Motor Oil for BMW Motorcycles and ATVs

Choosing oil for your BMW motorcycle? In this article, we’ll tell you which BMW motorcycle oils are the best on the market and what you should look for when choosing motorcycle oil for your BMW motorcycle.

Best Oil for BMW Motorcycles

Choosing motorcycle oil for your BMW motorcycle depends on your motorcycle model, the mileage of your BMW motorcycle, and your riding style.

BMW motorcycle oil 5w-40

BMW Motorrad Advantec 5w-40 Motor Oil

• Specifications: API SN, JASO MA-2
  
• Recommended for water-cooled boxers, K1600 series, K1300/1200S/R/GT machines, S1000 series, and G450X machines

Liqui Moly Motorbike 4T Synth Street Race 5w-40

• Specifications and Approvals: API, SM, ACEA A3-04, JASO, MA2

Motul 7100 4T 5w-40

• API Specifications: SL, SM, SN
  
• JASO Classification: MA-2

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 5w-40

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Maxima Extra4 5w-40 Synthetic 4T Motorcycle Engine Oil

• Specifications: API SG/CC
  
• Exceeds JASO-MA M/C

RAVENOL Motobike 4-T Ester 5w-40 4 Stroke Motorcycle Oil

• RAVENOL Motobike 4-T Ester SAE 5w-30 is tried and tested for aggregates specifying:
  
• Specification: API SM, JASO MA/MA2 T903:2006
  
• Recommendations: Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, BMW, BMW, Suzuki, Ducati, Triumph, Moto-Guzzi

BMW motorcycle oil 10w-40

Red Line Powersports Motor Oil 10w-40 Motorcycle

• As specified for four-stroke motocross bikes, ATVs and sportbikes
• Suitable for JASO MA/MA2 applications

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 10w-40

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Mobil 1 10W-40 Racing 4T Motorcycle Oil for Sport Bikes

This product meets or exceeds the requirements of:

• API SN
• JASO MA2
• JASO MA

Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle Full Synthetic SAE 10W-40 Motor Oil

• API Specifications: SL
• JASO Classification: MA-2

Maxima Pro Plus+ Racing Oils 10W-40

• API Specifications: SN+
• JASO Classification: MA-2

Lucas Oil Synthetic 10W-40 Motor Oil

• API SJ-4
• JASO MB

Motul 7100 4T 10W-40

• API SL/SH/SG
  
• JASO MA

BMW motorcycle oil 10w-30

Red Line Powersports Motor Oil 10w-30 Motorcycle

• For use where this viscosity is specifically recommended, like many Kawasaki KX 250F and various Hondas from 2006-up
  
• Suitable for JASO MA/MA2 applications

Quicksilver 4-Stroke Motorcycle Engine Oil 10W-30

• API Specifications: SL, SM
  
• JASO Classification: MA, MA-2

Maxima Pro Plus 10W-30 Synthetic Motorcycle Engine Oil

• API Specifications: SL
  
• JASO Classification: MA

BMW motorcycle oil 15w-50

BMW Motorrad Advantec 15w-50 Motor Oil

Specifications:

• API SJ
  
• JASO MA2

Liqui Moly 20060 Motorbike 4T 15w-50 Street Engine Oil

 

• Specifications and Approvals: API; SL; JASO; MA2

BMW motorcycle oil 20w-50

Oil High Performance Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil

 

• API SM, SL, SJ
  
• JASO MA-2
  
• ACEA A3

Spectro Heavy Duty Engine Oil 20w-50

 

• API SF/SG, CD/CG-4

Castrol POWER1 Racing 4T 20w-50

• Exceeds API SL
• JASO MA-2

Quicksilver 4-Stroke Motorcycle Engine Oil 20w-50

• API Specifications: SL, SM
  
• JASO Classification: MA, MA-2

Valvoline 4-Stroke Motorcycle Full Synthetic SAE 20W-50 Motor Oil

• API Specifications: SL
  
• JASO Classification: MA-2

Mobil 1 20W-50 V-Twin Synthetic Motorcycle Motor Oil

• API Specifications: API SH, SG

Lucas Oil High Performance 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil

 

• API SM, SL, SJ
  
• JASO MA-2
  
• ACEA A3

BMW motorcycle oil 20w-60

Red Line Powersports Motor Oil 20w-60 Motorcycle

• Recommended for V-twins that need more viscosity due to operation in extremely hot climates
  
• Suitable for JASO MA/MA2 applications

BMW motorcycle oil 10w-60

Maxima Extra 10W-60 Synthetic 4T Motorcycle Engine Oil

• API Specifications: SN+
  
• JASO Classification: MA-2

BMW motorcycle oil 5w-50

Polaris PS-4 Full Synthetic 5w-50

• OEM Part Number: 2876244, Replaces: 2874414, 2874865, 2871281, 2874862

BMW motorcycle oil 10w-50

Red Line Powersports Motor Oil 10w-50 Motorcycle

• For UTVs & Side by Sides, ATVs, sportbikes and other powersports vehicles
  
• Suitable for JASO MA/MA2 applications

Maxima Pro Plus+ Racing Oils 10W-50

• API Specifications: SN+
  
• JASO Classification: MA-2

How do I choose engine oil for BMW motorcycle?

Motorcycle oils for BMW are built on a larger list of bases than automotive ones. Motorcycle lubricants for BMW add additives that improve the resistance of the oil film to high temperatures.

Power plants of BMW motorcycles are designed on the principle of maximum power and compactness, with minimal weight. Therefore, the designers combine the engine and gearbox with clutch into a single unit, which is often located in a single oil bath.

Oil for the BMW motorcycle is forced to work simultaneously, both as engine oil and as transmission oil, and provides the necessary coefficient of friction for the clutch mechanism. BMW motorcycle engines are heavily boosted, rpm and temperature-wise, which imposes certain pumping and foaming restrictions on engine oil.

BMW motorcycle engine oil differs radically from automotive oil in the following parameters:

• friction coefficient
• alkali value
• foaming
• volatility
• aggressiveness to polymeric materials
• flashpoint
• high-temperature viscosity

Motor oil manufacturers indicate oil viscosity according to SAE and oil classes according to API and JASO.

BMW Motorcycle Oil Viscosity

The SAE standard classifies motorcycle oils according to their viscosity. Viscosity is a value that determines whether an BMW engine can operate at different temperatures.

For the BMW motorcycle, the most suitable oil grade is 5W-40. This oil viscosity is recommended according to the technical characteristics of the BMW motorcycle engine and the corresponding viscosity of the required oil.

Viscosity is expressed in units, the lower the number, the lower the viscosity of the oil and vice versa. To date, there are 11 viscosity grades:

• 5 viscosity grades for summer: 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 60
• 6 viscosity grades for winter: 0w / 5w / 10w / 15w / 20w / 25w

The first figure always refers to the lower ambient temperature threshold at which the oil will ensure a trouble-free operation of the entire system: rotation of the crankshaft, oil pump, and oil pumping through the entire engine system, in which there will be no dry friction.

The second number is the upper limit temperature at which all systems will continue to work well, even with heat and loads.

• Most motorcycles use 10w-40 and 10w-30 oil
• For heavy engines, 5w-40, 10w-50, and 15w-50 oil are used
• V-engines use 20w-40, 20w-50 and 20w-60 oil

The international classification of motorcycle engine oils is the Japanese JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization). It has a section defining the belonging of the four-stroke oil to the motorcycle classes.

API for BMW Motorcycle Oils

API (American Petroleum Institute) is the American Petroleum Institute, which has set minimum performance standards and quality levels for gasoline and diesel engines.

