Just in the event you are watching this from BC, Canada, I found this Continental 4PK595 ribbed V- belt at the Bumper to Bumper auto parts store for around $25 Cdn, the local BMW Dealer wants $85.05. Thanks Normski for post this valuable information. Well done. Cheers
An excellent instructional video that I've just watched then successfully fitted a replacement alternator belt to my R1200GS. Thanks for taking the time to post the video, it certainly helped me👏👏😉👍👍
Tapping a 6mm thread on the lower pulley made this job a doddle, Norman. I didn’t have a 34mm socket handy, but a Crescent wrench worked ok. Great tip, thank you! Ride safe! 🏍️👍🇿🇦🍺
Mr. Hill, you have me watching your videos lol. 6mm bolt was genius. Makes absolute sense. The gym boys can do it the hard way, but you do it the smart way!
Even in the middle of desert you could change an alternator belt......as long as you have a 6mm bolt in your pocket and someone to turn the rear wheel!
Norm, thank you for the tip on the bolt! I always carry a spare belt in my tool kit, and it’s come in handy a long way from home in the middle of nowhere, but the bolt trick would have made it so much easier. I just did a belt change in my garage, using the plastic strip and the bolt tricks (I too had to use a big crescent wrench), and it went like butter! Thank you amigo!
Great tip ! Replaced belt on my r1200gs in around 20 mins using this method. As i have Hepco and Becker crash bars and they obstruct acces to 34mm nut I tried to use adjustable shifter (to avoid removing crash bars) and it worked just fine. Thanks again !
Thank you. My alternator seized and ate the belt of my 04 gs in a big cloud of smoke last week, so removing mine was a case of picking little bits of spaghetti out of the case! Already tapped the hole ready for the replacement to arrive, good to know I'm prepared.
This afternoon I changed the belt according to your video. Just one turn around and the belt was properly installed. Excellent idea from you and excellent demonstration in your video. Thanks a lot and greetings from Hattingen in Germany.
Thank you so much for your comment Richard, I am so grateful and pleased it has worked for you. You will notice from a couple of comments that some have just wound the new belt on with no problem at all! I just do not know how they did that, I tried for 2 days and ended up splitting the new belt and had to wait another couple of days for a new one to arrive. I even thought I would order from Wunderlich USA their 'tool' for putting it on, but the cost and then the delivery AND then I normally get 10-20% import duty just made me stop and keep looking at the problem. The answer was staring me in the face, but that is often the case!
Thank you Norm!! I don't own a GS but was curious how hard a belt replacement is in the field. You are a smart man and found a really easy way to do a difficult job. Brilliant Sir!!
Thank you Christopher. I never thought of doing an alternator belt change while in the back of beyond, but if you had already tapped the holes and carried a spare belt and 6mm bolt and with a friend moving the back wheel in 6th gear you could easily change it! Great idea!
There's no need to go through all the trouble of the allen bolt and all that, if you use a regular adjustable wrench and you guide the belt on the lower pulley as far as you can with your hand and then you place the wrench on the nut with the wrench handle pointing at 90ª (or at three o'clock) if you turn it clockwise the belt has nowhere to go (other that its place that is) and will go in in half a turn. It may take a couple of attempts but you'll save a lot of hours at the gym and two hundred pounds. You can buy ten Haynes manuals with that cash.
Just brilliant yughill, that is great news, it does work doesn't it. Although I never ever realised until a subscriber told me that there is an alternator belt that is 'elastic' and will stretch!
This method for both removal and installation worked wonderfully for me on my R1200RT. If you have crash bars, do yourself a favor and remove them for this job.
It was easy completing the belt install by taking the spark plugs and using a ratchet/socket combo when turning and holding the belt close to the flywheel. It’ll catch on and will ride while turning it and it’s done. Just make sure your belt is flush on the alternator wheel before you turn.
What a great tutorial. Thank you so much for the screw trick and the hint with the plugs unscrewed. That is a very well explained video. God bless you.Alex
Hi I will thanks, my gs is in pretty good nick with only 30k . So just about to change brake hoses , fluids but wasn't sure what else the engine's quiet . Any thoughts ? BTW it would be interesting to see your workshop layout? I now need to see what you did about your sons engine. So sick on an immaculate bike like that. Thanks again.
Hi Norman, well rebuilding the 1200GS is like watching a box-set 😲 but I have a feeling this new project of a 2003 1150GS is going to take even longer. It has had 8 owners in its 18 year life, some appeared to care a lot, adding a full stainless bolt kit and Touratech parts, but alas others never did anything. Just changed to braided hoses and when I went to flush the ‘working’ ABS the Servo had decided to pack up🤷♂️😱. Looking at the colour of the brake fluid I don’t think it had ever been changed 🤷♂️. Hope yours doesn’t do the same. My workshop is too full really to work well, I have to wheel my RT out to give me the room. Just designed a cable stripper for my son Jason (of 1200GS fame) who has a washing machine rental business and spends hours stripping cable to get at the copper. So stepped back from the 1150GS for a week while I make all the parts for the cable stripping machine. You are always welcome to pop by if you live anywhere close, I am in Chesterfield. Norman
Brilliant. I would use a bike tyre lever to lever off the belt. Not as harsh as screwdriver. Bolt cutting thread hole is ace idea. Im going to watch hex eze can video next. Ive got one on mine and it was disconnected. Also found wires under front end. I think cameras were fitted to bike then removed.
