BMW K1200LT Oil, Lube and Fluids

[@richardshort4587]

For what it’s worth, I use Rottela T6 5W-40 full synthetic or Klondike 5W-40 CK-4 Full Synthetic in my 2007 along with a KN163 oil filter and so far had no issues or problems for the last 5 years. Both the Rotella and Klondike synthetic oils meet JASO DH, MA -MA2 spec they are designed to meet the requirements needed for high reving sports motorcycles made by the Japanese motorcycle companies. For final drive I used to use Castrol Hypoy C 90 gear oil. That’s now gone and all you can get is 80/90 weight. So I use either Castrol or Klondike SAE 80/90.

[@velocity550]

This is great advice. I bought my 2001 K1200LT from a dealership as is where is with a rear main oil leak. The bike had 47K miles and I changed the oil when I got it. I used the normal "mineral oil" like you recommended. It leaked one drop of oil and has not leaked again in 3K miles. I can't swear to it but the oil I drained looked like synthetic. I think you are correct about the synthetics getting past old seals.

[@richardbonn3882]

I love your show,and I love COCO, thank you for the detailed advice, we never can have too much information to do a job well !

[@rossfelton1955]

Thank you for doing these videos. I have a 1999 K1200LT. She is an awesome bike. She runs like top. However it was laid down by the previous owner resulting in some damage on the side. I will be in touch with beemer bone yard. Thank you.

[@111Omalley]

Nice job Kirk ! Glad you take the time to do this stuff. Iowa BMW rider

[@TheHypnotstCollector]

I had a 640KTM, c.2004. I put in Valvoline oil and Immediately had to change it. I could hear the difference. Label said "Racing oil and good for turbo's"... . But it must have been for car engines. It didn't say "for motorcycles". I was very surprised. I live in the sierra mountains, far from a town. So I put in some Delo oil I had. . It was quieter but still noisier than it was before I drained it. I was selling the bike and told the new owner to immediately change the oil with some "official" m/c oil. So, I have official BMW oil for the K1200LT I just bought. I wont be using "Synthetic"! thanks.

[@GarthGoldberg]

I have an '83 R80RT and I've been using synthetic for years. If the seals are good, it won't leak. Synthetic is slipperier. That's why I use it.

[@kirksmotorrad]

+Garth Goldberg I am not saying it wont work, especially if your seals are new or in really good shape. If it works for you in that 83, who am I to argue? :-)

[@GarthGoldberg]

I do like your videos, thanks.

[@RichardDePas]

Switched my bikes over to Evans Waterless Coolant and been very happy.

[@luisv.2488]

Hello Sir. Thank you so much for your expertise, guidance and possible problems and solutions!

[@mikedodson5366]

Thanks Kirk. I really appreciate your videos.

[@marceloteixeiradasilva1376]

You salv mecanix here in Brazil

[@bruceharris5330]

Great video. I posted the same question below on one of your other videos, but this is a better place to ask: I have a 2003 K1200RS and have a problem with my test suspension having a 'clunk' type sound on hard bumps or ruts. It does not feel broken or loose, but feels like it needs lube or some type of grease. All my bikes from Honda to Ducati have a way to grease the swingarm bolts and rear suspension. I cannot find any place on this BMW to lube the rear suspension! Any advice on this problem? Thanks

[@ferminsoria9415]

Thank you for your service

[@keithburt7874]

Great and Simple

[@dietergerecke3575]

Once heard a great saying about the whole oil debate... "ANY oil is better than NO oil" Just sharing .. rubber side down people.. 🤪

[@russellbrown9655]

I just brought a 2003 k1200lt. I subscribe to your channel and low and behold the seller did as well. My question: Do you still recommend using conventional oil over synthetic oil for the k1200lt. Thanks

[@claudiosoares2244]

Qual óleo do motor devo usar bmw R1150RT ano 2002?

[@peterandrews1512]

Nice informative video thanks for sharing

[@Leezerd3x]

Just wanted to say I’m a new to me k1200 lt owner and very much appreciate all your content it has been extremely helpful! Just one though in the fluids requirements video you did you said you use the valvoline 75 90 synthetic in final drive and transmission, the only same kind I find around here has the limited slip additive in it, is that ok or should I stay away from gear oils with the additive? Thanks so much in advance

[@kirksmotorrad]

Limited slip is fine since there is nothing to slip in the gears. I should have some options on my amazon page too.

