recommended oil?

[NeilG]

Getting the oil filter off requires some sort of special tool - do a search to see the solutions people have come up with

But apart from that, yes it's pretty simple, remove the drain plug (it's a hex key bolt), let the oil drain. Remove oil filter and replace. Replace drain plug, if you are a flash git use a new crush washer

Then refill engine with oil, the stated capacity is 3.95 l but I usually put in 3.5 l and run the engine for a short trip, then check the level on the window and top up as required. I find 3.95 l overfills my bike and the excess oil is just burnt off.

Nippy Norman does a removal tool for a tenner:
http://www.nippynormans.com/prodinfo.asp?number=OIL-1200&variation=&aitem=52&mitem=115

Regarding consumption, I've done just over 3,500 miles since the service and haven't used any oil (10W-40)....

Put in barely half a litre during the first 6,000 miles. Mixed use, lots of town (stop/blast/trickle) with a few long high speed trips.

 

[Mouse]

I have heard this level of oil consumption [1l / 1000km] will kill the Catalytic converter. If it does I dont think it makes any difference to your bikes performance.

However it's within the spec quoted in the bike's manual, actually it is the maximum permissible figure as stated in the manual.

 

[verstichel]

10/50 full synthetic.....

Interesting to notice the variances. I went to my BMW dealer to buy oil for my 1200GS and I got ELF 10/50 4XT full synthetic. One of the thing he asked was the year of the bike (2004 it is). Although it is not cheap (+/- 10 euro/liter), I dont mind too much, having used 1 liter over 6,000 km.
Can anyone provide rationale for synthetic vs mineral vs half ?

 

[newman7096]

Oil change has been completed!

20w/50 oil used instead of the original 10w/40 and the engine is significantly quieter! I have yet to hear the clanking of the cam chain so it must be doing something!

Interestingly enough Clarks, Birmingham stated that they have just been informed by BMW that 20w/50 oil should be used if engines are noisey especially 1200's which are apparently noiseier than 1100 and 1150's.

I would recommend this oil if you're suffering from mechanical noise relating to the cam chain tensioner.

Finding 20w/50 engine oil was a challenge in itself though and I had to order directly off the internet.

Give it ago...