2013 R1200 GSA Pre-Departure Maintenance
 

Hi Folks,

Apologies if this might have been covered in other threads. but can't seem to find despite several searches.

I have a 2013 R1200 GSA with 40,000km on it (3rd owner) ...

I am about to embark on a 20,000km trip through India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, most of Europe (in that order) including some remote off-road sections.

what pre-departure preventive maintenance/checks you would recommend ?
Any must have spare parts during the trip ?


Thanks in advance for your help.

Hello Samir,

I have nice memories from UAE, thanks to Saleh from Dubai.

Regarding your bike, if it has just 40000kms, there's not much to do on it except regular maintenance.

Change all the oils - engine/gearbox/final drive/clutch, change the brake fluid/pads, change oil, air and fuel filters, spark plugs and alternator belt. Check/adjust the valve clereances, steering, suspension and wheel bearings - rear wheel should not have more than 1 mm play at the edge of the rim, take a look at the drive shaft, put on a new set of tyres and you are ready to go.

If you know how to use it, GS-911 is a good thing to have with you.

20000 kms is not much, but just in case take with you a ring antenna and a spare fuel pump regulator, or at least learn how to bypass it if needed. Also, take one copper sealing ring for your left chain cam tensioner, sometimes they may leak. If you really want to play it safe, take with you a set of rear brake pads. You won't need them, but rear brake pads wear faster than the front ones, and because of the integral brakes you can not deactivate the rear brake. Of course, you can take the caliper off the disc if rear pads wear down, but that is not very wise :-)

It is good to change the original BMW "carburettor" clamps for which you need special pliers to remove them, with the "old fashioned" clamps which can be removed and mounted back with a regular screwdriver.

Of course, take a spare oil and air filters, as you should change your engine oil every 10000 kms. At the same interval change the air filter.

You're also supposed to change the spark plugs every 20000 kms, but a few more thousands will do no harm. The same goes for the valve clearance. They almost never go out of specs within 20000 kms.

Enjoy your trip.

Boris

Final drive bearing and oil seal maybe?
A few spare spokes.

I'd carry an alternator belt and a fuel controller for extra spares.

Before I left, I'd want a thorough check on the shaft (lubricate with Optimoly TA) and have the rear wheel drive bearings checked and the oil changed.

A few spare spokes won't hurt too.

If you have RDC sensors in your wheel, get rid of them and have rubbers put in. They tent to snap.

Thank you all for taking the time to share your knowledge.
It is heart warming to see how people go out of their way to help.
Much appreciated and I will try to return it forward.
Cheers
Samir