As Steptoe points out; it ain't difficult; it's in the manual; there is NO debate; read the Manual and select an oil of the specified quality grade and which has a viscosity that meets your operating ambient temperature range.
20w50 specification... is it the same?...
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Deleted account 211025001
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Yeah, but which manual
Andres
The one that came with your bike might be a good place to start
Deleted account 211025001
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The one that came with your bike might be a good place to start
Yeah, but if you read my original post you'll note that my manual (1200 1st edition) is different to Cookies (1200 2nd edition)
Andres
Yeah, but if you read my original post you'll note that my manual (1200 1st edition) is different to Cookies (1200 2nd edition)
Andres
Manuals are often revised as lessons are learned and modifications to products are made - the Manual also says that if you have questions about oil usage then contact you authorised dealer. If you have any doubts about the accuracy of the info in your manual than speak to the dealer.
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Sorry - being a bit flipant here as oil threads can be tedious at the best of times
Anyway, just had my 24000 mile service this week and Pidcocks bunged in 20/50 Castrol GP (dino oil) as that is what MBW now reccomend according to Piddys and as it's my prefered oil that'll do for me
Andres
Then that is the correct oil for your bike and the temperature range that you gave them.
Sorry - being a bit flipant here as oil threads can be tedious at the best of times
Anyway, just had my 24000 mile service this week and Pidcocks bunged in 20/50 Castrol GP (dino oil) as that is what MBW now reccomend according to Piddys and as it's my prefered oil that'll do for me
Andres
Then all is well.
I use brown Oil in my bike.
But in my car, I use brown and red.
But in my car, I use brown and red.
HORIZONTALLY OPPOSED
Registered user
Last word from me
Still think 10-40 is like gnat's urine
Still think 10-40 is like gnat's urine
In the summer of 2005 when my nearly new '04 R1200GS at 14k was running on 10W40 (as recommended then by BMW), I had the misfortune of getting my oil warning light coming on and lots of rattles at idle when stuck in town centre traffic on a moderately hot summers afternoon. A blip of the throttle would clear it.
Since the change to 20W50 (as decided by BMW) the problem hasn't reoccurred, and the bike seems much quieter and smoother.
FWIW I live in the south (any more south and I'd be on the Isle of Wight or in the sea.)
Use 10W40 if you like, it's your call, but don't be surprised if your bike plays up like mine did.
Morris Lubricants do a 4-stroke V-Twin 20W50 oil and also a fully synth 10W50 that meets BMW spec:
www.morrislubricants.co.uk/
Since the change to 20W50 (as decided by BMW) the problem hasn't reoccurred, and the bike seems much quieter and smoother.
FWIW I live in the south (any more south and I'd be on the Isle of Wight or in the sea.)
Use 10W40 if you like, it's your call, but don't be surprised if your bike plays up like mine did.
Morris Lubricants do a 4-stroke V-Twin 20W50 oil and also a fully synth 10W50 that meets BMW spec:
www.morrislubricants.co.uk/
Here is the recommendation that I received from Opie Oils.............
Thanks for the mail.
For the BMW you will need a 15w-50, you can use mineral, semi or full synthetic.
As you have a dry clutch you do not need a bike specific oil.
Have a look at Motul and Silkolene.
Regards
Guy.
Opie Oils
ORDER ONLINE at http://www.opieoils.co.uk <http://www.opieoils.co.uk/>
or CALL GUY or SIMON on 01209 215164
Thanks for the mail.
For the BMW you will need a 15w-50, you can use mineral, semi or full synthetic.
As you have a dry clutch you do not need a bike specific oil.
Have a look at Motul and Silkolene.
Regards
Guy.
Opie Oils
ORDER ONLINE at http://www.opieoils.co.uk <http://www.opieoils.co.uk/>
or CALL GUY or SIMON on 01209 215164
ciderman gs
Registered user
just to throw my hat in the ring
it is not just the ambient temp you need to worry about but also the engine operation as in heavy load, slow progress then thick oil or fast riding steady speed good cooling thin oil it may be simple but it works plus then throw into the equation water or air cooled
and like the duracell bunny it goes on and on and on
andy
it is not just the ambient temp you need to worry about but also the engine operation as in heavy load, slow progress then thick oil or fast riding steady speed good cooling thin oil it may be simple but it works plus then throw into the equation water or air cooled
and like the duracell bunny it goes on and on and on
andy
for the record - i've just 'installed' some SJ 20w50 oil - cos its 'at least' SG spec.
ukaloon
Registered user
...and I think you'll find that it isn't the correct spec for a GS....
No, I contacted Halfords Head office today and they informed me that it is the equivelent of API rating SG. Having checked my owners book this would appear acceptable. I have only used it to top up so far, but the bike seems to like the fact that it is thicker than what was already in there.
I looked at that stuff yesterday but left it on the shelf cos there is no API rating on the can.
If what they told you is correct then that is just the ticket.
Alternately I was in Hien Gericke in Bristol this afternoon to get a new pair of boots (the OFF on Herman took the sole off one of my Sidi's) & they are selling own brand
Mineral oil 20/50W api SG for £3.99 a litre (no sign of a 5lts can though)...
as for boots... came out with a pair of HG T1R XCR GTX HI
why all the acronymes but they are light, breathable waterproof (gortex XCR) summer boots 
ukaloon
Registered user
The boots sound expensive, but HG is good kit at a good price for what you get.I looked at that stuff yesterday but left it on the shelf cos there is no API rating on the can.
If what they told you is correct then that is just the ticket.
Alternately I was in Hien Gericke in Bristol this afternoon to get a new pair of boots (the OFF on Herman took the sole off one of my Sidi's) & they are selling own brand
Mineral oil 20/50W api SG for £3.99 a litre (no sign of a 5lts can though)...
as for boots... came out with a pair of HG T1R XCR GTX HI
Their oil sounds good too, I'll look at that next time. I contacted the Head Office as there was no rating on the tin. As I say the bike seems to like it.
Slime Bomb
Guest
Ambient temperature
I'm probably missing something, but why does the ambient temperature differ so much for 10/40? I have a 2003 adv, hand book say's up to 20c, "The Engine Oil Bible" say's 25c, Morris oils Tech team say it's ok up to 35c
Does anyone really now the answer?
I'm probably missing something, but why does the ambient temperature differ so much for 10/40? I have a 2003 adv, hand book say's up to 20c, "The Engine Oil Bible" say's 25c, Morris oils Tech team say it's ok up to 35c
Does anyone really now the answer? 
