Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Jul 2012
goo's Avatar
goo goo is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: London, UK
Posts: 211
Shim diameter for F650GS twin?

Can someone please tell me what diameter shims my 2009 F650 GS twin takes? I believe the singles take a 29mm but I can't track down the spec for a twin.

Also, I am in Peru and needing to adjust my valve clearances - trouble being getting hold of the correct shims (evidently!) - I have been advised that I should be able to get shims for another bike or car sanded down to size. Can anyone confirm this and maybe suggest what bike or car's shims would work?

Thanks!
__________________
http://www.guyfixsen.com
http://wanderinggoo.blogspot.com
F650GS twin - Enfield Bullet 350 - Honda XL250 Degree
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Jul 2012
goo's Avatar
goo goo is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: London, UK
Posts: 211
OK, so a little more research has told me that my clearances are too _big_ and so I need larger shims, so no sanding etc. will help. I guess my only option is to get hold of the proper BMW semi-spheres - If anyone can tell me an alternative I would love to hear!

Can anyone tell me how damaging it is likely to be to ride further on the bike with the clearances incorrect? The prospect of staying here in Lima for 4 weeks while waiting for parts does not appeal and so I was thinking of exploring the north coast. But obviously if this is going to cause drastic damage to the engine I won't. Opinions gratefully received.

Anyone suggest the quickest way of getting the shims to Lima? ie FedEx etc.? And from where? Europe, US or maybe Colombia?

Thanks for any suggestions!
__________________
http://www.guyfixsen.com
http://wanderinggoo.blogspot.com
F650GS twin - Enfield Bullet 350 - Honda XL250 Degree
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Bridgend, South wales
Posts: 108
Hi, try:Motorworks BMW Motorcycle Specialists - Home
I know they ship worldwide they also have a part finder on the site this should help with the shim size.

regards

Gren
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Jul 2012
Bennett's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: FORBES N.S.W. AUSTRALIA
Posts: 97
Hi Goo,
A method I have used to make up the clearance,do not know if it is applicable to your motor though.Purchase sheets of shim steel,(if avaliable,where you are) of various thickness,to make up the desired clearance.Cut out circle of the sheet steel and place them UNDER the existing shim,with a blob of grease to keep the shim steel in place.
To determine thickness of shim steel required,if the valve clearance is 10 thou and 4 thou is required the shim steel would need to be 6thou.
Hope this makes sense.
Regards Ben
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Jul 2012
goo's Avatar
goo goo is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: London, UK
Posts: 211
Unbelievably, the whole thing has turned out to be a hoax on the part of the BMW dealer..! Apparently he made his diagnosis without opening the valve cover and now, having found his socket set has pronounced the clearances within spec....

Thanks for all the input though - useful info for down the road...!
__________________
http://www.guyfixsen.com
http://wanderinggoo.blogspot.com
F650GS twin - Enfield Bullet 350 - Honda XL250 Degree
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Life after the Africa Twin uk_vette Which Bike? 22 7 Dec 2012 18:13
Africa Twin 1997 for rent in ARGENTINA.- maxitwin Bike Swap or Rent 0 30 Jan 2012 22:52

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:34.