Castrol 20-50
- Thread starter Our Gee
- Start date
Bertie
Registered user
That sorts that one out then! Thanks Tyremark
iainw
Guest
I guess anywhere that stocks Motorex oil is also likely to stock their excellent "645 clean and protect" spray
gavin@iow
Registered user
Castrol ACT>EVO 4T is the repackaged GP 20w50, that would be the one he's looking for,....i think.As this is posted in the 1200GS section, should I presume that this oil is intended for a 1200GS?
This is what Castrol says:
Castrol Classic XL 20W-50 is a conventional multigrade engine oil of good all round performance, formulated with high quality mineral oils plus selected additives, ideally suited to older technology and classic car engines.
Castrol Classic XL 20W-50 is designed to meet the motor manufacturers' requirements for passenger cars and motorcycles running under normal service conditions, but excluding those equipped with catalytic converters.
The prime recommendation is for all pre-1980 petrol engined vehicles requiring a high quality product but with an older technology additive formulation.
Greg
Our Gee
Registered user
Don,t think so Gavin, looks like ACT EVO 4T is for combined Engine / Transmission lubrication, as they go to great lengths to praise it,s "wet clutch and gear performance" which of course is not what the Boxer Engine is about. I have e-mailed Castrol to see what they say and will post the reply. Thanks.
Why do people insist on using crappy old oil from the past - just get a decent branded modern mineral or semi-synth 10W40; it'll be far better for your bike than the dregs from the back door of the refinery badged as 'classic' oil.
Because BMW are now filling GSes with mineral 20W-50 from the factory. They've always specified mineral oil for the first 12K miles as it assists in creating a good gas seal for the rings and they've found that 20W-50 lowers oil consumption over the early miles in the life of the engines.
Once you're past that point, this might be the stuff to use...
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Oils/Mobil_1_V-Twin_20W-50.aspx
It doesn't need anything synthetic or motorcycle-specific, and a heavier grade is better.
So El-cheapo 20W50 engine oil is fine.
(if your girlfriend is happy drinking cheap cider, why buy her champane?)
bumpmuncher
Registered user
halfrauds do 20w 50 that is suitable for the boxer engines http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...1_productId_166289_langId_-1_categoryId_77306 
bumpmuncher
Registered user
thats funny i have a can of motorex legend 20w-50 and it says nothing about being semi synth
why do i care! i got the right oil in my bike thats all that i am bothered about
Hmmmm ... I would not automatically assume that heavier grades are better, they are far more prone to cavitation until very hot - surely better to run a lower viscosity to make sure that there is no chance of air pockets.
100% correct!
Some years ago I raced a Group1 Dolomite Sprint which ran on Castrol B353 (SAE 40). The car had to be warmed up very carefully or else the oil pressure would quickly drop away as the pump and oil-pickup cavitated! Once the engine was hot, there were no problems.
NB But the car had an oil pressure gauge so you knew what was going on - GS bikes don't!!
Greg
Bear
Registered user
Check thr API rating for Halford's classic 20W20. It is to API SE whereas BMW require at least SF (itself a very old specification). The handbook lists suitable viscosities and specifications, and 20W50 is right for -20C (***** cold) to over 30C (in my dreams).
craig77
Guest
Got some of this from www.racelubricants.co.uk recently. Had to buy it in 1 litre bottles (they don't seem to do the larger size) but even then it seemed to be a good price...
Service was excellent and delivery quick
gavin@iow
Registered user
So maybe a 10w50 would be better?
That's what I've been thinking or maybe 15W50 would be the best compromise - can't remember who does it though.
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