12K service

[Offwego]

Ok, I know you think I'm nuts, but....do I really need to spend $800 - $1000 for the 12k sevice? I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles, had the brakes and tires replaced at 7k and it runs great. Here's the delima. There is no decent dealer near me. I'm in Miami, Fl. If I just ride it 'till someting breaks, I can scrap it for parts and probably get $5000 to $7000 for the parts. If I spend $800 on service, something is bound to break anyway, so I'm out the $800- $1000. I'd do the service myself, but would prefer to go to a tech session and have expert eyes help. Taking it apart is easy, it's putting it back together that's tough. Is there really anything done at the 12k service that makes it worthwhile? Valve adjustment sounds important, but, it runs good now, just clacks a little when cold. I thought we were suppose to just ride it? The bike is a 2000 LTC with 11500 miles on it and I'm thinking of selling it to avoid all this maintenance. I hear about these $1200 clutch jobs and rear end failures and wonder if it's worth keeping. Then again my Harley is no free ride either. Just thinking out loud.

[Offwego]

Ok, it's been 25 minutes and not one comment...I'm the idiot, I'll just ride it until the wheels fall off! I expected 2000 people to tell me why I need this service and that there would be nothing worse than being stranded on the side of the road in the middle of God's country, because some silly little hose rotted out and the $800- $1000 service would have caught this and now I'm going to spend $800-$1000 to have some tow truck driver who knows nothing about towing such a fine piece of machinery, bend and brake another $800-$1000 worth of parts in order to get me and my wheels to a shop that doesn't know the first thing about working on Beemers. Obviously this is an internal emotional crisis that is causing me to ride my Hog as apposed to putting the last 500 miles on the LT and spend the $800-$1000 so I can go another 12000 miles before starting this thread again! So what do I get for the 12000 mile service aside from a bill and fresh fluids?

[sheldan2]

If you can find someone in your area who would be willing to help, the instructions on how to do your valves are on this site, not much to it. As far as the rest of your servce items, look what is needed and go get the parts and do it yourself. It helps if you have a manual available to take it all apart and put it all back together again. I have 58k on my bike now and done all my own servicing, I did not know a thing about the LT when I bought it, but have learned through time how to do things that are needed, and by asking a lot of questions on here. If you are stuck on something I would even be happy to call you and talk you through it.

[zippy_gg]

You just may wait a little to perform a 12K service at a tech session as you mentioned earlier. Just keep changing the oil at regular intervals until such session takes place. Nothing will fall off the bike if you go over 12K miles before ripping the tupperware.
The first time you perform a 12K service be prepared to spend the whole day and have cold beer nearby.
The daunting task of removing the tupperware will become easier after you've done it the first time. Same thing with the gas filter... The air filter is easy to replace once the tank is off the bike. Since your bike is a 2000 it probably does not have the fuel Quick Disconnects so you will need some hose clamps. You may take that opportunity to install said QDs.
The parts for the 12K will cost you around $130.00, more if you change to synthetic oil. The rest is labor.
Get organized, use little boxes for the screws when removing the tupperware, etc... and document as you go. You can even take digital photos. That will make the re-assembly easier!
If you get stuck you can post your questions, and even include pictures so we know exactly what you are talking about), and you will get some answers in no time.
Be brave! Be bald! BMW!;)

[Offwego]

Thanks for the reply. If the hardest part is removing the tupperware, I'm half way there as I've had the sides off a few times to install a GPS, a two way radio and some ill conceived ideas I dreamed up in the middle of an otherwise good night sleep.

[gr8fulfred]

I am also learning as I go about the maintenance duties for the LT, checking this site for anything I have questions about. I have been doing all the fluid changes, brakes, tires, and general tightening of everything for the last year (20,000 miles, 57k total on bike). I am about to check the valve clearances, and if I find them out of spec then I am going to ride the bike to the dealer with the tupperware off to have them complete the adjustment. I figure this will save me 1/2 to 2/3 off the usual price of a 12,000 mile service, since the largest part of it is labor. And before anyone complains about the cost of labor at the dealership, my lawnmower shop is now charging me $85/hour to work on plain ol' Briggs and Stratton engines.

[rjhammetter]

I am sort of in the same boat regarding my 24k service, so no, you're not an idiot (at least I hope not, or I would be too). :)

My question is a little different. My dealer told me it was essential to maintain the 6k interval (inspection and service). I looked at the repair manual and saw the inspections are just scaled down services: checking/changing/adding all the fluids, components and such. The service is more thorough than the inspection.

