BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Step by step photos, how to check & adjust (if necessary) the valve clearances on a Twin Cam RT.

http://sanjosebmw.smugmug.com/Other/Tec ... &k=BmBc5cN

In 36K miles only checked never had to adjust mine.

Video of Valve Train of 2010 Boxer Engine:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRy0yL8g1VA

Checked the Valve Clearances on my 2012 RT today, it'll be the first time they've been done since new, the bike having now completed 6,860 miles.

All were within the Specifications, therefore no adjustments were necessary.

My 2012 RT has covered 4,000 miles since the Valve Clearances were last checked. Needed to keep an eye on the LHS Cylinder Bottom Exhaust Valve which was at the Upper Limit of 0.40 mm. Whilst the Panels were off etc., decided to do a V.C. check, all Valves except the one mentioned were within the Specifications.

It'll be interesting tomorrow when I ring Coopers at Sunderland to see if they have any replacement shims & E-clips.

Has anyone had to have any shims replaced on a TC RT.

RealOEM, Timing gear - Intake valve/exhaust valve, http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=11_4294

07119932872 Circlip, http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part?id ... 7119932872

11347721187 Semi-sphere 5,20, http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/part?id ... 1347721187

Looks like it should be less than a Fiver for the Parts, http://www.rainbowbmw.com/BMWETK/Produc ... 105813.php

DaygloDavid wrote:It'll be interesting tomorrow when I ring Coopers at Sunderland to see if they have any replacement shims & E-clips.

On Monday, Coopers didn't have any semi-spheres (shims) or clips in stock, apparently they have never previously had to order any.

The parts arrived in-stock at Coopers over night on Tuesday & were posted to me FOC on Wednesday morning, they turned up this afternoon (Friday).

Will be able to replace the shim, re-check the valve clearance & box things up again.

The Panels & Seats etc. have been in the dining room since Sunday.

Nice easy shim change on the TC bikes. LC is harder. Maybe LC bikes stay in spec for longer, I certainly hope so.

Replacement 5.200 mm semi-sphere (shim) fitted, was 5.150 mm, now the valve clearance is 0.35 mm, bang in the middle of the spec. which is 0.30 to 0.40 mm.

New Clip fitted too.

Nice one. Now you have done the job yourself, you know its correct and bang on limits.

Levisp wrote:Nice one. Now you have done the job yourself, you know its correct and bang on limits.

Exactly, the Haynes Manual recommends that, "The engine must be cold for this maintenance procedure, so let the machine sit overnight before beginning".

Previously, I've ridden my Bike to the BMW Dealers, then gone back a few hours later to collect it.

They like the engine hot to drain the oil, but it needs to be cold to do the Valve Clearances.

Normally they like to have the bike for the day for that very reason. It makes me wonder if they really checked the valves at all. We boxer engine guys have it easy when it comes to valves, easy access. The 4 cylinder bikes such as K1300 series and the 6 cylinder K1600 bikes have to have the radiator removed in order to get access to the cylinder head. Never done it but must be a lot more work.

Levisp wrote:It makes me wonder if they really checked the valves at all.

As posted above, Cooper Sunderland have never ordered any replacement Semi-Spheres (Shims),  I was the first.

I wonder how many TC RT's they've sold & serviced over the years.

Having said that, my first 2010 TC RT never had any Semi-Spheres (Shims) replaced in 36,000 miles & I did check them myself at 24,000 miles & thereafter.

Interesting and informative thread David, It's on my 'to do list'  Thanks for sharing!

Completed a valve clearance check on my 2012 TC today, at 21,500 miles, (6,000 miles intervals).

For the record, all were within specification & no adjustments required.

Sounds like a productive day David.


Satisfying to tick these jobs off the list.