Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

He has done the research, has the knowledge and the experience.  Been running synthetics in my bikes for a few years now.  Both Liquid Moly and Castrol.

Since I do the West Coast sand trip (i.e. very hot conditions) I run 10W50, but my other bike is on 10W40.

My trials bike is on 10W40, and sometimes I end up using the dregs of different brands to make up the volume required (i.e. I mix brands, but only after mixing a sample and ensuring they don't emulsify or go cloudy).

My understanding is that additives are not necessary (other than to the bottom-line of the oil company).  The stock oil has everything required to do the job properly in the first place.

Thanks Charles will do

Hi Guys,

just my two cents worth. The vicocity of 10W40 is only a part synthetic or a mix oil. I prefer the full synthetic oil which would be a 5W40 oil. It is approx R300 for 5 litres but still worth it. I use a full synthetic in my Adv. 

However the bike still overheats badly in heavy slow traffic like the toy run. But the up side is that the oil does not break down like normal oil at those high temps. Once the oil starts to break down it should be changed.

So worth the extra few bucks and believe it or not the slight power increase is also there. Additives are a no no for any engine. Standard oils are perfect.

cheers.

OMG, this has the potential of following the Tyre arguments!!!

I use 20W40 engine oil - whatever is less costly from Autozone or Midas at the time.

in over  600 00 kilometres on eleven BMW motorcycles I have never ever used anything other than the basic- off-the-shelf  engine oil.

I've never ever seen my engine temp go high, or had a mechanical breakdown on a BMW other than my rear suspension bolt failure at 180 000 kilometres on an 1150 GSA.

My R1200 GS Adventure just came back from its 90 000km service.

Today it is on 92 800 kilometres and it runs as smooth as silk.

What more do I want?

I never fiddle with the engine. I leave it to do its thing and it does.

I also top up only once between services, rarely, if ever, more than once.

My 50 cents worth......

Just fill up oil as and when you have to with a normal engine oil and leave the bike alone.

Life is far too short to sweat about oil issues.

A question. How long do you intend to keep the machine. 40,0 -50,0K and then trade in/sell.  Are you " saving" the bike for the next owner?

I have not seen the engine temperature go beyond the normal operating value. I prefer to change oil every 5,0K, but that is just me. 

Hi Rene

Honestly I don’t know spend quite a bit on the bike to what I like.  But for me it is the pride to look after the bike and to keep it in the best nick as possible.  And yes I do over compensate on doing things J

Well Marais, as the saying goes; Birds of a feather flock together, snap.