I already had the brake flush done. Considering the seasons, I can only ride 8-10 months of the year, and I figured the beginning of the hardcore riding year is a great time for the service ~end of March. I guess to make a long story short, if I ride 12k in a year, do I really need the 6k inspections between services? Well now thinking about it, I guess the oil change would be critical every 6k...?

I don't want to sound like I'm cutting corners, but services do get expensive as alluded to. I know my car is fine without interval checkups. I've had mine out of the shop for 2 years besides oil changes. Are the 6k's seriously worth while as long as I get a major service at the beginning of the year? I can check the oil, brake, clutch fluids, and maintain tire pressures just fine between 12k's.

In case you're not following: the repair manual calls the 6k, 18k, 30k etc inspections, while the 12k, 24k, 36k etc are services.

[Brian_H]

My dealer told me he has never found an LT valve out of spec at the 12K so that's probably not a concern.

However, if your 7 year old bike has never had brake, clutch and coolant flushes I'd be taking care of those, the final drive and trans real soon and then "just ride it".

[Offwego]

My 6K service was done by BMW Ft Myers. 150 miles each way. I know that with my Harley, I gas up, check the tires, ride it, wash it, dry it and repeat process. At 3500 miles, I drain oil, tranny and primary. Once a year I lube the cables and grease fittings. But the Beemer seems to need more major love so, if it's less than 500 miles, I take the Harley. I guess I'm just cheap. It's that old saying "if you have to ask how much, you can't afford it!"

[Dick]

Thanks for the reply. If the hardest part is removing the tupperware, I'm half way there as I've had the sides off a few times to install a GPS, a two way radio and some ill conceived ideas I dreamed up in the middle of an otherwise good night sleep.
Here is some 'library' info to look over while you make your decisions regarding dealership, tech sessions or your own service program.

This one (http://www.gunsmoke.com/motorcycling/k1200rs/valves/index.html) involves checking (and/or adjusting) K-engine valves, as well as how to handle the cam chain tensioner if needed. Don't be concerned that the site features the RS model scoot - it's the engine that is the celebrity!!

And the post attachment is a .pdf of the maintenance schedule for '99-'01 model LTs, in case you wanna work off a single page instead of the booklet. For newer model LTs, there is another page somewhere on the list that reflects some changes in maintenance as applies to them.

Good luck, Craig.

[Florian]

My 6K service was done by BMW Ft Myers. 150 miles each way. I know that with my Harley, I gas up, check the tires, ride it, wash it, dry it and repeat process. At 3500 miles, I drain oil, tranny and primary. Once a year I lube the cables and grease fittings. But the Beemer seems to need more major love so, if it's less than 500 miles, I take the Harley. I guess I'm just cheap. It's that old saying "if you have to ask how much, you can't afford it!"

As a prior HD guy (3 HDs) I feel your pain...but Id never wrench on the motor of an HD, just a pain in the ass. Also, HDs shop time is close to BMW shop time in my area, so I went with the better products. With the LT, wrenching is actually a fun job, you get to learn the bike and it honestly, isnt as much of a pita as the HD was. Plus, I dont have to wash the LT, no need to impress the other lemmings.


F

[KYchris02]

Craig... we've all pretty much gone thru exactly the same type of number crunching. it always ends with "oh shit." This from a guy who just forked $1200 for new tires and a 12K service. oh shit.

Have you seen the paul sayegh videos. good stuff. there is some sensitivity to burning an illegal copy, but it is a good guide and has really helped me. maybe a fellow LTer nearby would let you take a peek or my opinion, find and buy a copy. i think i paid $80 ... it saved me that much in the first oil/coolant change/rear diff.

i tried using the digital camera method... not good for me. the laptop with the sayegh video was the trick here...

good luck.

[astuber]

I had the 12k done at the dealer and it was almost $1000 (with tires) even though they didn't check the valves-they said they are never out at 12k. I went through the same thought process that you are going through-do I get rid of this bike because the maintenance is too high or do I just skip everything but oil changes. Having spent my working life in semiconductor maintenance, skipping the maintenance wasn't really a viable option as this is almost always more expensive in the long run.

I bought the service manual and the Paul Sayegh video's and attended a couple of local tech sessions. I feel much more comfortable working on the bike now and even tackled the task of flushing the brake fluid with the help of a local board member (thanks Deacon!).

