Board Members - forgive me if this question seems a bit silly, but I'm about to change my oil for the first time on my Rock. The BMW maintenance book allows for several different viscosities of oil. I believe I'll either use 20W50 or 10W40 as they are fairly common. Is there an advantage to using one over the other? What do most of you use?
Secondly; Do you have to use motorcycle oil in BMW's? My old bike had an integrated gearbox and crankcase, so it was a must to use motorcycle oil. Since the Beemer has a separate crankcase and gearbox, will automotive oil work? I'm not too worried at this point, but after the bike is broke-in and stops using oil, I'll probably switch to synthetic. Although there is not much of a difference in price beween automotive and motorcycle oil when you use standard dino oil, there is a big difference in synthetic motorcycle oil versus synthetic automotive oil - for some reason.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Another Oil Question
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Another Oil Question
.....Regards, Robb
2004 Citrus Rockster
2004 Citrus Rockster
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DJ Downunder
- Honorary Lifer
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- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:26 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Automotive oil is fine in our bikes...and that's what I use.
The difference in those oil types is the lower the first number the thiner the oil is...so...in cold conditions it works better...so they say.
The higher the second number the thicker...so...in very hot weather it's not so runny.
Top grade oils like Mobil 1 are something like 5-50w...good for both hot and cold.
20-50w...better in hot weather.
10-40w....better in cold weather.
DJ
The difference in those oil types is the lower the first number the thiner the oil is...so...in cold conditions it works better...so they say.
The higher the second number the thicker...so...in very hot weather it's not so runny.
Top grade oils like Mobil 1 are something like 5-50w...good for both hot and cold.
20-50w...better in hot weather.
10-40w....better in cold weather.
DJ
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towerworker
- Lifer
- Posts: 2371
- Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2006 8:11 pm
- Location: Staunton Virginia
Robb--
I have been using regular old Castrol 20w/50 in my 03 r since new. I change oil and filter every 3000 mi. The bike has 20,000 miles on it now and have had absolutely no problems. When I bought it in 03 I asked the same questions of this board and the general conssensus was the same. A few stuck with BMW oil and filter. a few swear by particular products, but the majority seemed to use Castrol 20/50. Oil filters will get you the same response as well. Some say use BMW, there are a few oil filters you can pick up in your local auto parts store that work fine. I personally use AC Delco PF53 and have since the first oil change. My service manager told me that was fine. The one consistent fact about oil filters it seems is to NOT use Fram oil filters. There are alot of opinions here on filters, if your dealer is close and you don't mind paying $13+ for your filter than go for it. My dealer is 2 hours away and the Delco is $4.
Back to the oil for a moment---I ride my bike yr round and tried going with 10w/40 when it was real cold (30 or lower) It seemed to me I had more engine noise (probably my imagination) It didn't start any easier so I changed back to 20w/50 and run that yr round now.
Good Luck!
Wayne
03 r[/b]
I have been using regular old Castrol 20w/50 in my 03 r since new. I change oil and filter every 3000 mi. The bike has 20,000 miles on it now and have had absolutely no problems. When I bought it in 03 I asked the same questions of this board and the general conssensus was the same. A few stuck with BMW oil and filter. a few swear by particular products, but the majority seemed to use Castrol 20/50. Oil filters will get you the same response as well. Some say use BMW, there are a few oil filters you can pick up in your local auto parts store that work fine. I personally use AC Delco PF53 and have since the first oil change. My service manager told me that was fine. The one consistent fact about oil filters it seems is to NOT use Fram oil filters. There are alot of opinions here on filters, if your dealer is close and you don't mind paying $13+ for your filter than go for it. My dealer is 2 hours away and the Delco is $4.
Back to the oil for a moment---I ride my bike yr round and tried going with 10w/40 when it was real cold (30 or lower) It seemed to me I had more engine noise (probably my imagination) It didn't start any easier so I changed back to 20w/50 and run that yr round now.
Good Luck!
Wayne
03 r[/b]
Wayne, DJ: thanks so much for the information. I should be safe using 20W50 up here during the riding season. I havnt yet priced out a BMW filter, but undestand they are in the $12-$15 dollar range at the local dealer. BTW, the FRAM filter for the bike at a local autoparts store was $16.
.....Regards, Robb
2004 Citrus Rockster
2004 Citrus Rockster
Robb, I also use 20/50 I just picked up a case of Valvoline,20/50 is getting hard to find (at least here where I live) I do use the BMW oil filter, Ihave read quite a bit about filters and became so confused I thought I better stick with the BMW brand, I do use the fram in my cars and truck and have never had a problem, (and I have posted some pretty high milage numbers) One thing I did do that I really felt made a difference is I change out the gear lube, and rear wheel drive for Amzoil 75/140. I could tell the difference, My "R" has always shifted pretty well, but with the Amzoil it became realllllly smooooth. Good Luck Den
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Some gave all.
Anonymous
Some gave all.
Anonymous
oil
Use the BMW filters but changing your oil is much more important than what kind you use! I have no advice on that to add beyond what has been said, except, I switched to synthetic. (That might veer this whole thread off course! 
)
)'02 in black - the real BMW color! (Now gone to a new home)
Vann - Lifer No. 295
Vann - Lifer No. 295