[@Leezerd3x]

@@kirksmotorrad awesome thanks for your reply and I will definitely check out your Amazon page

[@AB-hx9hs]

What do you think about this: Microguard MGL 51348 oil filter sold at Orielly's for $3.79 And Wix 51348 for $6.49 Both are supposedly replacement for the Napa 1348 filter which they don't have. From the Orielly's website description it sounds that the Wix is better than the Microguard but I never used either one before. I want to get the Bosch but the shipping costs online makes it too expensive. Or I can buy the NAPA filter, 12 of them on ebay with free shipping. Then I have enough filters for life :-) Thoughts ??

[@AB-hx9hs]

Thanks so much, this is great information about the Oil. Bike oil is more expensive. You did say though to mix the oil with one quart Synthetic oil ? I don't remember now. I have a full case of Valvoline 20-50 High Mileage car Oil....I assume this would work on the KLT even though my bike has only 42K miles ?? Also can you provide a full list of the filters that would work on this bike (other than the bmw, HiFlo and the Mann filters)? I think you said the Bosch 3330 and the Napa 1348, any others ? Thank you so much.

[@claudiosoares2244]

tens algum video com troca liquido refrigerante do motor bmw k1200lt?

[@kirksmotorrad]

sim

[@zefini7397]

Greetings from Brazil, a hot topic here is about the lubricant we can use in our dry clutch flat twin boxers R1200, some people recommend SAE MA/MA2 lubricants, while others argue that we can use good quality car lubricants, what could you guide us about this?. Thanks for listening

[@kirksmotorrad]

as long as it has a dry clutch you do not need to use motorcycle oil.

[@zefini7397]

@@kirksmotorrad That's what many of us do, we think that if the clutch is dry and has no contact with the lubricant (R1200 AC boxers prior to 2012) then we can use lubricants other than the JASO MA-MA2 specification. We would also like to know about the benefits of the zinc you said. Thanks from motorcyclists in Brazil.

[@kevinvoeks7422]

Castrol or Mobil one only

[@huguin70]

Hi...I have a question: what alternative oil filter its for r1200rt 2007? thanks for your excellent videos

[@kirksmotorrad]

I do believe this will work amzn.to/2SuIP9L

[@anthonyfrance6640]

hi. please post a video how to change cooling liquid. thank you.

[@14wntr]

Already did!

[@anthonyfrance6640]

thank you.

[@kevinvoeks7422]

Have you made a video on installing a Top case?

[@kirksmotorrad]

Sort of. Here you go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIrXkHmjotZ8jbc

[@Tony-wh8ms]

Do you know if the '07's came with synthetic engine and gear oil from the dealer? I ask because you mention the '06 and under for regular oil. I got mine last year and went with regular oil since I didn't know what the previous owner had put in. Great videos, you were a life saver when I did my tune up last year.

[@14wntr]

+Tony Camacho It would specify it in the owners manual. Probably not.

[@Tony-wh8ms]

OK, thanks.

[@AB-hx9hs]

Hi, did you say Bosch 3330 for oil filter ? Is that for our Klt bikes ?

[@14wntr]

yes. 3330

[@AB-hx9hs]

I noticed you use different filters. Do you use Any filter that fits ? Aren't there specific filter requirements for that bike as opposed to a car oil filter which is what the Bosch and the Napa filters are ? Thank you

[@AB-hx9hs]

Hi Kirk, 2 questions if you could answer please: 1- Do you use ANY Oil filter that fits into the bike ? Or are there specific filters that should be used with this bike to prevent damage...issues down the line? 2- I see that you also use 20-50 car Oil. My understanding is that Motorcycle Oil is needed because of the additives in it to lubricate the clutch. Car oil is cheaper than bike oil and would like to use it but does it do ANY damage long term to the clutch or any other parts of the bike?? Can you expand on this please? I am about to do an oil and filter change and would like to know before I buy the filters and oil. Thank you so much.

[@kirksmotorrad]

Many filters are of the same or similar design and will work with the LT. The 3330 is an exact replacement. The only difference being that the BMW one is grey. The oil does not need to be motorcycle oil and will not cause damage. Look in your manual. The LT uses a dry clutch not a wet clutch. Enjoy the savings and use regular oil.

[@garyrobinson7318]

kirk, can i put an arter market exhaust on my 2000 k 1200 lt?

[@kirksmotorrad]

Yes. If you can find one. Remus made one for the LT

[@kevinvoeks7422]

That’s the worst oil ! You have a big investment. Why would you use cheap oil?

[@sexyAnonygirl86]

Dyna Lube, That's what we use.