BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

OK... I admit I'd never noticed the "Red Circle"....
It's the same size as the glass window. It's not what I understand as being two different marks, one high, one low.

Let me re-phrase given this new reality.... (Revised this 27 March 2025)

1) drain oil
2) add new oil until level shows up in red circle (50%)
......(watch the oil level in the window AS YOU POUR in Oil.)
3) ride around the houses until it's hot
4) park it on the center stand (wait 5 min)
5) examine oil in RED CIRCLE
6) add oil to get the level just above the round window's center dot (dixie cup full)
... OR
7) drain small amount from drain plug if oil level too high (same dixie cup amount)

Repeat steps 3 to 7 until the oil in the RED CIRCLE is just above center dot

-
--
--

I would fill it to the top (100%) of the red circle, something like this before going for a ride.



The oil level will drop by at least the capacity of the oil filter ~250 ml.



In theory, that should leave the oil level ~50%.

Yay!!
I think I have this now.
:-)

I just finished an oil change on my Hex head. I put in 3.5 quarts (3.3 litres), and ran it a bit. The oil in the sight glass was above center by a hair. So, I added another 1/4 quart and it looked good after another small run.
It's a PITA having to wait 5 minutes after a run for the oil to drain back to the sump. Of course, it's a BMW. If I wanted it to be easy, I'd get a Honda!
Now, if I could only figure out the horn circuit! The horn is present, but I can't find the wiring or connector! I suspect it was cut away when it was decommissioned.

1gewehr wrote: ↑Tue Mar 04, 2025 4:21 pm If I wanted it to be easy, I'd get a Honda!

Thank you for sayin' it first!
I'm learning to love my BMW, but nothing about it is easy!

Decomissioned? What was your bike before?
Police bike?

Oil should be inside the bike? Right?
Actually, I did figure out this is what happens if you leave the rubber oil filter O-ring from previous filter on and then screw in the new filter and it's O-ring.!!!

Two O-rings don't seal 2X as well!!!!

Is this window showing me full or empty?

So..........Now, I don't know what to do. I've put in 3.8 of oil (I THINK), and now I can't read the window. Is there too much ? Is there too little?

How do I fix this?????

Should I now loosen the drain bolt? And watch the window to see if the oil horizon line shows up???

What would you do next?

Have you run the bike?

Strat Tuner wrote: ↑Thu Mar 27, 2025 8:31 pmI did figure out this is what happens if you leave the rubber oil filter O-ring from previous filter on and then screw in the new filter and it's O-ring.

Coincidently, yesterday, I did an oil & filter change on a 2007 GS and the oil filter O-ring remained stuck to the engine. It was removed before fitting the new oil filter.

Strat Tuner wrote: ↑Thu Mar 27, 2025 8:32 pmIs this window showing me full or empty.

That looks full to me.

Strat Tuner wrote: ↑Thu Mar 27, 2025 8:42 pmWhat would you do next.

If you've put 3.8 litres of oil in and haven't run the engine to fill the oil filter, I'd be surprised if the oil level is too high.

Whilst watching the sight glass, run the engine, the oil level will be seen to reduce.

With the help of an assistant, lean the bike over on the righthand side, the oil level should be seen to reduce.

My 2012 Camhead probably has a little too much oil in, I'll just ride it until some is used and the level reduces itself.

Stu wrote: ↑Thu Mar 27, 2025 9:25 pm Have you run the bike?

yes two mile look to heat it....still fulll....how do i take oil out a little at a time?

ANSWER: loosen the drain plug until a small amount (one dixie cup full) spills out. Tighten it back down to stop the flow.

David. wrote: ↑Thu Mar 27, 2025 9:32 pm That looks full to me.

I was guessing that too....how to take oil out now? to lower it?

ANSWER: loosen the drain plug until a small amount (one dixie cup full) spills out. Tighten it back down to stop the flow.