any opinions on the HEX Code GS911 3 Pin Interface ?

[uffdakid]

Has anyone used the HEX Code GS911 like the one sold by beemershop.com and have any thoughts about it? It seems like a basic tool to have for older bikes. I have a 2000 R1100RT and an ABS fault has been giving me a fit after replacing the original brakes lines with braided stainless lines. Did the obvious things, bled the ABS units (twice), battery voltage is good following a 20 minute ride (13.25 volts), no obviously damaged sensor wires, resetting the ABS with a ground wire in the center of the diagnostic plug turned the flashing lights off but only until I restarted the bike and I tried a rolling restart with no luck. The nearby dealer will charge approx. $70.00 to plug into there diagnostic computer so I'm thinking if the HEX Code GS911 at $99.00 is a good tool I'd actually be SAVING money by purchasing it.
John

 

[m_stock10506]

Has anyone used the HEX Code GS911 like the one sold by beemershop.com and have any thoughts about it? It seems like a basic tool to have for older bikes. I have a 2000 R1100RT and an ABS fault ......... The nearby dealer will charge approx. $70.00 to plug into there diagnostic computer so I'm thinking if the HEX Code GS911 at $99.00 is a good tool I'd actually be SAVING money by purchasing it.
John

I have it, for my 2001 R1100RT. It works. Pretty limited functionality, but it does what it says it does. It will read the fault code from the ABS, and clear it. It will read the fault codes from the motronic and clear them. It will give you a good or no good read on the throttle position sensor voltage setting.

If you clear the ABS fault so that the lights are flashing together, when do they switch to flashing alternately? Do they still flash alternately after you turn the ignition off then back on?

Also, in case you didn't notice, this model requires a Windows PC to interface with the GS-911 and see the results. With a USB port.

 

[uffdakid]

Thanks for the info m_stock. I will give one a try, can't have to many tools.

When I clear the fault so the lights flash together it will stay clear until I turn the key off then back on again. Then they go back to flashing alternately.

John

 

[m_stock10506]

If the lights go to alternately flashing as soon as you turn the key back on, you. need to get a read on the fault code. Once you know the code you can get direction on getting it fixed. If it’s an ABS module problem, you can get it repaired with a warranty for a reasonable price.

 

[happy wanderer]

The GS911 is a great tool for 1150 and above bikes. For the 1100 series with the early Motronic controller on it I think they are a waste of money. Why? Because using a simple LED or voltmeter you can read the fault codes at the 3 pin plug. How to do that and what they mean is well documented here and on ADVRider.

Resetting the errors is a simple procedure done with a jumper wire. The early Motronic error codes and handling is so basic it does not warrant an expensive tool like the GS911. The Motronic 2.4 used on the 1150 is a different story. That unit has a plethora of extremely useful information you can access with the GS911. And on 1200 and up it is really a necessity if you plan on working on your own bike. Anything newer and you are helpless without it almost.

Anyway, if you have loads of dough and love gadgets, sure, go buy one. But you will probably be disappointed with the very minor amount of info it provides for an 1100. GSAddict and I played around with his GS911 on my 1100 and then he connected to his 1150. World of difference and usefulness. He wrenches them all and so he finds it extremely useful especially when a 1200 anything or wasser boxer rolls into his shop. We only used it once on my '00 1100 and that was enough to tell us that one need not bother.

"Your application may vary. All standard disclaimers apply. Batteries not included. Use at your own risk."

 

[globalrider]

It seems like a basic tool...

Exactly what it is, extremely BASIC and grossly overpriced!

I have one and it does nothing more than a basic OBD-II reader, read codes and cancel them. The difference is, an OBD-II reader will cost you $50.

 

[gsaddict]

An OBD II reader won't let you do ABS module testing. I find the GS-911 very useful for that especially when testing/repairing iABS modules.
It is invaluable on the later hexheads/wetheads.
No, I don't recommend it for 1100's but past that model I would not be without it.
YRMV

 

[roger 04 rt]

+1.

In the 1150s and later bikes, using the log-to-data file features, you can often solve problems or rule things out quite quickly, saving a lot of time and money by not throwing parts at the problem. Unfortunately the MA 2.2 Motronic on the R1100 doesn’t support realtime data.

 

[dieselyoda]

I have the three pin for my bikes, an R1100 and a K1100 but use it on later models so my investment was worth it.

However, if you are counting on a scan tool to tell you what is wrong, you aren't paying attention to the basics.

 

[PGlaves]

Exactly what it is, extremely BASIC and grossly overpriced!

I have one and it does nothing more than a basic OBD-II reader, read codes and cancel them. The difference is, an OBD-II reader will cost you $50.

I don't own a motorcycle that uses ODB II codes, unless our new 310s do. My GS911 works on Voni's R1100RS in a rudimentary fashion with the 3 pin adapter and works well on my R1150R and Voni's F800S and none of those bikes adhere to ODB II coding. Hexcode had to reverse engineer the coding to replicate dealership computer interfaces costing several THOUSAND dollars for a mere few hundred.

If the motorcycle industry is now going to OBD II code readers more power to them. They should have done it in about 1985 but didn't. The one time, way back then when I inquired about obtaining a diagnostic machine - then called something like the 'moby dick" there were two problems: it was a dealership only item, and it cost $20,000. Then along came Hexcode and for a mere $300 they provided the needed functionality by reverse engineering BMW code stuff. They deserve a medal, not criticism.

 

[gsaddict]

Couldn't agree more Paul.

 

[flymymbz]

Really happy with my GS911. Its an older model, but it works great for the baby GS's, the C and the R850R. We opted to get the unlimited one, and I have been able to help out some friends with their bikes as well.

 

[globalrider]

An OBD II reader won't let you do ABS module testing. I find the GS-911 very useful for that especially when testing/repairing iABS modules.
It is invaluable on the later hexheads/wetheads.
No, I don't recommend it for 1100's but past that model I would not be without it.
YRMV

Unfortunately, you cannot do any coding, as in changing the 12H to 24H Time Format (not possible on the R1200 GS Adventure LC, apparently it is on some other models). My Ross-Tech would do all that and so much more for half the price.

All their Function Charts says is "Future"...well what century as it has been listed as that for a while? I am assuming any instrument changes such as Time Format would be there. I did my homework and according to the web, not possible for a user to change it without getting into the software. What could be easier to change than something as basic as a Time Format?

 

[gsaddict]

Unfortunately, you cannot do any coding, as in changing the 12H to 24H Time Format (not possible on the R1200 GS Adventure LC, apparently it is on some other models). My Ross-Tech would do all that and so much more for half the price.

All their Function Charts says is "Future"...well what century as it has been listed as that for a while? I am assuming any instrument changes such as Time Format would be there. I did my homework and according to the web, not possible for a user to change it without getting into the software. What could be easier to change than something as basic as a Time Format?

I don't care, 24hr format is superior IMO.
YRMV.

 

[globalrider]

I don't care, 24hr format is superior IMO.
YRMV.

Exactly my point having been in aviation for years. Tired of the silly AM/PM configuration.