Oil Brands

[disonny]

I have used BMW synthetic oils in my 02 since I was able to use synthetic. I have 27K on it now. WHat oil does everyone else use? My dealer is almost 2 hours away and its sometimes hard to get there to pickup oil. Does anyone use the big name oils? Mobil 1, pennzoil, valvoline? and are you happy with it? I chenge my oil every 3K.

[boxermania]

I have used Royal Purple and Mobil 1 with good results, on the dino oils I favor the Castrol GTX and the Shell Rotella. To keep the fuel system happy, a touch of Sea Foam every 5 tankfulls.

Of course, it also helps if you wear a smile when getting ready to ride........

[chibbert]

After seeing test results for years (my father used to run a lubrication company) there is no question in my mind that Amsoil produces the highest quality synthetic oil. All others when put to the test pale in comparison. I am not a salesman of amsoil nor am I related to or friends with a dealer.

[Airman]

I have used BMW synthetic oils in my 02 since I was able to use synthetic. I have 27K on it now. WHat oil does everyone else use? My dealer is almost 2 hours away and its sometimes hard to get there to pickup oil. Does anyone use the big name oils? Mobil 1, pennzoil, valvoline? and are you happy with it? I chenge my oil every 3K.

I use Mobil 1 in my `03, (38k), 15-50 from Wal-Mart. I use a 6000 mile change interval w/3000 mile filter change. My primary reason for using synthetic is because the 20-50 GTX I was using thickens up when it;s cold and makes starting slow. In my area Mobil 1 goes for $22 for 4.73 ltr. I'm liking it so far and it's not expensive at all using the extended change interval. I certainly don't think you need to change synthetic at 3000 miles.

[The Meromorph]

I use Mobil 1 15W50,and change at the BMW specified inteval of 6,000 miles.
Depending on where you ride (if the max temps don't go over 85 F) Rotella T synthetic 5W40 would also be better and cheaper than the BMW synthetic.

[disonny]

Thanks guys. I did come across a place that sold amsoil. I guess i over do it changing oil every 3k. I'll have to stretch that out to 6k. Saves me a 4 hour round trip to get oil. That means More time to find new riding places!! Sweet!!

[CycleRob]

Castrol Syntec 5W-50 full synthetic from Wal*Mart. Under $7/Qt. IMO, the best oil for the price. The 5 weight (@ 32F) specification is the best available oil for cold starts, winter and year round riding. One big problem: they rarely had it in stock, requiring a store employee or manager checking their other store locations on the computer. Failing that, try AutoZone, PepBoys or other auto parts stores. Definitely use the 6,000 mile drain interval -unless- you do short trips or do less riding that makes you exceed the 12 month change interval before 6,000 miles is reached. Unlike most motorcycles, that Boxer motor has no wet clutch or transmission gears that accelerate oil breakdown and contamination buildup.

.

[boxermania]

Adding to CycleRob's post.......those thatownrs that favor Dino oil and specially in the Northern climates (read cold weather riding), the 10W40 variant is quite satisfactory for those instances when the engine, due to low temperatures, has difficulties turning due to the high viscosity of the 20W50 oil.

[gregor]

I find 20/50 semi synthetic OK. I use Silkolene from Opie Oils. Cranks over OK but I admit I am a fair weather rider.
Quietens the cam chain as well

[Roadrally]

I've got mine running on Castrol Edge 10/60 fully synthetic. Suits the engine nicely!

[twindave]

mobil 15+ (syn)in the crank
redline super 250 (syn)in the tranny
lucas (organic)in the final

also, some guard dog moly in the tranny and final

I beat my bike an she holds up great!!

zero problems

[rich1kim]

Does the oil brand really matter? The R1150R has a dry clutch so aside from possibly overheating the engine or degrading the oil over time, isn't it nearly bullet proof so long as the right viscosity is used, and change intervals monitored? I'm no expert, but I don't think there was any mention of problems related to the brand of oil.

Rich

[chibbert]

Does the oil brand really matter?

The brand name per se does not matter. The quality of the ingredients/additives is extremely important and thankfully you can use the brand name as a strong indicator of the quality therein.

[Biff's R]

I have been using the Mobil 1 15-50 due to my being a little of a tight ass, but like CycleRob says the Castrol Syntec 5-50 is by far the best oil for cold starts. It is just somewhat hard to find at times, and the 5 quart jug of Mobil at Walmart is a hell of a deal..

[bmwdave52]

++++Amsoil. I have been using it in the engine, tranny and final drive since '03.

[AndyRR]

++++Amsoil. I have been using it in the engine, tranny and final drive since '03.

+1

I also use the Amsoil filter. Nothing wrong with Mobil 1 or other premium synthetics. I like Amsoil because I trust the quality and it's easy to just order it online. I just need to keep enough crush washers around...