Hi, Very helpful video. I just looked at it before changing my 2018 RT filter. That plastic filter cover is one very tight fit! I encountered (and overcame)one issue which I though may assist others. Reinstalling the filter cover (@ 6:50 minutes into), the rear was very, very snug against front of gas tank and filler neck breather tube. This left no room to properly reinstall and position cover over the two (rear) plastic tabs and rubber rim seal. So I ended up using a large screwdriver (while holding cover) to pry tank back just enough to allow sufficient room to correctly position cover. I also removed additional screws to move the R and L plastic fairing pieces away from the filter. Thanks again for the detailed video.
Thanks for the information. Clearwater lights makes a replacement clip that’s metal for the side pieces. I have one on my RT as one of the clips was broken.
I performed the same service yesterday,on my 2022 RT, at 3500 miles the filter really wasn’t dirty at all. ( I drove through gale force dusty conditions) I wish I had viewed your video. Took me a while but it’s all complete.👍
Thanks for the video, very helpful. What a bloody performance just to change an air filter! Obviously DIY servicing does not feature highly on BMW designers' list of priorities.
I have a 2018, are screws for side pockets different than the bike shown? What is the purpose of removing the screws in pockets? I didn’t see moving it out of place in the video. On mine there is one screw in the pocket and it appears that the 2 screws on the speaker cover must be removed. Also I see in other videos of removing the radio panel, is that required?
Basically you need to loosen enough of the screws to allow you to spread the panels to reach the airbox. Be especially gentle with the side panels since they have plastic clips that hold them in place. I broke a clip one time - as a result I made a video on how to repair it. Good luck!
Great video! I feel like I'll need to do this sooner than later. On the panel pieces where the 12 volt connector (right) or stereo controls (left) are.. how do you manage the wiring? Is there a molex/quick disconnect in place or do you just have to gingerly hold it to the side ?
I did not disconnect the cable from the panel. I just let it hang down gently. You could always zip tie it to keep it from hanging down if that makes you feel better.
They are all the rage, but I’ve had two and ended up selling them. They don’t work for everyone. Having said that, RDL is a wonderful company to work with.
Great video, nice info for so far. I wonder if you can tell me about the RAM ball you fitted on the steering yoke. I'm looking for this setup and I could'nt find nothing about it. You're bike looks really nice mate :-)
Yes, I bought in the UK from Nippy Normans. Here is the link: www.nippynormans.com/gps-accessories/ram-specific-ball-kit-for-r1200rt-lc-r1200rs-lc-r1250rt-r1250rs
Thanks for making the video, I am changing the air filter tonight and your video give a nice overview of the process. By the way, what seats do you have installed on your bike? How do you like them compared to the stock seat?
Fantastic, lots of plastic but not too difficult. I have Russell Day Long seat - I absolutely love it. Check them out at day-long.com. My wife and I did an Iron Butt on them last summer.
Wow that filter change is challenging, Love R bmw ( nostalgia? ) my dad had an old R50 used to ride on the tank with him ….I know they probably really well made and reliable , thinking about getting one soon , are they too complicated and overengineer like most of the German products nowadays….what’s your honest opinion from an old biker to another …?
Frankly the air filter replacement seems difficult, but it’s just removing a bunch of plastic to get to it that’s the challenge. I love my R1200RT and R1200GS. They are really great bikes!
Thanks for the video. I just finished mine after watching this. Nothing was difficult. I just kept asking myself, who designed this process? The extented procross proves the engineers that create these stupid designes are not the people who have to work on them.
Neat video. Not sure about leaving the panels on the bike by removing only the screws to release the next panel. I do this procedure twice a year on my RT and take the opportunity to remove all the Tupperware to clean the bike and check all the cable connectors. It really doesn’t take much longer and mitigates the risk of the panel getting damaged by being flexed against the remaining screws. Still, you’re right that it’s a faff to do the strip down and re-assembly, but it’s worth it to save money and do a more thorough job than most dealers would. The one that bugs me most with the current RT models is the battery replacement - it’s ’conveniently’ located behind the right hand side panels and even once the panels are off it’s a bu66er to get out! The previous models from 2005-2014 had the battery behind the tank under the front seat. Also much easier to get jump start leads onto the terminals. Still, it’s all part of the fun of owning and maintaining RTs! Keep up the good work!
Hi, Very helpful video. I just looked at it before changing my 2018 RT filter. That plastic filter cover is one very tight fit! I encountered (and overcame)one issue which I though may assist others. Reinstalling the filter cover (@ 6:50 minutes into), the rear was very, very snug against front of gas tank and filler neck breather tube. This left no room to properly reinstall and position cover over the two (rear) plastic tabs and rubber rim seal. So I ended up using a large screwdriver (while holding cover) to pry tank back just enough to allow sufficient room to correctly position cover. I also removed additional screws to move the R and L plastic fairing pieces away from the filter.
Thanks again for the detailed video.
Good idea! I will try that approach next time!
Thanks for the information. Clearwater lights makes a replacement clip that’s metal for the side pieces. I have one on my RT as one of the clips was broken.
Yes, they do. I broke one and fortunately found the Clearwater solution. I made a video of the installation too. Thanks for the comment!
I performed the same service yesterday,on my 2022 RT, at 3500 miles the filter really wasn’t dirty at all. ( I drove through gale force dusty conditions) I wish I had viewed your video. Took me a while but it’s all complete.👍
Yeah it’s not particularly difficult, just a bunch of plastic to remove to get there. Glad it all worked out for you!
