Emergency diagnostic tool for GS (and other) motorcycles !

[2bjr]

#1881

Got this from back home.  No price yet. http://www.hex.co.za/gs911/index.html

[janejohnstewart]

#6703

Hi Tharon,there a pretty full write up on the gizmo here ... along with a warning about not using them on bikes that are still covered by Warrantee.http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80830

[Grant]

#6704

Hi Tharon, I have got one and it works fine on R1100S EVO 2 spark model with MA 2.4 Motronic and servo assist ABS, currently running from home PC with a 5 metre long USB cable running out the window to my bike parked on driveway,{ I couldn't get the bike inside the house I was going to wait until wife went shopping} As I am very reluctant to let anyone sevice my bike I do all the maintenance myself with the OEM manual, However about the only thing that would stop a Beemer from running would be a hall effect sensor  used for Crankangle sensing or a fuel pump failure or something even more basic than this, so the idea of taking one with you on a journey and using bluetooth to give you a fault code in the middle of nowhere, I am not sure in reality this would be needed, because if the bike still has the basics in electronics still working I think it would get you home due to the fact it doesn't need all the sensors operational to run the engine, only a few basic ones. If the basic primary sensors failed [very unlikely] you are going to need a trailer, and at least you would need a fluke meter to confirm diagnosis before attempting to fix the problem

[2bjr]

#6705

Hi.Welcome. Thank you for the feedback.How long have you been using this tool?What faults did you get on that.?

[Grant]

#6706

Hi Tharon, Have only recently acquired  the tool, currently it is partially configured for R1100S 2 spark as it can interrogate the MA 2.4 Motronic and get all the listed data with model code, type, variant, software currently loaded, and both BMW and Bosch part numbers, then it checks for fault codes active, and stored but not active, [ history of occurrences] any codes listed are followed by description, then if faults are fixed and no longer active they can be erased via next screen on program.When checking for fault codes on the ABS system because the software is not finished being developed for this particular model then it only lists the fault code number and no description. So one has to get a list from BMW or "Hex" as to what the fault code number means. But the system is fully finished for R1150 GS series bikes and R 1200 GS series CAN- Bus, other models are being tested and finished currently so as to cover a wider range of models.Because my bike is very close in spec to the R1150GS 2 spark model, I use this interface software when checking my bike for fault codes, as this model uses the MA 2.4 Motronic ECU but due to very slight software changes when accessing ABS codes I only get the number, If my bike was actually an R1150 GS 2 spark model, then I would also get the description beside the coded number as well.Fortunately all the sensors are within range and all fault codes present were cleared once the engine was running. Bosch think a little differently when configuring their diagnostics when compared to other manufactures of engine management systems, Were as a fault code will be generated for a speed or crank angle sensor that is not giving a signal due to the fact that the engine is not running, but there is nothing wrong with the sensor, and as soon as the engine is started and this sensor generates the required signal then the fault code clears.The only reason I got the adaptor is so I could check all the sensors were within range and I wasn't riding the bike with a sensor out of range For example; engine temp sensor, or Air inlet temp sensor,or oxygen sensor, that would allow the engine to run and in some cases very well, but would be a big increase in fuel consumption [ this can sometimes be the case]. But let me say that Bosch engineers are pioneers in the field of engine management systems and many other systems are made under license to Bosch and in my humble opinion Bosch still produce the most reliable systems available today for anything that has pistons. So chances are you won't have a lot of trouble if you look after your bike, most of the troubles come in the form of a "bad earth connection or loose battery terminals or corroded or wet connections between plugs and wiring looms, the sensors are reliable and as they say if the "smoke" remains trapped in the wire and doesn't leak out then the system will probably work OK, When the smoke leaks out of the wires then everything stops [ask any electrician]

[2bjr]

#6707

Good, Thx.Ordered mine from SA, still waiting.  Looks like it can solve a big group of problems without big spending. 😀

[Grant]

#6708

Hi Tharon,  Good idea, I think the people who have developed these interface diagnostics have done an excellent job, with all the research and development that has gone into it I believe it is very reasonably priced as well as 1 year free upgrades from their website.If I owned an R1150 or 1200 GS and was going out the back of beyond, I would take this tool with me and a cell phone with the software installed and my trusty "Flukemeter" a can of WD40 and I think I could get home if the worst case scenario unfolded. I don't think I will take the adaptor with me when I venture out on my bike as I will never be too far from help and I don't think "Michelin Pilots work too well off road!  [ R1100S lacks suspension travel] But if you own a Beemer and you are off road this may be the" best thing since sliced bread ". Of course this statement now raises another question, If you have an enquiring mind like me then I asked my dear old Mum one day "what was the best thing just before "sliced bread". She just laughed and said I don't know.I have discussed this question with some fellow engineers were I work Air NZ and we believe the technology for mechanically slicing bread before being sold by the local baker may only have been around for approx 85 years!Can anyone help me with the answer????Hey Tharon you won't regret buying one of these tools.Cheers  Andrew

[2bjr]

#6709

Thx for the info.  That helps alot. 😀

[Dave Ross]

#6710

I"what was the best thing just before "sliced bread". She just laughed and said I don't know.I have discussed this question with some fellow engineers were I work Air NZ and we believe the technology for mechanically slicing bread before being sold by the local baker may only have been around for approx 85 years!Can anyone help me with the answer????Hey Tharon you won't regret buying one of these tools.Cheers  Andrew

If sliced bread has beenaround for this long, the previous thing must have been fixed wing aircraft, then various motorcycles and motor carriages, the petrol engine and any number of other things. I've never understood the fixation with sliced bread myself :-).

[Jim Young]

#6711

Ever tried to cut fresh bread with a blunt knife and then trying to explain to the wife that it was a doughy mess when she bought it from the shop !!  🙄

[Craig Lancaster]

#6712

Should anyone in christchurch need to use a GS911, let me know as i have one.

[Anonymous]

#6713

Figured I would bump this existing thread.I'm thinking of getting a GS-911, anyone using them, feedback on them etc? Was thinking Enthusiast Bluetooth model...

[Anonymous]

#6714

Just happened to stumble on this tread, looks to be a few years old now now. But yea just to add that it really is a very usefull tool and software package. I used mine mainly just to check both my hexheads when I had them(a 04 1200GS and 05 1200RT), very good tool to set the stepper motors in the throttle bodies when performing a balance on them, but also just a handy thing to have incase of any ABS faults or sensor faults. Ive since sold both my hexheads and have gone to a R1100rs, I think with a adaptor the GS 911 can be used on the early injected R and K bikes, but Im not 100% sure on that. I would look at the bluetooth version, at least that way you can take it on trips, and use a bluetooth phone loaded with the software for a on road diagnosis if needed. Well worth the investment if you are going to be keeping a modern BMW on the road with some sense of being able to do minor DIY on the bikes more complex systems if needed.

[Author]

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