To service or not to service….

935 Views 17 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Sleep Token, 2 mo ago

Sleep Token

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

Hi all. Recently bought a 2016 R9T sport with 2,300 miles from new, from my brother in law and since the last service in 2022 it’s done 300 mile. Should I bother getting it done? BMW are quoting me £300 for an oil change and brake fluid change. Dunno….

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TimC

· #2 · 2 mo ago

BMW's maintenance schedule for the R9T goes by mileage or time, with oil changes being every 6,000 miles or 12 months, and brake fluid every 12 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first.

I would check the oil level sight glass to see how clear or dark the oil is. Same with the brake fluid. But if that is the original brake fluid, even if it's clear, it's several years old now and I would replace it. And if you're doing that, you might as well do the oil and filter, too.

You could ride the bike as-is for now and it'll probably be fine. But doing those services now would give you some peace of mind, not having to worry all the time whether you should have done them.

One other thought -- If you have any friends who ride and work on their own bikes, maybe one would be willing to help you do the maintenance yourself. It's a great way to learn, save some money, and build comradery with fellow riders.

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alegerlotz

· #3 · 2 mo ago

Sleep Token said:
Hi all. Recently bought a 2016 R9T sport with 2,300 miles from new, from my brother in law and since the last service in 2022 it’s done 300 mile. Should I bother getting it done? BMW are quoting me £300 for an oil change and brake fluid change. Dunno….

When was the service done is 2022? Its only March of 2023... If its been less than a year since the service, then just ride it until you put on 6K miles or a year has passed since the last service.

Also, regarding the brake fluid, that's a 2 year service interval (after the initial change at 1 year). If that's less than 2 years since the brake flush, then wait until it is time to have it changed.

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tarby

· #4 · 2 mo ago

For what it's worth. I would change all the fluids and filter. If you can do it yourself. All the information you'll need is on this forum. You know it's been done then.

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Norbi

· #5 · 2 mo ago

You could also ask your brother-in-law for the service history, no? What exactly was done last year?
Because only then you know exactly. Fluid changes are only one part of the game, together with the usual air filter change, brake check etc.

For a 2016, due to the age, things like spark plugs, alternator belt, valve clearance, throttle sync might be due.
Only the service history can tell you what exactly has been done and what not.

And if you consider for a moment what happens if for example your alternator belt pops, or your valve clearances have not been checked at all previously, or your brake fluids are gunk,

you might reconsider…

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TimC

· #6 · 2 mo ago (Edited)

Norbi said:
For a 2016, due to the age, things like spark plugs, alternator belt, valve clearance, throttle sync might be due.
Only the service history can tell you what exactly has been done and what not.

I think what's difficult for some people - including me - is weighing time vs. mileage maintenance items. An 8-year-old bike with only 2,300 miles? Do you go by time, mileage, or both? I think this comes up a lot, especially when you look at how many low-mileage bikes that are a few years old are for sale.

I'm generally a "better safe than sorry" person when it comes to this stuff, so I'd say bite the bullet and change all the fluids, but if it's been a year at least oil and filter for sure. If none of the other fluids have ever been changed, do them all.

This even applies to me personally. I had all the major fluids replaced during the 12,000-mile service in December 2021. I started riding the following spring and then my bike was out of commission for 3 months, waiting for a new front wheel. I started riding regularly again in August, putting a few thousand miles on it to end the season. By BMW's maintenance schedule, I should have replaced the brake fluid again in December 2022 (or before this riding season really begins), but there is only a little over 5,000 miles on that brake fluid, and I'm not convinced it really needs to be changed yet.

But I also recognize mine is a different story -- my bike that (other than being down for a few months last year and over the winter) has been ridden regularly. Versus a bike like the OP's that has mostly sat for several years. In my mind, these are two different scenarios, with different real-world maintenance needs.

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Norbi

· #7 · 2 mo ago

TimC said:
This even applies to me personally. I had all the major fluids replaced in December 2021.

I’ll ask my doctor at the next visit whether he can do that for me, too😂

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rich46

· #8 · 2 mo ago

TimC said:
I think what's difficult for some people - including me - is weighing time vs. mileage maintenance items. An 8-year-old bike with only 2,300 miles? Do you go by time, mileage, or both? I think this comes up a lot, especially when you look at how many low-mileage bikes that are a few years old are for sale.

I'm generally a "better safe than sorry" person when it comes to this stuff, so I'd say bite the bullet and change all the fluids, but if it's been a year at least oil and filter for sure. If none of the other fluids have ever been changed, do them all.

This even applies to me personally. I had all the major fluids replaced in December 2021. I started riding the following spring and then my bike was out of commission for 3 months, waiting for a new front wheel. I started riding regularly again in August, putting a few thousand miles on it to end the season. By BMW's maintenance schedule, I should have replaced the brake fluid again in December 2022 (or before this riding season really begins), but there is only a little over 5,000 miles on that brake fluid, and I'm not convinced it really needs to be changed yet.

But I also recognize mine is a different story -- my bike that (other than being down for a few months last year and over the winter) has been ridden regularly. Versus a bike like the OP's that has mostly sat for several years. In my mind, these are two different scenarios, with different real-world maintenance needs.

