I'm sure that each owner/rider will have their own reasons, but for me it's all of the above.
blog.amsoil.com
I admit that I had to look that one up and now I know that it was an insult.
Thanks for the info!Being retired and having dealt with this sort of discussion for 40 years I did some research.
The owners manual specifies the engine oil as follows:
SAE 15W50 API SJ, JASO MA2
The BMW oil that they recommend is semi-synthetic and it meets all of the above specifications. It's called Advantec Pro 15W50. You can get it for $19.50/qt. at Amazon., $16.50/qt. at Bob's BMW, and for $15/qt. at Sierra BMW. OK...
BUT the JASO MA2 specification is all about producing an oil that meets the needs of a WET motorcycle clutch. That means a clutch that is bathed in the engine oil. The R18 has a DRY CLUTCH. It would suffer catastrophic failure if it was made wet in oil of any type. Using an oil made for an engine with a wet clutch (as are MOST Japanese motorcycles) would not be harmful, but in the case of the R18 the specification for a wet clutch oil is an unnecessary requirement that adds to the expense.
What's the Difference Between JASO MA and JASO MA2 Oil? - AMSOIL Blog
Motorcycles and dirt bikes require a JASO MA or JASO MA2 oil. The difference between these classifications lie in the oils' frictional properties.
Never mind that I personally have a few decades of positive experience using "non-wet clutch" specified oils in hundreds of Japanese motorcycles that have wet clutches, the R18 simply doesn't need an oil with that specification.
For this discussion, I will assume (from extensive personal experience spanning 4 decades) that Mobil 1 is a producer of VERY high quality synthetic motor oils. It is not alone in it's ability to make motor oils of the highest qualities matching any vehicle manufacturer's specifications. There are a variety of manufacturers who make very high quality oils that meets most automotive and motorcycle manufacturers requirements and, truth to tell, most vehicle manufacturers get their "branded" oils from those great companies. But Mobil 1 falls short of no other and their reputation is well documented longer than we care about here. In no way have I EVER been associated with Mobil 1, their products or the profitability of their products. I have only been a consumer.
Mobil 1 "Racing 4T" meets the full specification that BMW gives for the R18 engine oil. You can buy it at Amazon.com for $36.98/qt. OUCH!
It would be cheaper to buy the BMW oil at the dealership.
But regular Mobil 1 15W50 FULL synthetic motor oil meets all the specs at matter! You can buy it at Amazom.com for $22.31/qt. or in a 5 quart bottle for $42.29. You can buy it today at Walmart for $24.97 for 5 quarts in a 5 qt. bottle. That's a heck of a savings. I have stocked Mobil 1 oil and put it in hundreds of motorcycles (most of which even have wet clutches) for 4 decades. Virtually every purchase that I have made for Mobil 1 has been from Walmart or another local retailer that sold it at the best local price.
The above is only a discussion of motor oil quality and price, but I think that it's a good reflection of what a quality/price conscious owner might consider. Let your conscience AND wallet be your guide.
I love M1 Racing 4t really good oil for its price.Being retired and having dealt with this sort of discussion for 40 years I did some research.
The owners manual specifies the engine oil as follows:
SAE 15W50 API SJ, JASO MA2
The BMW oil that they recommend is semi-synthetic and it meets all of the above specifications. It's called Advantec Pro 15W50. You can get it for $19.50/qt. at Amazon., $16.50/qt. at Bob's BMW, and for $15/qt. at Sierra BMW. OK...
BUT the JASO MA2 specification is all about producing an oil that meets the needs of a WET motorcycle clutch. That means a clutch that is bathed in the engine oil. The R18 has a DRY CLUTCH. It would suffer catastrophic failure if it was made wet in oil of any type. Using an oil made for an engine with a wet clutch (as are MOST Japanese motorcycles) would not be harmful, but in the case of the R18 the specification for a wet clutch oil is an unnecessary requirement that adds to the expense.
What's the Difference Between JASO MA and JASO MA2 Oil? - AMSOIL Blog
Motorcycles and dirt bikes require a JASO MA or JASO MA2 oil. The difference between these classifications lie in the oils' frictional properties.
Never mind that I personally have a few decades of positive experience using "non-wet clutch" specified oils in hundreds of Japanese motorcycles that have wet clutches, the R18 simply doesn't need an oil with that specification.
For this discussion, I will assume (from extensive personal experience spanning 4 decades) that Mobil 1 is a producer of VERY high quality synthetic motor oils. It is not alone in it's ability to make motor oils of the highest qualities matching any vehicle manufacturer's specifications. There are a variety of manufacturers who make very high quality oils that meets most automotive and motorcycle manufacturers requirements and, truth to tell, most vehicle manufacturers get their "branded" oils from those great companies. But Mobil 1 falls short of no other and their reputation is well documented longer than we care about here. In no way have I EVER been associated with Mobil 1, their products or the profitability of their products. I have only been a consumer.
Mobil 1 "Racing 4T" meets the full specification that BMW gives for the R18 engine oil. You can buy it at Amazon.com for $36.98/qt. OUCH!
It would be cheaper to buy the BMW oil at the dealership.
But regular Mobil 1 15W50 FULL synthetic motor oil meets all the specs at matter! You can buy it at Amazom.com for $22.31/qt. or in a 5 quart bottle for $42.29. You can buy it today at Walmart for $24.97 for 5 quarts in a 5 qt. bottle. That's a heck of a savings. I have stocked Mobil 1 oil and put it in hundreds of motorcycles (most of which even have wet clutches) for 4 decades. Virtually every purchase that I have made for Mobil 1 has been from Walmart or another local retailer that sold it at the best local price.
The above is only a discussion of motor oil quality and price, but I think that it's a good reflection of what a quality/price conscious owner might consider. Let your conscience AND wallet be your guide.
I'm sure that M1 Racing 4T is excellent stuff! I was only pointing out that the R18 doesn't need it. And that the R18 has a dry clutch, so the potential issue regarding use of oils with friction modifiers that can cause problems with wet clutches, is NOT an issue with our machines.
I'm sure your firearms are well lubricated, but I suspect that motor oil will collect too much grime & grit. I prefer oil that's firearm specific for all of my firearms. I particularly like moly on the slides to minimize wear.
