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All Things Oil For A Newbie
Greetings, fellow Spyder lovers! I'm a newbie to this forum as well as a newbie to Spyder ownership. We recently purchased our first, a 2011 RT. A bit older but low mileage and not a scratch on 'er! My question has to do with oil. If I need to "top it off," it seems there are tons of different opinions. The manual for the 2011 is very specific in calling for this:
"Recommended Engine Oil
The same oil is used for the engine,
gearbox, clutch, and the HCM in the
SE5 model.
Use the XPS SYNTHETIC BLEND OIL
(SUMMER GRADE) (P/N 293 600 121)
or a 5W 40 semi-synthetic (minimum)
or synthetic motorcycle oil meeting
the requirements for API service SL,
SJ, SH or SG classification. Always
check the API service label on the oil
container.
NOTICE
clutch, do not use a motor oil meet-
ing the API service SM or ILSAC GF-4
classification. Clutch slippage will
occur.'
It's not that I want to argue with the manufacturer, but what do you all use and suggest. Note that we purchased a warranty package with the Spyder, so I don't want to void that by using the wrong oil. I've read that many owners use, for example, Amsoil 5w 40 or 10w 40 motorcycle oil. Additionally, the Amsoil seems to meet the SM API service, which Can Am says will cause clutch slippage. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
John
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by John2611
Greetings, fellow Spyder lovers! I'm a newbie to this forum as well as a newbie to Spyder ownership. We recently purchased our first, a 2011 RT. A bit older but low mileage and not a scratch on 'er! My question has to do with oil. If I need to "top it off," it seems there are tons of different opinions. The manual for the 2011 is very specific in calling for this:
"Recommended Engine Oil
The same oil is used for the engine,
gearbox, clutch, and the HCM in the
SE5 model.
Use the XPS SYNTHETIC BLEND OIL
(SUMMER GRADE) (P/N 293 600 121)
or a 5W 40 semi-synthetic (minimum)
or synthetic motorcycle oil meeting
the requirements for API service SL,
SJ, SH or SG classification. Always
check the API service label on the oil
container.
NOTICE
clutch, do not use a motor oil meet-
ing the API service SM or ILSAC GF-4
classification. Clutch slippage will
occur.'
It's not that I want to argue with the manufacturer, but what do you all use and suggest. Note that we purchased a warranty package with the Spyder, so I don't want to void that by using the wrong oil. I've read that many owners use, for example, Amsoil 5w 40 or 10w 40 motorcycle oil. Additionally, the Amsoil seems to meet the SM API service, which Can Am says will cause clutch slippage. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
John
Are you sure you bought a " Warranty " ..... or a " Service " package .... they work differently ..... And I learned to use after-market oil that is FULL synthetic, IMHO it's better oil and much less expensive ...... good luck ... Mike
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Originally Posted by BLUEKNIGHT911
Are you sure you bought a " Warranty " ..... or a " Service " package .... they work differently ..... And I learned to use after-market oil that is FULL synthetic, IMHO it's better oil and much less expensive ...... good luck ... Mike
Hey, Mike-- Yep, it's a warranty, not a service package, but good question. Can I assume you use 5w40 cycle oil? The reason I ask is that I see some folks using 10w40, plus I'm having trouble finding 5w40 locally. I have seen 5w40 European Auto oil, but that's probably not the same.
Thanks!
John
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Very Active Member
In all the years I have been on the site, (2/2010), I have never heard of BRP voiding anyone's warranty because they used the wrong oil.
The subject of oil brings out many strong opinions.
A reminder from a moderator: Let's keep it friendly this go around.
A copy of the site rules in case someone needs a refresh.
https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...hp?do=vsarules
Last edited by ARtraveler; 07-20-2021 at 12:11 PM.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)
MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles
IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
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Very Active Member
welcome to spyder world!! have you read the manual?? do you know proper procedure to check oil? its not checking cold!! these beasts have an odd way to check oil, i'll say check it after a ride of 10 miles, stop let idle for 2 minutes, shut off, check oil within 2 minutes of shut off
2015 Spyder RT Ltd- bUrp - only add the "U", 2010 Honda NT700V-red,2010 Honda NT700V-silver retired @201,111 miles, 1997 Honda PC800, 1996 Honda PC800, Honda CT500, Honda Shadow 500, 1978 Suzuki GS550, 1973 Suzuki TC125, other assorted smaller bikes, Suzuki TM400
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My pologies!
