[Gs921441]

I have just become the owner of a 2010 RT with 9400 miles on it. I don't know what oil is in at the moment but can I top up with synthetic oil as I hear it's the best to use. If my current oil is not synthetic what would happen if I topped up with synthetic oil? Sorry if this is obvious to most out there but am a real novice hence joining here and tapping in to your expertise . Thanks in anticipation.
Richard

 

[12R12RT]

Virtually any oil you can find on a retail shelf is compatible with any other oil. You may top up with anything you like with no worries.

Simply change your oil at recommended intervals, using the recommended grade and viscosity of a quality oil and a quality filter and you'll be fine.

I am now going on a two week vacation while this thread plays out...

Tom

 

[Monty2007]

Welcome to the forum and to RT ownership. The forum is great resource with good people. The bike will you appreciate more everytime go for a ride.

Oil questions always receive variing opinions on what you could not should not do. This is my $.02 worth. The engineers and mechanics I have spoken with do not recommend mixing oils. I am not inclined to mix oils unless circumstances absolutely require me to do so and then I do an oil and filter change as soon as possible.

Assuming the oil has been changed did the seller provide a service history to include receipt for the work. The oil type may be listed on the receipt or if the owners manual has the service stamp, see the back of the manual, you may be able to contact the service provider and ask and use that oil to top off the bike, if it is synthetic fine, if it is dino use the dino and you can change to synthetic at your next oil change.

Some options to consider. Since you are new to the bike are your sure your bike needs oil? Follow the owner's manual prescribed method for checking oil, which is for my 2011 that is with the engine hot and sitting off for 5 minutes and then check the level in the sight glass the 2010 will be the same. The level should be between the bottom and top of the circle in the sight glass.

If the service information is not available and you assume the bike has been serviced according to BMW's mainteance schedule it has been 3400 miles since the last oil change or if yuo do not knwo the service history you could change the oil and filter now. You now know what type of oil is in the bike and not have to worry about it anymore.

Sorry for the long post.

Chris

 

[SPXDR]

Follow the owner's manual prescribed method for checking oil, which is for my 2011 that is with the engine hot and sitting off for 5 minutes and then check the level in the sight glass the 2010 will be the same. The level should be between the bottom and top of the circle in the sight glass.

... While on the center stand.

 

[hopz]

Welcome on board GS...

The conventional wisdom... and it is good wisdom... is to do a complete service on any bike that is new to you. If you are at all "handy" and have a minimum of regular shop tools this self-service will not only re-new the bike's systems but give you a few hours of great pleasure.

At a minimum, do an oil change with filter. Given your bike's mileage I would assume it is not fully broken in yet so fresh conventional oil is your best bet. Get an OEM filter. There are cheaper ones that will fit but in this particular piece I think it is worth it.

Get a new Air Filter. there is hardly any chance that the one in there has been changed. Why not start with that fresh clean feeling?

The Transmission does not need service yet, but it it were me, I'd change it too. The final drive is easy and while not ready- by the schedule- I vote to go for it too.

Feel free to ask any question. You will enjoy this bike tremendously...

 

[twkBMW]

Welcome on board GS...

The conventional wisdom... and it is good wisdom... is to do a complete service on any bike that is new to you. If you are at all "handy" and have a minimum of regular shop tools this self-service will not only re-new the bike's systems but give you a few hours of great pleasure.

At a minimum, do an oil change with filter. Given your bike's mileage I would assume it is not fully broken in yet so fresh conventional oil is your best bet. Get an OEM filter. There are cheaper ones that will fit but in this particular piece I think it is worth it.

Get a new Air Filter. there is hardly any chance that the one in there has been changed. Why not start with that fresh clean feeling?

The Transmission does not need service yet, but it it were me, I'd change it too. The final drive is easy and while not ready- by the schedule- I vote to go for it too.

Feel free to ask any question. You will enjoy this bike tremendously...