The bolt trick does sound smart but …. I don’t like to modify permanently a piece of the engine. I wonder if using the plastic strip to put on the new belt would work. I have seen on YT someone who just use his hands and it looks very easy
Hi Fabio, no modification, the hole is already there and all you are doing is cutting a thread which takes a few grams of swarf🤗. I do believe there are ‘flexible’ alternator belts that you can stretch.
Thanks James, I am amazed that so many have viewed this video. There I was, after snapping a brand new belt, thinking ‘there must be another way’. Bit of a eureka moment🤗. Wish I could have another one 🤣
I planned on doing this your clever way, but managed to use a wrench to simultaneously turn the motor and push the belt on. Didn't remove the spark plugs, either.
@@normski3091 I know, I was fully prepared for a battle! But bear in mind mine was on a different bike - R1200S. May have slightly different belt specs. Also, it was a 20 degree C day - I've seen some suggestions that leaving the belt out in the sun (maybe heating it with a hair dryer) may loosen it up. Glad to have your method in my back pocket for next time/next bike.
Dana Hooshmand yes Dana I think you are right a warmer belt would help. However the GS was so tight that the first time I tried I split the new belt and had to buy another one😱. Think it would had to be melted to get that one on🥵
Great video sir! I'm wondering though if you throw the flywheel off balance slightly by tapping only the one hole and removing some material from that hole only? Have you considered tapping all three?
Morning Matt, that is a really good question that I had never thought about. In reality, because I am not actually drilling the hole and the tap is taking a very tiny sliver of metal as it cuts the thread I doubt if it makes any difference, especially when you see the size of the counterweight balance at the other end of the crankshaft. However you have brought this up at the exact time. I am rebuilding the GS after it dropped a valve and destroyed the engine as you will see on my latest videos. I was going to tap one hole now I am going to do all 3 on the replacement engine.....watch out for that video. Thanks Matt🤗
That small amount of metal, possibly less thN 2 grains, not grams, grains, N imbalance wouldn't come into play unless spun to 40 ,000 rpm. Maybe not then. Very good thought though. Really shows your thoughts process. VERY THOROUGH.
Hi Norman, I trust you are well! I’d assume your son’s 05 GS is pretty much the same motor as an ’07 that I have…that said, what is the Continental belt code you used as a replacement? Cheers mate, ride safe! 🏍️🇿🇦🍺
Hi Richard, I have been checking on Google but there seems so many different numbers I am not sure anymore. When I sold the bike I gave the new owner all the invoices for every part and the Haynes Manual. Researching it does appear that during 2007 BMW made a change but most people appear to be fitting the same belt as the 2005 model. There also seems more 'elastic' belts on the market now which will help, I imagine, to save time. Sorry I could not be more precise. I always bought from Motorworks in the UK who are so good and helpful and a quick email will be a good idea. www.motorworks.co.uk
Dear Normski, I am following your great channel. Thank you very much for creating it! I admire your way of explaining, your experience, and your dedication to repairing the GS1200. Thanks for your alternator belt information. I'm looking for one GS1200 to buy and I'm not sure which year is the best one in terms of cost-benefit. Of course, the newer ones bring more technologies but are more expensive, on the other hand, the most used ones, for those who know how to do maintenance it can be a good deal. Regarding your experience, which year would you recommend?
Hi Rubens....very interesting questions and I must admit I do not really know the answers. The 2004 - 2007 GS had major issues with the ABS/Servo system. Jason's GS was perfect for about 18 months and then suddenly the ABS light comes on! Expensive at £500 to divert by professionals who have worked out how to do it and keep the warning lights correct. You are right that the latest bikes just get better and better but look at the cost. I bought my latest RT1200 2 years ago, and do all my servicing after the warranty ran out. When Mark Croft, the mobile tyre fitter comes to my garage to replace tyres, I always ask what he thinks of the BMW bikes. He was a Superbike mechanic for years travelling around the world with the teams. His feeling is that the Mark 1 GS, before 2004 is by far the best engineered bike. Like the first Long Way Round adventure. I would really like to have one of those but I notice good ones are increasing in price!
I am so pleased Eric that it worked well for you. It is an easy method, well I found it was after breaking a couple of new belts after trying every other way possible😱
Thank you Rubens, it actually does work. You will see on the series of rebuilding that GS after the day engine blew up I replaced the alternator belt again on the new engine. Even easier before I installed the engine🥳
@@LandyAndy62 the metal plate that I drill and tap is only 2-3mm thick. Hand cutting the thread I noticed that most of the few bits of swarf remained on the tap🤗
I was in despair Matthias, having split one new belt, trying to find a BMW tool even at that cost. Just had a cup of coffee and sat looking at the problem and it jumped out😮
Hi Eddie, I do not have the bike anymore. But it was something like a 25mm. The plate that has the hole in it is probably about 3mm thick. Behind it is a space maybe 10-20mm no idea. Just screw in a bolt as far as you can with enough hanging out to feed the alternator belt around. Then remove the bolt and keep it safe for next time🤗
My 2013 GSA (oil cooled, 10,000kms) squealed at startup after being washed. Water must have made it past the cover and got this belt wet? **Upon further inspection the cover is designed with an open drain on the bottom so the water penetration makes sense.... no problems.