• S (Service): consists of the quality categories of motor oils for gasoline engines in chronological order
• C (Commercial): consists of the quality and purpose categories of diesel engine oils listed in chronological order

JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization): Standard for lubricants used in Japan

• MB – oils are characterized by a low friction coefficient. Not suitable for motorcycles with a wet clutch.
• MA-1 – oil with a medium coefficient of friction according to this classification. Suitable for motorcycles with a wet clutch and low load
• MA-2 is the oil with the highest coefficient of friction. Ideal for sports bikes and heavy loads

In addition to JASO class, BMW motor oil may comply with the American API classification

• JASO MA corresponds to API SG
• JASO MA2 corresponds to API SL-SM

Engine Oil types for BMW Motorcycles

BMW Mineral Motor Oil

Mineral oil is the most readily available on the market today. It is a refined petroleum product that contains natural components that, when burned, produce an excess product that clogs the channels of your BMW motorcycle, impairs the lubrication properties, and cools the engine of BMW motorcycles.

BMW Synthetic Motor Oil

Synthetic BMW motor oils have better performance, don’t lose their properties in hot weather, and don’t get too thick in low temperatures. Synthetic BMW engine oil improves engine protection from carbon deposits, keeps your engine clean and stable.

BMW Semi-Synthetic Motor Oil

Created from a mixture of several bases: mineral and synthetic. The advantage of this oil for use in BMW motorcycles is its high cold-start performance. BMW semi-synthetic motorcycle oil is slightly thicker than synthetic oil, which is effective for BMW engines.

How often should I change the oil in my BMW motorcycle?

BMW motorcycles that use semi-synthetic motor oil can typically last between 5,000 and 8,000 miles before an oil change. BMW motorcycle engines running on fully synthetic motor oil can last 7,000 to 10,000 miles before an oil change.

If you do a lot of short rides on your BMW motorcycle, the performance of the engine oil will degrade due to condensed fuel droplets, and you should change your BMW motorcycle oil every 5,000 miles.

If you don’t use your BMW motorcycle very often or use it very heavily, the quality of the engine oil may decrease, you should use more viscous oils and change your BMW motorcycle oil every 3000 miles.

How much does motor oil for an BMW motorcycle cost?

• Synthetic motorcycle oil for BMW motorcycles costs about $15 per 1 liter/quart
• Semi-synthetic motorcycle oil for BMW costs about $10 per 1 liter/quart
• Mineral motorcycle oil for BMW costs about $8 per 1 liter/quart

What are the most popular oil brands for BMW?

• Maxima
• Red Line
• Motul
• Castrol
• Quicksilver
• Valvoline
• Lucas
• Liqui Moly
• Mobil 1

Where can I buy oil for my BMW motorcycle?

Buy BMW motorcycle oil from reputable auto stores or major online supermarkets.

How do I check the oil level on my BMW bike?

My BMW doesn’t have an oil dipstick to check the oil level, only a sight glass.

How do I check the oil level on my BMW using the sight glass?

The sight glass is located on the right side of the engine. If you put the bike just flat, the oil is around the Low mark. If you tilt it a little to the right and then put it flatly, the oil is between Low and High. If the bike is tilted slightly to the left, the oil goes below the Low mark.

How do I change the oil in my BMW motorcycle engine?

To properly change the oil in your BMW motorcycle, you’ll need a kit:

• Motorcycle oil for BMW motorcycles
• Oil filter
• Protective gear, such as safety glasses and rubber gloves
• Oil drain cock
• Wrench for oil filter
• Collection pan (tray) for used oil together with a funnel
• Absorbent material (newspaper, paper towel, etc.) and rags
• Sealing ring if necessary

The sequence of steps to change the oil in the engine of your BMW motorcycle:

• Prepare your BMW motorcycle
• Start the engine of your BMW motorcycle and let it run for 1-2 minutes
• Park your BMW on a flat, level surface and turn off the engine
• Change the oil in the engine of your BMW motorcycle
• Locate the drain plug
• Cover the floor surface with a paper towel
• Place a pan under the plug
• Remove the drain plug with a socket wrench
• Make sure the plug does not fall out of your gloved hands
• Allow the used oil to drain
• After emptying the reservoir, clean the drain plug and gasket
• Remove the used oil filter
• Apply a small amount of oil to the new gasket with your finger
• Tighten the new filter, but not too tight
• Pour new oil into the BMW engine
• Check the oil level
• Run the BMW engine at idle for 5 minutes
• Turn off the engine, check the oil level
• Refill if necessary
• Dispose of used oil at a suitable recycling center

Conclusion on BMW engine oil selection

Choosing BMW motorcycle oil is important if you want your BMW motorcycle to run well and for a long time. In this article, we’ve gathered all the important points and subtleties of choosing BMW motorcycle oil. Be careful when choosing a new BMW motorcycle oil and pay attention to the oil specifications and datasheet. All the best!

