[Madtownhexhead]

I have a new to me 2010 21200r with no record of valve clearance inspection, 43K miles. I plan on doing this when the snow clears. I am wondering what version I will have. I have seen earlier models with adjustable clearance with a 10 mm box wrench and a 3 mm hex wrench (bottom photo) and I have seen 'shimmed' models (top photo). What version should expect to have? Thanks,

 

[jagger]

2010 should be shims. Camhead engine .

 

[Wally E]

The "camhead" (top photo) came out in 2011 and up to 2014 I believe. If yours is 2010 then the bottom pic will apply. Both are easy to adjust.

 

[Madtownhexhead]

I have the older style cluster....

not the new one

I am thinking I do have a hexhead and not the camhead

 

[FidalgoRob]

My 2010 R12R is the hexhead (bottom photo). As Wally E said, the clearance is easy to check and adjust, if that is necessary. I often find that no adjustment is needed.

Rob

 

[Panzermann]

Not that I’ve owned either, but I understand rocker side lash needs to be within limits for the Hexhead before checking/adjusting the valve clearances, and both valves are best checked simultaneously to accommodate any wear in the rocker pin/arm.

 

[Madtownhexhead]

I have heard the same about checking both valves simultaneously. Not sure what rocker side lash is??

 

[Panzermann]

I have heard the same about checking both valves simultaneously. Not sure what rocker side lash is??

The clearance at the end of the rocker pivot. I’m going by memory but the specs and process would be in a Haynes or BMW workshop manual. I’m sure there would be multiple YouTube video demonstrations.

 

[kgdavo]

I’m no expert, but I think that the shim adjustment bikes, top photo (camhead) have the oil filler on the right hand cylinder head, while the bolt and locknut version, bottom photo, (hex head) have the oil filler on the left cylinder head.
Please anyone, correct me if I am wrong.
Ken.

 

[Panzermann]

The Hexhead engine (screw adjustment clearances) spark plug/ignition coil cover is horizontal, whereas the later Camhead (overhead cam, shims) has a vertical cover. That’s the easiest way to identify an air/oil cooled Boxer 1200 engine at a glance.

 

[Madtownhexhead]

Thanks everyone. I have ordered my dual feeler gauge kit (0.15 and 0.30).

 

[FidalgoRob]

Not that I’ve owned either, but I understand rocker side lash needs to be within limits for the Hexhead before checking/adjusting the valve clearances, and both valves are best checked simultaneously to accommodate any wear in the rocker pin/arm.

As Panzermann indicated, the BMW K27 shop manual states that the rocker arm endplay should be checked and adjusted if necessary prior to checking the valve clearance. The language is a bit vague, however -- it says that excessive endplay will be "clearly perceptible", which obviously leaves a lot to the imagination. Perhaps one should travel to Germany to calibrate fingers and eyeballs. Here's the procedure for checking and adjusting the rocker arm.

 

[Madtownhexhead]

Anyone seen a YouTube video of this?