A New member Oil thread.... Please don't shout at me ...

Topics related to the ownership, maintenance, equipping, operation, and riding of the R1150R.

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TheMelv
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A New member Oil thread.... Please don't shout at me ...

Post by TheMelv »

I've just racked up 104000 miles on my r1150RS, and as usual I'm going to change my oil at 105000, I might even give him his 6 monthly wash.
The bike runs great and I'm not concerned about the oil consumption, but I've heard that running a 20/50 oil will quieten down the old fella a bit.

I've googled my ass off but I keep finding old posts that state SG spec oil and this is becoming hard to find in the UK at a decent price.

Whats everybody using these days? I do about 75 to 80 miles a day all year round and have made a few choice modifications that I feel make the RS easier to live with I'll post these in the relevant section.

thanks and sorry its about oil

Melv out :)
sjbmw
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Re: A New member Oil thread.... Please don't shout at me ...

Post by sjbmw »

Welcome to the board!

The year of the bike?

What does the manual say is the proper oil weight for the bike?

My R1150R takes US SAE 20-50

I have been running synthetic since 29k, and it's near 50k now, synth really quiets a boxer down.

But, with all those miles, you may know more!
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Sunbeemer
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Re: A New member Oil thread.... Please don't shout at me ...

Post by Sunbeemer »

Welcome to the forum! You know that opinions are worth what you pay for them, but on this forum I think they're worth a little more, so here's my $0.04 worth...

I use an oil weight appropriate for my climate, which during the riding season here in the southern US is 20W-50. I tried semi-synthetic once and had numerous leaks & weeps from my 2002 1150R, so immediately switched back to dino oil and have had no leaks since.

I use Castrol products because they're common in Europe where the bike's made and so assume it's compatible with the seals. During summer when it's hotter I use their 4T oil since it is SG rated and contains a higher concentration of zinc phosphate for extreme wear protection which is especially good for camshaft lobes. During cooler months I use regular automotive oil which by law here has greatly reduced phosphate concentrations to reduce NOx emissions.

I think the most important thing is changing the oil regularly. The way you ride is good for your oil; getting the machine completely warmed up every day boils away condensation that forms bearing-destroying acids in your crankcase, so keep doing what you're doing! :)
Last edited by Sunbeemer on Sun Aug 21, 2016 4:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: A New member Oil thread.... Please don't shout at me ...

Post by riceburner »

Sunbeemer - aren't selling the Actevo GP mineral10w40 in decent quatities any more so it's getting hard to find. (stock up!)

I've recently switched over to Silkolene Super 4 10w40 semi-synth. so far the bike seems ok on it.
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Re: A New member Oil thread.... Please don't shout at me ...

Post by AZBMWRIDER »

I reside in a suburb of hell, Phoenix and I've been using Mobil 1 motorcycle oil since the bike turned over 10,000 miles, at 60,000 now .

I wait for the oil to be on sale at one of the chain type auto parts stores, just got 10 quarts this past week, Checker Auto Parts had them for $8.99 a quart, got an online coupon and dropped the price to $6.99 .

I've had no issues with the oil up to now, but I tried this oil in my airheads and everyone of them started leaking within 1,000 miles .

I use this oil in my '87 Guzzi, no problems with leakage either .
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TheMelv
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Re: A New member Oil thread.... Please don't shout at me ...

Post by TheMelv »

Thanks for the advice.

Managed to find some good quality 20/50 mineral oil at £18 for 5 litres.
I'll throw some in at the weekend.
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