You should inspect the valves. The 18,000 mile service includes several items, such as replacing fork fluid, checking the engine timing, replacing the spark plugs, and ensuring proper valve clearances. You'll hear people say that they went xxx amount of miles without verifying the clearances with nary an issue. Conversely, some engines will require adjustment at 18,000 miles, while some fail at 500 miles. Valve inspections are not difficult, and it would be an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the machine. The 18,000 mile mark is not a magic number. You can inspect them at 20,000 just as well. It should be done soon rather than later, however.

 

Hi All
I have just bought a bike with 16,500 miles and I read a valve clearance service is required at 18k. The shop I bought it from said they would not include this level of service as and it was unnecessary and another way of BMW getting money out of you.

So I am wondering what others do about this? Should I get it booked in for another service as soon as I get up to 18k?

Regards Mike

I went to 24k miles before I did my valve lash inspection. They were still spot on. 24K miles with my track days and racing makes it a very nice solid engine build.

It is not something you want an average mechanic attempting to do. The real issue is the lack of room getting the valve cover off, working the valve lash feelers, and putting it back together 'right' the first time.

The fork and brake oil in my bikes is changed so often it remains fresh in mine.

Chain every 5-8k miles

Up to you if you want to cruise on to 20K miles.

 

Hi All
I have just bought a bike with 16,500 miles and I read a valve clearance service is required at 18k. The shop I bought it from said they would not include this level of service as and it was unnecessary and another way of BMW getting money out of you.

So I am wondering what others do about this? Should I get it booked in for another service as soon as I get up to 18k?

Regards Mike

Valve Clearances? All bikes will be different, even the same model, I had mine done by dealer mech. at 30k km ~ 18.600 miles, needed 2 shims. I did the rest of the service Items myself, including fork oil.

 

Had mine checked at 14000. Dead on.

 

Had it done on my 11 model last year at like 19xxx. Valves were perfect, timing was off a tiny bit


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It can't hurt to check if it bothers since it was purchased second hand, you never know how the previous owner rode the bike. Was talking with my friend the other day about this, i think if you're ringing the bike out and topping out the rpms consistently, by all means do it. I think at 18k you should definitely do the spark plugs, fluids, air filter and look over the bike pretty significantly.

In the similar boat as you, i'm around 17,500 miles and don't plan to do the valve checks. Going to do brake flush, fork oil, re-oil my K&N and keep my fingers crossed. My bike has some track days on it but also a lot of commuting where the rpms remain low, I would say its had an easy life compared to many other s1000's

 

Thanks for the reply's,

When I picked the bike up there seemed like a tapping sound when I was warming it up to take it away. They said this was as it had an oil change and the oil was just getting back around the engine again, but I had it out yesterday and was tapping again until it warmed up again. Does this sound normal to people that have more experience on them?

 

Is this your first rr? These bikes seem to make some more different then what your used to noises sometimes. Of course it depends on the noise, if it’s really loud and doesn’t go away after warm up then you probably have a issue but I’m sure others will chime in


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Hi Yes my first RR been out on 2 short outings

 

The engines on these bikes are are noisy, but if it concerns you find a good mech and get the valve clearances done, the last thing you want is a dropped/stuck valve.

 

OP, a BMW dealer told you that?

If you know the ride and service history of the bike, it makes your decision matrix a little different. Example, if there has been no significant track time or wheelies and/or stoppies, the fork part of the service can wait. Regardless of history, do the 18K service at a BMW dealer if you have one near by. Like others have said...Yes, you can do it yourself, including the oil/brake fluid/etc, but checking the valves is one thing. If you find you have to adjust them, THAT's a different story.

I split my 18K service by doing the forks early and the rest on schedule. When I changed my DTC forks, they had 16K, spirited road riding and a couple of track days. Fluid still had no black sludge in it. Wasn't quite as clear as new, but could have gone further before the service. I don't have an unlimited budget for bike service, but the money is well spent on a BMW dealer service for peace of mind. I've owned my '15 since new, so I'm developing my best possible case for a Goodwill, out of warranty, repair should the need arise. I use to work in a BMW dealership and have seen a RR engine replaced free-of-charge out of warranty, so........

 

No, it was a general bike dealers that told me that in wigan that I bought it off.
I have been quoted £700 by BMW in Edinburgh for the 18k service or £3-400 for valves clearence and brake fluid change at another garage north England as it has just had a service 200 mile ago and now near 17k miles so may not need oil change till next year. BMW wont stamp the 18k service unless they do it all understandably.