I finally have a few moments to tell you guys about my last week’s 1st service on my 2021 g310gs. I purchased the bike in Bulgaria (Varna – June 2021) got a great deal with a bunch of add-ons including hand guards and some parts. I understand the 1st service is at 1000k but since the dealer is a little ways away from me and I can do most of my maintenance in my parking lot, I decided to hold off, I never seen the service light ever (not that it matters).
Since I was able to wrestle 4 BMW oil filters and about 6 liters of BMW oil from the dealer. I ended up doing the 1st oil change at 300km and even doing it for the 1st time, outside in my parking lot, took mere moments.
My procedure.
Throw the bike up on race stands, super awesome to own a set (I bought front and rear). I am not a religious man, but these things are a godsend.
– Run the bike for a brief moment (35c) to warm up engine and “thin” the oil.
– Remove the plastic skid plate, just a few bolts underneath. Good time to clean skid plate.
– Put a big “dish” under the oil plug and gently undo the bolt with a proper wrench (wear gloves). Wait. Have a beer.
– Clean the drain bolt (plug?), put it back in and watch the torque numbers (I bought a torque wrench on Amazon, more on that later). Use the right size, be kind to the bolt.
– Undo the old filter with a filter wrench (I bought one on Alix for 3$) and wait for oil to drain. Just be careful, slow and steady, otherwise you make a fucking mess. Slow and steady drains the oil.
– Replace the filter, pour in the oil through the little spout (Use a funnel. Again, Alix $2 purchase).
– Run bike, check level, if all is good then replace the plastic skid plate. You are done.
Check oil regularly afterwards, every couple of weeks is OK. Takes 10 seconds.
Cleaning the chain is super easy, clean with brush and apply whatever oil you have (I just use gear oil, cheap and perfect). Doesn’t matter what you use as long as you clean and lube regularly.
Good time to check your tire pressure.
Buy a torque wrench, even a cheap one, and regularly go over all of your nuts and bolts. No, it’s not a chore, it can be fun. Be careful as not to scratch anything and always use the right socket. Be gentle. This is especially important if you have purchased aftermarket parts such as lights and smash bars.
Document everything (I took timed videos).
My second oil change was just about at 1200k. I also did it myself in my parking lot.
Last week, I finally took the bike for 1st service. At 5000 COMPLETELY trouble free kilometers. Another oil change, 1st air filter change (it was surprisingly dirty) plus all the 1st and 2nd service stuff. I asked to stiffen the rear shock a bit and had a little banter with the service dude, friendly to a fault. He said the bike is as good as new. He checked over everything, reset the computer and I was on my way 2 hours later. He said as long as I keep track of everything, my 5 year warranty remains completely unaffected.
Here in Bulgaria the whole thing cost me 125 Euros (incl all parts and labor and tax), a fucking bargain considering replacing the air filter is a time robbing pain in the ass on the lill’ GS. The dealership here is no different than the BMW dealer in Vancouver Canada, super “western style” (they even look the same) but for 1/4 price. They always make me feel like a movie star even though I bought the cheapest product they sell.
10/10 experience.
