I have a 2012 R1200Rt 5k miles, is synthetic or semi oil to be used. I know the handbook says 10w-40, API SF. Looked at various blogs and am now getting confused. Never had a flat twin some say they can use oil? then there are various ways to check oil level? Some say use synthetic after so many miles can anyone advise please??
Synthetic or no,t that is the question?
- Thread starter roachy63
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Every one has an opinion , do the research and make an informed choice.
My 2012 RT has always had mobil x2000 semi in it
cheers stever1
Roachy - recommendations in the handbook are valid when the book is printed, but sometimes change, If you go to the Motorrad UK site, under Service, you'll see the recommended oil for non-LC boxers is Power 1 4T 15W - 50. I currently have 4 boxers old & new, & run them all on this. I asked Castrol their advice some years ago, & was cautioned against using a 40 weight in these engines, so always used 20W - 50, until this oil was introduced.
The 10-40 stuff that my local dealer puts in seems to get used by my RT, too thin I think, and needed topping up every 6-700 miles. I recently changed the oil myself onto 15-50 SL spec as recommended in the book and it hasn't burned any in 1500 miles. Don't think it matters if is synth or mineral as long as it meets the API spec.
Martin, I would be interested to know the reasoning behind this as when the engine was produced they used a specific recommendation and the engine hasn't changed has it. Incidentally, has changing to 15w-50 caused any difference in the oil usage or the temperature when running ?.
kennyc
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5K in 2 years? probably best to stick with whatever the garage put in it on its first service (around next year sometime )
(RIP) Bin Ridin
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I use Mobil 1 10w-60 in r100, r1150, r1200 so far so good. Engine runs quieter than oils I used previously (10w-40, 20w-50)
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_787563_langId_-1_categoryId_165581
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_787563_langId_-1_categoryId_165581
I've happily used Castrol 4T Active Evo 20/50 dino for the last 30K miles but when Opie Oils was running some deals I bought some Silkolene PRO 4 Plus 10w-50 full synthetic ester based oil. still have 2K miles to do before the next service so haven't put it in yet. I tend to go on what they have deals on rather than the brand and I'll happily go back to dino next time as long as its the right spec I don't care. Castrol are in bed with BMW so they vary the recommended oil from time to time to something expensive and elusive to buy independently. Follow the money...
No discernible difference BUT it would mean an easier flow whilst cold, whilst maintaining the heavy 50 weight protection whilst hot.
BMW's recommendations have changed several times over the last few years (I'm not talking the LC here, which is a very different engine) but oil technology advances, so between them BMW & Castrol must have decided this was the way to go.
I just go with the flow (sic) & have adopted their new recommendation for my bikes. They must think it worthy of change.
I've always used Castrol, but Silkolene has an equally enviable reputation. And you're right about one thing - the engine can't read, & won't notice the difference !
Thank you for all the advice, much appreciated research done I think mrjim130
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