2004-2009 BMW R1200 Valve Adjustment and Spark Plug Change 24k Service

[@geraldfitzgibbon7428]

Nice and clear explaining of the job. Welldone thanks

[@TheBMWGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GeirLangstrand]

Excellent explanation! No hands covering what you are showing. Good sound and good camera quality! Many thanks!!

[@baljeetd]

Hi Kevin - just to say I followed this and managed to do my valve lash adjustments. So, I'd like to say a big thank you, and to give feedback: I did the LHS fine (and it seemed to be in spec). Switching to the RHS left me stumped, until I realised that there are 2 TDC cycles, and I needed to rotate the wheel to get the second one. Making that more obvious would help for us relative newbies. And that one did need tightening. The bike does seem to run quieter now. N.b. I just used a foot long broad screwdriver to gently prize out the spark plug boot - coming in from behind/under the connector. That seemed to work beautifully. I'm also not convinced that using 6th gear is ideal. Maybe 3rd or sth might make it easier to have finer control over getting TDC. And finally (not sure if this was made super clear): I realised that both side plugs should be removed even if only one side is being adjusted, so that we don't fight compression. Also, I believe that only one plug per side needs to be removed, as t=one alone can relieve the pressure? Whilst your parts shop is impressive - and I'd use it if only if I were in the US (I'm in AU). Also, the monthly patreon is a big commitment for one-off tinkerers like me; it'd be great to see any other kind of option for a one-off donation (for people who don't use Paypal). Again, thank you for providing the best guide on youtube for this!

[@peterbradshaw8177]

I currently own a DL650, which is pretty dang easy to do all the maintenance myself. I'm eyeballing a 2005 1200GS with 80k miles. This video has been super helpful for me to get an understanding of what I should be expecting if I do buy the BMW. Keep up the great work.

[@OLDMAN5.0]

Just bought a 2005 w/79000 on the clock myself. This guy is awesome for a diy guy. First of all I am tight with my cash and secondly, I don't trust ANY dealership.

[@suzyamerica4679]

@@OLDMAN5.0 We can commiserate on this .. I just bought a 2007 R1200RTP with 75K miles and spotty maintenance. Had it all apart to check something and found that the lower (secondary) spark plugs had never been changed. They were horribly gunked up. All the fasteners down there were frozen. As if nothing had ever been taken apart. And the police had been getting it serviced in a BMW shop! I am now wondering what else they didn't do. Fun bike, however, so I think it's worth it.

[@mattreviere632]

You can also use a thin walled 5/8ths SAE spark plug socket if you don't have a 16mm lying around.

[@ShawnLoyst]

This guy knows bmw motorcycles

[@TheBMWGuy]

thanks

[@peterdeduke1962]

Thank you for this video. I have watched allot of different videos but I found that the way you explain is very easy to understand.

[@bkrat5144]

Made it look easy, Thanks

[@Moto-Zero]

This has got to be the best video on valve adjustment!

[@TheBMWGuy]

Glad you think so!

[@elk1b]

We think so @@TheBMWGuy

[@krisholt8390]

Nice video. Looks like the previous person who adjusted started on the right side and spaced out when they switched to the left side. I wouldn’t worry too much on the camera and audio, current phones can shoot decent video and the audio is plenty clear.

[@TheBMWGuy]

Haha I just think a nice mic and a decent camera would take it to the next level

[@01Goochie]

Seen a few of these video's but always seem to over-complicate things which has always put me off trying this on my 05 GS, so this video is a breath of fresh air to Newbie Novice owners such as myself. Simple, straight to the point and very well edited cutting out all the bolt removals ect, just showing us exactly what we need to see. Many thanks, well done, have subscribed, please keep these video's coming...

[@BrandonSalas-us8mm]

Probably one of the best videos I've seen on doing this I've done it a few times however you forgot to mention you're supposed to do it cold right I forget if it's cold or hot I'm pretty sure it's cold

[@dinoraven6289]

Appreciate your time and effort 👍

[@TheBMWGuy]

Much appreciated

[@alftorrisi8795]

Thank you for taking the time to post that. Very helpful

[@TheBMWGuy]

You are very welcome

[@propatriabellum]

Great video! Thanks! Trying to do as much maintenance as I can without spending $$!! This is a goldmine.

[@davecarsnbikesfaescotland440]

Excellent video, doing my valve clearance’s tomorrow, just waiting on feeler gauges arriving.

[@cliftonblock6899]

Excellent video Thanks Might have the courage to try on my 1200 GS

[@TheBMWGuy]

You should!

