I just got my 2018 six months ago, new. Leftover in dealer stock. Completely thrilled w bike. Had to upgrade seat tho. Thanks for service vid! From Ventura, California

...hi neighbor...

It was all pretty basic, besides the special tool (wifi). Nice work

do you mean tools or accessories?

Yes - the process is very similar however I do recommend buying the BMW service manual as well as the GS911

Brian smith thanks for your comment. However , as BMW itself will tell you, the brakes are electrically “assisted” ,not actuated, furthermore this assistance is only the ABS unit. So the brakes work the same,except ABS, whether you have a battery in the bike or not. Bleeding the brakes, as I show in the video, fully flushed the system, and it is also the exact process outlined in the service manual and conducted by their own technicians. Your comments are valid surrounding the original 2005-2006 RT, where we were required to “pump” the powered brake system using the GS911. That is no longer the case. In order to follow the recommended process, I use the BMW checklist in the order presented , so the activities mentioned reflect that, except the addition of the speedbleeders.

I use the Airhawk, but I have also just purchased a Sargent seat for the bike. This in conjunction with the airhawk should provide comfort on those really long days.

You can accomplish most of the system bleeding on one side, but you will still need to bleed the other side to get that last bit of fluid replaced (for the line from the junction to the caliper)

The 12k service does not call for it, and i have not done it, but there are people who have claimed that their splines have corroded from weather or condensation, and that grease can prevent that.

Thanks Chris. Since I rarely ride in wet weather, guessing I'm good for now. I might attempt it at the next tire change when I have the exhaust and the wheel removed already.

I buy my supplies from my local dealer. They have a complete oil change package which includes all the oil , the filter and the drain plug washer. I believe the torque spec on that bolt is 42nm. I am familiar with the riding in Tenn as i spent considerable time there , especially around Knoxville and Dayton. It is a great place to ride.

I assume you are referring to the GS911 -- if so they can be found here www.hexcode.co.za/products

Mike P. Ignition is turned off. The work is all done manually

That is not software alone, but rather a piece of hardware called a "GS911". It is available from a company called HEXcode. www.hexcode.co.za/. It changes the service date, and also resets the service light. But more importantly, it can assess electronic/mechanical problems and reset error codes on the bike when there is an issue with operation.

I tried to follow the manual to the letter, which does not indicate a need to cycle the abs unit. However, I also work on older bmw boxers, which DO require you to cycle the unit. That being said, in our more in-depth service videos, BoxFlyer did cycle the unit with the GS911

Sorry Chris found the answer thank you again .Take care

Back2TheBike that's not a naive question but rather one that is asked by most folks at one point or another. I would suggest that you read your warrantee regarding self maintenance. This can vary between Countries. On the weekly check, I should begin by suggesting that you or the dealer check all aspects of the bike before delivery and ensure all servicing is up to date. Once acquired , you should focus on certain checks before each ride. Put the bike on the Center Stand and start it. Start with ensuring all the lights and horn work then on to a visual check of your brakes , tires and drive train. Look for puddles of fluid or wet spots on the bike. Also check your coolant level and brake fluid levels. After your ride let the bike cool for 5 or 10 minutes then check the oil level on the Center stand. Check your tires for damage and their pressure.

Thanks Chris. It's a testimony to your excellent content that I eventually wound up at the RT. Been taking a long run up at this, lots of research, bought a whole new set of gear, some training, test rode both Suzuki Vstroms, the GS and RT BMW's, then felt if I could only have one machine it had to be the RT. I remember watching your videos months ago, actually thinking the RT was beyond my budget, but God was faithful. Thanks so much for your advice.

Back2TheBike good to hear

42 NM

@@kiki231000 Thank you 42nm or approx. 31 foot pounds

Although there is no down-side to running through the GS911 bleed, the manual does not call for it (like they used to)

@@kiki231000 cheers thanks for the advice

Yeah -- and i am too lazy to edit it out

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Thanks for sharing your work.

Stephen Carrahar great question. You are required to use the 911 on older RT’s. however , on these new ones it’s not required.

@@kiki231000 thx Chris for this video... Sorry what year is your bike? Does it have servo brakes? (I suppose it doesn't, but just wanna be sure). The thing is that I'm looking to buy 2010 RT, but o really don't want the servo. I had lots of problems with another bike. Thx again!

The 2010 is the same process as the one shown in the video. I believe the servo assist bikes were between 2005 and 2006

@@kiki231000 thx very much Chris for your kind reply!

i have not had a bulb burn out yet, but changing them is straightforward, -- the speaker and speaker cover are removed to access the housing.

Good to know as i've just bought a 2014 RT (UK) after my R1200RS was stolen and that was fairly easy.

The low beam bulb is in the center on these newer Rts. It can be changed reaching up and under the nose. This is a H7 bulb and known to burn out about every 15,000 miles. I have a 2017 that is on its 4th low beam after 49K miles. I is a true PITA job since the opening is smaller that the older RTs.

Tout d’abord, je peux être certain que tout le liquide a été remplacé parce que je peux mesurer le montant retiré et le comparer à la capacité du système. En outre, il devient assez évident au cours de la purge c’est de nouveau fluide dans le système en raison du changement de couleur spectaculaire. Deuxièmement, le liquide était rempli jusqu'à la limite appropriée après la purge, même si elle ne figurait pas sur la vidéo. L’audio se réfère à ces étapes.....cordialement.

Jon' Fulljames yes speedbleeders are the way to go. They same time and mess

Terry Cox see www.speedbleeder.com/.

Been doing this since the early 70's with cars, guys would ask what I was doing, far easier.

You can use speedbleeders or one-way valves, but the simplest is to just us a plastic bag hung so the fluid is going uphill. Speedbleeder sells such a bag and some use medical IV bags. Cheap, simple and effective for one-person use, but if you have help, the open-close-open of the bleeder valve works just fine.