deilenberger
A bozo on the bus
You can expect to see an article on such a tool - the GS-911 in next months Owners News if things keep on schedule (I submitted it about 2 months ago..) http://www.hexcode.co.za/Diagnostic tools already available. Saw it demonstrated at the UN-Rally in Fayetteville, WV this week. Reads fault codes. The mfg is working on reading the data stream as well. Pretty nifty with a USB plug to connect to laptop.
User demonstrated various faults and the ability to erase codes from bike's memory.
GS-911 is affordable, works with almost any laptop, and also available in a BlueTooth version, which can be used with a laptop OR a cell-phone if your phone is compatible. It's small enough that when I go on tour I just toss it in my laptop case, this ensuring I'll never ever need it (Eilenbergers Law #4 - Tools.. http://www.eilenberger.net/laws.htm).
I'm a big fan of the CanBus - the only thing BMW missed on it is offering up a switched circuit to power an accessory relay coil... although that is easily made up with the extension a second accessory plug.
Best,