GS911 asb enthusiast.

76 views
Skip to first unread message

chris1234

unread,
Mar 3, 2020, 2:47:09 AM3/3/20
to GS-911 Field Diagnostic Tool for BMW motorcycles
Over £300 gbp for this unit and the information on using the unit leaves a little to be desired. I think Hex code charging what the do for there units should print a manual on how too!! the majority of information i have stumbled across appears to be that the majority of people using this item are guessing and im sorry but they dont really know whay they are doing on how to use this instrument correctly. Perhaps the people that manufacture and write the softwear should get more information to the forums.

Ruan Britz

unread,
Mar 3, 2020, 2:49:04 AM3/3/20
to GS-911 Field Diagnostic Tool for BMW motorcycles
Hi There

We always appreciate clients that help us improve our service and product to the end user. Is there anything specific that you are looking for more information on, but unable to find any? You can always contact us on our Support Helpdesk:
https://www.hexcode.co.za/contact-us-1

With regards to a manual, did you not receive a startup manual booklet with your GS-911? We've also created a couple of entries on our website that specifically aims to get our clients up and running, please see below:
https://www.hexcode.co.za/products/gs-911/support/manual/user-manual

Then, we have a few How-To entries on our website as well, this is also designed for getting our clients up and running:
https://www.hexcode.co.za/products/gs-911/support/how-tos

We have created quite a few FAQ (Frequently Askes Questions) entries as we learned what our clients are having trouble with mostly:
https://www.hexcode.co.za/products/gs-911/support/faq

I've also included our a link to our Youtube channel for you below, we have uploaded some videos there for visual aid to work on the GS-911 with some basic activities:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYtixoh65JRsAIBxGDarQXA/search?query=GS-911

Finally, our Hexcode forum is quite active and some of our more experienced users assist our newer users with some of the more nitty gritty objectives, like servicing or replacements of a specific unit on the bike.

Kind regards
Ruan

David Stevenson

unread,
Mar 3, 2020, 3:35:09 AM3/3/20
to gs-...@googlegroups.com

I know we all have our opinions about most things; here is mine.  I have used the GS911 for more than ten years and have never found that I can’t fairly easily get the information I need to use it to its fullest extent, with the fallback of being able to contact HexCode Support if necessary (rare) who have always bent over backwards to help as much as necessary; all for free (once you have purchased the device).  I have worked with lots and lots of Support organisations in my long career in IT and the HexCode support, both by being there and by providing the necessary information, is right up there amongst the best.  I think they do pretty well to provide all that support in terms of information, forum management, one-to-one support and of course the free upgrades and fixes, all included in the one off upfront cost.

 

(And I don’t have to be told off by the environmentalists for printing out voluminous manuals ;-)

 

David

 

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "GS-911 Field Diagnostic Tool for BMW motorcycles" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to gs-911+un...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/gs-911/7a59b0e7-6d37-4632-9770-3220aecd4ad0%40googlegroups.com.

Ruan Britz

unread,
Mar 3, 2020, 3:43:16 AM3/3/20
to GS-911 Field Diagnostic Tool for BMW motorcycles
Hi David

Thank you for your kind words. We are currently working on something that will improve the accessibility to information, but we'll reveal more once it's completed, so keep an eye on your mailbox. It will most likely still please the environmentalists.

Kind regards
Ruan

David Thompson

unread,
Mar 3, 2020, 2:27:27 PM3/3/20
to GS-911 Field Diagnostic Tool for BMW motorcycles
This is a tool that requires some basic knowledge about what you are doing with it.

Bob

unread,
Mar 3, 2020, 7:10:31 PM3/3/20
to gs-...@googlegroups.com

Hi Chris, I understand your  concern but I believe that it is directed to the wrong people. Motorcycle manufacturers jealously guard their  developments and do not want  clients to "mess" with their machine. Modern motorcycles have so many "sensors" to monitor the status of every operational part and a failure in any one of these sensors will lead to an error message (often secretly coded!). A failure can be  simply  dust in a contact, dirty connection, broken wire or a thousand other reasons. Most of these failures will stop the bike/prevent starting or forcing "limp mode"  In every case without a GS911 TOOL to indicate the fault area.... your only option is to take the bike (trailer it??) to your nearest "Service Centre" whereupon a charge of usually several hundred dollars will apply (not to include any parts that may need replacing??) Here in my country I could be thousands of miles from any Service Centre!

The people at HexCode (GS911) have developed considerable knowledge and continue developing ( it is an ongoing process) this diagnostic tool (will never  fix your problem... it is a valuable tool to indicate the probable area /cause)  There is a need to understand what  the GS911 is telling you!  The HexCode website has lots of detail... check out the FAQ section or the "Known Issues" sections etc and you will find  answers to many issues. In addition, there are  Forum such as Adventure Rider that you can find answers to problems... but you do need to be cautious because  lots of  people  are prepared to give advice whether or not  that advice is accurate  or in some cases... just wrong!

I am not an Auto specialist but I do have more than 50 years experience working/building/riding motorcycles and  I can tell you that one never stops learning. I have  had the GS911 for more than ten years, have used it on well over 100 motorcycles for my fellow Club members and saved them collectively many thousands of dollars by just identifying a problem that was able to be fixed without charge... example:  ABS problem on a 2008 R/GS series bike for which a Service Centre quoted $5,400  to replace.... after diagnosing with GS911 found problem with rear ABS sensor..... solution... carefully cleaned  the sensor, reset the fault codes with GS911... take bike for ride.... ALL OK bike continued to function ...NO COST!

I can quote many similar  examples... I must be the local Service Centre ... most hated person ... but at least my friends can enjoy their motorcycling without unnecessary cost.

I personally would not  own a modern Motorcycle without  having a GS911 available.

Apologies for the long winded reply Chris... but I hope you can see my point... I don't work for HexCode but I do appreciate their hard work in keeping abreast with the constant "updating" and "game changing" strategies of vehicle manufacturers.

Regards Bob

 

From: gs-...@googlegroups.com [mailto:gs-...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of chris1234
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2020 5:52 AM
To: GS-911 Field Diagnostic Tool for BMW motorcycles
Subject: [GS-911] GS911 asb enthusiast.

 

Over £300 gbp for this unit and the information on using the unit leaves a little to be desired. I think Hex code charging what the do for there units should print a manual on how too!! the majority of information i have stumbled across appears to be that the majority of people using this item are guessing and im sorry but they dont really know whay they are doing on how to use this instrument correctly. Perhaps the people that manufacture and write the softwear should get more information to the forums.

--

Nick Sowerby

unread,
Mar 10, 2020, 8:34:36 AM3/10/20
to gs-...@googlegroups.com
Well said. Outstanding help service for the gs911

barry.s...@gmail.com

unread,
Mar 10, 2020, 8:34:36 AM3/10/20
to gs-...@googlegroups.com

I second that

 

Barry Silver

 

From: Bob
Sent: March 3, 2020 7:10 PM
To: gs-...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [GS-911] GS911 asb enthusiast.

 

Hi Chris, I understand your  concern but I believe that it is directed to the wrong people. Motorcycle manufacturers jealously guard their  developments and do not want  clients to "mess" with their machine. Modern motorcycles have so many "sensors" to monitor the status of every operational part and a failure in any one of these sensors will lead to an error message (often secretly coded!). A failure can be  simply  dust in a contact, dirty connection, broken wire or a thousand other reasons. Most of these failures will stop the bike/prevent starting or forcing "limp mode"  In every case without a GS911 TOOL to indicate the fault area.... your only option is to take the bike (trailer it??) to your nearest "Service Centre" whereupon a charge of usually several hundred dollars will apply (not to include any parts that may need replacing??) Here in my country I could be thousands of miles from any Service Centre!

The people at HexCode (GS911) have developed considerable knowledge and continue developing ( it is an ongoing process) this diagnostic tool (will never  fix your problem... it is a valuable tool to indicate the probable area /cause)  There is a need to understand what  the GS911 is telling you!  The HexCode website has lots of detail... check out the FAQ section or the "Known Issues" sections etc and you will find  answers to many issues. In addition, there are  Forum such as Adventure Rider that you can find answers to problems... but you do need to be cautious because  lots of  people  are prepared to give advice whether or not  that advice is accurate  or in some cases... just wrong!

I am not an Auto specialist but I do have more than 50 years experience working/building/riding motorcycles and  I can tell you that one never stops learning. I have  had the GS911 for more than ten years, have used it on well over 100 motorcycles for my fellow Club members and saved them collectively many thousands of dollars by just identifying a problem that was able to be fixed without charge... example:  ABS problem on a 2008 R/GS series bike for which a Service Centre quoted $5,400  to replace.... after diagnosing with GS911 found problem with rear ABS sensor..... solution... carefully cleaned  the sensor, reset the fault codes with GS911... take bike for ride.... ALL OK bike continued to function ...NO COST!

I can quote many similar  examples... I must be the local Service Centre ... most hated person ... but at least my friends can enjoy their motorcycling without unnecessary cost.

I personally would not  own a modern Motorcycle without  having a GS911 available.

Apologies for the long winded reply Chris... but I hope you can see my point... I don't work for HexCode but I do appreciate their hard work in keeping abreast with the constant "updating" and "game changing" strategies of vehicle manufacturers.

Regards Bob

 

From: gs-...@googlegroups.com [mailto:gs-...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of chris1234


Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2020 5:52 AM

To: GS-911 Field Diagnostic Tool for BMW motorcycles
Subject: [GS-911] GS911 asb enthusiast.