In my case, doing my own maintenance is the only way I can justify keeping the LT. I can do the maintenance for less than 20% of what the dealer charges and get the satisfaction of knowing it is done correctly.

[mtrevelino]

My dealer told me he has never found an LT valve out of spec at the 12K so that's probably not a concern.

I had two valves out at the 12k service. That dealer must not service many LT's.

[Ranger]

... and even tackled the task of flushing the brake fluid with the help of a local board member (thanks Deacon!).

I've not heard of many people doing the brake fluid flush on an LT with servo-assist brakes. Most say this is strictly a dealer task. I know I've not tackled it based solely on the advice of others on this board.

So, how'd it go?

[astuber]

I've not heard of many people doing the brake fluid flush on an LT with servo-assist brakes. Most say this is strictly a dealer task. I know I've not tackled it based solely on the advice of others on this board.

So, how'd it go?

There is a very detailed procedure on this site that describes how to do the brake fluid flush. I am aware of at least 4 different LT's that have used the procedure without any issues. Most people probably feel more comfortable letting the dealer do the service but it is certainly doable if you take your time.

[jsr]

I have seen many complaints about closing dealerships on this site and believe that if you want a dealer near by you must help support them. My nearest dealer that I trust is 550 miles away, but will continue to allow them to try and make a living off of me and the others that support them. I believe we all take a paycheck home which means we have profited from others and I don't feel dealers have any less right. Sure you can do the work yourself and save a few bucks but where will you be when you need them. I purchased a 20+K machine and if a few hundred bucks makes the difference I probably should have bought a $600 used Japanese bike.

I love having competent shops available and that takes support from those who appreciate them.

[McAllister]

If you do your homework and study the hydraulics you can do about 95% of the brake flush on your own. There is an area or two that the dealer should cover using the computer but for meeting the intent of replacing the fluid, you can do it. The caveat is you can not screw up and let air enter the system. If you have to bleed air out of the systems (control circuits and/or actuation circuits) as opposed to just replace the fluid you should let the dealer fix it. Then they'll do a fault check, and reset the codes in the computer.

[Brian_H]

I had two valves out at the 12k service. That dealer must not service many LT's.

Since my dealer is in Depere, Wi and I'm assuming astuber's dealer, who told him the same thing, is in Tx---the only explanation can be you got one of the dreaded "Monday after Oktoberfest" bikes. ;)

[jzeiler]

If you do your homework and study the hydraulics you can do about 95% of the brake flush on your own.

Actually you can do 99% as the only thing the dealer does at the end is use the computer to perform the "bleed" test to check to make sure no air entered the system during the flush. This ABS system does not require a reset by the computer like the early ABS system once you have repaired the fault.

[McAllister]

They still have horse shows in Hazel Green?

He's got a 2000LT. I was thinking he has the older ABS and needs the reset.

[JohnnyBSurfing]

I just picked up my 2001 K1200LT Custom "Grace" in January.
Happy 39th Birthday to me!

The attorney who I purchased the bike from had just done a 6K oil change because he knew he was moving and didn't want to spend the money.

I did throw down the big bucks and had them do the 12K service plus change out the clutch and brake fluids at 36,000 miles.
They also fixed a front turn signal socket and installed a daytime head light modulator, great safety device in the land of seniors with big white town cars.
The only other need was a new back tire the Metzler 880 marathon of course.

Now she is good as new and with a brake job on the way, I am planning on taking June off to go from Coast to coast with lots of mountains along the trail.

Although the extensive check list and two days it took was impressive, the battery was still fried and needed to be replaced. I was surprised they didn't catch the battery.

I didn't do a lot of hard core research before I bough my bike it was love at first sight.
After my purchase other experienced bikers came out of the woodwork to tell me I bought a great bike that would go forever if I did the maintenance and paid for it. And it would be the biggest hunk of junk and a lot of problems if I didn't do the maintenance. Take it or leave it, Right?!

I am in Fort Myers Florida and Gulf Coast BMW Triumph does a pretty fine job in the service department.
I believe if you look at the web site www.GCmotorcycles.Com the service department has won some awards and is considered one of the best of the best.

I would recommend taking old 41 over and maybe hwy 80 back by way of Lake O.
It is spring break and a great time to check out our beaches!

Good Luck.

[jzeiler]

They still have horse shows in Hazel Green?

He's got a 2000LT. I was thinking he has the older ABS and needs the reset.

You are right Bill, Guess I missed who started the thread. I am on travel this week and am pretty tired by the time I get to the holtel room to check the web.