BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

I just grabbed a 2016rt and am enjoying is so far.  I have progressed from a 1987 shadow 500, 85 magna 750, 04 st1300 (my favorite til now),17 ninja 1000sx and a 17 roadking special.  I especially enjoy, as compare to the Harley, that the bike comes with very good equipment from the factory and that I don't have to upgrade everything to make it livable.  Looking forward to you guys dropping some knowledge on me.  LOl

Assuming you do your own maintenance, my #1 suggestion is to change your engine oil regularly and use a full synthetic.  Also, because the final drive is very accessible and easy to drain and fill, I’d recommend changing the gear oil regularly too.


I just bought the new 2021 RT and will be changing both the engine and final drive oil every 2,500 miles.  I also chose Castrol Power 4T, 5W40 for the engine.  It exceeds all BMW requirements for the engine oil.  The rear drive gets Amsoil 75W110 Severe Gear Oil.  First oil change was at 25 miles to get the initial metal flakes out of the oil.  The final drive oil was especially dark and full of ‘first wear-in” metal particles.  I’ll change both 4 more times before it hits 1,000 miles and by then the engine should operate and wear cleanly.


You didn’t mention the mileage on your 2016 RT but my previous RT’s final drive began leaking at 32,000 miles and required a rebuild.  BMW doesn’t shim their final drives, or at least they didn’t use to.  The lack of shimming is what causes the issue.  Some bikes can go forever and not need a rebuild.  Others have needed it before 20,000 miles.  I had my final drive failure in 2012 on a 2002 model and the cost was $550 from the BMW dealer.  A rebuild is likely much more nowadays.  Just check your drive before every ride and if you see even a small leak, it’s time for a rebuild.


Have fun and be safe!

Thank you.  It has 21500 miles and no leak so far.  I will be happy to do some of my own maintence.