Compared to my Moto Guzzi, this looks like rocket science to do the valve adjustment! Really enjoyed the video and enjoyed learning new knowledge about these engines from BMW. Thank you!
Great video....I'm seriously considering buying an R ninety scrambler and am trying to learn as much as possible about them. I've never owned a Boxer engine before so it's great to see how they are serviced....cheers Steve
Dont know why anyone would "thumbs down" this video...I have not only given a proper thumbs up but am adding a great big thank you for taking the time to make the video. Very informative sir..my next bike is going to be a 2020 BMW r9t , just dont know which version yet...scrambler, pure...
Hi Mark! I am about to swap my valve cover, as the original is damaged. Is there anything in particular to mind, that you haven't addressed here? You shortly mention the cleaning of the rubber sealings...? Can't it simply be done with a quick swap, leaving all rubbers in place? Also, I cleared my new (second hand) cover from particles, is there any further cleaning that you'd recommend (degreasing, ...)? Thanks!
The sealing surfaces need to be degreased to ensure an oil tight seal when you bolt the covers back on, so remove the rubbers and wipe them and the metal surfaces with a solvent based cleaner. If you're replacing a scratched cover then so long as the new cover is clean inside then you won't have a problem, but if the old cover has a hole in it, then you need to ensure that there is no dirt in the engine, and a partial trip down is advisable (at least remove the cylinder head & consider the cylinder as well). If mud and grit has gone down the camchain tunnel you will have problems later, so make sure everything is scrupulously clean inside the engine.
if i compare this to my old 2 valve airhead boxer... im done with adjusting my valve clearances in 4 minutes for both cylinders... but i guess thats due to 20 years of development ^^
No, if a 0.04mm gauge fits, all that tells you is that the clearance is bigger than is bigger than 0.04mm (as it should be). You need to check at the upper and lower limits, and if the thin one fits and the thick one doesnt then everything is fine, otherwise go thicker or thinner with the gauges to feel the actual clearance then work out the shim you need to bring everything back into spec. If you buy the book, everything is described in detail, www.marksmotorcycleparts.co.uk/service-manuals
Thanks. The clearances will decrease over time as the valve seat wears, allowing the valve to recede into the head. It happens very slowly, normally you won't need to adjust anything at 6000 miles but its important to check.
Sort of dumb question maybe, but what’s the trick for moving the engine into the correct position to measure? Trying to have it in 1st and pushing it ain’t gettin it done.
Both caliper and micrometer measure the distance between two areas, not two points, so neither would get into a depression on the 'flat' side of the shim. I agree that the micrometer can measure to a finer resolution, but shims are only available in increments of circa 100x the measuring resolution, so the additional accuracy of the micrometer isn't necessary. Most of all though I've never been aware of a the flat side of a shim wearing to a concave shape.
@@ducatiparts110mb Thanks. I always get a difference when measuring with two different instruments. Find the micrometer to be most accurate. Weirdly I have 4 new shims and only 3 measure the same as the printed size, have you come across this? Makes me concerned that they're not going to make the desired adjustments.
@@R0ger007 Very occasionally I find shims that measure up differently to the printed size. When buying over the counter I always take my caliper and my old shims with me so I can confirm that the new shims are the right amount over / under the originals before leaving the shop. The fitted clearance matters more than the number printed on the packaging.
No, there is a range of acceptable values for both inlet & exhaust. Anything within that range is ok. The upper and lower values are stated in the video.
@@ducatiparts110mbEntendi, esses valores 0.20 e 0.30 são valores de referências dos espaços das folgas, digamos, pontos médios. Tenho uma GS1200 2012 com 57 mil kms e penso que já esteja no momento de verificação dessas aberturas de válvulas. Embora o comando esteja girando redondo e amanteigado.
Good video and also got your book. Just a quick one, I'm planning on replacing the stock covers with the 2v (heritage) ones. Do I need to remove and clean the gaskets or is it just a simple swap?
Not sure what you mean by 2v (heritage) covers - all heritage bikes are 4v - but when you remove the old cover and gasket, just wipe the rubber gaskets with brake cleaner and they are fit to reuse.
