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I am contemplating my 2020 RT and whether I need to buy the special tools. Seems we need a rental/return to share the cost of the tools.
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23 BMW GS1250 Cam timing photographs
- Thread starter Bryan L
- Start date
You can save money on the turning tool. Put it in top gear and rotate rear tire.
Turning tool is cheep and much easier than rear wheel turning in 6th . I'm not one to loan or rent tools due to damage / abuse and hard to replace . Best to tool up and then do a few bikes for friends to cover tool cost .
The new tool must be much easier. Did it for 8 years, Trails End in Fairbanks and Alamo here in San Antonio. The K5x 1200 tool was a weird contraption the used the can gear wheel and only moved the crank shaft a little bit. And only works on boxers. Rear wheel works on any motorcycle manufacturers. But do what works for you.
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I rotated the rear wheel on my 09 RT for the valve adjustment with the spark plugs still in because I did not have a thin wall spark plug wrench at the time to get the plugs out. That was surely not fun
True removing the plugs makes it a lot easier.
Update on David's GS from today . 10K miles added since this service , and today went in and check timing . No change since set earlier this year . Valves still in spec , but I expect the right cylinder exhaust valves to need adjustment next time as they are on the edge of max clearance .
The other 6 valves are well in tolerance . Spark plugs the gap opened up quiet a bit from new out of box .035" to .042" . Changed plugs 2 k miles early .
The other 6 valves are well in tolerance . Spark plugs the gap opened up quiet a bit from new out of box .035" to .042" . Changed plugs 2 k miles early .
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Yikes! And I thought my 1200 was a lot of work!
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I opened up the right side exhaust valves as they were close to being too tight and I did not really want to chance it over another 12 k miles. The bike ran way smoother with all valves close to mid spec. Not sure if that has been anyone else's experience as well.
JustJohn
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Hey Bryan, sent you a DM.
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I get to-do my 2015 1200rt now. Should be fine as is but you never know ! Well dang I am smelling a little gas when riding, so chasing that down will take priority now over the valve check.
Last edited:
@Boulder Ed is the smell strongest on hard braking or acceleration? Just went through that on my 13 R1200GS. 90% fixed.
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I think so...
The main culprit was the rubber gasket under the tank lid.
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That black ring appears a little moist sometimes as well.. I'll keep an eye, and just try to order one now as that would be an easy fix! Thank you for your advice
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Did you pull the cap off to replace the gasket or just pry it out and slide the new one over . I see my rubber gasket is deformed where it hits the filler neck so that could be it.
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Well, turns out the primary seal for the tank to filler neck, a little gasket, is not sold as a replaceable part. You need to buy the whole $580 filler and cap assembly. Insane. Even BMW told me to take it off and go to NAPA and see what they can do to match it.
Update . David's GS needed shims changed this go around at 35,xxx miles in 2 years 2 months of riding. Exhausts were out of spec towards the from of the cylinder on both cylinders. Tightened up both intakes on both sides.
Cam timing was off again but not nearly like the images in this thread. Both cam chain tensioners had some build up in them . Nothing bad but sure is much more quiet running 1250 now.
Cam timing was off again but not nearly like the images in this thread. Both cam chain tensioners had some build up in them . Nothing bad but sure is much more quiet running 1250 now.
I did the 23 R1250RS today @ 19,110 miles.
A few were out , and tighten up a few others since in there with cams out.
My cam timing was not off like the GS above.
Also note less cam wear than the GS.
Shorter and longer oil change intervals both bike use same oil brand / weight.
GS has 9k more miles but I do ride the RS little more spirited.
28xx to 3400 miles vs 4800 to 5400 miles.
I'll change early to avoid trip oil changes.
A few were out , and tighten up a few others since in there with cams out.
My cam timing was not off like the GS above.
Also note less cam wear than the GS.
Shorter and longer oil change intervals both bike use same oil brand / weight.
GS has 9k more miles but I do ride the RS little more spirited.
28xx to 3400 miles vs 4800 to 5400 miles.
I'll change early to avoid trip oil changes.
Update . 2024 GSA with 12006 miles .
Cam timing was out . Exhaust valves at end of range .40 mm / max is .41 mm.
Brought all four Exhaust valves into mid range .
Intakes we're good on both heads.
Customers BMW dealer told him they never heard of cam timing on the gs
Scary statement from them.
Cam timing was out . Exhaust valves at end of range .40 mm / max is .41 mm.
Brought all four Exhaust valves into mid range .
Intakes we're good on both heads.
Customers BMW dealer told him they never heard of cam timing on the gs
Scary statement from them.