advice for maintaining my F 700 gs

[erickhunter]

hey guys I'm new here and I just got a 2014 f700 gs and I want to do some of the maintenance myself(after the bike has its initial 600-800 mile service at the dealership). My questions may be a bit elementary so bare with me here.

1. how many miles between oil changes?

2. what type/brand of oil? motorcycle operators manual says castrol 15w-50

3. where can I buy oil filters and required crush washers from the oil drain plug?

4. what else should be inspected/maintained/replaced at the time of oil change?

5. any required tools besides oil filter wrench and torque wrench?

any information/advice is appreciated guys!

 

[omega man]

hey guys I'm new here and I just got a 2014 f700 gs and I want to do some of the maintenance myself(after the bike has its initial 600-800 mile service at the dealership). My questions may be a bit elementary so bare with me here.

1. how many miles between oil changes?

Your owners manual has some good guidelines on this. I would say annually or around 5000 miles. ASC cycles has some of the recommended maintenance lists on their site.

2. what type/brand of oil? motorcycle operators manual says castrol 15w-50

15-40 oil branded for motorcycle use will be fine. I think the new designation is 4T.

3. where can I buy oil filters and required crush washers from the oil drain plug?

Any of the dealers will have the parts. For the month of May, if you order from the web-site, http://www.wunderlichamerica.com is offering 15% off on oil filters and related. I think you are near Bob's, I think they are selling a "service kit". You will pay a bit more for this convenience but it is good for some.

4. what else should be inspected/maintained/replaced at the time of oil change?

A general look over, again the list at http://www.ascycles.com will help you.

5. any required tools besides oil filter wrench and torque wrench?

any information/advice is appreciated guys!

Some patience, you will be able to build on your skills as you do the work.
Ask a question on the forum if you need,
Local club tech-days may help.
on the first service at the dealer. It will give you a chance to "get to know each other".
Welcome to the forum!
Gary

 

[akbeemer]

Look for a local BMW club and see if they offer any Tech Days. Attending a TD is a good way to get hands on experience under knowledgable supervision.

Buy a service manual and a Haines Manual for you bike.
Do a little reading of the owner's, Service and Haines Manuals, as well as the forums before asking questions. That way when you do ask a question it is going to be less basic and more enlightening.

As mentioned, visit the A&S BMW's website and download the various sheets that provide the details of the periodic maintenance on your bike.

Service interval is 6000 miles. In addition to oil and filter I always:

Inspect air filter, clean or replace as needed

Clean and inspect chain and sprockets; adjust, lube or replace as needed

Inspect coolant level

Make general inspection of tires, brake pads, fasteners and controls

 

[garthw]

hey guys I'm new here and I just got a 2014 f700 gs and I want to do some of the maintenance myself(after the bike has its initial 600-800 mile service at the dealership). My questions may be a bit elementary so bare with me here.

1. how many miles between oil changes?

Owners manual will tell you 6000m (10000k), personally i do it at 3000m (5000k)

2. what type/brand of oil? motorcycle operators manual says castrol 15w-50

Castrol is fine. Follow the manual. At the risk of an oil thread just about any quality brand that meets the JASCO MA standard. I broke mine in with Castrol 10-40 The motor oils that meet the JASO T 903:2006 standard can be classified into four grades: JASO MA, JASO MA1, JASO MA2 and JASO MB. The classification is based on the results of the JASO T 904:2006 clutch system friction test.

3. where can I buy oil filters and required crush washers from the oil drain plug?

My dealer is 250 miles and a whole province away so I get mine at Beemer Boneyard. Can get OEM or aftermarket in bulk. Decent price and good shipping etc, but do not overlook your local dealer if you have one. if they give a decent price then that is the place to support. < Begin shop local rant > If they don't, ask them why not, they may have a good enough reason for you to support them. Oil and filters are cheap in the big picture. Saving a couple of bucks while your local dealer goes out of business will cost you in the long run.< end rant >

4. what else should be inspected/maintained/replaced at the time of oil change?

A good look over for loose bolts. A good cleaning will show you if you have any leaks scratches breaks etc. Touch and try to move everything that is supposed to be tight. Lube everything that is not supposed to be tight. Check for frayed/kinked cables. Check chain for correct slack and adjust.

5. any required tools besides oil filter wrench and torque wrench?

Everything you need to tighten your chain and fix a flat tire by yourself.

Here is my travel list of tools
Combi wrenches 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm
- 6, 8, 10, 13, 17, 21, 24, 25mm socket
- T25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55 socket
- E6, E7, E8, E10, E12, E14.E16 socket
Torx bit set T15, T20, T25, T30, T40, T45, T50
fold up allen bit
Multi screw driver bit
- 3/8” to ¼” driver adapter / Drives small sockets
3/8 to ½ adapter
- 3/8” drive 3” extension / Access to bolts
Adjustable Wrench and vice grips
Long Nose Pliers
Wire Cutters
Serrated Knife

any information/advice is appreciated guys!

 

[erickhunter]

thanks guys i appreciate the input. I've looked at haynes and clymer web sites and neither seem to offer a repair manual including the 2014 f700gs. does anyone know of a good repair manual for 14 f700gs?

 

[akbeemer]

thanks guys i appreciate the input. I've looked at haynes and clymer web sites and neither seem to offer a repair manual including the 2014 f700gs. does anyone know of a good repair manual for 14 f700gs?

See your dealer or one of the online dealers. They will have a CD/ROM with the service manual on it.

 

[arbolmano]

AKBeemer has it correct. The dealer is your best source of a repair manual, it will be a digital format.
Pirate copies are out there too, cheaper on eBay etc. As far as schedules, your dealer should happily print it out for you
when you go in for the running in check at 600 miles. That would be in fulfillment of warranty issues. You can elect
to change oil at more frequent intervals of course. The F800GS is the same motor and is easier to find information
on regarding actual procedures. Lots of good info at the F800 riders site and ADVriders. You'll have to visit a shop to have your maintainence reminder set though or get ahold of a GS911

 

[activehybrid]

Hi ,

I just got my bike back from 6000 miles. Even though the next maintenance is at 12000 miles , I'm told to change oil in every 3000 miles.

 

[PGlaves]

Hi ,

I just got my bike back from 6000 miles. Even though the next maintenance is at 12000 miles , I'm told to change oil in every 3000 miles.

By whom and why?

That would by BMW factory recommendations apply only if the bike is in severe service - meaning frequent short trips of only a few miles where it isn't fully warmed up, winter operation, or very dusty conditions.