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Well, I finally got my 39 tooth (DCT) correct rear sprocket and so set about changing the set this afternoon, it didn't go quite a smoothly as it could have done, but that's life and motorcycles! The old sprockets were still in quite good shape, no booking apparent, but the chain wasn't good at all, nearly at the end of the travel limit and with several stiff links, which knew about I did have a small moment when my chain tool got stuck in the side plate when pushing a roller pin out, but it came out with a bit of gentle persuasion! I have to say the rear JT sprocket looks good

Hi all - I'm planning to change the air filter on my bike this weekend. I have the service manual and also see that there's some Youtube info. Any tips / lessons learned from those that have done it, as there's a fair amount of bodywork to remove. thanks

Well done Myles. Good to overcome a couple of obstacles along the way - adds to the job satisfaction!

It was welding that buggered up the R1150GS in the Long Way Round. The (grossly overloaded) rear subframe broke. It was mig welded up by a 'back street' guy who neglected to disconnect the battery. That's why they had to buy the little Russian (?) two stroke for the cameraman to ride while the 'back up' crew had bits flown out from BMW.

Had a go at doing the 16k miles service today. Bike has just turned 12k on the clock but 2.7k miles were done on the original dash. So I thought I would do the service as I had some time. NC is the first bike I checked the valve clearances in 30min. So easy and accessible. All exhaust valves were too tight and and all intake valves were too loose. Spark plugs as per pics and air filter clogged up. Oil very dark too. I am very pleased I did it. Just need to add new oil and top up coolant. Next will be to reset the DCT. Tomorrow I will be changing fork oil to 7.5w a

To cut a long story short, coolants can use various additives to provide corrosion protection, silicates, borates etc. Those containing silicates can result in wear of the water pump face seal which will end up with it leaking from the tell-tale hole in the pump housing. The seal is not replaceable so it means a new/secondhand pump. Many coolants commercially available are silicate free, it should state that on the label, always check. Lots to choose from, I use Toyota Red personally, Halfords own brand is available, etc etc.

The job looks harder than it is to be honest. Just take your time and note where the screws and fasteners came from. If any part of the body panelling is not coming off, do not force it, just recheck you have released every screw. Some of the not tank panels interlock (NC700SA) so be weary. I did it okay without a problem so if I can, anyone can! -Mark-

Wittling your own sprockets. Isnt it obvious that the DCT would need a superior chain and sprockets,