[@adrianosinski4165]

Thanks mate! Very good video, everything is clear to view and well explained. 😊 Well done 👏

[@corey1a1]

Phenomenal video. Seriously. No BS but nothing left out. Thanks!

[@johnathonme]

Awesome video, helped me loads, super clear to follow, thanks!! And great quality even though it was just your phone with no microphone

[@gatbagel]

Thanks! Demystified the process!

[@TheBMWGuy]

🙏🏿 thanks

[@aktrapper6126]

Sure love the accessibility of the valves on that BMW. I have to remove the cams on my KLR to adjust the valves. Good old German engineering.

[@rayb241]

Thanks!

[@djc8570]

Nicely done. Good visual and clearly explained. Thanks.

[@joeybobbie1]

Thanks for making this Video. I just replaced the Plugs and wanted to adjust the Valves. This is the best we’ll explained Video I have found for doing it. I really Appreciate you making this. New Subscriber.👍👍

[@TheBMWGuy]

Glad it helped

[@Kanakid]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@TheBMWGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidjoseph67]

Very great video. I'm contemplating a GS, and was afraid about maintenance costs on an older one. Not so much anymore! Thanks :)

[@TheBMWGuy]

Glad I could help!

[@albertliwanag7845]

Do you have to do an oil change as part of a valve check/ adjust on this generation, or can I top off what I lose from the valve covers? Awesome video, I'm way less stressed about doing it myself now.

[@TheBMWGuy]

you only loose maybe 4-6 oz, as long as the oil stays in the middle of the sight glass you should be ok.

[@bobstv2556]

Excellent tutorial ❤

[@TheBMWGuy]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@deanplant8794]

That was an extremely well done video. Very informative, you got right to the job at hand instead of over explaining. Excellent. Thank you

[@TheBMWGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DanteWarris]

Thanks man, great video and super clear explaining!

[@TheBMWGuy]

Glad you liked it!

[@erikjurik3903]

Great job; thank you

[@tonvandenberg7945]

You should do all four valves at the same time,because they all influence each other.therefor you need two intake feelergauges and two exhaust feeler gauges. These are also sold as a set.

[@SoEz2Hack]

Thanks for the clear instructions. The may be a dumb question, but did you drain the oil first or is it fine to just let it rest in the pan?

[@johnbradley5236]

Thank you sir

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Awesome video! I am going to do this today. Cheers

[@CH-bq1lm]

Awesome video! Thank you so much for explaining the job clear and simple. I will do this job on my 1200 RT in the next days. And of course, I subscribed to your channel 👍🏻

[@TheBMWGuy]

Glad it helped

[@James-ck1ul]

Very nicely explained, thanks for the video! How would you diagnose poor valve clearance without taking it apart? Does it make weird sounds? I have a 2004 with 27k km and when I'm engine braking in lower gears I can hear a small rattle/tapping which disappears when I pull in the clutch. Not sure whether it's due to the valve clearance or something to do with the timing chain. I'd love to know your thoughts. Thanks and happy new year!

[@ckkrons2338]

Top dead center tool can be made using a 5/16" Grade 2 bolt from local farm supply store for $0.36. A bit of heat and bend to spec with hole drilled in end for easy extraction. Specs found in Haynes manual.

[@TheBMWGuy]

you can also just use something you already own and not have to build anything.

[@marcpaesen460]

Extremely clear , thx!

[@frankberenguer9735]

Thank you so much I just buy one with 2000 miles only same bike but she running good was 20 years in the garage. After I see your video I'm freek out. We're are you located. I wish you can check my bike.

[@sergejs6738]

God job! Keep going!😃😃👍🏻

[@banjopluker8254]

Thank you very much very helpful. Your video and audio was great as well. Like you say in your video you don’t need too much fancy gea!! Question: who not just spin the wheel rather than rock it?

[@mikeschlieman3295]

Thanks for the video and effort. Some videos I've seen show using feeler gauges on both valves simultaneously when setting. A shim checking kit I got provided two of each. Do you feel this unnecessary.

[@TheBMWGuy]

watch it again, i went over your exact concern around the 9:30 mark

[@mikeschlieman3295]

@@TheBMWGuy Thanks. I guess I glossed over that.

[@guidominikus5012]

very helpful...do you usually check/adjust the rocker side play? My GS has 158'000kms and is quite noicy...thanks

[@tylernagy451]

Appreciate the effort in these videos! While in there I plan on checking the clearance for the rocker arm itself (from what I've found its speced at .05 to .4mm). Should they need tapped upwards a bit which bolts need loosened? Thanks!

[@glenns001]

Can you do a video adjusting the newer 1250 motor? the only other one online is in Russian with no captions

[@keithward4494]

Excellent very good video thank

[@TheBMWGuy]

Glad you liked it!