That does sound strange. I never thought of water getting in there but if the rear axle was full of water then it can get into the alternator belt area I suppose🤔 Pressure washers can do some terrible things. One blew the bike alarm on Jason’s 2005 GS to pieces, cost a lot to get it sorted! The Bike Alarm man did an amazing job on it otherwise it would have been scrap 😱
Normski - I don’t understand the rear axle comment. I think I just sprayed some soapy water into the drain hole at the bottom of this cover located at the front of the engine, behind the front fender area.
thebigbail It should dry out soon😳. Watch my video on the final drive ua-cam.com/video/XN36pUz8t2E/v-deo.html You will see that when I dropped down the rear axle it was full of water😳
Normski -Aaah yes, I understand what you are saying now....using the back axle as an example. I did my 10k service last fall and greased the shaft splines for that very reason. Thanks Norm!
Thank you, Sir! You saved me hours, frustration and a lot of money! :-) If there's the chance to met you one day, the beers are on me then. Best regards from germany Micha
Morning Beemer, good question but it is not a problem. It is a ‘plate’ of pressed steel maybe 3mm thick, so you can feel when you are through with the tap 🤗
is it ok to just replace the belts? don't they have a tentioner that may need re adjust to the new belts? I like your methods but new belts means readjustment to the tentioner to match it what is your response?
Hi Antimortem, excellent question and you are totally correct on pre 1200GS models. I have just finished 6 months rebuilding a 1150GS and the alternator belt is tensioned to 9nm. have a look: ua-cam.com/video/-nhB8wfgYuk/v-deo.html at a different method I found that make the job so very much easier. But the 1200GS very hard to replace the belt but when you have it is a set tension, job done!
Worked like a charm. On my 2010 GSA with the ESA suspension I had to machine down a 34mm socket shorter to fit between the crank pulley nut and the bottom shock mount.
Hi Gene, I just find Haynes good to work with. When I built a cafe racer 4 years ago from a BMW R100 the previous owner gave me his Cymer manual (is that what it is called?) , very good and lots of information, I did use them both.
@@genowynn9273 Permafast for Stainless Bolts. I thought they were nation wide but maybe just here? www.permafast.co.uk. Also order online from Westfield Fasteners www.westfieldfasteners.co.uk
bro, i was doing general overhaul of my gs same model as yours, may i know how u remove the crankshaft gear pulley? although its cant remove? seek your advice. thanks
Hi Spoon, I never had to remove the crankshaft gear pulley, just tap the threads with a 6mm tap in position. You would need a manual, such as Haynes manual for that model. I gave the manual to the new owner when I sold the bike. Sorry I cannot help you Spoon 😭
Ha ha....well after two days of trying, splitting a brand new belt, looking for a BMW £300 tool....I sat having a coffee and thought, there has to be another way🤦♂️🤔
Hi Steve, that is a really good question. I actually used a rubber O ring only. Haynes manual says for 04-09 twins that when you take the speed sensor out take note of any shims in place as well as the O ring. There were not any when I completed my son’s 2005GS so I replaced the rubber O ring only and took it out for about 20 miles to check there were no oil leaks. I will upload a new UA-cam video today of my 2018 RT1200LC showing me changing the final drive oil. There is an O ring on the drain plug and a crush washer on the fill plug.
Normski Thanks BMW actually replied to day stating that I only needed the O ring.I thought I’d lost it. By the way used your advice on the alternator belt was great mine was really easy! Cheers
Steve carey thanks Steve. Great to hear your alternator belt went on well, brilliant news, thanks for the feedback! So tomorrow we can go riding again 😎. Oh maybe you live in Wales or Scotland 😳😩
Hi, me again. I hope you are OK. Would you believe it, the bike shredded the alternator belt! I feel confident I could sort it after your tutorial, but the garage said they will sort it under warranty and have a look at the useless fuel gauge. The battery tested ok and I have charged it and keep it trickle charged using a solar powered Optimate. My question is, is it OK to run the bike without it being charged by the alternator? It seemed to run OK when the warning light came on and got me home , about an hour's ride. Cheers.
@@clunkygearbox wow Mike it shredded the alternator belt😱. That sounds as if something is not aligned right and it is forcing it off. I am no electronics expert but I would not imagine you can do damage running the bike without an alternator, but thought it would run out of electrical juice pretty soon🤔😲
Thank you Kevin that is so encouraging, especially after someone posted that it was a waste of time on Saturday. I tried to put a new belt on for two days before I came up with the bolt idea!
Afternoon hope your well. Had a night mare with the gs it splutters at low revs still and did 30 miles and belt has come off agen. Do you no anyone one in chesterfield area that works on them ?
Morning James, thinking about your alternator belt coming off is a real worry. I presume you have used my little trick and cut a 6mm thread so that you can screw in the bolt to hold on the belt while you wind it on. Then of course remove the bolt. For the belt to come off I imagine one of the pulleys is not running true or has been damaged🤔. My problem is that I have to take one of my bikes out of the garage to work on the other. I could not leave one outside overnight?. I also work remotely for a large organisation in South Africa 3 days a week so just cannot take a difficult job on. Can I suggest Mark Crofts who does mobile bike repairs and tyre fitting in Chesterfield. Mark is an ex World Superbike mechanic and is just amazing. He comes to you. His number is: 07971 197552 called MC Motorbike Services. There is also a new bike garage set up on Ward Street, Tupton and I hear he is excellent. Think it is called TL Motorbikes? Sorry to let you down James, but think these guys can really help.
