I just completed the first 12,000 mile service on my R1200RT-LC in accordance with the Owners and Service manuals. The only part I skipped was to compress the brake calipers during fluid change because it would require a special BMW tool I have yet to obtain or make myself.
The fluids in the reservoirs were discolored but clear coming out of the calipers. I use Valvoline synthetic DOT4 in all my machines. Photo 1 (top) shows Motion-Pro brake tool that incorporates a one-way check valve. It comes in 4 different sizes. I used an 8 mm unit for the front but had to use a regular 11mm wrench on the rear caliper.
The valve clearances were within specifications. If they weren’t I would have to let the dealer perform that chore because of the special tools required. Photo 2 (middle) of the valves/cams with feeler gauge at rear inlet cam. Note the mark on the screwdriver used to denote top dead center.
You may need new gaskets for the covers so plan on spending ~$40 each. I used a little silicone seal on the old gaskets after some seepage occurred. So I have new gaskets on hand for next service.
I checked the spark plugs and they looked okay so I didn’t replace them at this time. NGK plugs used are dual ground type and I found that O’Reilly has them available on special order. It took over a month for mine to arrive ($10 each).
The rear gear case uses 180 ml. of 75-90 synthetic gear oil. I used K&N air and oil filters plus the Spectro oil I won at the RAMS’s rally last year. I purchased the K&N air filter directly from K&N for $50, and oil filters were special ordered from Walmart for $10 each. Castrol 4T 5-40 synthetic at $10/qt. can also be special ordered at O’Reilly.
Promac tools (bottom) were used to remove the ignition module before the valve covers, and the front axle tool has both 19 & 22 mm sizes +3/8” driver. GR