 

Over £300 gbp for this unit and the information on using the unit leaves a little to be desired. I think Hex code charging what the do for there units should print a manual on how too!! the majority of information i have stumbled across appears to be that the majority of people using this item are guessing and im sorry but they dont really know whay they are doing on how to use this instrument correctly. Perhaps the people that manufacture and write the softwear should get more information to the forums.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "GS-911 Field Diagnostic Tool for BMW motorcycles" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to gs-911+un...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/gs-911/7a59b0e7-6d37-4632-9770-3220aecd4ad0%40googlegroups.com.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "GS-911 Field Diagnostic Tool for BMW motorcycles" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to gs-911+un...@googlegroups.com.

Bernard Rocha

unread,
Mar 10, 2020, 12:45:53 PM3/10/20
to Nick Sowerby, gs-...@googlegroups.com
I've relied heavily on the GS911 Pro Blu/Yellow when I opened shop in 2010, after the BMW Motorrad dealer I worked for in my country only renewed their license to operate cars. I was the only shop capable in the whole South & have owners bringing in their bikes from different directions in my area. I could't have done it alone without my 2 BMW Certified Techs & WE could have not done it without the GS911 behind our backs. It was the next best thing to a GT1 at that point in time.

Not even once did we call for support, the whole time I had the yellow GS911. We found it a user friendly tool, with no special training required. Just have the patience to go over it, understand it, so you'll learn how it works & what it can do for you, despite knowing the fact that all other information you would need is available in the HEX site.

I now have the new GS911 Wifi Pro, after trading in my old yellow one. I did request for support through private e-mail messages & it wasn't about any difficulty or failure of its product or its features but more of a wifi network connection concern. Even for that I got a commendable support & assistance. Mornay G, the Technical Product Support Specialist was very consistent with his replies & never missed a beat until the issue was finally resolved. 

I just have to speak my mind out but for me THAT'S WHAT I CALL PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT & CUSTOMER SUPPORT! This product is supported by people who not only works for HEX for their livelihood but actually believes in their product.

Point is... You'll never be put down, shoved aside, if you requested for assistance no matter degree of difficulty you're in. You"ll always be pointed to which tunnel to take for you to find that light. Self learning & study is a key character you should have, owning this unique tool. I believe this tool was not made for individuals who expect to be spoon fed & expect everything to work like new, once plugged-in to their bikes.

Just my 2 cents...


Bernard 

Sent from Outlook


From: gs-...@googlegroups.com <gs-...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Nick Sowerby <nicks...@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2020 1:09 AM
To: gs-...@googlegroups.com <gs-...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [GS-911] GS911 asb enthusiast.
 

adf

unread,
Mar 10, 2020, 4:27:54 PM3/10/20
to GS-911 Field Diagnostic Tool for BMW motorcycles
As with all OBD readers it does require some basic fundamental mechanical/electronic understanding and possibly training. So consider what it is monitoring and why?
With regards to the interpretation of the reader.  Most are intuitive and GS911 is in there  but NONE are infallible. For example : if the fuel pump has low or no pressure output it will not tell you the fuel contents are nil.  The pressure sensor will pull the fault but not the reason.
These readers are an interface to provide a diagnostic history log or live data from numerous modules or units but  not the 'exact' reason or how to fix it.
Without this interface it is very difficult but not impossible to fault find.
It speeds the process up. GS911 is the starting point to 'quickly' eliminate the obvious and guide you to the possible fault. Learn to use it as a reader then if you wish as a tool  to change module parameters. 

mick adamson

unread,
Mar 17, 2020, 2:08:24 AM3/17/20
to gs-...@googlegroups.com
While I'm not up to the guys that print out charts etc., the GS-911 has saved me a bunch of money on my 2014 F800GS, I had a mysterious problem that came and went (by resetting the TPS - key on, turn throttle three time - key off), I cannot imagine what it would have cost at the dealer just to find the problem, which was the fuel pump overheating when less than half a tank of gas and failing intermittently. New pump was $70 (not made by BMW obviously) and did the job myself. Cleared codes and service light. All good 😁😎


markb1b .

unread,
Mar 18, 2020, 2:03:01 AM3/18/20
to gs-...@googlegroups.com
I agree with the previous, Mike and Bob comments. I had a 2012 F650 GS that had an ABS lite, and a service light for oil change. To clear the service light, supposedly no charge, as I did all the oil changes myself. To determine the ABS light, $169/hr, to tell me the rear ABS sensor was bad. To fix the issue with the ABS light $169/hr plus the part $160. I was in the process of selling the 650, so I HAD no option other then to at least find out what the issue was and inform the buyer. Sold the bike "as is", with a discount for the sensor. Essentially I could have paid for half of the GS911 with that one service check, more if I had actually fixed the ABS sensor. I bought a new 2019 R1250 GS Adventure, purchased a GS911. I won't leave home without it. I'm planning on a long, long ride from Georgia to Alaska this summer. Already checked it and cleared an insignificant fault code, which I understand happens every so often. Everybody I've talked to and discussed the GS 911 says it has at some time save them not only in money but in continued operation when in the middle of nowhere. Many of my friends ride Triumphs and have either wished or researched where they can get something like the GS911 for the Triumphs.They have to utilize their computers.



--
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages