Completed - 64,000 mile service.

[deilenberger]

Found one on Amazon for less than $10 delivered. It's on it's way..

There are four available sizes. How'd you ascertain which is correct?

I didn't find 4 different sizes, but there may well be. This one has 3 positions for the leveling screw, which I think means there is a reasonable chance it will work with our crankshaft pulley.. I hope. We can see what Harry thinks of his when he gets it.

[deilenberger]

Don,
I got the impression from your post further up that said special tool may not be necessary when installing the 611mm belt. Is that a fair assumption, or would you say it's good to have at any rate?

It's a fair assumption since I didn't have any problems installing the 611mm belt when I first put it on, and when I tried reinstalling it when this one was SO tight.

I did use a piece of stiff/flexible plastic to help get the 611mm on and off (you basically roll the plastic so it's between the belt and the pulley to get it off, and use it so it is drawn between the belt and the pulley putting it back on.

There is also a kit available with two wedge sort of devices, which are used for removal and installation of elastic belts. Looks like it would work fine with our bike, but it costs more (cheapest I found it was around $32..) so I figured I'd try this first.

[roger l]

Don:
When you get the Gates tool I would like you to take some measurements of it for me. I think that I can make one of those tools for when I change my alternator belt.

Thanks
Roger L

Is it worth making one to save $9? Just wondering...

Don:
To me it is not about saving the $9.00. Part of the enjoyment for me is making my own parts and tools. I have a lathe and milling machine in my home shop and I enjoy making things. There are many things that I can not make and I need to buy but this tool looks easy enough to make. It is not about saving money it is part of the hobby for me.
I figured if I had the measurements of the width, length and thickness of the tab that goes over the pulley I could machine a custom tool that would fit the motor pulley perfectly.

Thanks
Roger L

[deilenberger]

Roger,

I think in that case - given the basic design, it might be better to take actual measurements off the bike/engine to assure that it will fit/work with the R1200R. I'm just guessing (and hoping) the $9 one does.

Certainly if you have spare time - a small sideline business making these might be profitable. I was talking to a service manager of one of the best/largest east-coast dealers today at lunch - this came up (I asked if he knew why the change from 611 to 592 - he didn't..) but he said they've broken 2 of the BMW special tools so far - so that isn't a good answer.

I'll measure the Gates one when I get it, but bet direct measurements on the bike would be better, and it's not hard at all to get to that area (you don't have to remove much to get the cover off, you just really have to unscrew and drop down the oil cooler so it's out of the way more or less. Then judicious wiggling will give you a position where the cover can be removed without removing the front shock.)

Best,

[hjsbmw]

Looks like Amazon shows it as a Gates 91030 Engine Tool. I ordered one to put in the tool box. I just changed my belt and to say it stretched my patience would be putting it mildly. I have to do the one on my Valkyrie so I'll give this a try.

Has it arrived, and can you say something about the usefulness and fit of this tool?

[mogu83]

Looks like Amazon shows it as a Gates 91030 Engine Tool. I ordered one to put in the tool box. I just changed my belt and to say it stretched my patience would be putting it mildly. I have to do the one on my Valkyrie so I'll give this a try.

Has it arrived, and can you say something about the usefulness and fit of this tool?

Yes, it's here. I just threw it in my tool box (drawer with the weird tools). I won't know how well it works till I do the belt on the Valk. Most likely next winter, sumer time is for riding.