12K Maintenance Schedule Items - Are All Required?

[dmk]

There are two items on the 12K maintenance schedule that I am unsure of:
1) Reading fault-code memories wiht BMW Motorrad diagnostic system
2) Bleeding Test with BMW Motorrad diagnostic system

Are these necessary? If so and you are doing self maintenance on bike, how would you do this? Finally, for those of you who have done your own maintenance and have later sold a bike, did you get flack from the buyers because you didn't take to a BMW dealer for service?

[Photoguy]

Don't have a clue about the first two questions, but as far as owner/maintenance, i bought my 1150R this summer from someone who did most of his own maintenance. It wasn't an issue for me. I know that many get concerned about *records*, but I spent a little time talking to the owner and came away feeling OK about it.

[MikeCam]

Both can be done by the DITY guys.

Fault code reader is available commercially. Fault codes can tell you about incipient engine, fueling and ABS problems as well as some electrical faults.

Brake bleed for ABS is do-able at home and you can readily succeed at bleeding all 6 circuits safely. BUT the BMW machine conducts a pressure test which you cannot successfully replicate at home. The risk is in missing a potential brake line or ABS unit failure - but your brakes will still be safe to operate.

Smart buyers know that BMW owners do work as good as or better than the dealer service departments. Records are crucial - receipts, logbooks, etc. If a buyer makes a big deal over dealer versus DITY maintenance, find a better buyer.

[tkm]

A well maintained beemer will run, look and sound good if it doesn't no amount of receipts will make it any better. Most maintenance can be done at home with reasonable care and skill and the patience to figure out how things are laid out. I let the local shop sync the injectors and read the fault codes that service is cheap and gives me an excuse to drool over the new bikes in the showroom..........TKM

[R4R&R]

I haven't had my bike in the dealer in over 30,000 miles (since the warranty ran out). I recently went to a local club tech day, which someone had the GS-911. He offered to plug it into a bunch of bikes to read and clear the codes. My computer did have some codes stored, which that guy had neverr seen before. He didn't clear them, but I wrote them down and need to find out what they mean. It can be done by the DIYer. Same with the brake bleed.

I'm sure Chicago has a decent local club. See if they hold tech days - that's your best bet.