Got it- now what?

[Rondeau]

I am picking up my first GS (2001 1150 GS, loaded, 34K miles, one owner, had every service done @ Chicago BMW since its birth, and has new tires and brake pads, just had its 35 k service as well, incld the Poly V belt ? replacement, which I think is the alternator belt?)

I live in the GW North, and the riding season, for the most part, is over.

I bought a used bike for a good price and will have the winter to farkle it up.

qs: 1) what cylinder guards do folks like? I want to be able to do my own maintenence w/o alot of hassle, and don't want to jeopardize the lean angle too much.

2) @ 34K miles, she will be ready for new shocks- I have had more luck w/ Wilbers then Ohlins in the past. Any others? Sources?

3) Any reason not to convert engine & drive oil to synthetic?

4) what is a good source for a shop manual CD?

I have most of the normal MC tools, is there anything I should plan for this bike? Special oil filter wrench? etc

Thanks all, as you might guess, its Christmas early @ my garage..

(the LTC is giving it dirty looks however.........)

[messenger13]

Congrats on the purchase...does NOT suck being you! :) I'll let the GS guys answer your question, just wanted to congratulate you. I love my GT, but a GS would round out the stable nicely. Need to save some pennies first.

[Ruben]

Congratulations :D

It's gonna be a LONG winter if you can't ride it a few times until spring. I'd bet the first lukewarm day that you're not working, you'll take it for a spin, if the roads are clear!

As for the head guards, I'd suggest:
http://www.touratech-usa.com/shop/show.lasso?SKU=051-0508&-session=touratech:ED01AF0D93F5DAC2B8DB98C9384277C9
along with:
http://www.bmwscruz.com/Merchant2/index.html

Merry Christmas to you AND your garage! :histerica

[ranks]

For most things GS, check out the GSpot forum on www.advriders.com

I have the newer R1200GS and I love it. Most bolts on mine are torx or star with some safety ones, and a few hex to boot. There are very few regular metric bolts.

You will probably need an oil filter wrench, long flat feeler guages, or a set you don't mind dissasembling, and front axle nut, twinmax. (All that's from memory and reading. I let the dealer do my service, to lazy and not very mechanically inclined)

Some claim more oil consumption with synthetic, go back to dino, and it goes away. As I only have 10K on mine, I'm still using dino.

Enjoy the new ride..