Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Best oil Best oil
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Nov 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 15
Best oil
What does everyone feel is the best engine oil for the 1200 engines?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Nov 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
Red face
I think you'll find variety of answers to the extremes. Some prefer strict $$$-costing motorcycle oil while guys like me put the cheapest car semi-synth oil inside since it's an robust boxer afterall...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Nov 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 15
Cheers for that.

I also remember reading somewhere that BMW suggests not using synthetic oils in the first 6000m. It sounds counter intuituve to me. I would have thought that synth oil would be better for an engine that is still settling in.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 8 Nov 2006
Gecko's Avatar
Slippery when wet
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Spain
Posts: 311
I used to use fully synthetic castrol superbike oil in my R1100GS as this is what the dealer advised . After many miles of burning oil I switched to much cheaper Hein Gericke fully synthetic at about 1/4 of the price of the castrol and I hardly use any oil at all now. it's a 15w50 (I think) but has same API spec as the much more expensive castrol oil I was using. 5 liters is about Euro 22 from Hein Gericke - it's great stuff and 40,000km on I don't regret switching from the liquid gold castrol advised by the BMW money grabbing dealer !
__________________
...on the road to nowhere...

Biking roads by bikers for bikers www.bestbikingroads.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 8 Nov 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London
Posts: 15
Cheers Patrick. That explanation about syth oil on new engines makes heaps on sense.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Nov 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kandahar Afghanistan
Posts: 160
Tully,

Dont use oil specified for a car if your bike has a wet clutch, use specific bike oil.
Car oil has added friction modifiers that will contaminate your bike clutch leading to clutch slipping where the only way out is to flush then replace the fibre plates.

I have found that the fully synth is very good but the semmi synth is fine to use, after 26 years using all manner of oils the semmi synth has never had any problems with burning oil or wear problems.
__________________
www.landroveradventure.co.uk
Land Rover Discovery 2, Yamaha Super Tenere
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Alabama
Posts: 47
Weeellll about that
I have logged some mileage on wet clutch bikes. I have used almost exclusively Mobil 1 15w50 which is a pretty decent oil but an automotive oil none the less. Never had any clutch slippage.

I will also say that I did experience some slippage (and usage) in my R1150RT while using BMW motorcycle oil. I switched to Mobil 1 and both problem went away.

I think the best oil is the type you change on a regular basis.

Dont you love an oil thread.

Yankee Dog
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Nov 2006
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Cool Dry clutch
Quote:
Originally Posted by htdb33
I will also say that I did experience some slippage (and usage) in my R1150RT while using BMW motorcycle oil. I switched to Mobil 1 and both problem went away.

Yankee Dog
Hmmm. doesn't the R1150RT have a dry clutch?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Nov 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Mumbai, India
Posts: 188
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
Tully,

Regular oil allows this to happen. Synthetic oil is reallly too slick, and in a way does too good a job with its friction modifiers that prevent parts from working
against each other to remove rough spots and inperfections. With synthetic oil from new, an engine will never make max power, will use oil (as many BMW's do) and will be down on compression.


My solution? After about 2500 miles and a couple oil changes of regular dino
oil, give that bike some SERIOUS stick, run it hard to rev limit for a day of sport riding. Now switch to Synthetic. Nw its ready.


Patrick


Something here:

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

http://mototuneusa.com/thanx.htm

Sounds heretical, initially.

But it works. Or, to be more specific, worked on my bike.
1st oil change 25 km, 2nd at 150 km, 3rd at 1000km(Synthetic this time)
The same bike has had two engine rebuilds previously, and was run in carefully both times (manufacturer recommended -> lousy performance).

This time round, I thrashed it deliberately from day 1 -> noticeable improvement.

I've posted the links above as synthetic oil is not recommended for a new engine. Rationale for same.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Alabama
Posts: 47
Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba
Hmmm. doesn't the R1150RT have a dry clutch?
OK, you got me. I looked it up and it does have a dry clutch.

HOWEVER, I also put 30,000 miles on a Triumph Trophy 1200 with the same oil. The Trophy has a wet clutch (I looked it up this time).

Yankee Dog
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:07.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top