I just picked up my 2023 R1250GS Trophy after the completion of its first year service. The bike has 2095 miles on the odometer. The dealer did not change the brake fluid as is stated as a requirement the first year in the manual. The dealer said they don’t do it if it is tested at acceptable moisture levels with a meter. The manual says change it. Am I missing something? Asking before I go to war…….just sayin’.
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2023 R1250GS Trophy First Year Service Brake Bleed
- Thread starter Havoc1250
- Start date
Boxflyer
Active member
As far as I can see, the Service DVD makes no reference to an acceptable value from any style of meter to determine if the brake fluid is holding moisture.
As you have correctly referred to the elapsed time or calendar criteria for performing maintenance vs mileage, the Maintenance Schedule does not provide exceptions for any number of environmental variables that could be detrimental to keeping your bike serviced.
You would be wise to insure that the first servicing of the brakes are performed on time, since the next routine interval would put this factory fluid out to the 3 year time.
As you have correctly referred to the elapsed time or calendar criteria for performing maintenance vs mileage, the Maintenance Schedule does not provide exceptions for any number of environmental variables that could be detrimental to keeping your bike serviced.
You would be wise to insure that the first servicing of the brakes are performed on time, since the next routine interval would put this factory fluid out to the 3 year time.
Last edited:
riderr1150gsadv
Well-known member
^ Same here as I live in a humid climate I won't take the risk that moisture ruins the brake system.
Thanks. I have always worked on my own stuff, cars, motorcycles, etc, because no one cares for your stuff as much as you do. I was a bit floored as to the attitude of the service manager when I pointed out the descrepancies in his argument. I had to walk out as I'm at the point in life with past careers and my older attitude could get me into trouble. Since its the only dealer in the state that I am aware of..........................
Calling BMW this morning to tell them their engineers are wrong according to my dealer. LOL!
collingsbob
Active member
For the amount of effort required and the minimal cost incurred my attitude is to change it at least as frequently as the maintenance schedule.
I have a friend who, like I used to, owns a Vincent. He always used the cheapest oil that met spec and changed it somewhat infrequently. His engine started to get noisy, so he tore it apart. This inspection led to him taking the bike off the engine and sending the engine to a specialist for a rebuild.
Time spent on the rebuild - 6 months
Cost of the rebuild - $25,000 cdn.
Penny wise and pound foolish.
I have a friend who, like I used to, owns a Vincent. He always used the cheapest oil that met spec and changed it somewhat infrequently. His engine started to get noisy, so he tore it apart. This inspection led to him taking the bike off the engine and sending the engine to a specialist for a rebuild.
Time spent on the rebuild - 6 months
Cost of the rebuild - $25,000 cdn.
Penny wise and pound foolish.
Boxflyer
Active member
I was hoping that your discovery of the relationship with this particular dealer being not so good, would lead you to performing this level of routine maintenance yourself...especially since you mention that your region has few dealer support locations.
One good source for determining what fluids, consumables, and quantities are needed for your specific bike is RealOEM.com and is found here:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sh...2-BMW-R_1250_RT_19_0J61,_0J63_&diagId=02_0103
Since you are servicing your brakes, please note that the recommended brake fluid (across ALL bikes back to the R50/5) is DOT4 LV.
This is an update to what is in the printed manual you received with your bike. Those printed specs are subject to be amended/updated frequently by the manufacturer.
....there, that's my DOT4 LV rant for the day...
One good source for determining what fluids, consumables, and quantities are needed for your specific bike is RealOEM.com and is found here:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sh...2-BMW-R_1250_RT_19_0J61,_0J63_&diagId=02_0103
Since you are servicing your brakes, please note that the recommended brake fluid (across ALL bikes back to the R50/5) is DOT4 LV.
This is an update to what is in the printed manual you received with your bike. Those printed specs are subject to be amended/updated frequently by the manufacturer.
....there, that's my DOT4 LV rant for the day...
Mellow
Member
so.. only hamsters as mechanics that day..???I don’t understand asking the dealer to perform work, in which generates revenue, not doing what you asked?