@@ducatiparts110mb there's an optional valve cover called "2V" available for BMW (search on Google). I was wondering if I only need to swap covers do I need to remove those gaskets, particularly the centre o ring? thanks for the prompt reply!
The exhaust rockers seem easier to access than the inlets which seem hidden behind the cam chain. Did you not show their removal for this reason? Does another component need to be removed to get access to them? Otherwise a nice clear video thanks.
In the video wanted you to clearly see what I was doing, rather than have my hands in the way - its just easier to video the exhaust rockers. You don't have to remove anything more to get to the inlets - I'd have mentioned it if you did. The inlets aren't any more complicated to work on, just more difficult to show clearly in a video.
Marks Motorcycle Parts Thanks for the clarification. I’m currently finding out as much as possible about these engines as I’m considering buying an RnineT urban GS. If I get one I’ll be sure to order one of your maintenance manuals👍
I'm running a service school from my workshop on Anglesey UK, if you want to come along and work through it together. email me at mark@marksmotorcycleparts.co.uk for more details.
Great ! fancy free tech info. They did a nice job with that sphere type valve control. Did it ever needed adjustment? I got the impression, checking yes, but adjusting will not be necessary for long. maybe after break in period. Very nice vid. I still drive the previous edition ADV with adjustment bolts. The less moving mass impresses me most. It seems very durable. Thank you.
@@texasaviator No, you'll only lose a dribble of oil from each head when you remove the covers - not enough to notice a level change at the oil sight glass. However, the service schedule does require an oil change at a valve change interval. Theres a whole lot more detail in the book ... www.marksmotorcycleparts.co.uk/product-page/r-nine-t-heritage-range-service-manual
Hi. Thanks for the video :) (and excuse me for my English). I bough a second market R nine T that have little scratch on the right cylinder head cover that disturb me a bit... I found a remplacement one, so your video is perfect for me just to change this metal part. How do I clean the gaskets before mount back the new head cover ? Juste with a cloth ? Do i have to put oil back after the opération ? Thanks ! Simon :)
Just wipe the rubber gaskets clean and use a little brake cleaner on a rag to get the oil off them. Clean the cylinder had and head cover in the same way to make sure they're both free of oil and then bolt your new cover on. You won't lose more than a few drops of oil from the right cylinder head. Check the oil level afterwards but you probably won't need to top it up. Mark
I'm back again! I have an anoying reservelight on my -17 Pure which doesn't come off. It's been lit for 371 km now. Any thougts about that? Maybe some advice how to bypass/disconnect the whole thing? I don't need it. Maybe it's in the book? :-) Cheers!
@@ducatiparts110mb The sensor! I've got a new one on warranty. It's working fine now. My dealer said bypass can't be done. Thank you for your response!
@@ducatiparts110mb do you think that r9t is high maintenance bike or its just usual , because indian yamaha and other manufactures suggest valve check at 20000 or 30000 miles for instance indian ftr 1200 need valve check after 20000miles equals to 32000km , When we heard bmw automatically a sense of optimum and premium comes in our mind , but its peculiar to know the maintenance intervals of this bike, is it due to the old air cooled boxer engine or its just the sense of securing and care taking philosophy of the company
@@gurpreetbanwait6097 You're over-thinking it - just do what the manufacturer says. And don't ever assume that Yamaha, or Indian knows the BMW service intervals better than BMW does.
Al i just want to know from you that is the engine is refine or have some major/minor flaws? Cause i am pretty much confused between ftr and r9t scrambler , which one to buy
Marks Motorcycle Parts Thanks for the reply, I just recovered my R9T, the thieves have dropped it on the left hand side (if u are sat on it) and I thought they had just cracked the cylinder cover but all of the oil has leaked out? Looking at your video perhaps something else is damaged because the cylinder cover doesn’t seem to hold the oil? What do you think if you don’t mind?
@@gemmabesford9505 Hi Gemma, With the bike upright you won't lose any oil out of the cylinder heads, but if it has laid over on its side with a broken head cover then the oil will run out. Change the cover and you should be oiltight again unless there is another issue as well. Hope that helps, Mark
Look on Google or ebay for 'BMW coil removal tool'. Make sure you get a metal one. The plastic ones are cheaper but are a poor fit and flexible so they don't work.