![BMW R1200GS [2010] POLY BELT CHANGE... ! 👨🔧---🏍](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dQwVrCv5uDA/mqdefault.jpg)
![BMW R1200GS [2010] POLY BELT CHANGE... ! 👨🔧---🏍](/img/tr.png)
Just in the event you are watching this from BC, Canada, I found this Continental 4PK595 ribbed V- belt at the Bumper to Bumper auto parts store for around $25 Cdn, the local BMW Dealer wants $85.05. Thanks Normski for post this valuable information. Well done. Cheers
Thank you NB. That sounds like a really good find🤩
An excellent instructional video that I've just watched then successfully fitted a replacement alternator belt to my R1200GS. Thanks for taking the time to post the video, it certainly helped me👏👏😉👍👍
Hi Edward, thank you so much for your comments. So pleased it worked for you… but of course I know it does 🥳
Tapping a 6mm thread on the lower pulley made this job a doddle, Norman. I didn’t have a 34mm socket handy, but a Crescent wrench worked ok. Great tip, thank you! Ride safe! 🏍️👍🇿🇦🍺
@@richardho5955 hi Richard, so pleased it worked for you. Almost 70,000 views on that video🤩
After much frustration this solved my issue right away! Thanks so much for the great tip.
Thanks for the good guide, the tip with the bolt really made it easy to re-fit the belt!
Thank you so much for your comment Chakothee🤩
Mr. Hill, you have me watching your videos lol. 6mm bolt was genius. Makes absolute sense. The gym boys can do it the hard way, but you do it the smart way!
Even in the middle of desert you could change an alternator belt......as long as you have a 6mm bolt in your pocket and someone to turn the rear wheel!
Norm, thank you for the tip on the bolt! I always carry a spare belt in my tool kit, and it’s come in handy a long way from home in the middle of nowhere, but the bolt trick would have made it so much easier. I just did a belt change in my garage, using the plastic strip and the bolt tricks (I too had to use a big crescent wrench), and it went like butter! Thank you amigo!
Thank you Warren. So pleased it worked. Sometimes a simple method is the best eh🤗
Great tip ! Replaced belt on my r1200gs in around 20 mins using this method. As i have Hepco and Becker crash bars and they obstruct acces to 34mm nut I tried to use adjustable shifter (to avoid removing crash bars) and it worked just fine. Thanks again !
Hi Dub, that is brilliant news, I am so pleased it worked perfectly. Thank you 😊
Thank you. My alternator seized and ate the belt of my 04 gs in a big cloud of smoke last week, so removing mine was a case of picking little bits of spaghetti out of the case!
Already tapped the hole ready for the replacement to arrive, good to know I'm prepared.
So sorry you bike ate the belt…but sure you will install the new one with the bolt trick very quickly🤗
This afternoon I changed the belt according to your video. Just one turn around and the belt was properly installed. Excellent idea from you and excellent demonstration in your video.
Thanks a lot and greetings from Hattingen in Germany.
Thank you so much for your comment Armin. I am thrilled that it worked so well for you in the home of BMW.
Fantastic, trying to fit the new belt has been driving me insane, what a simple fix, wish I had thought of it, thank you.
Thank you so much for your comment Richard, I am so grateful and pleased it has worked for you. You will notice from a couple of comments that some have just wound the new belt on with no problem at all! I just do not know how they did that, I tried for 2 days and ended up splitting the new belt and had to wait another couple of days for a new one to arrive. I even thought I would order from Wunderlich USA their 'tool' for putting it on, but the cost and then the delivery AND then I normally get 10-20% import duty just made me stop and keep looking at the problem. The answer was staring me in the face, but that is often the case!
Way to go! This is THE way to took me no time at all! I've been putting this off for years and it took
Brilliant Greg....you are now a master 🤗
Superb! You sir are a genius. Was dreading having to do this task but your method works perfectly
That is such wonderful news Daniel, I am so pleased, thank you 😊
Thank you Norm!! I don't own a GS but was curious how hard a belt replacement is in the field. You are a smart man and found a really easy way to do a difficult job. Brilliant Sir!!
Thank you Christopher. I never thought of doing an alternator belt change while in the back of beyond, but if you had already tapped the holes and carried a spare belt and 6mm bolt and with a friend moving the back wheel in 6th gear you could easily change it! Great idea!
Nice idea with the bolt, much kinder to the new belt!
Thank you for a very good video. I have an r1200rt 05. An alternator belt is on list to be changed next spring.
@@jarkkovento thank you Jarkko, I appreciate your comment. Yes the alternator belt ‘trick’ can save a lot of time and sore fingers🤗
Norm, you are one clever cookie!!
Gee,what a nifty way of solving that problem!Thanks for posting.Fernand,Luxembourg
Thank you Fernand.....and it does work. After splitting the first new alternator belt, and my hand, I had to find another way🤗
Wow.. that's what experience looks like! Thanks for those awesome advices!
Greetings from Germany
Thank you GS ADV . Hope it helps one day🤗
Best mechanic tutorial yet
Thank you Wade, I appreciate that very much.