Is it possible that they had no mechanics available with the capability to do the flush?
OM
I didn't ask to have that portion of the service to be done. I "assumed" it was going to be done since it is listed amongst the things that were due. I made a call to BMW North America and basicallly they said it was subject to the dealers discretion as to if it was needed or if the customer asked for it to be done. My opinion has changed a bit after calming down and since it is a brand new bike with only 2950 (approximately 3250 after today) does it really to be changed and did I actually save some money by it not being done. As it was I left with a $600 dollar service bill. I will be doing my own service work from here on anyway unless it is something under warranty or I can't "figure it out".
I REALLY APPRECIATE THIS INFO................THANKS!
collingsbob
Active member
Speedbleeders are indispensable..
Along those lines…….
I brought my F-800GS in to the local dealer for an oil and filter, new front tire and brake flush in conjunction with adding the extended front brake line because of the ROX risers I installed.
I go to pick up the bike and the service reminder is still on. I asked why? I was told I didn’t request the bike be hooked up to the computer! I said- “why don’t you just say the oil and filter is $XXXX amount of money and that includes resetting the service light…..and if you want the bike to be checked for the latest and greatest, it’s $XXXX more”.
Another disappointing dealer trip.
In your case, sounds like your dealer was trying to do right by you.
OM
c10950
Member
How many here have worked in a motorcycle dealership as a certified tech ? I suspect very few . It is not a fun and the pressure to produce is incredible.
Every owner constantly calling and asking when will it be ready . Service manager pushing 20 hours of work in a 10 hour day or more .
Vacation is never avaible , and if you did get one it won't be at a time of year you want .
I'm saying this not in defense of the shop or tech but your brake fluid replacement is not a priority to them even if you want to pay for it .
I got into the industry in the early 90's and left it by the late 90's , and now run my own shop 1 customer at a time . This does not pay the bills , and I have a fulltime job as a Master service tech in the life saftey industry for the last 27 years . What it does do is make happy motorcycle owners , and covers my vacations and motorcycle mods .
With todays internet and videos avaible a person can do just about any service they need . Learn to be your own Tech , tool up , and perform the simple things yourself .
Every owner constantly calling and asking when will it be ready . Service manager pushing 20 hours of work in a 10 hour day or more .
Vacation is never avaible , and if you did get one it won't be at a time of year you want .
I'm saying this not in defense of the shop or tech but your brake fluid replacement is not a priority to them even if you want to pay for it .
I got into the industry in the early 90's and left it by the late 90's , and now run my own shop 1 customer at a time . This does not pay the bills , and I have a fulltime job as a Master service tech in the life saftey industry for the last 27 years . What it does do is make happy motorcycle owners , and covers my vacations and motorcycle mods .
With todays internet and videos avaible a person can do just about any service they need . Learn to be your own Tech , tool up , and perform the simple things yourself .
Along those lines……..
I was friendly with the owner of a reliable repair shop that could do heavy trucks and cars.
One day I was in there and he was pulling his hair out looking at a 6 wheel home heating oil delivery truck- hydraulic brakes. I asked him what the problem was.
He responded- “someone saw the master cylinder was low and put 30wgt oil in it! I haven’t got time for my regular work never mind bone-heat $hit like this”.
I guess it was sorta the final straw as he closed and sold the building shortly after.
(if you are not aware of what oil does to a hydraulic brake system, it’s something to avoid).
OM
I was friendly with the owner of a reliable repair shop that could do heavy trucks and cars.
One day I was in there and he was pulling his hair out looking at a 6 wheel home heating oil delivery truck- hydraulic brakes. I asked him what the problem was.
He responded- “someone saw the master cylinder was low and put 30wgt oil in it! I haven’t got time for my regular work never mind bone-heat $hit like this”.
I guess it was sorta the final straw as he closed and sold the building shortly after.
(if you are not aware of what oil does to a hydraulic brake system, it’s something to avoid).
OM
