The "O" word

Merecat · Post by **Merecat** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 1:56 pm

Oil that is.
I know this has been discussed times and everyone has differing opinions.
I have always used pure mineral oil,Halfords classic 20/50. It looks and smells like Duckhams used to years ago and that has always been good enough.
However on Saturday, hot day, 2 up, slow/standing traffic, backed up for 5 miles, meaning loads of filtering. and stop starts, the top end got noticeably rattly.
Once we were passed the obstruction engine quietened down and ran as expected so I put it down to hot oil thinning?
I will treat her to an oil and filter change, but Im now wondering if mineral is the best or should I go for a semi synth? but which one?.

It was much simpler when there were only 4 types of oil
Engine oil
Gearbox oil
Hydraulic oil
Chip frying oil

PS
Avoid Markeaton island on the A38/A52 in Derby

slparry · Post by **slparry** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 6:04 pm

Don't use the Halfords Classic, it's only SE spec

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine ... 50-5l#tab2

"Overview

Grade: 20W/50

Petrol/Diesel: Petrol

Size: 5 litres

Detailed Specs

API: SE CC

Oil Type: Mineral Oil "

and the R1100S is specifically listed as requiring at least SF grade.

I've been using the BMW recommended mineral oil in mine, Castol Act>Evo 20w50 that I got from Opie Oils.

Don't be tempted with 10w40, except maybe for winter use, but 15w50 is the current recommended spec I believe

ianbcr · Post by **ianbcr** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 6:10 pm

[quote="Merecat"]

PS
Avoid Markeaton island on the A38/A52 in Derby[/quote]

Is that where you left your oil

Mitch1100 · Post by **Mitch1100** » Mon Aug 11, 2014 9:07 pm

I use Motorex Formula 4T 15W/50

JamesL · Post by **JamesL** » Tue Aug 12, 2014 9:01 pm

The riders manual should have a useful chart with recommended viscosity ranges?

I use Silkolene semi-synthetic 4T 20W50 in the 100RS and 10W40 in the 1150 GS. The more recent engine has finer tolerances so can hack the thinner oil appaz. And I use the GS more in winter.

I THINK fully synthetic is not recommended for 11xx engines but stand to be corrected. If the oil meets the minimum spec why not shove it in?

Get on Opie's mailing list and stock up when there's a special offer.

dave the german · Post by **dave the german** » Wed Aug 13, 2014 6:47 pm

The last dealer service I had, they used fully synthetic - I wasn't keen cos I didn't think it needed it but have continued using it. Not sure of advantages/disadvantages

Mitch1100 · Post by **Mitch1100** » Wed Aug 13, 2014 9:15 pm

These engines dont need synthetic.

boxerscott · Post by **boxerscott** » Thu Aug 14, 2014 4:50 pm

Mitch1100 wrote:These engines dont need synthetic.

True, I use the standard spec mineral oil but fully synth is a much better oil and you can not argue against that plus lots of owners use it in their Oil/airlheads

www.boxertrix.com

The "O" word

The "O" word

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