Oils ain't oils

[kev]

Who can end the debate on mineral vs synthetic oils. If I change my engine oil every 5k (7,500km if country run) would it make any difference if you don't consider the price difference. I presume the oil filter should also be changed at the same time. I have a 1988 K100RT 45,000km.
Kev

[airhead]

Jeez Kev, you don't want much, someone to definitively and finally have an answer to the one topic in forums and enthusiast circles that will elicit passionate debate till the cows come home........and still leave one no closer to the full truth at the end of it, or till everyone just tires of it.
Dino oil (mineral based from prehistoric beasties) and synthetics certainly have their place where they are best individually utilised. Just changing your oil/filter at 5k km will ensure long engine life on its own, especially the K series bikes that can last well into 500000km if treated so.
Racing engines can benefit from synthetics ability to resist break down better than Dino, operate at higher temperatures, and be slightly slipperier. Indeed, road engines can as well, being able to stretch out oil changes to double or more, than Dino.
However, the choice is up to you as you're the guy who opens his wallet at the end of the day, but my opinion is doing what you are doing is sufficient, wading through hype can end up being just too confusing.
The above is a VERY brief summary of the complete debate.


Bill........................

[kev]

Thanks Bill.
The romans invented forums and it wasn't uncommon for christians to be sacrificed. Talk about passion! Your summary will do me just fine though, so I will just sacrifice a few sheckles.

[Jufster]

Airhead, re your (long ago) comment about K series engines getting 500 000 km's, would that IYO apply also to the newer K series? I have just purchased a 1300 GT with 34 K on it.. would love to think it could be good for another 466 000!
And I'll continue my exchanging fluids fetish.. Synthetic every 4 - 5 K.

Cheers,'

Jeff

[kev]

Hi Jufster,
Altho everyone believes, (so it must be true,) the world depends, no, needs you to show us the way. Regular, frequent oil changes will make us believe.
Airhead knows the answer and he looks down on us and chuckles, but us mere mortals still have a trial to participate in, so change that oil religiously.
Set it up for a million kilometres as I did then write it off as a virgin, as I did. The BMWMCAWA is full of people who go on and on and on. The machine needs good oil.
p.s I HAD a K then I had a GS. Wrote them both off before the next oil change, which was almost weekly. But shit I had a good time.

[spacey1]

For expert opinion on 'Oil', I always go to 'Bob the Oil Guy'.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/

Nev

[jono]

Welcome back kev, I thought you had sworn off the wheel beasties!
Jono

[Jufster]

I know I could be burnt at the stake for posting this question, but which oil do you recommend, Kev and others?
I think I'll stick to the oil changes, your option sounds a bit radical and expensive, Kev..

[old betsy]

Amsoil. Number 1

[cutting it]

I think we change our oils too frequent... i mean cars now have a 15000k time... although i think it should be changed to hr meter basis... me i do mine every 10... even then i'm starting to think it's too much.
Girlfriend bought her car new.. had it serviced by the book to 60k's... then fell into hard times so to speak.... 210000k's later and only topping up the oil... it's still going....makes you wonder if the money we spend on our cars / bikes makes it worth while.

(yes i have serviced the car for her... oil, plugs. coolant etc}

[boomer61]

Well I would not buy that one.
The motor will be full of burnt residue cloging everything up and the inside of the motor will have burnt brown look. YUK
There is a reason to change it!!!
You pay in the long run, it just a matter of how much.

[Jufster]

Yep, have used Amsoil on previous bikes, was happy with it at the price.
I think car (and bike) manufacturers want to keep comparative ownership costs down, hence the extended service intervals. I know technology has improved, but anything doing what oil does is gonna get dirty, and lose viscocity.
I consider it entertainment, providing peace of mind and an excuse to be in the shed (if I actually had one).. cheap at the price. I even offer to do hers..

Does the club ever buy in large quantities to save a bit?

Cheers,

Jeff