For later books & videos I do list the tools required, but sorry I didn't do that for the R1200 engine. Watching the video back now, all you need is a Torx key for removing the covers then feeler gauges to measure the clearances and a screwdriver & pliers for removing the circlips.
Compared to my Moto Guzzi, this looks like rocket science to do the valve adjustment! Really enjoyed the video and enjoyed learning new knowledge about these engines from BMW. Thank you!
Yes and no. You can set it with a screw. With the 2010 bmw model you need shims
Coming from a Ducati desmo this is almost funny how simple it is. Love it. Thank you for the post.
I know, I had Ducatis myself for years. Great to ride, hard work to maintain
This is the best valve checking video in UA-cam, Thank you!
Great video....I'm seriously considering buying an R ninety scrambler and am trying to learn as much as possible about them. I've never owned a Boxer engine before so it's great to see how they are serviced....cheers Steve
Great video! I always liked at this job as something given only to professionals. I'm shocked at how easy this looks!
Dont know why anyone would "thumbs down" this video...I have not only given a proper thumbs up but am adding a great big thank you for taking the time to make the video. Very informative sir..my next bike is going to be a 2020 BMW r9t , just dont know which version yet...scrambler, pure...
Just bought myself a 14 plate 9T, very useful info in this vid, keep them coming. :)
Thank you very much for this! Well done! You really showed how easy it is. Now I know I can do it myself. :-)
Hi John, Thanks for the positive comment. It really is a very easy engine to work on.
Thanks. Great vid. Just checked mine... all good! (This time)
Very nice! Thank you very much.
wow doing valve maintain look very easy for boxer on bike. planning on seft doing valve maintain after buy this bike.
oh man, if i compare that to my ducati... Really nice video right here, everything one would need to know
Hi Mark! I am about to swap my valve cover, as the original is damaged. Is there anything in particular to mind, that you haven't addressed here? You shortly mention the cleaning of the rubber sealings...? Can't it simply be done with a quick swap, leaving all rubbers in place?
Also, I cleared my new (second hand) cover from particles, is there any further cleaning that you'd recommend (degreasing, ...)?
Thanks!
The sealing surfaces need to be degreased to ensure an oil tight seal when you bolt the covers back on, so remove the rubbers and wipe them and the metal surfaces with a solvent based cleaner. If you're replacing a scratched cover then so long as the new cover is clean inside then you won't have a problem, but if the old cover has a hole in it, then you need to ensure that there is no dirt in the engine, and a partial trip down is advisable (at least remove the cylinder head & consider the cylinder as well). If mud and grit has gone down the camchain tunnel you will have problems later, so make sure everything is scrupulously clean inside the engine.
Thanks for the video - this is what I need to do actually
thanks for the educational vid. can you send us a link of where to get the metal coil remover?
Laser tools makes one, so does Wunderlich
if i compare this to my old 2 valve airhead boxer... im done with adjusting my valve clearances in 4 minutes for both cylinders... but i guess thats due to 20 years of development ^^
Great video. Very helpful. Tqvm.👍
Am I overthinking this? What if a thinner feeler gauge fits between the cam and the valve... wouldn't that be considerer out of spec too?
No, if a 0.04mm gauge fits, all that tells you is that the clearance is bigger than is bigger than 0.04mm (as it should be). You need to check at the upper and lower limits, and if the thin one fits and the thick one doesnt then everything is fine, otherwise go thicker or thinner with the gauges to feel the actual clearance then work out the shim you need to bring everything back into spec. If you buy the book, everything is described in detail, www.marksmotorcycleparts.co.uk/service-manuals
My favorite part is when he says “scrupulously cleaned”.
Nicely done, thanks. In your experience, will the gaps increase or decrease over time?
Thanks. The clearances will decrease over time as the valve seat wears, allowing the valve to recede into the head. It happens very slowly, normally you won't need to adjust anything at 6000 miles but its important to check.
Sort of dumb question maybe, but what’s the trick for moving the engine into the correct position to measure? Trying to have it in 1st and pushing it ain’t gettin it done.
