R1200RT Spark Plug Wrench

[JRussell]

I cannot find the size of the Spark Plug Wrench. It's always referred to as just the tool - no size. Can someone tell me what size socket is needed for an "07?
Thanks.

 

[markgoodrich]

I cannot find the size of the Spark Plug Wrench. It's always referred to as just the tool - no size. Can someone tell me what size socket is needed for an "07?
Thanks.

Here, this works just fine; you need a long reach socket: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91705

 

[JRussell]

Thank you very much!
Ironically I was at Harbor Freight yesterday
Thanks again.

 

[Harrington]

I use a 16mm deep socket with a pirated insert from a 5/8" spark plug socket. Add a 3/8" extension and you are in business.

 

[Motorwerk]

It's 5/8"

Go to Lowes and pickup one of these http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=195907-1074-22897&lpage=none

It's thin-walled to fit through the valve cover.

 

[JRussell]

Darn! Could have saved 3 cents at Lowe's.

Thanks guys!

 

[The_Veg]

I've got an ancient socket in my toolbox that works just fine, making me think that nothing special is needed...but if you guys say so...

 

[jimvonbaden]

I've got an ancient socket in my toolbox that works just fine, making me think that nothing special is needed...but if you guys say so...

Did you see the thread on ADV where a guy used a standard spark plug socket and got it so thoroughly stuck that he took days to get it out?

The R1200 is not as tight as the R1100/1150, but it is still snug. Unless I need to, I usually wait to take the plugs out until I have the valve cover off. I do, however, have a turned down 16mm spark plug socket.

Jim

 

[The_Veg]

Jim, my guess is that my cheep old socket is so thin just due to being cheeply made. If I'd had any idea of the narrow bore beforehand, I might have been more cautious. Oh well, it works so I guess I'll stick with it. And anybody who thinks my bike will be horribly damaged because BMW didn't smile their grace upon my cheep old socket can go hug a root!

 

[jimvonbaden]

Jim, my guess is that my cheep old socket is so thin just due to being cheeply made. If I'd had any idea of the narrow bore beforehand, I might have been more cautious. Oh well, it works so I guess I'll stick with it. And anybody who thinks my bike will be horribly damaged because BMW didn't smile their grace upon my cheep old socket can go hug a root!

Well said!

Jim

 

[HaroldGSW]

Harbor Freight spark plug socket

I'm new to this forum, so here goes. I discovered the perfect spark plug socket at Harbor Freight Tools, which is an "Extended reach 5/8 spark plug socket used with a 3/8 extension; and you're in business. Cost of the socket was $4.99 plus tax. Thanks to those on this forum that made my discovery possible.

 

[akbeemer]

Welcome Harold.

 

[EXPATRIATED]

Here, this works just fine; you need a long reach socket: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91705

Well, I guess you could spend $3.99 if you want. But why would you, when for just under $67, you could get the same thing from Snap-On. Yikes!

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1345&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I have used both a 16mm and a 5/8" and they both seem to work, which makes me wonder which one is ACTUALLY recommended by BMW? BTW-both mine are Craftsman, which seem to be thin enough.

 

[leadfoot]

Did you see the thread on ADV where a guy used a standard spark plug socket and got it so thoroughly stuck that he took days to get it out?

The R1200 is not as tight as the R1100/1150, but it is still snug. Unless I need to, I usually wait to take the plugs out until I have the valve cover off. I do, however, have a turned down 16mm spark plug socket.

Jim

Oddly enough, that happened to me today. I adjusted the valves, then decided to have a look at the lower plugs. I have a socket that has worked fine on the upper plugs. Left lower side went fine, no problems. The socket went in fine on the lower right side, I started loosening it and it just locked up. Scared the bejeezers out of me, I thought I stripped the plug removing it, but could not figure how. Seems during removal, the socket got tight in the head and the aluminum started loading up on the socket, making it larger than when it went in. A whole lotta patience and some liberal use of lubricants got me out of the jamb, so to speak. All is fine now, and the socket is going on the lathe tomorrow.

 

[lkchris]

I cannot find the size of the Spark Plug Wrench. It's always referred to as just the tool - no size. Can someone tell me what size socket is needed for an "07?
Thanks.

You can always determine the size by checking on your new plug.

In any event here's the BMW special tool for the job

 

[Rtinger]

You can always determine the size by checking on your new plug.

In any event here's the BMW special tool for the job

....and how much does the BMW tool for plugs cost????

 

[k12lts]

Looks just like the BMW tool and at not a bad price.

16mm Spark Plug Tool

Part Number: 8160234

Price: $23.00

Available for immediate delivery

http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/mot...V/8160234.html

 

[birdmanbmw]

Available for immediate delivery

http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/mot...V/8160234.html[/B]

That link didn't work for me- but this one does:

http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/motorcycle/R1200RT/8160234.html

 

[lkchris]

Outside end of the sheet metal Wunderlich tool looks simply round and therefore no way to use this tool with a torque wrench. IMHO this is a carry on the bike for emergencies tool only and it doesn't look anything at all like the BMW tool.

The real deal to me that's not the BMW tool looks like ...

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1345&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I'm currently using Mercedes 112 589 01 09 00 by Hazet because I have it, but the built-in universal joint makes torqueing a little fiddly. It's cheaper than the SnapOn.

 

[birdmanbmw]

RE: the Wunderlich adds this info for their wrench:

Please note the following :

ÔÇó Not compatible with 2010 and later R1200 GS or R1200 RT
ÔÇó Not compatible with 2011 and later R1200 R
ÔÇó Does not fit the lower spark plug of the R1150 Two Spark models
ÔÇó Not compatible with 2-Valve twins