R1150R Oil Change

[Bluehenrider]

What type of oil do you recommend for an R1150R. I am thinking 20W-50 to cover the widest range of temperatures? What do other folks recommend and what brand? Also in the manual it says to replace the oil drain plug gasket. Is that required?

[Chuxter]

I run 20w-50 in my r1150r...and am at 50k...so far no problems. Being an old farm boy, I change oil at 3k and save it for the old tractor...hehehe.

[Sunbeemer]

replace the oil drain plug gasket. Is that required?

Recommended, not required. I've had to reuse mine on occassion without leaks, but a new one is better because once they crush to make a seal they're crushed and might not seal again, but they usually do.

I've been using 20W-50 Castrol GTX and this summer changed to 20W-50 Castrol 4T for the additonal protection that higher ZDDP levels in this SG/SH-rated oil provide in the heat. This is what is recommended for these bikes and at higher ambient temperatures the heavier wieght is better, but check your manual for the correct oil weight for the temperatures you ride in. YMMV.

P.S. Synthetic oil may cause multiple seal leaks.

[Bluehenrider]

Thanks!!! Where is the best place to pick up a oil drain plug gasket?

[AndyRR]

Best place? BMW dealer. They're about a dollar. Next best would be to take the old one to your local car parts place and buy a pack. A lot of the car crush washers are copper and I can say that they work in a pinch. But get aluminum if you can.

[Bluehenrider]

Dumb question, but what tool do you use to remove the oil drain plug? 8 MM Hex bit I think...

[bmwdave52]

Amsoil...there is none better.
Here we go again...

[riceburner]

88,900 miles into my continued usage of Castrol Actevo 10W40. no issues that i've found...