[@Errkon]

Thanks for the great video. I want to ask, is it required or advantageous to drain the oil prior to starting this process?

[@TheBMWGuy]

No need

[@samata011]

Super thanks bro. Very good and nice from you

[@TheBMWGuy]

Welcome

[@peterdeduke1962]

I like that idea with your feeler gauge key chain idea. Where can I get that or did you make that yourself?

[@new_era_gameboy]

Subbed in bud let’s get it

[@mariotorchio4075]

Do you have a video on separating the 2005 RT into two parts?

[@megmeg2949]

Thanks for the info👍

[@TheBMWGuy]

No problem 👍

[@Oddbjørnå]

Ok video !

[@Trialgubben]

How did that engine run with the valves adjusted that much out?? 😮

[@TheBMWGuy]

BMW boxer engines are like tractor engines, they just run

[@cheyennebloedow5931]

It seemed to run fine but was the first boxer I have owned and had no previous maintenance records. I am glad I brought it to the BMW guy to get it up to snuff. Great video

[@eriklarsen4294]

Do you recommend changing the valve cover gasket as long as the cover is removed? Thanks

[@bobafett5594]

Good vid bro. How was the engine sounding prior to your adjustment. Eg with the wrong left bank valve settings.

[@vinceyoung2030]

I'm curious, why top gear? Also, I'm not quite clear on top middle position, is there a diagram of the pistons somewhere so I can a visual understanding of how the piston is situated? Did you ever get a new camera?

[@demiratmotovlog]

Good job 👍

[@TheBMWGuy]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@miguelpedrosa8441]

Hey, ty for the explanation but at 2:35 what is that noise, is it the piston hitting screwdriver? I think i heard some weird noises while i was spinning the wheel without any screwdriver

[@Steve.Miller]

Is there a better, more definitive way to know which side is on the compression stroke TDC? I am finding that 'feeling for freeplay' is not clear enough to me. And it could be that this new-to-me R12RT is over-tight and not giving me the feedback that would make it more obvious. TIA

[@flyovercounty1427]

My shop manual calls for measuring and adjusting the rocker arm end play before adjusting the valve clearances. Do you find the end play out of spec very often? Asking for a guy who doesn’t own a degree wheel… Thanks

[@TheBMWGuy]

Yes, absolutely

[@sgomez3047]

Hey bud..you happen to know the valve clearance on a 2016 GSA? would it be the same as these?

[@OLDMAN5.0]

How often should you check valve lash? BMW newbie here.

[@TheBMWGuy]

every 12k

[@markjones336]

Subscribed!👍👏

[@ownyourworld]

When you do the other side do you need to put the piston on top dead centre on that side ? As it isn’t clear in this video ?

[@flyovercounty1427]

TDC on compression = both rocker arms are loose not applying any force to the valves

[@PiterGuzzy7]

Where can I get the valve clearance tools for the intake and exhaust side? the specific ones for an 08 1200rt

[@TheBMWGuy]

bmwpartguys.com

[@marcomarco6550]

Ciao mi potresti dire come mettere in fase il cilindro destro con relative valvole . Perché ho sostituito cilindro e testata dopo la rottura delle valvole di scarico . Grazie attendo

[@Blueknight-il9nc]

Is this the same process for the rt1200 as well

[@TheBMWGuy]

correct

[@brucemckelvy9920]

You totally forgot a step on the adjustment. The end play on thepivot shaft needs to be checked and adjusted if out of spec.

[@Riverfurm]

Can you see the cam shaft lobes?

[@TheBMWGuy]

No, they are in the bottom of the engine.

[@Riverfurm]

@@TheBMWGuy This is a push rod engine? Not overhead cam? If you can see the cam lobes, You can make your valve clearance check when the follower is on the base circle of the cam lobe.

[@Lenzer50]

Just to let people know, to get it into 6th gear you want to left up on the gear pedal and move the tire forward, keep moving the tire until it’s in 6th gear.

[@wilhamcobly3805]

I don't want to play smart but using only the screwdriver it's impossible to make a perfect adjustment. A meter is required. I too have made this mistake for years but with the comparator it's a whole other story. The tool to lock the engine in OT is also useful but never as much as the meter.

[@sgomez3047]

Adjustments backwards 😮😮

[@craigwatkins7011]

Thanks!

[@TheBMWGuy]

Thanks!

[@danwaterloo3549]

Thanks. Nice video

[@TheBMWGuy]

Most welcome

[@gatbagel]

Thanks!

[@kermitjohansson1975]

Thanks!

[@TheBMWGuy]

Thank you very much!