The BMW R 1250 GS is a two-cylinder motorcycle that’s been around for decades. Whether you own a vintage or a new model, it is critical to know your bike’s oil capacity and get oil changes regularly.

BMW makes powerful machines, and this GS was built for especially epic adventures! To ensure your weekend motorcycle trips go smoothly, you need to keep an eye on the oil level. Luckily, it’s a heck of a lot easier to change the oil on a motorcycle than it is on a car. Check your owner’s manual for more specifics before you get started.

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BMW R 1250 GS engine oil capacity

Before we can get started, you need to know how much engine oil a BMW R 1250 GS requires.

Your motorcycle has an engine oil capacity of 4 quarts.

What kind of oil does a BMW R 1250 GS need?

Next, you need to buy oil. The owner’s manual for an R 1250 GS recommends that you use Castrol EDGE 5W-40. This is a fully synthetic product.

Ultimately, it’s the rating and not the brand that matters most. Let’s quickly review what oil ratings mean.

The “W” means winter. The numbers describe the oil’s thickness or viscosity. A low number means the oil stays very thin, even when the engine is cold. 5 means that this oil is slightly thicker than other oils (rated 0) at low operating temperatures, for instance. 5W-40 engine oil is often used in performance vehicles made by European manufacturers.

If you need engine oil for your BMW R 1250 GS—and you cannot find the Castrol oil recommended by the manufacturer (supply chain issues, anyone?)—here are some options:

The genuine article: To follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter, use

Castrol’s 4T motorcycle oil

Motorex: Try the

4T engine oil

from Motorex Boxer.

MORE:

Is a motorcycle cheaper to insure than a car?

How often to change oil on a BMW R 1250 GS

In your model, the manufacturer BMW recommends that you change your oil every 6,000 miles. You could change it more frequently but this is really not necessary with fully synthetic oil.

Of course, you can’t just stick to the oil change interval. You also need to check your oil level regularly to ensure you’re not running low. Only you can decide what’s best for your bike, so get in the habit of checking your oil anytime you fuel up.

You might need to change your oil if you notice any of these signs:

Dark coloring (dirty oil is dark whereas clean oil is light amber)

Silty texture

Bad sounds coming from the engine

Unusual smells, especially anything that smells like smoke

Changes in your motorcycle’s performance

MORE:

How to get motorcycle insurance

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How to change your oil and oil filter

The GS is an air-cooled motorcycle. This means that you should not start it up and let it sit idling for 30 minutes. If you leave it ticking for too long, this could damage your BMW! The engine should be warm, however.

You will need gloves, a bike stand, an oil filter removal tool (your bike may have come with one), a socket wrench, Allen key, funnel, a new filter, cloth rags, a container for the old oil, and new 5W-20 oil.

Remember that the exhaust pipes are now hot! Start by removing the bash plate to access the engine, if necessary. Then, you can proceed with the rest of the DIY oi change.

Here are the basic steps for a DIY oil change on a BMW R 1250 GS:

Remove the oil filler cap

Place the drainage container beneath the bike then remove the drain plug

Wait for the old oil to drain into the pan

Meanwhile, remove the old filter

Clean the drain plug and use a new washer

Install the new filter, tightening it to the specifications in your owner’s manual

Using your funnel, pour in new oil and replace the fill cap

You’re not done yet! To finish, run your motorcycle for a few minutes to check for leaks. Then, check the oil level again.

Finally, you need to safely dispose of your old motor oil. In many cities, you can drop off your old oil in a sealed container at a local recycling center. Call ahead if you’re unsure what waste will be accepted in your area.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Maintaining your motorcycle is very important—but so is insurance. Even a well-maintained bike with a very safe driver can still get into an accident.