What kind of fluids do you use?

[Pa_Deitsch]

So I'm getting the bike ready for the season and I was wondering what fluids does everybody else use. I'm going to change them all engine, trans, coolant, final drive, and forks. Is it really that big of a deal to use BMW fluids for everything?

[K75RT Keith]

The short answer is no, you generally do not need to use BMW branded lubricants or antifreeze.  That is not to say that most of their products are not high quality.  I am simply saying comparable or higher quality products can be had for the same or less money. 

For the forks, final drive and trans any high quality oil/lube will work.  Dino or synthetic it is up to you and your decision should be based on how frequently you plan to change it.   I'm using 10wt Beltran in the forks and Mobil 1,with a Guard Dog Moly chaser in the FD and Trans.  I change the FD every year and the trans depends on how many miles.  I did use BMW anti freeze for the last change.  But, there are folks on this forum that use other brands with no ill effects.

Engine oil is a matter of taste and the discussion will devolve into another "Oil" thread (use the search feature, you'll find plenty) where everyone has an opinion that is right or wrong depending on who you ask.  In the end it boils down to is use what YOU want use and change it however frequently YOU want to change it.  It's your machine.   All I will say on the subject is: Use the correct weight and quantity. 

[Grim]

Since our bikes are very car like in maintenance needs you can avoid a lot of the pricy "motor cycle" specific fluids. I run mobile one synthetic in the box and rear and castrol semisynthetic in the crank case best price.

 I was surprised and how reasonably the fork juice was at the dealer when I was getting a part so I'm running that. I'm going every 2 on the coolant, fork juice and brake fluid. I barely rode 2k last year and garaged. Just wasting money changing everything every year for me. Hell I live close to my job. I doubt I got 2k on my truck.

[wmax351]

Motorcycle specific fluids are often disadvantageous on K bikes, they are basically car engines.


Engine: Good quality, proper weight oil. Dino or Synth, your call. I run mobil-1 15w-50 in my car and bike, general consensus is that it is a very good product (the debate is whether it is needed), and I change it yearly.


Transmission/Final Drive: Here is somewhere I use a (somewhat) moto-specific fluid. Redline Shockproof gear oil, it's designed for high stress use like a constant mesh "Crashbox." Smooth shifting, quiet running. http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=44&pcid=8


Coolant: BMW Blue Gatorade, 40% mix with distilled water. I use it in my car and bike. 1 gallon does at least 2 full changes on the bike. Silicate, phosphate free. Cheaper than alternatives at autozone/o'reilly that offer the same _____-free assurances.


Forks: I actually run the honda stuff, forgot what weight I have in there. Bought it as a matter of convienience. There should be details somewhere on here. They aren't picky at all.


Headlight Fluid: Only use 100% organic, straight from the Bayern

[Chaos]

Depends what order you do them in.  I work front to back....


Forks             beer
brakes            malt liquor
coolant            schnapps
engine             vodka
transmission     burbon
rear end           151 rum

take a pro to do it all in one session, best to split it up over a couple of days

[mystic red]

Like your style, chaos, I could run the menu....

[Pa_Deitsch]

Thanks for the info guys  :2thumbup: that's pretty much what I thought. No need for a long drive to the BMW dealer then. Chaos, I don't know you but my liver hates you. LOL.

[rbm]

Just don't light a match near Chaos' bike! :yow

[mystic red]

Or Chaos....

[MCrenshaw]

Got to hand it to Chaos, THAT'S funny!! :clap: