GS-911Diagnostic Tool

HEX Code GS-911 Diagnostics for the BMW range of motorcycles

Created 03/01/2009 - last updated 07/10/2009

Since the warrantee expired on my 1200RT in June 08, I've taken over maintenance of the machine, but it does have very complex electronic systems and if anything were to go wrong it would be a nightmare to fault without help, and that's where the HEX Code GS-911 steps in. It's a first aid device for when you're out and about, but also a service aid so you can check up on what's been happening since you last looked in. If you do your own repairs and servicing, this is a very useful tool.

I ordered my GS-911 from Platinum Bike Technology Limited, it arrived a few days later in a stout little box complete with a USB cable (but no instructions or software). The model I chose was the more expensive USB & Bluetooth version that will work to both a Laptop via USB cable or a suitable mobile phone via Bluetooth, that's forward planning for you, as I don't have a suitable phone yet! (Update, I have now!)

Getting started:

I needed software to run on my laptop and as none was supplied, it was off to the Hex website, to find some. After logging into the website, finding and installing the software on the laptop, I was all set to go.

Next step is finding the diagnostic socket on the bike, because that's where the GS-911 plugs in. On the R1200 machines its here, under the front seat.

A closer picture of the socket with the cap removed. I struggled to remove the cap the first time, It was tight and as I didn't know whether it twisted off to the right, left or simply pulled off I was a bit stuck until it suddenly came loose with an anti-clockwise twist of the cap.

I lined up the GS-911 to the pins of the bikes socket, offered it up, then with a clockwise twist of the device's black locking collar it pulled into the bike's socket nice and secure. Note, the GS-911 powers up from a supply provided from the bikes socket, even when the ignition is off.

Click here to read HEX codes excellent write up and diagram on how to fit the GS-911

Next I booted up my old laptop on which I'd preloaded the diagnostic software, plugged in the USB cable between the device and the laptop and we were ready to go!

Fault reading:

After starting the software I used the wizard to guide me through the different models of BMW motorcycle listed to the R1200RT, all nice and simple. Here's the main panel for the 1200RT where you select which system you want to check out. Don't forget to turn the bikes ignition on, or it won't work!

After clicking next on 'Engine' and waiting for the device to communicate I was surprised to find my first fault, a problem with the 'Gear selector potentiometer', but no longer present.

Going back, I checked the next system down the list 'ABS' and found my second fault 'Pressure in the front wheel circuit to high', again, no longer present.

The other two systems 'Central Vehicle Electronics' and 'Instrument cluster' were fault free, so as nether of the faults found were current, I reset all fault codes and will check back another time to see if they re-occur.

2009 New maintenance features:

In early 2009 HEX launched additional functionality in the GS-911 PC software, this is in two types 'Enthusiast' and 'Professional'.

The 'Professional' version of the software will be unlimited in how many machines it can be used on (service and maintenance - unlimited VIN numbers)

The 'Enthusiast' version you will have unlimited functionality for fault diagnostic (as now), plus the new maintenance features available to 10 machines (10 VIN numbers recorded).

Read more on the VIN limit go here:- http://www.hexcode.co.za/products/gs-911/vinlimit

And for more on future development go here:- http://www.hexcode.co.za/products/gs-911/roadmap

Beta software releases, new maintenance features:

The software for the GS-911 is under development and the latest beta (test) release now gives maintenance features once you assign your bikes VIN number to the GS-911

New features include... service reminder reset!

Idle Actuator Calibration for all CAN-bus R-Series motorcycles (Zeroing of idle actuators).

I've tried this on my 1200RT and from the clicking and whirring while the calibration took place it certainly seemed to be working!

Updated real-time values for ALL engine control units, for instance, you can test the clutch switch, start switch and side stand switches and see the change of state on the PC, very useful if your bike won't start, this would save a lot of time testing!

Under the real-time values you can monitor the Lambda sensor voltages. Again a very useful feature to check the bikes operating correctly.

Update: 6 Sept 2009

After some searching I've finally found a mobile phone that's JSR-82 compliant for the GS-911 software and otherwise suits my needs, its the Nokia 3110 classic and it runs the GS-911 software perfectly.

Models supported by GS-911

(But to varying degrees, so check what it will do for your machine before buying!)

R-Series:
  HP2, HP2 Megamoto, R1200GS, R1200GS Adventure, R1200RT, R1200R, R1200ST, R1200S, R1200S HP2
 R1200C, R1200CL
  R1150GS, R1150GS Adventure, R1150RT, R1150R, R1150RS (single- and twin-spark on all models)
  R1100S (single and twin-spark)
 R850C, R850R, R850RT
K-Series:
 K1200GT, K1200R, K1200R Sport, K1200S,
 K1200LT, K1200GT (non-CAN), K1200RS
F-Series:
 F800S, F800ST, F800GS, F800R
 F650GS (800cc 2 cylinder)
  F650CS, F650GS, F650GS Dakar (single- and twin-spark on all models)
G-Series:
 G650Xchallenge, G650Xcountry, G650Xmoto
 G650GS
 G450X
C-Series:
  C1, C1-200
 

Upcoming model support:

K-Series:
  K1300GT, K1300R, K1300S (planned for beta release after Release 904)
S-Series:
  S1000RR (to be announced)

Website:

www.hexcode.co.za

Contact:

email: info@hexcode.co.za
email: support@hexcode.co.za
tel: +27 21 880-1433
fax: 086-614-1109 (fax-to-email service - from South Africa only)