Put it in 6th gear - it wil turn over more easily..... or buy the book for this and many more hints & tips.🤭
@@ducatiparts110mb I was able to get it done in 3rd gear right after I posted that comment. Thanks.
Is a caliper an accurate way to measure old shim width if flat face of shim has any concave wear? Micrometer is probably better 👍
Both caliper and micrometer measure the distance between two areas, not two points, so neither would get into a depression on the 'flat' side of the shim. I agree that the micrometer can measure to a finer resolution, but shims are only available in increments of circa 100x the measuring resolution, so the additional accuracy of the micrometer isn't necessary. Most of all though I've never been aware of a the flat side of a shim wearing to a concave shape.
@@ducatiparts110mb Thanks. I always get a difference when measuring with two different instruments. Find the micrometer to be most accurate. Weirdly I have 4 new shims and only 3 measure the same as the printed size, have you come across this? Makes me concerned that they're not going to make the desired adjustments.
@@R0ger007 Very occasionally I find shims that measure up differently to the printed size. When buying over the counter I always take my caliper and my old shims with me so I can confirm that the new shims are the right amount over / under the originals before leaving the shop. The fitted clearance matters more than the number printed on the packaging.
A folga recomenda é de 0.20 mm para as válvulas de entrada e de 0.35 mm para as válvulas de saida, é isso mesmo?.
No, there is a range of acceptable values for both inlet & exhaust. Anything within that range is ok. The upper and lower values are stated in the video.
@@ducatiparts110mbEntendi, esses valores 0.20 e 0.30 são valores de referências dos espaços das folgas, digamos, pontos médios. Tenho uma GS1200 2012 com 57 mil kms e penso que já esteja no momento de verificação dessas aberturas de válvulas. Embora o comando esteja girando redondo e amanteigado.
Good video and also got your book. Just a quick one, I'm planning on replacing the stock covers with the 2v (heritage) ones. Do I need to remove and clean the gaskets or is it just a simple swap?
Not sure what you mean by 2v (heritage) covers - all heritage bikes are 4v - but when you remove the old cover and gasket, just wipe the rubber gaskets with brake cleaner and they are fit to reuse.
@@ducatiparts110mb there's an optional valve cover called "2V" available for BMW (search on Google). I was wondering if I only need to swap covers do I need to remove those gaskets, particularly the centre o ring? thanks for the prompt reply!
Looks as though they're 2v lookalike covers for the 4v engine. If they don't come with new gaskets you'll need to reuse the existing ones.
5:34 Does aligning those rectangular shapes on the intake and exhaust camshafts vertically is a foolproof way of finding TDC?
Yes, when they're aligned and the cams are not pressing on the valves, then you have TDC between the compression & ignition strokes
The exhaust rockers seem easier to access than the inlets which seem hidden behind the cam chain. Did you not show their removal for this reason? Does another component need to be removed to get access to them? Otherwise a nice clear video thanks.
In the video wanted you to clearly see what I was doing, rather than have my hands in the way - its just easier to video the exhaust rockers. You don't have to remove anything more to get to the inlets - I'd have mentioned it if you did.
The inlets aren't any more complicated to work on, just more difficult to show clearly in a video.
Marks Motorcycle Parts Thanks for the clarification. I’m currently finding out as much as possible about these engines as I’m considering buying an RnineT urban GS. If I get one I’ll be sure to order one of your maintenance manuals👍
You make it look easy !!!!
I'm running a service school from my workshop on Anglesey UK, if you want to come along and work through it together. email me at mark@marksmotorcycleparts.co.uk for more details.
@@ducatiparts110mb awh nice offer mark angelsy so tranquil
Great ! fancy free tech info. They did a nice job with that sphere type valve control. Did it ever needed adjustment? I got the impression, checking yes, but adjusting will not be necessary for long. maybe after break in period. Very nice vid. I still drive the previous edition ADV with adjustment bolts. The less moving mass impresses me most. It seems very durable. Thank you.
So the only way to adjust the clearance size is to change the shim?
Yes, that is correct.
@@ducatiparts110mb one more question, do you have to drain the oil before removing the head covers?
