MCN Fleet: (nearly) 18,000 miles later on the F800GS

The ODO actually read 17,300 miles when the service indicator appeared again on the dash of the GS. Bringing the 12,000-mile service forward to coincide with a trip to Germany back in August has meant that the 18,000-mile service came up a little sooner than would be necessary under normal circumstances.

Nonetheless, it was back to Balderston in Peterborough to get the Beemer beaming again. 

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This is the third service I’ve had to get done so far in my time with the GS. The first was done at 6000 miles and involved a simple oil and filter change with a few checks around the bike to make sure everything was kosher. 

The major services happen at the 12,000-mile intervals and saw the air and oil filters changed, oil replaced, general wear and tear checks, and the money pit that is the valve clearance checks.

The 18,000-miler is a standard service where the oil and filter are replaced along with general checks.

The cost for servicing the GS ranges in the region of £150 for a minor service (6000-mile interval) or £350 for a major (12,000-mile interval). Obviously these prices will vary depending on the work that needs completing. A BMW mechanic also told me that the brake pads will usually need replacing at around 24,000 miles, so factor this into the cost of the second major service

So far the wear and tear checks have proved largely fine – the only bits which have thus far worn out despite being ridden quite hard have been the chain and sprockets, which needed replacing at a surprisingly low 14,000 miles. I’m sure that riding off-road and a stint on the Autobahn didn’t do too much to help the longevity of the old chain.

 

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