Great Trick with the 6mm Bolt. Thank you for making this Video.👍
Great tip on using the bolt. Thank you for sharing this video.
What a great trip thank you so much from the state of Oregon, USA.
Thank you Titan from Oregon, appreciate your comment!
Just replaced the belt on my r1200r using this method and it worked like a charm. Thank you for this great tip!
Brilliant Serge I am so pleased it worked for you!
Superb, brilliantly presented and cracking tip. Confident to do this myself after watching that. Excellent.
Tony Markey thank you Tony for your encouraging comments.....have success when you do the job!
Genius. Thats the best method i've seen and i'll definitely be using that.
The bolt does exactly the same job as the BMW Tool.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Sea Nomad, that is exactly what I was trying to do, find a method to replicate the BMW tool, and it does work 🤩
There's no need to go through all the trouble of the allen bolt and all that, if you use a regular adjustable wrench and you guide the belt on the lower pulley as far as you can with your hand and then you place the wrench on the nut with the wrench handle pointing at 90ª (or at three o'clock) if you turn it clockwise the belt has nowhere to go (other that its place that is) and will go in in half a turn. It may take a couple of attempts but you'll save a lot of hours at the gym and two hundred pounds. You can buy ten Haynes manuals with that cash.
Just successfully done my belt with this method,. Thanks.
Just brilliant yughill, that is great news, it does work doesn't it. Although I never ever realised until a subscriber told me that there is an alternator belt that is 'elastic' and will stretch!
Fabulous. Mine is due on my 1200S. I was wondering how to do it myself. Thanks for showing us.
This method for both removal and installation worked wonderfully for me on my R1200RT. If you have crash bars, do yourself a favor and remove them for this job.
Great news Xaqueri and you are absolutely right about removing the crash bars!
...thats what I like also: Replace expensive tools by cheap things! Thanks for that and ride carefully!
Works. I just cut the old belt off with a pair of tin snips and no need to remove the plugs.
Great idea Curtis....I try to keep the old belt just in as I need it again......as if you would 🤷♂️
It was easy completing the belt install by taking the spark plugs and using a ratchet/socket combo when turning and holding the belt close to the flywheel. It’ll catch on and will ride while turning it and it’s done. Just make sure your belt is flush on the alternator wheel before you turn.
Brilliant! I'm off for a 34 tomorrow. Thanks again.
What a great tutorial. Thank you so much for the screw trick and the hint with the plugs unscrewed. That is a very well explained video. God bless you.Alex
Thank you Alex
Very good idea - thanks for the tip with the crew
Thank you Norbert 🤩
Great trick with that screw! Thank you for the time saved
Thank you so much for your encouraging comment, so pleased it helped.
Just found this , that was really clear I'm going to check out the rest my old 1100gs must be due for similar. Thanks .
Hi Norman, your 1100GS is different. I am doing up an 1150GS now. Have a look at my latest videos Part 7
Hi I will thanks, my gs is in pretty good nick with only 30k . So just about to change brake hoses , fluids but wasn't sure what else the engine's quiet . Any thoughts ? BTW it would be interesting to see your workshop layout? I now need to see what you did about your sons engine. So sick on an immaculate bike like that. Thanks again.
Hi Norman, well rebuilding the 1200GS is like watching a box-set 😲 but I have a feeling this new project of a 2003 1150GS is going to take even longer. It has had 8 owners in its 18 year life, some appeared to care a lot, adding a full stainless bolt kit and Touratech parts, but alas others never did anything. Just changed to braided hoses and when I went to flush the ‘working’ ABS the Servo had decided to pack up🤷♂️😱. Looking at the colour of the brake fluid I don’t think it had ever been changed 🤷♂️. Hope yours doesn’t do the same.
My workshop is too full really to work well, I have to wheel my RT out to give me the room. Just designed a cable stripper for my son Jason (of 1200GS fame) who has a washing machine rental business and spends hours stripping cable to get at the copper. So stepped back from the 1150GS for a week while I make all the parts for the cable stripping machine.
You are always welcome to pop by if you live anywhere close, I am in Chesterfield.
Norman
Earth to Major Tom. Norm is a genius
Thanks John....wish I was 🤷♂️
Brilliant. I would use a bike tyre lever to lever off the belt. Not as harsh as screwdriver. Bolt cutting thread hole is ace idea.
Im going to watch hex eze can video next. Ive got one on mine and it was disconnected. Also found wires under front end. I think cameras were fitted to bike then removed.
That is my most watched UA-cam video ever...seemed to solve a major problem, did with me anyway 🤣
I say it with all due respect: I didn't expect something like this from you.
Thank you Wilham 😍
Genius! Thank you very much for the great video.
A lot to say about "old school", thanks Norm. Wish I could shout you a pint.
the bolt worked a treat thank you :)
I am so pleased Gav 🤩
Thanks for these info,! Illl do a swap myself. I see a nice Myford, enjoy!
Excellent video, your system works perfect 👍
The bolt trick does sound smart but …. I don’t like to modify permanently a piece of the engine. I wonder if using the plastic strip to put on the new belt would work. I have seen on YT someone who just use his hands and it looks very easy
Hi Fabio, no modification, the hole is already there and all you are doing is cutting a thread which takes a few grams of swarf🤗. I do believe there are ‘flexible’ alternator belts that you can stretch.