I for one go not even by miles or time. I , at least with my customers who own a lot of motorbikes go by how often the motorbike is ridden. If you ride it for , say 50 miles every month or so you get the fluids flowing and any fuel that has slipped past the rings burned off. This IMHO is far less harmful than letting the machine sit for a year and then try and ride it. Sitting is not only hard on fluids but hard on things such as tires and bearings. This said If I was not sure of a history I'd be changing fluids.....
Now as to brake fluid there are two important things to think about. One: Brake fluid is hydroscopic, it likes water. On street bikes I change the stuff at least once a year (on race bikes we change the $18.00 a pint stuff before every race meeting) with out fail. Two: If your brakes fail this can cause very bad things to happen.
And two last things: One, with H2O cooled engines the coolant is not to just help the water from freezing it also helps the engine to cool and protects cooling system bits from corrosion. Two: As to filters and changing them with the oil. Not changing the filter (again IMHO) is much like throwing a bucket of dirty water into the bath before jumping in for a soak. Just not something I'd ever do.

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gene_apodaca

· #9 · 2 mo ago

You have asked one of the dreaded questions: What kind of oil, how about tires, and, when and how to service. Terrible question to ask. You are going to get a slightly different version of "yes, you should," and "there's no real need," and possibly some heated arguments. Here's my thoughts: It's your bike, follow your gut. These engines last so long anyway, your bike is likely to survive ok either way. However, if you have children, they will almost certainly explode.

rich46

· #10 · 2 mo ago

gene_apodaca said:
You have asked one of the dreaded questions: What kind of oil, how about tires, and, when and how to service. Terrible question to ask. You are going to get a slightly different version of "yes, you should," and "there's no real need," and possibly some heated arguments. Here's my thoughts: It's your bike, follow your gut. These engines last so long anyway, your bike is likely to survive ok either way. However, if you have children, they will almost certainly explode.

LOL.............................

.I can't agree more. If I was to believe that nothing can ever go wrong and people always do the proper thing. Then I shall cancel my comp insurance, stop checking tire pressure, just keep adding oil and never consider if that person will really stop at the "STOP" sign. Engines are cheap when compared to repeated oil changes. I mean
WHAT ME WORRY !

gene_apodaca

· #11 · 2 mo ago

Are you supposed to check you air pressure too?1?!?!? Jeez, now there are two things I have to do to my bike. I already add gas, what more do people want????

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David37

· #12 · 2 mo ago

My vote is to just ride and enjoy the bike until the next service interval. At that time, I would change the engine, trans, differential, brake and clutch fluid.

Chopper_Bob

· #13 · 2 mo ago

Maybe just buy a new bike every 1000km.... you will never have to worry abt servicing again!!

But with the last service done in 2022, and only 300miles since, just ride it and enjoy it now, in all likelyhood you wouldn't get a service done within the next few months anyway as everyone is trying to get back on the road. I prefer to service just before the winterstop...

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JohanH

· #14 · 2 mo ago

Sleep Token said:
Hi all. Recently bought a 2016 R9T sport with 2,300 miles from new, from my brother in law and since the last service in 2022 it’s done 300 mile. Should I bother getting it done? BMW are quoting me £300 for an oil change and brake fluid change. Dunno….

For me a new bike is a new start. I service it immediately after purchase and replace all oils, etc. Peace of mind. Mileage is not your problem, in a sense it is time. The rule is that oil degrades over time, whether you drive or not. Plus driving a short distance is worse as the mixture of air, oils and fuels creates an acid mixture that attacks your engine, especially when stored. Wheel bearings on a car will start to form flat spots within three months if car is not on blocks, rubber will become hard and change shape( I replace tyres as well as a rule a tyre should never be older than 5 years and I prefer to be safe. There is already very little rubber on road as is. I actually prefer bikes with slighty higher mileage. Not riding a bike is super destructive. Have fun. 😄

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TimC

· #15 · 2 mo ago

JohanH said:
For me a new bike is a new start. I service it immediately after purchase and replace all oils, etc. Peace of mind.

I think this is also a good way to get to know your new machine. And it gives you the opportunity to more closely inspect various parts and components of a new-to-you motorcycle you might have overlooked during the purchasing process.

And if you're getting service information from an online forum like this one, reading and maybe printing maintenance guides, it's also a good way to learn your way around that forum.

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etrigan

· #16 · 2 mo ago

TimC said:
One other thought -- If you have any friends who ride and work on their own bikes, maybe one would be willing to help you do the maintenance yourself. It's a great way to learn, save some money, and build comradery with fellow riders.

Couldn't agree more, but this goes by profile as well.
I know a few folks that take absolutely no pleasure on servicing the bike or doing any type of manual work. It's not my type but I respect it. If this is your case, then spend the 300 and enjoy the season!

Otherwise grab a cooler, a speaker and some tools and get to work. This and doing the dishes are my 2 main moments of meditation

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rich46

· #17 · 2 mo ago

etrigan said:
Couldn't agree more, but this goes by profile as well.
I know a few folks that take absolutely no pleasure on servicing the bike or doing any type of manual work. It's not my type but I respect it. If this is your case, then spend the 300 and enjoy the season!
Otherwise grab a cooler, a speaker and some tools and get to work. This and doing the dishes are my 2 main moments of meditation

etrigan, I'm with you. As much as I am a believer in at the very least doing the rudimentary things (oil, filter, etc.) if you are not at all handy with spanners and such then it may be best to take even those jobs to a shop. I have had to repair more than one drain plug and remove more than one destroyed oil filter from a motorbike that was attacked by it's owner

. This said you do need to do the basic pre-ride things like oil checks and tire pressures. If this is out of your skill set then a Ford or Chevy may be a better choice; just saying.

Sleep Token

Discussion Starter · #18 · 2 mo ago

Evening guys. After debating all of your replies, I’ve booked the bike in for a service at Motorrad. My mistake after all that is that it was serviced in 2021 not 2022….. Thanks for all the replies, some really great advice and opinions.

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