Change of oil

[driverbrook]

Hi, trying to pick all you long distance riders brains! I am going on a continental trip from good old GB to Greece in August and its going to be HOT! My R12R is currently running on Castrol 10/50 fully synthetic oil, but have been told by someone who knows these things that it would be more sensible to change to a 20/50 fully synthetic for the trip, i have been told that Amsoil 20/50 is the oil to trust, there are not many distributers here in the UK but i can order it for about £70 for 4 ltrs. Is this a good oil and would it be worth changing? Cheers, Arnie

[hjsbmw]

Your 10/50 covers the 20/50 range at least as far as viscosity is concerned. What was your friend's argument?
Greece will be hot indeed, but crossing the Alps may be chilly even in August.

[Lost Rider]

I've run BMW branded with the standard recommended viscosity for the life of my bike, even with relatively high miles it still doesn't burn any oil. Rode in plenty of very hot weather (Mojave Desert, Death Valley, etc) and have experienced no issues, granted I've not had my engine open to inspect it, but it doesn't burn oil and runs great.
Personally I would be more concerned about my personal comfort while riding in such varying temps rather than what oil I'm running.
A cool vest combined with a outer Gortex shell riding suit has always been key in staying comfy while riding long distance in temps ranging from 30ºF to 115ºF for me.

Something like this:

http://www.bing.com/shopping/evaporativ ... &FORM=HURE



Good luck and have a great Adventure!

[Bob Ain't Stoppin']

Arnie, I don't see any need to pay those high dollars for the Amsoil. If you want to to to the 20/50, can you get Castrol in that grade? I'd be more concerned about staying with the same brand than with a 10 vs. 20 designation argument.

None of this is a big deal. All the oils are good today. So buy what they have at your local store and have a great ride.

[ammolab]

Unless your 10W-50 shears excessively it will offer the same Hot protection as a 20W-50 oil.

Last Summer I ran for two days @ 113 F with 5W-40 oil and I see no reason to fear doing it again. I nearly collapsed...but the bike didn't seem to care!

[driverbrook]

Thanks to all who replied to my query about changing the oil, it seems the considered opinion of you all is that BMW's recommended oil is still the one to go for, so i shall keep to the Castrol 10/50 fully synthetic they used at the last service, Cheers and thanks for the good wishes, ride safely u all.

[Mister Moo]

I would be fascinated to learn why "someone who knows these things" believes "it would be more sensible to change to a 20/50" from a 10W/50 synthetic. There may be some great reasoning there. For all I know one cannot find 10W/50 synthetic in Greece - maybe it's illegal or something. I doubt it but, if the guy really knows, he knows. Can you ask what his reasoning is?

Inquiring minds want to know.

[Steve H.]

I am using Shell Rotella T mineral oil grade 15W40.Works just fine.No any issue.Not driving below freezing point.That oil works fine in my truck in northern Canada,down south to San Diego CA,Arizona,New Mexico,back toCanada in extrem cold and heat.Allways close to 80,000 lbs gross weight.Considering turbo charger,there is a heat like hell.Rotella vitstands it.After close to 700,000mls,allmost no oil consumtion,on engine.I can not see why Rotella would not do the job in BMW R1200R.One of recommended wiskosity grade for R1200R is 15W40,exactly where Rotella T is.That oil is rated for gasolin engines SM.These are facts,up to you to choose.50-60$ or 12,95$ (at Wallmart)for a gallon of oil.If you feel unconfortably with oil change interval(6,000mls)change it more often i.e.3,000mls.No need for filter change at that short period,just change the oil,and filter at every second oil change.I am doing it and it works for me.