Well done Norm great and informative video
Very well done!. Thanks for the great video.
Simple but so clever, thank you.
Thank you Paul…so simple I kept staring at it for two days before the eureka moment 🤷🏼♂️
Was that stainless steel bolt supplier you mentioned Motor Works?
Wooo that’s a cracking tip that. Keep up the good work 👍🏻
Thanks James, I am amazed that so many have viewed this video. There I was, after snapping a brand new belt, thinking ‘there must be another way’. Bit of a eureka moment🤗. Wish I could have another one 🤣
Normski soon as you used the plastic a was like that’s a right good idear that. Ya never stop learning.
I planned on doing this your clever way, but managed to use a wrench to simultaneously turn the motor and push the belt on. Didn't remove the spark plugs, either.
Well done Dana, sure you must work out at the Gym. I tried numerous times to do that without success
@@normski3091 I know, I was fully prepared for a battle! But bear in mind mine was on a different bike - R1200S. May have slightly different belt specs. Also, it was a 20 degree C day - I've seen some suggestions that leaving the belt out in the sun (maybe heating it with a hair dryer) may loosen it up. Glad to have your method in my back pocket for next time/next bike.
Dana Hooshmand yes Dana I think you are right a warmer belt would help. However the GS was so tight that the first time I tried I split the new belt and had to buy another one😱. Think it would had to be melted to get that one on🥵
Very clever idea Norm, tho cutting the belt off saves a lot of time and less faffing about, 6mm bolt, ..... genius 😃👍
Cliff Davies thanks for your comment Cliff and you are right you could cut the belt off but dead easy to wind it off🤗
Thanks Norm. 👍
Great video sir! I'm wondering though if you throw the flywheel off balance slightly by tapping only the one hole and removing some material from that hole only? Have you considered tapping all three?
Morning Matt, that is a really good question that I had never thought about. In reality, because I am not actually drilling the hole and the tap is taking a very tiny sliver of metal as it cuts the thread I doubt if it makes any difference, especially when you see the size of the counterweight balance at the other end of the crankshaft. However you have brought this up at the exact time. I am rebuilding the GS after it dropped a valve and destroyed the engine as you will see on my latest videos. I was going to tap one hole now I am going to do all 3 on the replacement engine.....watch out for that video. Thanks Matt🤗
That small amount of metal, possibly less thN 2 grains, not grams, grains, N imbalance wouldn't come into play unless spun to 40 ,000 rpm. Maybe not then. Very good thought though. Really shows your thoughts process. VERY THOROUGH.
Hi Norman, I trust you are well! I’d assume your son’s 05 GS is pretty much the same motor as an ’07 that I have…that said, what is the Continental belt code you used as a replacement? Cheers mate, ride safe! 🏍️🇿🇦🍺
Hi Richard, I have been checking on Google but there seems so many different numbers I am not sure anymore. When I sold the bike I gave the new owner all the invoices for every part and the Haynes Manual. Researching it does appear that during 2007 BMW made a change but most people appear to be fitting the same belt as the 2005 model. There also seems more 'elastic' belts on the market now which will help, I imagine, to save time. Sorry I could not be more precise. I always bought from Motorworks in the UK who are so good and helpful and a quick email will be a good idea. www.motorworks.co.uk
Thanks Norman…I’ll send them an email! Take care and ride safe! 🏍️😊🇿🇦🍺
Dear Normski, I am following your great channel. Thank you very much for creating it!
I admire your way of explaining, your experience, and your dedication to repairing the GS1200. Thanks for your alternator belt information. I'm looking for one GS1200 to buy and I'm not sure which year is the best one in terms of cost-benefit. Of course, the newer ones bring more technologies but are more expensive, on the other hand, the most used ones, for those who know how to do maintenance it can be a good deal. Regarding your experience, which year would you recommend?
Hi Rubens....very interesting questions and I must admit I do not really know the answers. The 2004 - 2007 GS had major issues with the ABS/Servo system. Jason's GS was perfect for about 18 months and then suddenly the ABS light comes on! Expensive at £500 to divert by professionals who have worked out how to do it and keep the warning lights correct. You are right that the latest bikes just get better and better but look at the cost. I bought my latest RT1200 2 years ago, and do all my servicing after the warranty ran out. When Mark Croft, the mobile tyre fitter comes to my garage to replace tyres, I always ask what he thinks of the BMW bikes. He was a Superbike mechanic for years travelling around the world with the teams. His feeling is that the Mark 1 GS, before 2004 is by far the best engineered bike. Like the first Long Way Round adventure. I would really like to have one of those but I notice good ones are increasing in price!
@@normanhill316 2007 does not have the servos.
I have the 2005 with servo. I bought it new and did everything by myself. No issue with ABS or servo.
This worked beautifully! Easy and no one even was hurt during the process! ;) Thank you sincerely!
I am so pleased Eric that it worked well for you. It is an easy method, well I found it was after breaking a couple of new belts after trying every other way possible😱
Excellent explanation! Nice job! Thank you so much for sharing for experience with us!