BMW motorcycle models

• F 650 Funduro
• F 650 ST Strada
• F 650 CS
• F 650 GS
• F 650 Strada
• F 650 GS SE
• F 700 GS
• F 750 GS
• F 800 R
• F 800 S
• F 800 GS
• F 850 GS
• F 850 GS Adventure
• F 800 ST
• F 800 GT
• G 310 R
• G 310 GS
• G 450 X
• G 650 GS
• G 650 GS Sertao
• G 650 Xchallenge
• G 650 Xсountry
• G 650 XMoto
• HP4
• HP2 Enduro
• HP2 Sport
• HP2 Megamoto
• K 75 С
• K 75 S
• K 75 RT
• K 100 GS
• K 100 LT
• K 100 RS
• K 1
• K 1100 LT
• K 1100 RS
• K 1100 S
• K 1200 GT
• K 1200 LT
• K 1200 R
• K 1200 R Sport
• K 1200 RS
• K 1200 S
• K 1300 GT
• K 1300 R
• K 1300 S
• K 1600 Bagger
• K 1600 GT
• K 1600 GTL
• K 1600 GTL Exclusive
• K 1600 GTL Exclusive 2
• K 1600 Grand America
• MKM 1000 Krauser
• Lo Rider Concept
• R 1 Prototype
• R 5
• R 12
• R 18
• R 24
• R 25/2
• R 25/3
• R 26
• R 27
• R 28 Military
• R 32
• R 35
• R 37
• R 39
• R 42
• R 45
• R 47
• R 50
• R 50 S
• R 50/2
• R 50/5
• R 50 US
• R 51
• R 51/2
• R 52
• R 57
• R 60
• R 60/2
• R 60/5
• R 60 US
• R 61
• R 63
• R 65
• R 65 LS
• R 65 GS
• R 65 RT Monolever
• R 66
• R 67
• R 67/2
• R 67/3
• R 68
• R 69
• R 69 S
• R 69 US
• R 71
• R 75
• R 75/5
• R 80
• R 80G/S
• R 80 GS Basic
• R 80 GS Kalahari
• R 80 RT
• R 80 RT Mono
• R 80 ST
• R 80/7
• R 80 RT Mono
• R 90 S
• R 90/6
• R 100 CS
• R 100 GS
• R 100 S Willi Michel Racer
• R 100 R
• R 100 RS
• R 100 RT
• R 100 T
• R 850 C
• R 850 GS
• R 850 R
• R 850 R Classic
• R 850 RT 1996
• R 850 RT 2002
• R 900 RR Rally
• R 1100 GS
• R 1100 R 75th Anniversary
• R 1100 GS 75th Anniversary
• R 1100 R
• R 1100 RR Rally
• R 1100 RS
• R 1100 RT
• R 1100 S Boxer Cup Replica
• R 1100 S
• R 1150 RT
• R 1150 R
• R 1150 RS
• R 1150 GS
• R 1150 GS Adventure
• R 1150 GS Adventure Special
• R 1150 R Rockster Edition 80
• R 1200 CL
• R 1200 C
• R 1200 GS
• R 1200 GS Adventure
• R 1200 S
• R 1200 ST
• R 1200 R
• R 1200 R 2015
• R 1200 RS
• R 1200 RT
• R 1250 R 2019
• R 1250 RT
• R 1250 RS
• R 1250 GS
• R 1250 GS 2019
• R 1250 GS Adventure
• R nine T
• R nine T/5
• R nine T Pure
• R nine T Racer
• R nine T Scrambler
• R nine T Urban GS
• S 1000 R
• S 1000 RR 2015
• S 1000 RR Prototype
• S 1000 RR
• S 1000 RR 2019
• S 1000 XR
• Vixion Next 100 Motorrad