Forums > Maintenance > 18,000 Mile Service on a GS. Is it necessary and/or worth t

I don't know if you had the recommended service as it came due- But...     I have noticed great benefit from having the valves adjusted and the thruttle bodies re-synchronised periodically. My RT went a shameful 35k with nothing but oil changes, spark plugs, and tires. I did notice some mild valve clatter and that was when it dawned on me that I was WAY overdue. The dealership mechanic that did the work said it was surprising the it wasn't way out of wack.  The R1200S isn't far enough along in miles to need that yet, but I'm gonna stay on top of it pretty well. Kinda funny, The old bikes get fawned over and tinkered with all the time but my daily ride just gets ridden and doesn't complain a bit. Also I think it was out of character for me to take it to the dealership and not do it myself- a momentary lapse on my part. But to my pleasure the work was done on time and for a reasonable fee. I can't say all my dealer experiences are like that, but ya gotta win once in a while.

The back firing is probably due to richness or a minor exhaust leak. Any air that can get into the exhaust prior to the muffler can help light off any extra un-burned fuel in the muffler. I had a K100 that would launch the occasional 10' flame while decelarating. Great fun for me but a bit hair raising for those who would be un-lucky enough to ride along next to me.  Iwould think about getting the fuel system tuned in. I wouldn't think that a dyno would be needed.

Anyway, thats my two cents worth.

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I will not make motorcycle sounds at work... I will not make motorcycle sounds at work...

I don't know about the GS, but the K1200GT requires "major" service at 18000 miles. I just turned 18000 and I think the values get adjusted amonst other things.

Thanks guys. Still not sure what to do but I'm leaning towards waiting on this one. I'm in Boston now and I was going to bring it to BMW of Cambridge but given what I've read it might be worth me saving my $$.

From what I've read on ADV rider, the 18K is the same as the 6K service. I can't remember if valves were adjusted then or at 12K. 

I spoke to a guy from a shop that specializes in Remus and he mentioned the ECU remapping given my exhaust swap. I guess I need to do more research on that as well but I'd eventually like to get the bike to stop backfiring when decelerating and shifting gears occasionally. It is more constant thing on the decel and only happens occasionally on the shift.

 

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"Riding is so much better..." SKDMRKS:MOTO:BKLYN j.r.l.a.

HiBEEM!

 Whats up, man? long time-

I hope you wrists healed up- was it your ankle? shit, sorry, either way I hope you're mended..

My girlfriends 1150 has a Remus exhaust, and has the same backfiring issue yours seems to- especially on decel. Scares the crap ot of me :lol like a gunshot. 

 

My personal opinion right now is to let them do the 18K service. Catch up to anything that might be time-bombing. Ounce of prevention, etc... I bet if you let it go to 24K there wouldnt be a huge difference, though. Just got to get it in sometime between now and then.

 

Jason

Hey Jason,

 

Good to hear from you. Yup, the ankle is all healed up, except for a little click here and there it is fine. Trying to work it back into some more athletic shape now. 

It might be too late to do now but I'll probably ride over to the dealer in Cambridge and see what they are talking about with this service and make a decision. I always like to check out a dealer when I am in a new area when I am bored. My lady is in class right now so.....

Thanks for the input though, I appreciate it. 

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"Riding is so much better..." SKDMRKS:MOTO:BKLYN j.r.l.a.