Thanks for the video, very helpful. What a bloody performance just to change an air filter! Obviously DIY servicing does not feature highly on BMW designers' list of priorities.
It’s not particularly difficult, just tedious. Be patient and stay organized and you’ll get it done without issue.
Hi, which seats you have? It seems very confortable. Thanks
It is the best seat ever! It’s a Russell Day Long custom seat. You can find them at day-long.com. Cheers!
Very useful video. Thank you from Spain
De nada!
Surprisingly better then a Concours 14
That’s almost hard to believe!
@@PacMoto Yea, I nearly bought one until I saw a You Tube on it........Super ridiculous!
I have a 2018, are screws for side pockets different than the bike shown? What is the purpose of removing the screws in pockets? I didn’t see moving it out of place in the video. On mine there is one screw in the pocket and it appears that the 2 screws on the speaker cover must be removed. Also I see in other videos of removing the radio panel, is that required?
Basically you need to loosen enough of the screws to allow you to spread the panels to reach the airbox. Be especially gentle with the side panels since they have plastic clips that hold them in place. I broke a clip one time - as a result I made a video on how to repair it. Good luck!
THANKS where did you get your seats??
That seat is a Russell Day Long. The best seat I’ve ever had!
Great video! I feel like I'll need to do this sooner than later. On the panel pieces where the 12 volt connector (right) or stereo controls (left) are.. how do you manage the wiring? Is there a molex/quick disconnect in place or do you just have to gingerly hold it to the side ?
I did not disconnect the cable from the panel. I just let it hang down gently. You could always zip tie it to keep it from hanging down if that makes you feel better.
Good video!! Helps a lot to do the change of the filter
Thanks! There’s a bunch of Tupperware to deal with, but not overly complicated.
Thanks for the video, greetings from Russia.I went to change it on my motorcycle, we will soon be warm.
Good luck!
what are those seats and where did you get them?
Highly recommended. Russell Day Long day-long.com
T.y for the vidéo! Can you tell what kind of seat please…look so confi.
It’s a Russell Day Long seat. Check them out at day-long.com.
They are all the rage, but I’ve had two and ended up selling them. They don’t work for everyone. Having said that, RDL is a wonderful company to work with.
Good video. Checking this to help a mate of mine. I'll stick to Japanese bikes, a lot less hassle... All this jist to replace an airfilter...
It’s not difficult, but it is tedious!
Great video, nice info for so far. I wonder if you can tell me about the RAM ball you fitted on the steering yoke. I'm looking for this setup and I could'nt find nothing about it. You're bike looks really nice mate :-)
Yes, I bought in the UK from Nippy Normans. Here is the link: www.nippynormans.com/gps-accessories/ram-specific-ball-kit-for-r1200rt-lc-r1200rs-lc-r1250rt-r1250rs
Thanks for making the video, I am changing the air filter tonight and your video give a nice overview of the process. By the way, what seats do you have installed on your bike? How do you like them compared to the stock seat?
Fantastic, lots of plastic but not too difficult. I have Russell Day Long seat - I absolutely love it. Check them out at day-long.com. My wife and I did an Iron Butt on them last summer.
So, basically, when you are done taking the entire bike apart, you can change the air filter at the same time.
Haha, pretty much!
Wow that filter change is challenging, Love R bmw ( nostalgia? ) my dad had an old R50 used to ride on the tank with him ….I know they probably really well made and reliable , thinking about getting one soon , are they too complicated and overengineer like most of the German products nowadays….what’s your honest opinion from an old biker to another …?
Frankly the air filter replacement seems difficult, but it’s just removing a bunch of plastic to get to it that’s the challenge. I love my R1200RT and R1200GS. They are really great bikes!
This procedure is relatively simple compared to an air filter service on a Goldwing.
I’ve never tried it in a Gold Wing. The BMW isn’t difficult, it’s just a lot of screws and plastic to get to the filter.
Спасибо
добро пожаловать
Thanks for the video.
I just finished mine after watching this. Nothing was difficult. I just kept asking myself, who designed this process?
The extented procross proves the engineers that create these stupid designes are not the people who have to work on them.
Exactly!
Neat video. Not sure about leaving the panels on the bike by removing only the screws to release the next panel.
I do this procedure twice a year on my RT and take the opportunity to remove all the Tupperware to clean the bike and check all the cable connectors.
It really doesn’t take much longer and mitigates the risk of the panel getting damaged by being flexed against the remaining screws.
Still, you’re right that it’s a faff to do the strip down and re-assembly, but it’s worth it to save money and do a more thorough job than most dealers would.
The one that bugs me most with the current RT models is the battery replacement - it’s ’conveniently’ located behind the right hand side panels and even once the panels are off it’s a bu66er to get out! The previous models from 2005-2014 had the battery behind the tank under the front seat. Also much easier to get jump start leads onto the terminals.
Still, it’s all part of the fun of owning and maintaining RTs!
Keep up the good work!
All good points. Thanks for watching and I appreciate the feedback. Cheers!
A little tedious?
Not difficult but certainly tedious.
I kinda feel the same way about a valve clearance check.
Geez, now I just have to set aside 15 hours to remove every panel on my bike to change the air filter
Haha yeah it’s not difficult but a little tedious.
The engineer who designed the air box and body work interface on this bike should be ashamed, fired, and prevented from designing anything.
It is certainly tedious!
Ridiculous...
There’s a bit of Tupperware to get to the air filter….