I've been doing my own service and the only thing I've used mine for is to reset the service light. It's nice to know I can access the bikes computer if I have a problem.

 

I haven't bought one yet, but it looks like the best option for the K16.

My neighbour tried to teach me a long time ago, if you plan to do your own work/repairs:
Get a manual for every vehicle you own, and a scan tool.

I have a Carly for my BMW car, hoping they will come out with one for the bike, but it doesn't look promising. With the Carly, my phone is my scan tool, with a BT hookup to the small device that plugs into the data link connector. Really like it.

 

I have one used it on my wethead RT and a buddies. With the K I don't think I'm going to do my own maintenance for a while. Not sure yet, but I may sell mine. Great device, needed imho for the home tech. Can reset and test a lot of functions on the bikes computer and read all codes stored to assist in diagnosing problems.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

Simply being able to reset a blown bulb indicator, its worth having to hand (granted its expensive) My old K75RT had a constantly flashing ABS fault, in the end I removed the ABS and the bulb to get round the issue, rather than booking it into a service centre. A month later I found an online guide to resetting the ABS by shorting two wires. It wouldn't have got through an MOT with the warning.

 

I bought one soon as they were available. If you do your own work and like to "tinker", I would say you need this.
In my opinion most owners would never benefit from it.

 

I have one, and it was able to tell me my left speaker was disconnected. Ended up replacing the speaker. I bought it primarily to reset my service light.

 

I like being as independent as possible for maintenance, and recently replaced my original GS-911 with the Wi-Fi version. One wonderful feature is the ability to read fault codes over your smartphone. It's very lightweight, and no problem to carry on trips.

There are counterfeits out there, so I would caution against shopping on eBay. Ted Porter is a reliable source:

GS911 Diagnostic Tool for BMW Motorcycles

 

I bought one as soon as available as well. In fact, my K16 purchase was conditional on the eventual availability of the 911, since I insist on having full service data available to me on any vehicle I own.

Used it to check out a fault light once, and reset the service light. No need so far to troubleshoot any actual faults.

 

I use mine mainly for resetting the service indicators and scanning for any fault codes, current or previous. It will also tell you how many times your oil level was too low :wink:.
It will walk you through the brake bleed procedure to purge the ABS pump.
I have used it to reset the adaption values when the engine was surging at idle - saved a trip to the dealer.
If you go the web site you will see there are a bunch of special service functions per model. Especially look at the 'service functions' support.
Hexcode GS911 Function chart.
The real time values are also very interesting and would help in diagnosis.
I consider it a must have for DIY on these bikes and in fact delayed my purchase of the bike until it was available. My closest dealer is a 300 miles round trip.

 

I have the gs-911 USB and just bought a 2013 K1600GT on this forum. Much to my chagrin, the old USB version does not work with the 1600's. That being said, this was a useful tool for my K1200rs and my former K1300s (sold it). I guess I will break down and buy the new version for this bike. I think they are worth having for when you need to reset a fault code or even for more advanced things that only can be done with your computer through the device.

 

Backwards compatible?

I know the USB GS911 will not work on the K1600, but...

Will the new model GS911 WIFI work on older models such as the 02 R1150RT?

 

I know the USB GS911 will not work on the K1600, but...

Will the new model GS911 WIFI work on older models such as the 02 R1150RT?

Yes.

We (the BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria) recently upgraded to the new GS-911 on the basis that with 1,500 BMW bikes in the club, all would benefit. Indeed, the earlier version that we used is calculated to have saved members around $5-6,000 in fault issues over the past year.

I had a couple of engine fault lights last week, easy to check with the iPad and ascertain they weren't critical and can wait until the next service. Yesterday I upped the service warning to allow for a 4-5,000km run I'm doing next week which will take me over the 60k service. I don't need the constant reminders coming up on the dash, and know that the service will be a bit late.

But for an individual to lash out on a GS-911? Not convinced that it's worth the dosh unless you want another farkle to carry around in your bag.

