help_outline Skip to main content

BMWMCON - Tech

Pre-trip Maintenance
Peter Duncanson
We're planning our first really long trip, to the MOA rally in New York in July.  My 2006 RT has about 22,000 miles on it, and I've had it since 8,000 miles.  No major maintenance has been done since I've had it.  I've never even owned a bike with this many miles on it. 
 
Between now and then it will get a new rear tire and oil change, change brake pads if needed, and maybe change the final drive oil.
 
What else should I plan to do before the trip?
Mike Kramer
Brake fluid change, inspecting the pads as well (of course). 

On May 25, 2016, at 5:05 PM, BMWMCON - Tech <tech@bmwmcon.org> wrote:

We're planning our first really long trip, to the MOA rally in New York in July.  My 2006 RT has about 22,000 miles on it, and I've had it since 8,000 miles.  No major maintenance has been done since I've had it.  I've never even owned a bike with this many miles on it. 
 
Between now and then it will get a new rear tire and oil change, change brake pads if needed, and maybe change the final drive oil.
 
What else should I plan to do before the trip?
Bob Cole
No offense, but on that long of a bike trip, *I* would have AAA coverage.
The basics: oil, coolant, tires, brakes & battery.
 
Ride safe!!!!
 
Bob Cole
 
 


From: "BMWMCON - Tech" <tech@bmwmcon.org>
To: bobsguns@comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2016 5:05:14 PM
Subject: Pre-trip Maintenance <<$149509278117$>>

We're planning our first really long trip, to the MOA rally in New York in July.  My 2006 RT has about 22,000 miles on it, and I've had it since 8,000 miles.  No major maintenance has been done since I've had it.  I've never even owned a bike with this many miles on it. 
 
Between now and then it will get a new rear tire and oil change, change brake pads if needed, and maybe change the final drive oil.
 
What else should I plan to do before the trip?

Pete Aberg
My suggestions below are not necessarily only for a long trip, but if you plan on keeping the bike a long time, and for longevity of the machine, I'd perform all the BASIC maintenance stuff below:

Engine oil change with filter,  Valves adjusted, timing checked, Throttle body sync  (you will be amazed how well it runs), final drive oil, gear box oil (due at 24,000 miles), air filter (due every 12,000), brake fluid flush (has it been over four years?), fork oil change, plugs changed (due every 24,000 miles), alternator  belt  changed (I think those are due at 25,000 miles)...

Valve adjustment is critical, if you haven't done those yet!  Along with the throttle body sync, the bike will drive like it was new (no exaggeration)!   It's that significant!

If you want to cut corners, push the fork oil change  till you get back...

Bob's comment below, about AAA, is a smart move

Google is your friend, if you want an official BMW maintenance schedule.

Do it all yourself, if you want to save money, and you have the time and desire; otherwise the dealer will be more than happy to help you get your bike prepared for the long trip.



On May 25, 2016, at 6:40 PM, BMWMCON - Tech <tech@bmwmcon.org> wrote:

No offense, but on that long of a bike trip, *I* would have AAA coverage.
The basics: oil, coolant, tires, brakes & battery.
 
Ride safe!!!!
 
Bob Cole
 
 


From: "BMWMCON - Tech" <tech@bmwmcon.org>
To: bobsguns@comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2016 5:05:14 PM
Subject: Pre-trip Maintenance <<$149509278117$>>

We're planning our first really long trip, to the MOA rally in New York in July.  My 2006 RT has about 22,000 miles on it, and I've had it since 8,000 miles.  No major maintenance has been done since I've had it.  I've never even owned a bike with this many miles on it. 
 
Between now and then it will get a new rear tire and oil change, change brake pads if needed, and maybe change the final drive oil.
 
What else should I plan to do before the trip?

Douglas Pittman

If final drive has not been changed since you got the bike I would do that.  I also have AAA bike towing.

Douglas

On May 25, 2016 6:41 PM, "BMWMCON - Tech" <tech@bmwmcon.org> wrote:
No offense, but on that long of a bike trip, *I* would have AAA coverage.
The basics: oil, coolant, tires, brakes & battery.
 
Ride safe!!!!
 
Bob Cole
 
 


From: "BMWMCON - Tech" <tech@bmwmcon.org>
To: bobsguns@comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2016 5:05:14 PM
Subject: Pre-trip Maintenance <<$149509278117$>>

We're planning our first really long trip, to the MOA rally in New York in July.  My 2006 RT has about 22,000 miles on it, and I've had it since 8,000 miles.  No major maintenance has been done since I've had it.  I've never even owned a bike with this many miles on it. 
 
Between now and then it will get a new rear tire and oil change, change brake pads if needed, and maybe change the final drive oil.
 
What else should I plan to do before the trip?

Return to Forum
 
Chartered Club #101
 
Chartered Club #111