@@texasaviator No, you'll only lose a dribble of oil from each head when you remove the covers - not enough to notice a level change at the oil sight glass. However, the service schedule does require an oil change at a valve change interval. Theres a whole lot more detail in the book ... www.marksmotorcycleparts.co.uk/product-page/r-nine-t-heritage-range-service-manual
Hi.
Thanks for the video :) (and excuse me for my English).
I bough a second market R nine T that have little scratch on the right cylinder head cover that disturb me a bit...
I found a remplacement one, so your video is perfect for me just to change this metal part.
How do I clean the gaskets before mount back the new head cover ? Juste with a cloth ?
Do i have to put oil back after the opération ?
Thanks !
Simon :)
Just wipe the rubber gaskets clean and use a little brake cleaner on a rag to get the oil off them. Clean the cylinder had and head cover in the same way to make sure they're both free of oil and then bolt your new cover on. You won't lose more than a few drops of oil from the right cylinder head. Check the oil level afterwards but you probably won't need to top it up. Mark
@@ducatiparts110mb Opération successfully done. Thanks
Where can I find that coil removing tool?
ebay or else google for spark plug coil pulling tool. Get a metal one, the plastic ones are cheaper but bend and don't grip the plug after a few uses.
How often should this be done
I'm back again! I have an anoying reservelight on my -17 Pure which doesn't come off. It's been lit for 371 km now. Any thougts about that? Maybe some advice how to bypass/disconnect the whole thing? I don't need it. Maybe it's in the book? :-) Cheers!
a connector or faulty sender unit perhaps.
@@ducatiparts110mb The sensor! I've got a new one on warranty. It's working fine now. My dealer said bypass can't be done. Thank you for your response!
Checking the valve clearance every 10000km isnt it so oftenly , and at what km you are doing ur valve correction
I always check the clearances at the BMW specified interval and adjust them whenever they require it.
@@ducatiparts110mb do you think that r9t is high maintenance bike or its just usual , because indian yamaha and other manufactures suggest valve check at 20000 or 30000 miles for instance indian ftr 1200 need valve check after 20000miles equals to 32000km ,
When we heard bmw automatically a sense of optimum and premium comes in our mind , but its peculiar to know the maintenance intervals of this bike, is it due to the old air cooled boxer engine or its just the sense of securing and care taking philosophy of the company
@@gurpreetbanwait6097 You're over-thinking it - just do what the manufacturer says. And don't ever assume that Yamaha, or Indian knows the BMW service intervals better than BMW does.
@@ducatiparts110mb hahaha😁😁😁, ya i agree with you
Al i just want to know from you that is the engine is refine or have some major/minor flaws?
Cause i am pretty much confused between ftr and r9t scrambler , which one to buy
Did you drop the oil out before removing the cover?
No, there's no need to drain the oil before starting. Full details are included in the book available at marksmotorcycleparts.co.uk.
Marks Motorcycle Parts Thanks for the reply, I just recovered my R9T, the thieves have dropped it on the left hand side (if u are sat on it) and I thought they had just cracked the cylinder cover but all of the oil has leaked out? Looking at your video perhaps something else is damaged because the cylinder cover doesn’t seem to hold the oil? What do you think if you don’t mind?
@@gemmabesford9505 Hi Gemma, With the bike upright you won't lose any oil out of the cylinder heads, but if it has laid over on its side with a broken head cover then the oil will run
out. Change the cover and you should be oiltight again unless there is another issue as well. Hope that helps, Mark
Where did you buy the coil remover?
Look on Google or ebay for 'BMW coil removal tool'. Make sure you get a metal one. The plastic ones are cheaper but are a poor fit and flexible so they don't work.
Very nice video. Hope you put up more service video for the r nine t.where can I buy the service manual
The manuals are available from my website, www.marksmotorcycleparts.co.uk. Thanks, Mark
Could you list all the tools and sized
For later books & videos I do list the tools required, but sorry I didn't do that for the R1200 engine. Watching the video back now, all you need is a Torx key for removing the covers then feeler gauges to measure the clearances and a screwdriver & pliers for removing the circlips.
hi how often this must be done
Just after you buy the book :-) , and then every 6000 miles
Absolutely not a "rocker" but rather a cam follower. Good how to nonetheless.
This is such a poor design of securing the rockers.