & oil)
  10. Coolant/oil clean-up items: clean water, mop & rags, non-chlorinated cleaner.
  11. Service Manual is almost necessary and recommended. (BMW CD or Haynes book)
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