 

My GS-911 is one of the original Beta units. I've used it constantly on the GT as my local dealer and I aren't on speaking terms.

Living in a small town, it turned out many BMW owners weren't happy with the local dealer, and I now find I've got to go looking to see who had the unit last. It's been used on more than a dozen bikes locally. I have offers of cash and reimbursement via the beer economy, but I figured I didn't pay for mine so it's not right to charge for its use. I know at least two independent mechanics have played with mine and have either brought or are buying units of their own. A couple of other owners are looking at their own units too.

Handy tool. If I had too, I'd buy one outright. Ive had it since the 30,000km major service. Now at 111,000km, and as I do my own servicing, it would have well paid for itself the fact that I'll probably buy another K1600 means it'll be used for a long time yet.

 

I carry mine when out touring and have yet to need it - but have helped a few k1600 owners with it at Rally's, etc. mine is one of the first beta units sent out for testing and has held up to my abuse - beats the **** out of paying dealer $50 to reset my service light.

 

Last Time I had some work Done at the dealer, I asked them to reset the service light.
The service manager said he was not allowed to unless they did the work.
I think will buy the GS911, both for the service light and checking for other issues.

 

Was that VCM in town? They are not very service oriented. They won't even mount tyres unless bought through them, claiming it's a liability issue. I could see that if it was a used or non DOT tyre (if exist) but come on,....

Anyway, sorry to run off a bit. I have the GS911 wifi because I like to work on my vehicles and this tool makes sense for me. Hexcode has been great with support and updates. My brother and I went in half and made it much more affordable, but I would have done it anyway. Thanks Hexcode!

 

I enjoy doing as much of my maintenance as I can, so I bought the "enthusiast" version. I haven't needed it other than to reset service interval, but I'm glad to have it on long solo trips. I have scanned the bike with it for fun, and I reset a code that I found was due to accidentally setting off the theft alarm when I tried to move the bike in the garage before I deactivated the alarm. I also have an R1200GSA, so I've used 2 out of 10 VIN slots. If I'm ever fortunate enough to own 8 more BMWs in my life, I will gladly upgrade to the "pro" version. I paid the dealer too exchange K1600's brake fluid after the first year of ownership, but I plan to use the GS911 to replace the GSA's brake fluid after year 1 and the K1600's brake fluid next spring, when it is due again.

 

Can the tool be used to reset all codes? Does anyone use it on a Mac system, and are there any issues with this? I read it can be used with an iPod but what about wifi to a laptop?

 

-- MAC USERS: To run the PC software on your Mac you will need to install Parallels or Apple Bootcamp.

 

I use it with a PC (laptop via wifi or cable) and an iPad if that helps. Yes, you can reset all fault codes.

 

Thank you, just placed my order to Ted.

 

The GS 911 Rocks. I have 2 K1600s. Both are 2013 bikes. Bought the GTL new. Trader an old Suzuki for the GT at a local Honda bike dealer. Been riding the GT and had let the GTL (Ruby) sit. Sadly, I let it sit too long and the nearly new battery lost its charge. I went to start it yesterday and it had developed a misfire on at least 1 cylinder.. Well crap ...the engine check light burns bright !
Step 1.....Get her some new gas. Step 2....run it for a few miles. Step 3...park it for fear of damaging $$$ parts. Step 4...restart and run in driveway. Well CRAP. won't even idle ! Step 5.....parking for the night
!
Today...Step 1...break out the GS 911. Step 2....run autoscan for faults. Step 3...read all results ... no open fault codes. Well Okay... I guess?. Step 4. Clear all fault codes....Step 5...start Ruby.....and it runs great. No misfires, hesitations, or stumbling. Not sure what Kharma the GS 911 had going today, but I'm a very happy guy and Ruby is back to her ol self.

Thank you K1600 Forum for having a wealth of GS 911 info threads. I reread most of them last night praying I hadn't let Ruby sit to long leading to $$$ repairs!

 

I have a GS911 Wifi, I use windows 10 and all is good. I have only reset my service indicator so far but tried it in live mode and seems good to monitor the sensors.