Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
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 21 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Mixing engine oil?

Ok Here's the thing. I just transported my BMW1200GS by air and the oil was drained. As soon as I got it out of the crate I poured in 10/40 engine oil. I usually use 20/50 but couldn't find any. Then I rode the bike (I've only done about 30 miles) . All good so far. But then I got thinking. I didn't change the oil filter and I assume there was some (20/50) oil in there so I've kind of mixed my oil.

Is that a problem? Should I change the whole thing again AND the filter (I hadn't chanegd the filter because it had only done 2200 miles) or is it Ok to mix a little?
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 309
Motor oils are compatible: different weights, different brands, synthetic, dino. And especially, any motor oil mixed with any other is better than not enough oil. I've been doing it for years with no adverse effects and all the 'professional' opinions I've read say the same.

No problem. Go ride.

..........shu
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Jul 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
Yeah... mixing a 10/40 and a 20/50 will just make a 15/45 !! Probably !

It's fine anyway. Ride on.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Jul 2011
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
On any other bike it would be fine ,but this is a BMW ,give it the wrong oil and it will sulk and throw out the final drive in a huff .
Happens all the time !
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Jul 2011
T.REX63's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodger View Post
On any other bike it would be fine ,but this is a BMW ,give it the wrong oil and it will sulk and throw out the final drive in a huff .
Happens all the time !
Oh, you don't know what you are talking about, this only happens the other way around, i.e. pouring heavy weight oil on top of light weight oil...
__________________
Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Thanks everyone. I figured as much but just wanted some reassurane.

Not worried about the final drive I've already had to replace that once!

I'm off for a ride
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Jul 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodger View Post
On any other bike it would be fine ,but this is a BMW ,give it the wrong oil and it will sulk and throw out the final drive in a huff .
Happens all the time !
BMW does actually stand for "BRING ME WRENCH" !! In my experience
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 22 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
I thought it was Bring My Wallet
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 22 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stockholm - Sweden
Posts: 317
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lonesome George View Post
Ok Here's the thing. I just transported my BMW1200GS by air and the oil was drained. As soon as I got it out of the crate I poured in 10/40 engine oil. I usually use 20/50 but couldn't find any. Then I rode the bike (I've only done about 30 miles) . All good so far. But then I got thinking. I didn't change the oil filter and I assume there was some (20/50) oil in there so I've kind of mixed my oil.

Is that a problem? Should I change the whole thing again AND the filter (I hadn't chanegd the filter because it had only done 2200 miles) or is it Ok to mix a little?
...serious question.
That engine should be possible to run on either viscosity... 10/40 in less warm climate and 20/50 in hot climate.
You need not to worry at all -

Should you by chance fill SAE50 (straight oil) and plan to drive in my winter-climate,... then it would be smart, clever, intelligent, -moneysaving- to change to a mulitgrade 10/40 or 0-40
But that's another story
__________________
Drive Safely,
Albert
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 23 Jul 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: in the saddle
Posts: 297
you are ALL WRONG -

BMW , according to the Bavarians (my ex is Bayerin) stands for :
Bayrisches Mist Wagen....well you know Bayrisches means Bavarian, and Wagen means vehicle............so what does Mist mean in German ??



Manure.............



Zig mit der 83 R100RT shit bucket
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 23 Jul 2011
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,326
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zigeuner53 View Post
BMW , according to the Bavarians (my ex is Bayerin) stands for :
Bayrisches Mist Wagen....well you know Bayrisches means Bavarian, and Wagen means vehicle............so what does Mist mean in German ??



Manure.............



Zig mit der 83 R100RT shit bucket
Or "Bring Mir Werkstatt"

Or "Bring Mir Werkzeug"

Werkstatt = workshop
Werkzeug = tools

Reply With Quote
Reply


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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
New KTM 690 Engine... davidlomax KTM Tech 13 26 Feb 2009 09:32
Engine swap TT600 or XT600E Engine into old XT600 2KF? Doable? Martynbiker Yamaha Tech 2 17 Dec 2007 05:44
Mixing tyres on a Landy CornishDaddy Equipping the Overland Vehicle 22 30 Jan 2007 08:02
mixing oils futronix Yamaha Tech 4 11 Jun 2003 13:26
Mixing Oil types? OXXT Yamaha Tech 1 27 Apr 2002 00:06

 
 

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!

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 03:55.