BMW K1600 Maintenance

EDIT-After writing this blog post, I have come to the conclusion that AMSOIL 10W-40 Metric Motorcycle oil is the best choice for the K1600.  I have come to this conclusion through several used oil analysis reports from several different K1600's using both the 0W-40 and the 10W-40.  Click here for the AMSOIL 10W-40 Metric Motorcycle Oil.

So, the riding season has pretty much come to an end here in Des Moines.  Not because of the seasonal drop in temperature, but because of the seasonal drop of melting/traction materials courtesy of several public works departments and the Iowa DOT. 

The end of the season for me is the final time of the year to do maintenance on our 2013 BMW K1600GTL.  For me, this final fluid change is not mileage driven.  It is just a "before bed" item.  I change the engine oil and final drive oil along with a thorough cleaning and waxing before putting the bike away.  My engine oil of choice is Amsoil's 0W-40 Formula 4-Stroke Powersports Oil.  This oil is Jaso MA/MA2 certified, so it meets the wet clutch requirements of this bike. 

This Is The Oil We Recommend for the K1600.

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While the BMW Owners Manual recommends 5W-40, I am completely confident in this selection.  I have run this oil for around 12,000 miles with no adverse affects and the notable positive of smoother shifts.  I have also heard from several other K1600 riders that report similar experiences.  I will typically

run 4 to 6000 miles on oil changes, even though Amsoil's products offer extended drain intervals, I do prefer to change at no longer than what BMW recommends.  Although, with Amsoil, I do not fear getting caught in a situation where more miles are accumulated before I can get it changed. 

For the final drive, I am using Amsoil SevereGear 75W90. 

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 This gear oil offers superior protection through its excellent film strength and shear stability.  These properties assure that there is a film between the gear teeth, especially while the full torque of the K's beast of an inline 6 engine is asked for 100% power!!  The highly efficient lubrication properties further protect the drive by keeping things running smooth and cool.  Even while riding to the BMW MOA rally in Billings this year, the drive was only slightly warm to the touch.  That was riding 2 up, at 80 MPH plus on the interstate in 100° plus temperatures. 

Below is what the final drive fluid looked like after the Billings trip, with about 8,000 miles on it.  To me, it looked like new. 

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I choose to change the gear oil at every oil change.  Mostly, I do it that early because it is easy and cheap.  I know a few K1600 guys that choose to

do the final drive change at every other oil change (12,000 miles) or at every tire change, Which for some, could be every 3,000 or so!!  I think most people are comfortable with 10k or so on the final drive changes and with Amsoil SevereGear in use, I would be completely confident in the protection offered. 

So, why do I change fluids at the end of the season regardless of mileage on the existing fluids?  From what I learned earlier in life through experience with boats, it is important to store the engine with fresh oil in it.  Through time, engine oil becomes acidic due to combustion by products.  One of the great properties of Amsoil fully synthetic lubricants is the ability to handle the acids without sacrificing the metals inside the engine.  While this is a great benefit, and one of the reasons why Amsoil is able to provide far longer service life than conventional oils along with most other synthetic oils, I still like to get fresh Amsoil in the engine for winter storage.  And, like most of you that are reading this, I still enjoy working on my stuff!!  Even if it is dumping out perfectly good oil and replacing it.  It's fun to me.  People sometimes ask me: "Why do you spend the extra money on Amsoil, if you are not taking advantage of the longer drain intervals?"  My answer is this: If there is an oil that is engineered to provide extended drain intervals while providing far superior lubrication and protection, why  wouldn't I use that same oil, even though I do change it more often?  And, Amsoil gives me the peace of mind of knowing that I am risking nothing if I don't get it changed as often as I would like!! 

By the way, Amsoil really isn't expensive.  Click here to find out how you can buy Amsoil at great prices!