BMW R 1200 GS LC (K50) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
1,170cc Air/Liquid-Cooled Boxer Twin DOHC 8-Valve (Vertical Flow) · Source: BMW R 1200 GS LC (K50) (2013–2018) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the BMW R 1200 GS LC (K50) (2013–2018) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 2013–2018 BMW R 1200 GS LC (K50) (chassis K50/0A01/0A51) requires 3.6 L (3.80 US qt) of SAE 5W-40 (JASO MA2, API SL / BMW Advantec Ultimate 5W-40) engine oil for a drain-only change and 4 L (4.23 US qt) with filter service (11427721779 / 11425B69258 (HF160)). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI front (120/70 R19) and 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI rear (170/60 R17), paired with 2× NGK LMAR8D-J / LMAR8AI-10 spark plug(s) and a YTZ14S / BMW AGM 12Ah battery.
Drain only: 3.6 L (3.80 US qt)
R 290 kPa (2.90 bar)
Est. Range: ~410 km (255 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 5W-40 · JASO MA2 · API SL / BMW Advantec Ultimate 5W-40 |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 3.6 L (3.80 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 4 L (4.23 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 4.4 L (4.65 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 11427721779 / 11425B69258 (HF160) |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 42 N·m (31.0 lb-ft / 4.28 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
| Final Drive / Bevel Gear Oil | 180 ml (0.18 L) — Hypoid Axle Oil G3 SAE 70W-80 / 75W-90 (180 ml exact) |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 120/70 R19 · Rear: 170/60 R17 (Tubeless) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI Rear: 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI Rear: 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK LMAR8D-J / LMAR8AI-10 × 2 (Gap: 0.8–1.0 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTZ14S / BMW AGM 12Ah (12V 12.0Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | Cardan Shaft Final Drive — Replace rear bevel-gear hypoid oil at exact measured volume |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · OAT ethylene-glycol coolant for aluminum radiators (50:50 premix) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 1170 cc · 125 hp @ 7,750 rpm · 125 N·m (92.2 lb-ft) @ 6,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 850 mm (33.5 in) · 244 kg (538 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 20 L (5.3 US gal) · ~20.5 km/L → ~410 km (255 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 10,000 km / 10,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 20,000 km / 20,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 20,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Landmark 2013 K50 Water-Boxer introducing vertical head flow, front wet clutch, unitized gearbox, and left-side shaft; gained a heavier crank in 2015 and Euro 4 gearbox damper in 2017.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Never use legacy air-head 20W-50 or automotive friction-modified oils—the K50 wet anti-hopping clutch requires low-viscosity SAE 5W-40 JASO MA2 (4.0 L).
Garage Wrenching Gotchas
- Early 2013–2014 K50 bikes have a lighter flywheel feel and were subject to the front fork stanchion crimping collar recall—confirm the reinforcement sleeves are fitted.
- Always pull the recessed pencil ignition coils straight out using a dedicated coil puller tool rather than prying against the magnesium valve cover.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What oil volume, JASO grade, and oil filter code does the BMW R 1200 GS LC (K50) (2013–2018) require?
Because its wet multi-plate clutch shares engine oil with the gearbox, run SAE 5W-40 (JASO MA2) at 3.6 L (3.80 US qt) drain-only and 4 L (4.23 US qt) with filter (11427721779 / 11425B69258 (HF160)). Also service final drive 180 ml.
How do you accurately check the oil level on the R 1200 GS LC (K50), and what are its service intervals?
Hold the motorcycle dead-vertical on level ground 2–3 minutes after warm shutdown and verify the oil sits mid-way between the Upper and Lower marks in the crankcase sight glass—never on the sidestand. Torque the drain plug to 42 N·m with a new crush washer. Factory oil change intervals are every 10,000 km, with valve clearance inspection every 20,000 km.
What are the cold tire pressures, puncture repair type, seat height, and range of the R 1200 GS LC (K50)?
Fitted with 120/70 R19 front and 170/60 R17 rear tubeless rims (compatible with roadside plug kits), set cold tire pressures to 36 / 42 PSI (250/290 kPa) solo or 36 / 42 PSI loaded. Seat height is 850 mm (33.5 in) at 244 kg wet weight, delivering ~410 km per 20 L tank.