Engine Oil .... how often do you top up?

[Bikerbrady]

Just a quick question.....

My R1150GSA, 2004, 21,0000 miles seems to need topping up regularly. In 1000 miles the oil level on the spy glass has gone from highest fill mark to lowest.

Ive topped her up after running her up to temp then allowing her to cool and the oil to settle. Whilst it didnt take much to top her up Im just wondering if this is usual.

The bike runs great, no oil leaks, no smoke from exhaust. Ive heard they can be a bit oil thirsty.

Any reason why this is???

Biker

 

[John Armstrong]

Two big pistons hammering back and forwards and lots of pumping around in the engine

Some burn it like an oil field owner and some don't. At least you know your oils not going to be worn out when you change it every 6000 miles but then you're not really changing the original oil

BTW after 5 other 1100 / 1150 boxer engines, and a 1200GS, my current GSA is the only one I've not had to top up between services

 

[sani]

Just a quick question.....

My R1150GSA, 2004, 21,0000 miles seems to need topping up regularly. In 1000 miles the oil level on the spy glass has gone from highest fill mark to lowest.

Ive topped her up after running her up to temp then allowing her to cool and the oil to settle. Whilst it didnt take much to top her up Im just wondering if this is usual.

The bike runs great, no oil leaks, no smoke from exhaust. Ive heard they can be a bit oil thirsty.

Any reason why this is???

Biker

1000m = 1L of oil I top up my one regular after riding and I finde out that is much better and the bike it runs like a silk
200ml at a full tank of petrol

 

[sani]

Two big pistons hammering back and forwards and lots of pumping around in the engine

Some burn it like an oil field owner and some don't. At least you know your oils not going to be worn out when you change it every 6000 miles but then you're not really changing the original oil

BTW after 5 other 1100 / 1150 boxer engines, and a 1200GS, my current GSA is the only one I've not had to top up between services

Wat

 

[STUBBS]

as and when required

 

[sethmopp]

Depends on how I'm using mine. It always uses more on a motorway haul, especially in summer. It can be only a little over 1l per oil change, and this isn't a low mileage one either

 

[LivNorway]

So, -how often do other BMW's need a little extra?

-My 2002 F650 CS Scarver; -less then 1dl between the oil changes.
-The R100 engine in my sidecar, from 1978; -a lot, often! 2 litres between the oil changes? I guess something like that. And I think it need more in winter then in summer.

...this puts it in a perspective for you...

Liv.

 

[Bikerbrady]

Thanks chaps.......mostly motorways at a steady 70......ish

Biker

 

[ianboydsnr]

both my oilheads will go from the top of the sight glass to the middle in 1000 miles of motorway thrashing, both have done 27000 miles, my 1150 did the same as yours, when I got it at 22000 miles, but seems to have settled down a bit since then,maybe its just the oil I use though

 

[wildernessrob]

Ive always been slightly concerned at just how little my 2005 1150 uses, given its reputation. Less then 1/2L over 1000 miles ..........................................................................................Do you think I should start the engine?

 

[Shurv]

Some use oil, some don't. 21,000 is not many miles to the " sealed up" point. Mine sealed itself up at about 25k,and now hardly uses a drop. Up to then esp on motorway runs , always used a bit. Don't be concerned by it, it is perfectly normal.

 

[hodge1150]

mine stopped using oil at approx 40 000, now very rarely need to top up between services.

 

[ciderman gs]

i find if i cane it from cold and lots of short runs it uses oil if it is long runs gentle warm up then not a drop

and 4000 miles to a back tyre (tourance)

 

[hank]

I am quite happy to top up every 1,000 miles or so, helps keep the lube fresh.

Then again some people are happy sitting in the pub all night, nursing the one pint for hours.

Not me.

Hank

 

[davegs]

Oil

Sounds about normal, my 1150 gs has now done 7200 miles and hardly uses
any now, an oil change doubles the value of the machine!.
dave gs.

 

[Steptoe]

Are you using 20/50 oil ?? - Using it seems to cut down consumption.

 

[hank]

Agree with you on that steptoe.

Fortunately Guinness only comes in monograde, although I was puzzled recently when a barman asked "Is that a regular Guinness?" he was even more puzzled when I said " Forget it , I am obviously in the wrong bar." and walked out the door.

Hank.

 

[Bikerbrady]

Yes.................20w50 oil. Semi synthetic

Biker