Completely agree. Do a complete service when you get the bike. Your brake fluid is also due to be changed at 2 years.

If you want to buy a little time to ride before you do a service, you can top off with any oil if it needs oil. But when you change oil, go with regular oil for the first 20K miles. Synthetic oil is less likely to break down than regular oilm neanign that it can hold more contaminates that regular oil and still function. (I am parroting what I have read):

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Oils1.html

I just did the service on mine (brake, air filter, trans and final drive - I did the oil right when I bought the bike). I still need to adjust valves and sync throttle bodies, but I can wait until mid summer when it is 115 degrees outside to do this.

 

[twkBMW]

Get an OEM filter. There are cheaper ones that will fit but in this particular piece I think it is worth it.

No argument here, but interesting reading:

http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Filters.html#OilFilters

 

[New2rt]

I have just become the owner of a 2010 RT with 9400 miles on it. I don't know what oil is in at the moment but can I top up with synthetic oil as I hear it's the best to use. If my current oil is not synthetic what would happen if I topped up with synthetic oil? Sorry if this is obvious to most out there but am a real novice hence joining here and tapping in to your expertise . Thanks in anticipation.
Richard

Yes you can top off with synthetic or dino.
They do sell a syn/dino blend as well.
If and when someone changes from a dino to a synthetic all the oil doesn't drain anyway so you will end up with a mix that will lessen as the changes increase.

 

[barryRT]

Sounds like a waste of money topping up regular oil with a more expensive synthetic. It could be the equivalent to adding premium fuel to regular fuel.

 

[05Train]

Sounds like a waste of money topping up regular oil with a more expensive synthetic. It could be the equivalent to adding premium fuel to regular fuel.

Not really. Adding premium fuel to regular increases the octane, even though it still won't equal premium. Adding synthetic to dino doesn't really have any benefit, but if it's all you have, it's all you have. It certainly won't do any harm.

 

[Gs921441]

Welcome to the forum and to RT ownership. The forum is great resource with good people. The bike will you appreciate more everytime go for a ride.

Oil questions always receive variing opinions on what you could not should not do. This is my $.02 worth. The engineers and mechanics I have spoken with do not recommend mixing oils. I am not inclined to mix oils unless circumstances absolutely require me to do so and then I do an oil and filter change as soon as possible.

Assuming the oil has been changed did the seller provide a service history to include receipt for the work. The oil type may be listed on the receipt or if the owners manual has the service stamp, see the back of the manual, you may be able to contact the service provider and ask and use that oil to top off the bike, if it is synthetic fine, if it is dino use the dino and you can change to synthetic at your next oil change.

Some options to consider. Since you are new to the bike are your sure your bike needs oil? Follow the owner's manual prescribed method for checking oil, which is for my 2011 that is with the engine hot and sitting off for 5 minutes and then check the level in the sight glass the 2010 will be the same. The level should be between the bottom and top of the circle in the sight glass.

If the service information is not available and you assume the bike has been serviced according to BMW's mainteance schedule it has been 3400 miles since the last oil change or if yuo do not knwo the service history you could change the oil and filter now. You now know what type of oil is in the bike and not have to worry about it anymore.

Sorry for the long post.

Chris

Thanks to all that have helped and replied. From reading the forums it seems that oil subjects are a hot subject with varying opinions . I am really grateful to all those have contributed. You have made a new member feel very welcome.

 

[jzzmusician]

Completely agree. Do a complete service when you get the bike. Your brake fluid is also due to be changed at 2 years.

Huh. I just rode 300 miles to and 300 miles back for my 12k. The service manager said I needed to change my brake fluid this year. He said to change it after 1 year and then every 2 years.

Also just for shits and giggles I called the dealer in advance and asked about how much money for a 12k service. I was quoted 300-400 on the phone. When I got there it jumped to 700 buckos.

They did however, have free hot dogs.

 

[OU812]

Great reason to do it yourself or find an independent that knows what they are doing.
What was the reason for the inflated price?