600 Mile Service GSA..Trans/FD Synthetic?

[Wallowa]

Question...is the FD oil that comes in the bike a synthetic? I am toying with the idea of requesting that the trans and FD oil be replaced with a synthetic during the 600 mile service on my GSA...

Any comment or information? Thanks...Phil::

[Wallowa]

How can I delete one of these double posts?

Thanks...Phil::

[PGlaves]

Question...is the FD oil that comes in the bike a synthetic? I am toying with the idea of requesting that the trans and FD oil be replaced with a synthetic during the 600 mile service on my GSA...

Any comment or information? Thanks...Phil::

First off - what bike?

Second, why a syntehtic in a final drive? What is it about a final drive that makes a synthetic superior. Usually, it is tolerance to heat that makes a synthetic superior. I like them in air cooled engines, because of the possibility of high oil temperatures.

But why in a final drive?

Until the latest 1200x, BMW specified a straight 90 wt oil. 85w90 might be OK. So why a synthetic in a final drive. Other than marketing hype what are the benefits? I think they are elusive at best.

[Wallowa]

I was asking if synthetic is used in tranny or FD...for lube longevity and film strength at higher temperatures...soooooo, does anyone use synthetic in trans or FD? If yes or no, why or why not?

Thanks for all input..Phil::

Ps...600 mile service = 2007 GSA

[PGlaves]

I was asking if synthetic is used in tranny or FD...for lube longevity and film strength at higher temperatures...soooooo, does anyone use synthetic in trans or FD? If yes or no, why or why not?

Thanks for all input..Phil::

Ps...600 mile service = 2007 GSA

I inquired as to what bike because the answers are different depending upon model. Up through the R1150 models BMW sped'd 90 wt GL5 gear oil for transmissions and final drives - with substitution of a 75w140 BMW synthetic OK in the transmission. BUT, no such substitution for the final drive was specified - at least not in the repair manuals and riders manuals I have.

It is my understanding - somebody please look in their riders manual or service manual and veriify this please - that BMW now specifies GL5 90 wt or an 75w90 synthetic for the new version final drive on the R1200.

I have sometimes used synthetic in transmissions. I only used synthetic in a final drive once and switched it out quickly because the output seal leaked with the synthetic. Put dino back in and Voni put over 325,000 miles on that final drive with the same seal, bearings, etc still in place. I had to replace and reshim the small roller bearing at just over 325,000 miles.

I am also of the carefully considered but maybe minority opinion that the use of wrong viscosity synthetics has been a contributing factor in the higher than normal failure rate of BMW final drive output bearings. I run straight 90 wt GL5 dino gear oil when I can find it - 85w90 GL5 dino when I can't find straight 90 wt. I use either Dow "M" or an equivilent moly additive mixed about 3% by volume in all final drives and transmissions on our shaft drive bikes.

[BMWRich58]

Question...is the FD oil that comes in the bike a synthetic? I am toying with the idea of requesting that the trans and FD oil be replaced with a synthetic during the 600 mile service on my GSA...

Any comment or information? Thanks...Phil::

Dealer/Mechanic here in Chi-Town pulled out "ze official papers" from der "FatherLand".
In the trans and rear end (final drive) they recommend 75w90.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/BMWRich58/100_0920.jpg

....in all the newer 1200 series bikes...RT,GS, models etc.

And yes it says synthetic on the bottle.

On the older 1100-1150 models,they used 75w-140.

[Wallowa]

That is the information I was looking for...need to know what should be done when I take in my bike for 600 service....trust but verify!

Thanks again..Phil::

[jyambrovich]

Hi Phil,
Trust but verify - a good phrase.
From what I've read in the ON and from all of the hours I've spent reading and learning from the collective wisdom on this board, I don't know that there's anyone that I would trust a whole lot more than Paul Glaves. If it were me asking the question and Paul piped up with his opinion, I'd put some stock in his answer.
If you've made up your mind but are looking for people to back your idea, that's OK. But if you're looking for advice...

[Wallowa]

Jay...and Paul...I am asking about the use of synthetic lubricants in my '07 GSA...other bikes may or may not require different types and wts of lube...that seems to be a given...FDs and Trans and lube evolve and change...what was good then may not be appropriate or the best product now...no belly bumping, just trying to find out what will contribute best to the longevity of my trans,FD and engine....I do realize that Dino vs Synthetic is a touchy and controversial topic, and not one I wish to get into...

#1 Does BMW recommend a synthetic lube in the trans/FD/engine of MY bike...yes.

#2 What weight does BMW recommend trans/FD...apparently 75W90.

#3 Does BMW "know best"; yes and no...jury still out on this cuz' BMW treats most technical issues as "trade secrets" which it seems to keep from dealers and owners for as long as it can [a real complaint I have is about BMW's lack of timely and direct technical support for owners and many dealers]..having said that my bike is on a warranty and if synthetic lube would degrade the service life of the bike then BMW would lose money...that they will not do!

I do listen to all views and opinions...and I do appreciate all input...this is my first BMW...but not my first motorcycle or performance vehicle...so I too have many years wrenching on my bikes and cars..one thing for certain the GSA is a hoot to ride!

Thanks...:brow Phil::

[mcrider2]

The maintenance manual says to use Castrol SAF X0 in the final drive and a brand name hypoid-gear lubricant SAE 90 API GL 5 in the transmission.

I researched Castrol SAF X0 on Castrol's website and they say it is a 75W90 synthetic that meets GL5. This type is used in non limited slip differentials. The kicker is that this type is not sold in the U.S.

Further research shows that Castrol Syntec 75W90 does meet almost the same specs.

[Wallowa]

First Mac's in Clarkston, WA did a great job of getting me in and out..very professional..mileage when I rolled in '599'.

F/D was in fact changed...lube was Synthetic 75w90 [$17+!!!! a quart]

Total cost was $345

Did a great ride up the Snake river canyon after service inroute home..then up this beautiful dirt road [Couse Creek] out of canyon..:brow