Synthetic Engine Oil, Chain Maintenance and Fuel Octane Questions

[usrodeo4]

I have a 2012 set to arrive next week, just a few questions...first what engine oil does BMW recommend? If it isn't synthetic are people running synthetic? I assume the race teams run synthetic like the Hipo cars? Any personal experiences with synthetic? What weight? I hear the latest 0W-xx synthetics have amazing lubrication qualities, even at start up.

What is the prescribed chain lubrication process/schedule? What lubricants are recommended? Do you need a stand to tighten the chain?

I assume the S1RR takes premium fuel...is that true? Any issues with 93 octane w/up to 10% ethanol? (That's typically what we get here in Central Florida). Just out of curiousity can it run 87 octane without detonating?

[viperclaw]

For fuel get the highest octane rating. Here in AZ 91 is the highest. Also get it from a name brand joint like 76, Shell, Exxon, etc. It's true they get their gas from the same point but the additives are better. Clean injectors and such preventing build-up of gunk and such in the intake tract. 10% ethanol is the max that BMW recommends/allows.

Lube the chain every 500 miles or so. Any quality chain lube will do. Just use it. Put some on after wet weather as well. Shouldn't have to adjust the chain very often. Maybe every few thousand miles. Check it when lubing is a good idea. You can do it on the ground. Putting it on a rear stand has the same stretching force as having it on the ground--weight of the bike.

I believe they are recommending Castrol 5W-40 full synthetic.

[usrodeo4]

Thanks for the info man...greatly appreciated...lots of stuff running through my mind right now...new bike fever...lol, plus I haven't ridden a SB in many years.

[flwbyu]

When I took my 2010 S1K in for the last oil change (10/2011) they put in BMW 5W40 Synthetic (BMW Recommended). This is what was noted on my receipt but did not specify which brand. Viperclaw thanks for the tip on lubing the chain!

[markjenn]

All controversial subjects that are discussed for hundreds of pages on this and other motorcycle forums....

Originally Posted by usrodeo4

first what engine oil does BMW recommend? If it isn't synthetic are people running synthetic? I assume the race teams run synthetic like the Hipo cars? Any personal experiences with synthetic? What weight? I hear the latest 0W-xx synthetics have amazing lubrication qualities, even at start up.

I'd use what BMW recommends, 5W-40 or 10W-40, full synthetic. Probably comes from the factory with this. BMW sells their own or you can go aftermarket, but I'd stick to full synthetics, not blends. And while under warranty, I wouldn't experiment with car oils or varying viscosity - stick to motorcycle-specific, full-synthetics of the correct viscosity. If you change your own oil, keep good receipts and log the maintenance. If you have the shop do it, they'll probably use the BMW stuff.

What is the prescribed chain lubrication process/schedule? What lubricants are recommended? Do you need a stand to tighten the chain?

I'd check tension every 500 miles or so. If it goes longer, probably not a big deal though. Don't overtighten - more chains are probably worn out prematurely due to over-tightening than under-tightening. Whether it needs adjustment is mostly a function of how hard/abusive you are with the bike, but unless you're a holligan, you won't find it needing adjustment very often.

With modern o-ring chains, frequent cleaning/lubrication is not really required to get acceptable chain/sprocket life, although it never hurts and will extend chain life. Personally, in the shop, I like to clean the chain with WD40 and then use 90W gear oil. On tour, I use some of the aerosol stuff, but I don't use it very often, especially if the weather is dry.

You don't need a stand, but it makes the job much easier.

I assume the S1RR takes premium fuel...is that true? Any issues with 93 octane w/up to 10% ethanol? (That's typically what we get here in Central Florida). Just out of curiousity can it run 87 octane without detonating?

Officially, it requires 89 pump octane which is mid-grade in most markets. The bike has knock sensors so you shouldn't suffer any engine damage using less, although performance may suffer in demanding octane conditions (e.g., big throttle openings, low RPM, high ambient heat, heavy loads). I generally use whatever the gas station is selling that is >89. I'm not a believer that using extra octane in a bike not designed to take advantage of it has any benefit.

BMW says up to 10% ethanol is fine. E10 is now almost the only fuel available in most markets so it is being used universally so the bikes seem to be tolerating it fine. I do prefer non-ethanol if available, but I don't go out of my way to find it.

In general, if in doubt, follow the book (owner's manual).

- Mark

[RansomT]

Mark is right. However, I do believe that the 2012 model calls for 91 octane (USA). BMW probably became a little more agressive with the timing curve down low .....

[markjenn]

Originally Posted by RansomT

Mark is right. However, I do believe that the 2012 model calls for 91 octane (USA). BMW probably became a little more agressive with the timing curve down low .....

Thanks for correction. Yes, my 89 number was only for the 10-11. I wasn't aware they bumped the requirement. This development makes me wonder if perhaps they were shaving things a little too close by spec'ing 89 - I may shift over to premium (typically 91) as a rule.

- Mark

[S1000Kid]

Originally Posted by RansomT

Mark is right. However, I do believe that the 2012 model calls for 91 octane (USA). BMW probably became a little more agressive with the timing curve down low .....

I just sat on a 2012 a few days ago and the tell tale sticker says 89 on top of the tank.

[bdjohns]

Just picked up my 2012 Red/Black/White the other day. Putting my breakin miles on it now.
The fuel cap sticker says "Unleaded Premium Gas min 89 Intermitient 89 AKI".
Thought I was going to get to try out the K3's put mine came with Bridgestones Battlax BT016R Pro on the rims. Going to get the rest of my 600 miles today and have my shop service it next week. I've got plenty on sunshine today time to ride. Have a great day.

[newt117]

Originally Posted by RansomT

Mark is right. However, I do believe that the 2012 model calls for 91 octane (USA). BMW probably became a little more agressive with the timing curve down low .....

No the 12 is still 89 octane rated.