BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hello,

I’m interested in buying my first R1200RT and have found a 2018 model offered by a private seller. He’s the second owner, having purchased it with only 3,000 miles on the odometer. It was his commuter bike and has now accumulated 39,000 miles.

He’s done his own oil changes and mentioned that he hasn’t adjusted the valves or serviced the final drive. The engine oil appears to be in good condition, and he has an abundance of extra oil filters, which suggests he’s been diligent about oil changes.

Since I’m new to this platform, I’m curious about the significance of these issues. I can inspect the final drive for leaks and check the wheel play. The bike doesn’t seem to have any leaks and feels tight to me. Are these negotiation points or red flags that should prompt me to consider a different model?

Thanks for your insights!

axe_handle wrote: ↑Wed Nov 20, 2024 3:22 pmHe’s done his own oil changes and mentioned that he hasn’t adjusted the valves or serviced the final drive.

The valve clearances should be "checked" every 12K miles, this doesn't necessarily mean that they need adjusting. On a Wethead, how many owners have had valve clearances "adjusted" and at what mileage. I can only comment on my Camhead which has only had one valve clerance adjusted in 52,700 miles.

The final drive oil should also be changed every 12K miles. Having said that, on a Hexhead, the final drive oil was only changed at running-in check and then the oil was in for life.

These items may not be deal breakers but demonstrate the lack of attention to service required. There will be Wetheads out there that have a full service history. My Camhead has a FBMWSH over its' current 12 years.

If you are looking to purchase a BMW Insured Warranty, providing that the service history is brought up to date, a policy can be obtained.

If it was me, I'd request that a experienced mechanic look at the valve clearance and final drive oil. Maybe split the cost of that checkup. Did the owner at least document his work? If not, I'd assume that it wasn't done, regardless of the presence of filters.
I do a lot of my own work, including valve clearance checks and replacing all fluids and filters. And I keep a notebook on each of my vehicles showing when purchased, mileage at purchase, and all work done with date and mileage.

The final drive units have a magnetic drain plug, it wouldn't take much to drop the oil out and check the plug for any metallic particles.

I'm on 37k without a single valve needing adjustment so far

@Boxflyer will probably be best placed for answering how often these bikes need their valves adjusting also it might be worth seeing how close he is to you and maybe using him to get it all serviced and up to date