Thank you Rubens, it actually does work. You will see on the series of rebuilding that GS after the day engine blew up I replaced the alternator belt again on the new engine. Even easier before I installed the engine🥳
Nice idea, but I can’t help but wonder where the swarf from cutting the thread goes? 🤔
@@LandyAndy62 the metal plate that I drill and tap is only 2-3mm thick. Hand cutting the thread I noticed that most of the few bits of swarf remained on the tap🤗
Top man! Top tip! Went off without a hitch! ;-)
Absolutely genious!! Thank you. Alex, Italy.
Thank you Alessandro I am pleased you are enjoying it......
Desde Colombia un video exelente
Brilliant! Thanks for the idea!
No problem 😉
keeping it simple and stupid ( KISS) - thank you for this very very simple way of making it easy for me
Thank you Francis, so pleased you liked the method.😀
Absolutely clever. Thank you so much.
I was in despair Matthias, having split one new belt, trying to find a BMW tool even at that cost. Just had a cup of coffee and sat looking at the problem and it jumped out😮
What length 6mm bolt did you use? Please define if it's overall length or just the length of the threaded part below the cap
Hi Eddie, I do not have the bike anymore. But it was something like a 25mm. The plate that has the hole in it is probably about 3mm thick. Behind it is a space maybe 10-20mm no idea. Just screw in a bolt as far as you can with enough hanging out to feed the alternator belt around. Then remove the bolt and keep it safe for next time🤗
My 2013 GSA (oil cooled, 10,000kms) squealed at startup after being washed. Water must have made it past the cover and got this belt wet?
**Upon further inspection the cover is designed with an open drain on the bottom so the water penetration makes sense.... no problems.
That does sound strange. I never thought of water getting in there but if the rear axle was full of water then it can get into the alternator belt area I suppose🤔 Pressure washers can do some terrible things. One blew the bike alarm on Jason’s 2005 GS to pieces, cost a lot to get it sorted! The Bike Alarm man did an amazing job on it otherwise it would have been scrap 😱
Normski - I don’t understand the rear axle comment. I think I just sprayed some soapy water into the drain hole at the bottom of this cover located at the front of the engine, behind the front fender area.
thebigbail It should dry out soon😳. Watch my video on the final drive ua-cam.com/video/XN36pUz8t2E/v-deo.html
You will see that when I dropped down the rear axle it was full of water😳
Normski -Aaah yes, I understand what you are saying now....using the back axle as an example. I did my 10k service last fall and greased the shaft splines for that very reason. Thanks Norm!
Almost 72 and still managing 🏍😎😍
The oul dog for the long road, brilliant..!! 👍
Thank you, Sir!
You saved me hours, frustration and a lot of money! :-)
If there's the chance to met you one day, the beers are on me then.
Best regards from germany
Micha
Fantastic! Thank you...
So pleased the idea was of use WFO......it really does work!
Norm thanks for that tip. Is it possible to tap the thread too deeply? If so how deep do we need to do it?
Morning Beemer, good question but it is not a problem. It is a ‘plate’ of pressed steel maybe 3mm thick, so you can feel when you are through with the tap 🤗
@@normski3091 Many thanks
You mentioned a supplier of stainless steel bolts but I could not quite get their name. Can you tell me who they are please?
is it ok to just replace the belts? don't they have a tentioner that may need re adjust to the new belts? I like your methods but new belts means readjustment to the tentioner to match it what is your response?
Hi Antimortem, excellent question and you are totally correct on pre 1200GS models. I have just finished 6 months rebuilding a 1150GS and the alternator belt is tensioned to 9nm. have a look: ua-cam.com/video/-nhB8wfgYuk/v-deo.html
at a different method I found that make the job so very much easier. But the 1200GS very hard to replace the belt but when you have it is a set tension, job done!
Den alten Riemen schneidet man einfach ab ;) Aber es geht natürlich auch umständlich.
DLzG
Yes you can cut it but sometimes when you take it off it is a perfect belt! Handy to have as a spare.
@@normski3091 to have a spare I'd rather buy a second new one ;)
Ride safe and have fun!
Nice work!!
Thank you John🤗
Worked like a charm. On my 2010 GSA with the ESA suspension I had to machine down a 34mm socket shorter to fit between the crank pulley nut and the bottom shock mount.
Yes its Clymer. I have a Haynes manual for a different bike (Kawasaki) and had a Clymer manual long time ago.
Thank you!
Excellent and thank you sir!!
I see a workshop manual on your desk. Would you recommend Haynes or any other manual?
Hi Gene, I just find Haynes good to work with. When I built a cafe racer 4 years ago from a BMW R100 the previous owner gave me his Cymer manual (is that what it is called?) , very good and lots of information, I did use them both.
@@normanhill316 Thank you very much for that Norm.
@@genowynn9273 Permafast for Stainless Bolts. I thought they were nation wide but maybe just here? www.permafast.co.uk. Also order online from Westfield Fasteners www.westfieldfasteners.co.uk
Fantastic!!! TANX!!!!
Great! Thanks so much!
Pleased you liked it Ralph🤗
Motor works in meltham huddersfield
Normski est ce la même courroie pour une GSA 1200 de 2012 ?
Hi Pascal, the belt for the 2012 GSA is 582mm which is longer than the 2005 GS belt. Contitech 482 I believe.
