2012 Model - Availability of shims

[009jim]

Hello Folks, I am planning to check the valve clearances on my Rt for the first time. Where are you all getting your shims from? I saw some on ebay, but they appear only to be for the LC models. Mine is 2012 (DOHC oil cooled). I'd appreciate any ideas.
Thanks
Jim

[David.]

Where are you all getting your shims from.

BMW Motorrad dealer.

[Randyjaco]

Before tearing things down, you might check the availability for shims at your dealer. Some dealers hoard the shims for their own shop work.

[David.]

In 43K miles on my current 2012 Camhead, I've only had to replace one shim at 10K miles.

When I rang my local BMW Motorrad dealer, they didn't have any in stock. The parts guy told me, "they have never previously had to order any".
I ordered one which arrived the next day from stock within the UK.

My previous 2010 Camhead didn't need any shims in 36K miles.

[009jim]

BMW Motorrad dealer.

My local dealer doesn't sell them, but told me they will exchange for $15 from their "workshop stock".

Seems strange to me - you would think that the aim of a business is to sell a product and thereby to make money.

[009jim]

Before tearing things down, you might check the availability for shims at your dealer. Some dealers hoard the shims for their own shop work.

Have already done this. My local dealer doesn't sell them, but told me they will exchange for $15 from their "workshop stock". Seems strange to me - you would think that the aim of a business is to sell a product and thereby to make money.

[009jim]

I ordered one which arrived the next day from stock within the UK.
My previous 2010 Camhead didn't need any shims in 36K miles.

I was thinking, since my local dealer doesn't sell them, that I could perhaps order a "set" from the USA or UK. That was why I posted in the forum.

[David.]

I could perhaps order a "set" from the UK.

In the UK, Motorworks sell the shims individually and do ship to Australia.

https://www.motorworks.co.uk/parts/engi ... YDaqdrjOq4

[David.]

If you can spare the time while the bike is potentially off the road to check the valve clearances, then how about this for and idea.

Check the valve clearances, you might not need any shims. If you do, order those which are necessary, they are available from 4.60 - 5.70 mm in increments of 0.05 mm. Keep any replaced shims, thus building up your own stock of shims for the future. Or, just exchange those required at your local BMW Motorrad dealer.

More info. here if required, viewtopic.php?t=1079&hilit=dohc

[009jim]

In the UK, Motorworks sell the shims individually and do ship to Australia.

Fantastic - Thanks so much. This gives me considerable confidence.