Background: Purchased my 2018 R1200RT in Oct 2021, with about 11,500 miles, from a BMW supplier. The supplier hand simply carried out the 12K service, and R&R’s tires and the battery. Since then, as a consequence of numerous tragic circumstances and the ungrateful, unappreciative, idiotic proprietor, it has been run into the bottom …
… for about 500 miles. 
I am not making guarantees about 2025, because the driving season is already half over and the bike nonetheless stays in “winter storage” situations, however I’ll get it able to go, as a matter of non-public hope. 
I modified the oil fall 2022 and 2023. Ought to have completed it final fall, too. I did a brake line purge final summer time. I additionally ran it for error codes final 12 months and it got here up clear (nothing crucial). I checked the (annual) “commonplace scope service” within the handbook. In my view, nothing checked has possible modified since final 12 months. I intend to make some lengthy deferred modifications (i.e. elements sitting in a field) together with a horn and lighting improve, plus I am going to run codes once more, test fluids, and I take into account the bike able to experience. My bike is saved in a heated, humidity managed storage (on a battery tender).
Now my query, which conveniently, I additionally ran by AI (Grok) for a extra … um … complete opinion.
Q: Why does a non-operational BMW bike with contemporary artificial oil, require annual oil modifications?
In my private opinion, skipping the annual oil change final fall, and deferring to the top of the 2025 driving season, poses very low dangers.
What do you suppose? Thanks, people!
Grok disagrees with me:
A non-operational BMW bike with contemporary artificial oil should still require annual oil modifications as a consequence of a number of elements associated to grease degradation and engine well being, even when the bike will not be in use:
1. **Moisture Accumulation**: When a bike sits unused, condensation can type contained in the engine and oil system as a consequence of temperature fluctuations. Artificial oil, whereas extra immune to breakdown than typical oil, can nonetheless soak up moisture over time, resulting in potential corrosion or sludge formation within the engine. That is very true in humid environments or if the bike is saved in a non-climate-controlled space.
2. **Oil Components Degradation**: Artificial oils comprise components like anti-wear brokers, detergents, and corrosion inhibitors. These components can break down or lose effectiveness over time, even with out engine operation, as a consequence of publicity to air, temperature modifications, or chemical reactions. As soon as these components degrade, the oil could not present optimum safety when the bike is ultimately began.
3. **Contaminants within the System**: Even in a non-operational bike, residual contaminants (like gasoline residues, combustion byproducts, or filth) from earlier use can stay within the engine. Over time, these can combine with the oil, lowering its effectiveness and doubtlessly inflicting deposits or corrosion.
4. **Producer Suggestions**: BMW, like many producers, usually specifies annual oil modifications of their upkeep schedules (e.g., each 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first) to make sure engine reliability. This accounts for the elements above and is a conservative method to stop long-term harm, particularly for engines with tight tolerances like these in BMW bikes.
5. **Storage Circumstances**: If the bike is saved improperly (e.g., with out stabilizing the gasoline, in a humid atmosphere, or with out operating the engine periodically), the oil can turn into contaminated or much less efficient quicker. Annual oil modifications mitigate dangers related to extended storage.
**Why Artificial Oil Particularly?**
Whereas artificial oil is extra secure and longer-lasting than typical oil, it’s not proof against the above points. BMW’s suggestion for annual modifications possible assumes worst-case storage situations to make sure engine longevity, particularly for high-performance engines that depend on optimum lubrication. (my highlighting)
**Sensible Issues**:
– If the bike is saved in a climate-controlled atmosphere with correct gasoline stabilization and minimal publicity to humidity, you may prolong the oil change interval barely (e.g., each 18–24 months), however that is at your personal threat and will void warranties.
– All the time test the proprietor’s handbook to your particular BMW mannequin, as some could have distinctive necessities (e.g., moist clutch methods or particular oil sorts like BMW’s beneficial 5W-40 or 10W-50 artificial oils).
– If you happen to plan to maintain the bike non-operational for years, take into account draining the oil completely and refilling it earlier than use, or seek the advice of a BMW technician for tailor-made recommendation.