@@normski3091 Merci beaucoup pour le renseignement
You are 5 star Sir :)
bro, i was doing general overhaul of my gs same model as yours, may i know how u remove the crankshaft gear pulley? although its cant remove? seek your advice. thanks
Hi Spoon, I never had to remove the crankshaft gear pulley, just tap the threads with a 6mm tap in position. You would need a manual, such as Haynes manual for that model. I gave the manual to the new owner when I sold the bike. Sorry I cannot help you Spoon 😭
@@normski3091 I locked the engine with the TDC pin to remove the pulley nut. 140 NM to refit.
@@johnlang3233 perfect 🤗
Guess I a really lucky here in Australia. I just left the belt in the sun for 10 mins and it slipped right on.
Ha ha that is a much better option 🤣🤣
How the heck did you come up with that idea? brilliant thank you so much.
Ha ha....well after two days of trying, splitting a brand new belt, looking for a BMW £300 tool....I sat having a coffee and thought, there has to be another way🤦♂️🤔
Did you use a washer as well as o ring on your speed sensor my bikes a Sept 2006 Rt just wondering
Hi Steve, that is a really good question. I actually used a rubber O ring only. Haynes manual says for 04-09 twins that when you take the speed sensor out take note of any shims in place as well as the O ring. There were not any when I completed my son’s 2005GS so I replaced the rubber O ring only and took it out for about 20 miles to check there were no oil leaks. I will upload a new UA-cam video today of my 2018 RT1200LC showing me changing the final drive oil. There is an O ring on the drain plug and a crush washer on the fill plug.
Normski Thanks BMW actually replied to day stating that I only needed the O ring.I thought I’d lost it. By the way used your advice on the alternator belt was great mine was really easy! Cheers
Steve carey thanks Steve. Great to hear your alternator belt went on well, brilliant news, thanks for the feedback! So tomorrow we can go riding again 😎. Oh maybe you live in Wales or Scotland 😳😩
Normski Ha no Lancashire
Steve carey I will wave as I pass you. I am in Derbyshire😎
Genius! Many thanks.
Thank you Mike...every now and then you have a problem that takes you a couple of days to solve and then 🤗, it comes to you from absolutely nowhere.
I have just bought the same bike and steeling myself to do the maintenance! So your videos are really helpful. Cheers.
@@clunkygearbox go for it Mike…you will get to know and live the bike so much more🤗
Hi, me again. I hope you are OK. Would you believe it, the bike shredded the alternator belt! I feel confident I could sort it after your tutorial, but the garage said they will sort it under warranty and have a look at the useless fuel gauge. The battery tested ok and I have charged it and keep it trickle charged using a solar powered Optimate. My question is, is it OK to run the bike without it being charged by the alternator? It seemed to run OK when the warning light came on and got me home , about an hour's ride. Cheers.
@@clunkygearbox wow Mike it shredded the alternator belt😱. That sounds as if something is not aligned right and it is forcing it off. I am no electronics expert but I would not imagine you can do damage running the bike without an alternator, but thought it would run out of electrical juice pretty soon🤔😲
Fantastisk video😀👍👍👍
Just cut the old belt. 3 seconds. Also take the sparkplugs (top ones) out so you can turn the engine very easily.
Yes you can cut it, if you want, but it winds off no problem. You are right take out the spark plugs.
Shere bloody geniouse! You sir have saved me hours! Thank you
Thank you Kevin that is so encouraging, especially after someone posted that it was a waste of time on Saturday. I tried to put a new belt on for two days before I came up with the bolt idea!
Bravo...
Thank you Rene….it works well 🤗
Thanks you....!!!!👏👏👏👏👍👍👍
Thank you Salvador......hope the idea saves you stress, broken fingers....oh and money🤣
whats make of the stand you have?
Hi Carlos, search google for Big Blue Bike lift......also my video on it : ua-cam.com/video/D9MqCaIS-8g/v-deo.html
@@normski3091 thanks Norm, nice video's, have you ever taken the off the front cover off, the one behind the alternator belt?
@@CarlosTilbury no Carlos I have never needed to.....been in from the other end though, and that was difficult enough😳🤦♂️🥵
Afternoon hope your well. Had a night mare with the gs it splutters at low revs still and did 30 miles and belt has come off agen. Do you no anyone one in chesterfield area that works on them ?
Hi James, I will have a look if you want. Problem is when? Let me know when you are available 🤔
Normski a can drop it off and leve it with you if you like. It’s spluttering at low revs and the belt keeps pulling off had three belts on it.
@@jamessparrow6549 morning James, my email is: mrnormanhill@yahoo.co.uk if you can email me personally I can ask you some more questions.
Morning James, thinking about your alternator belt coming off is a real worry. I presume you have used my little trick and cut a 6mm thread so that you can screw in the bolt to hold on the belt while you wind it on. Then of course remove the bolt. For the belt to come off I imagine one of the pulleys is not running true or has been damaged🤔.
My problem is that I have to take one of my bikes out of the garage to work on the other. I could not leave one outside overnight?.
I also work remotely for a large organisation in South Africa 3 days a week so just cannot take a difficult job on.
Can I suggest Mark Crofts who does mobile bike repairs and tyre fitting in Chesterfield. Mark is an ex World Superbike mechanic and is just amazing. He comes to you. His number is: 07971 197552 called MC Motorbike Services.
There is also a new bike garage set up on Ward Street, Tupton and I hear he is excellent. Think it is called TL Motorbikes?
Sorry to let you down James, but think these guys can really help.
❤❤❤❤