BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

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

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!

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!

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.

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 .

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.