My Rider 's Manual says servicing is every 12months or on set mileage as specified in the maintenance section as filled in by the dealer. My last service was 24/11/2010 @ 1,247m and they've put next service 24/11/2011 or 7,247m so that's an interval of 6,000miles.
Mines booked in for service next month

There's no mention in the books I got with regards to specific things required at specific dates/mileage.

The bike only had 1,400m on when I bought a couple of months ago but slowly getting the miles on now :bmw:

 

I think it's 6K miles to check the clearance. It's a little short to me, especially in this day and age.

 

I read somewhere that the recommended interval for adjusting, or least checking the valves on the newer RT's is every 4000 miles. Is that correct?? I have been considering going from my 1200 LT to an RT, but if the interval is correct, I am going to have to seriously reconsider. Thanks for any information.

No. That is not correct according to my Haynes.

After the initial 6,000 miles, the service intervals are at 12,000 miles. 6, 12, 24, 36 etc.

In the case of my 07, I checked/adjusted the valves when I first got the bike at 31,000 last year. Since then, they have not needed adjustment and the bike now has 59,289 on it. I just checked them last week.

At least in my case - they're pretty stable.

 

The valve check interval is, in fact, 6k miles.

Factory also calls it an "Annual or 6k"... which is redundant and virtually meaningless.

BUT, never fear the 6k thing... after break in is complete- at about 18k miles you seldom find that the valves "need" attention. I know many who never do it after the 18 or 24k.

Now, having said that... should we assume that your fear is derived from not owning an RT previously and also thinking that a dealer must be involved?

If this is the case,, I have great news for you. You can do it yourself, it will actually bear no cost at all, and you will increase your ownership experience tremendously...

Get the RT. We will help with the rest.

 

I have a 1200 GS, and have done my own valve adjustment on it. I am considering an 2011, and I know they are a little different. How hard is it to do the valves on the newer RT's?

 

Valve check schedule depends on what bike you are talking about.

On the Hexheads (2005-2009) the service schedule calls for a valve check at 600 miles and then every 6K miles.

On the Camheads (2010-2011) it's 6k, 12k, 24k, 36k for valve checks as mentioned by Steve.

Also the yearly interval only applies if you accumulate under 6k miles per year. I hope this is clear.

 

How hard is it to do the valves on the newer RT's?

I do not own a newer model 1200 so my observation should be taken with grain of salt.

it does not really matter in the scheme of things....

if you are mechanical and like to tinker then the Camhead style valve adjustment is not an issue, and is said to be fairly easy, as is the hexhead engine.

if you are not mechanical or no tools or no space, or... and you need to visit the dealer for routine service- then your cost of ownership will be a little higher with the new style engine.

 

See here for a nice pictorial. Doesn't look too difficult
http://sanjosebmw.smugmug.com/Other/Tech-pictures/10976964_bHf66#767209614_WupU9

 

I do my Oilhead every 6K just because it's so easy..........