break-in oil change

[Yuval]

HI again,

With no manual on hand, how many miles to the first oil change and when can I start using Synthetic? What is the break-in ride style?

1998 R1100RT

ThanX

[Ted Shred]

HI again,

With no manual on hand, how many miles to the first oil change and when can I start using Synthetic? What is the break-in ride style?

1998 R1100RT

ThanX

You have a brand new bike and the dealer did not cover this as part of the delivery?? That's pretty poor.

1st service on an RT is 600-1000 miles. It is more than just an oil change, the head bolts need to be re-torqued among other minor things. I would have the dealer do this...

[bylawren]

The generally accepted "beemer wisdom" is that one should NOT use full synthetic motor oil in boxer motors until they are well broken in...at least 15,000 to 18,000 miles. The rationale is that it takes this long for the rings to fully seat in the harder-than-normal nickelsil (sp?) cylinder liners.

My understanding (such that it is... :o ) is that the synthetics are SO good that using them prematurely can result in the rings not fully seating/sealing and the bike continuing to use oil. (FWIW, I haven't heard much about the dino-synth blend.)

As my local BMW dealer *only* changes $99 for an oil change :histerica , I order BMW filters (plus crush washers) 4 at a time and do my own oil changes.

Note: I have heard of folks quickly changing the fluid in their transmissions and final drives to synthetic without ill effects.

YMMV

[MValspeed]

Firstly, congratulations on your selection. I got my first major change at 1200 miles, dino-based, adjustments, etc. The second major oil change and check-up was at 7000mi. I had a good discussion with my BMW guy and at that change he suggested a more aggressive pattern for the final drive and oil change. It could be suggested that it is solely to make money...but this fellow has done things that were in my best interest in the past.

He suggested a full change on the final drive, and a shift to synthetic on the oil change. On the final drive because it was an opportunity to check and do some preventative; the final drive was very clean he said (a good sign). I've got 8700mi now since the changes, and no need to add any additional synthetic crankcase oil. Engine is running smoother, more freely as it breaks in further. From here on in, I'll continue to follow the guidelines closely.

Ride on!

[Yuval]

Thank u all for the insight. I would, most likely, have more questions as I ride more. So far, I love the way the bike handles.

[beeper]

HI again,

With no manual on hand, how many miles to the first oil change and when can I start using Synthetic? What is the break-in ride style?

1998 R1100RT

ThanX


Pardon me for pointing out the obvious...but you are just now breaking in a 10 year old bike? :confused:

[Yuval]

beeper,

The bike set in a garage for 10 years (after owner had heart attack). The original owner, a relative has passed away few month ago and I bought the bike from his widow.

[beeper]

Wow, just like traveling back in time. :D

Sorry to hear about your relative, kinda neat that a 10 year old bike is just now getting ridden.