Engine Oil

[bdalameda]

The R18 is both air cooled and oil cooled. The oil cooler is thermostatically controlled. The oil is kept at a very stable temperature so changing oil weight is not necessary for different OAT due to seasonal changes.

 

[Star-Lord]

 

[Noelpolar]

Can't resist stirring the pot - my Transcontinental Rider's Manual, on page 169, says: SAE 15W-50, API SJ / JASO MA2, BMW Motorrad recommends BMW Motorrad ADVANTEC Pro. Maximum of 0.5 L for a top up (between the lines in level glass) and 4.0 L for an oil change with a new filter. I use Penrite 4-Stroke motorcycle oil, 15W-50 - a fully mineral version (API SL, JASO MA2). Penrite MC-4ST 15W-50. Liquid gold, imho. I think BMW's ADVANTEC Pro is a semi-synthetic? So might need to get with the times and swap to a semi-synthetic?

In Aussie land, I go this Penrite after I have 10,000kms on the motor:... so after warranty for the most part.



Normally buy it 40% off around the boxing day sales. It's marketed a bit along the lines of "factory racing" but unlike the Motul V it has the appropriate additives for road use. The bike sounds different then when the BMW oil was in it.

 

[CajunRider]

The R18 is both air cooled and oil cooled. The oil cooler is thermostatically controlled. The oil is kept at a very stable temperature so changing oil weight is not necessary for different OAT due to seasonal changes.

Good point on having a thermostat with the cooler...

The R1200C (and various 1100/1150 variants) were also oil cooled, but I'm not sure if they were thermostatically controlled... I'm gonna have to do some research on that one.