DIY and glad

[ipokebadgers]

I just finished performing the 6K work on my 2007. It is running very smoothly now even though it wasn't running too rough before. The reason I am glad, other than money savings and learning more about the bike, is I found the rubber washer that fits onto the valve cover and goes inside the spark plug "tunnel" had been installed backwards. Why it didn't leak I have no idea. I didn't even think it could go in the wrong way and still get a good seal around the valve cover. I purchased the bike a little over a year ago from a gentleman in another state with only 300 miles on it. When I picked it up I took it to the delearship where he bought it and had them do the 600 mile service before the 700 mile ride home. They did a valve adjustment during that service. It has run well with no leaks for the last 6000 miles even with the seal issue.

I haven't done a valve adjustment or messed with throttle adjustment on a boxer in over twenty years and that was on an 1978 R100S. While being a little hesitant, I just took my time and triple checked everything. I had purchased a Harmonizer about 6 months ago and it sure makes the throttle body synch easier than with a monometer. I purchased one of the JVB DVDs and read through everything on BMWMOA and looked at a manual.

I encourage anyone that has given any thought to DIY to give it a try. While I wouldn't exactly call it fun it is satisfying.

You gotta love the boxer.

Sean

[MTBeemer]

I too just did my first complete major service on my R. Bought myself all the needed kit and nice to have stuff (lift, tire changer, GS911 and Twin Max) as a retirement gift to myself. The DIY section over on the MOA is very helpful. Takes you thru every procedure in easy to follow steps. (includes fluid changes, brake flush, using the GS911, throttle body sync and valve adjustment). As you said it was satisfying and educational.

[NakedRider]

I do my own services as well. I've always felt more "at one" with the bike when I do that.

[slowtorque]

I'm a mechanical engineer and love to work on my R bikes. I love to work on my Honda VFR too but it provides little opportunity I probably would not own a BMW if I had to take it in every year for several hundred dollars worth of work, but I cannot fault anyone who does (and thank goodness they do and support the dealerships out there). For me it is not about saving money. It would be difficult for me to make that case after spending thousands of dollars on tools which include a K&L commercial bike lift, the GS911 tool, tire changer, and all sorts of other stuff that see no commercial duty here in my shop. I think it's a lot like riding a motorcycle........either you enjoy the visceral feel of being in control of the machine....... or you just don't get it or care to get it. There are many many people who ought never ride a motorcycle, I am certain. And there are likely many who ought not wrench on one. To each his own, I say.

[slowtorque]

Oh, I did hold back some cash by making my own manometer for TB synching. Not to save money, but I just like a direct reading instrument a bit better.

[Kobe22]

Does anyone know if the Harmonizer's are still available? I could use one; in the mean time if anyone is within 10 miles of Woodbridge, VA I'd be very grateful to borrow the tool or better bring my bike over.

Thanks

Charles

[David R]

I use a home made manometer with ATF in it. It works on all of them. I only had to check my R12ooR
It was spot on at idle and only a little on the cables. This was after I checked the valves. So far change the oil, gas and go.

With a little luck this bike will never see a dealer.

David