Originally Posted by ARtraveler
In all the years I have been on the site, (2/2010), I have never heard of BRP voiding anyone's warranty because they used the wrong oil.
The subject of oil brings out many strong opinions.
A reminder from a moderator: Let's keep it friendly this go around.
A copy of the site rules, just in case you need a refresh.
All posts must be written in English (Threads/Posts written in a language other than English may be removed without notice).
Political posts are NOT allowed on the site.
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ARtraveller--
Please accept my apologies if I did something in violation posting rules! I'm not sure what I did, but if I answered Mike in a manner that could be taken as offensive, I do apologize!
John
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Originally Posted by Woodaddict
welcome to spyder world!! have you read the manual?? do you know proper procedure to check oil? its not checking cold!! these beasts have an odd way to check oil, i'll say check it after a ride of 10 miles, stop let idle for 2 minutes, shut off, check oil within 2 minutes of shut off
Thanks for the feedback, Woodaddict. I have indeed read the manual, cover to cover actually, LOL! Yes, the odd procedure to check the oil jumped right out at me, so I followed the steps you outlined. I was just curious as to what you Spyder pros use for oil, especially in light of he fact that BRP markets their own oil. Thanks again!
John
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Very Active Member
John,
First, the warning above was not directed at you. Some topics get a lot of 'noise' from responders.
I use Castrol MC full synth and have had no issues.
'20 Spyder RT: Bajaron swaybar. Vredestein tires, Pedal Commander, Elka front shocks, GPS/USB/12V handlebar mount, Heli-Bars, Radar Detector, KOTT grills & vents, Shad top case, chin & DRL LEDs.
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Very Active Member
The one thing that is not mentioned in the manual is to look for a JASO MA2 rating. This is a Japonese standards organization and the MA2 means the oil is suitable for wet clutches, which our Spyders are.Some oils from other uses also carry an MA2. Shell Rotella T6 Diesel is one and many of us here use that. It comes in a 5w40 and is a synthetic oil. It is also cheap and since we are throwing it away every 4500 miles, I like that. Amzoil has an MA2 rated oil and some say it is the best you can get. BajaRon a site sponsor sells that at a discount. Lamonster Garage the site creator sells an MA2 oil that is also from a very high quality manufacturer. Valvolene, Quaker State, Kendal, Royal Purple and many others sell MA2 rated oils that are good and at varying price levels. So pick your poison and have fun. Ride more worry less (PA)
Last edited by pegasus1300; 07-20-2021 at 02:01 PM.
Reason: spelling
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Very Active Member
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Very Active Member
Originally Posted by John2611
ARtraveller--
Please accept my apologies if I did something in violation posting rules! I'm not sure what I did, but if I answered Mike in a manner that could be taken as offensive, I do apologize!
John
You did nothing wrong. Since you are a new poster I know that you are not familiar with what happens with oil, mpg, and a few other threads. They sometimes get heated and we have to close the thread down, or take action against some who break the rules. We are now trying the friendly reminder method for all early on.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)
MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles
IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
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Thanks, Pegasus! It's funny, I've seen the 5w40 diesel oil but never would have guessed it could be used!
John
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SpyderLovers Sponsor
In 2011, BRP sold and recommended 10w/40 oil for the Spyder. They quit selling 10w/40 and so now they recommend what they sell, 5w/40. My opinion is that a 10w/40 oil is still a better fit for the Spyder. It certainly will not hurt or 'Void' any warranty.
There are some things to watch out for though.
#1 - Check your oil level correctly or GUARANTEED! You will overfill it creating issues that you do not want. You have to RIDE your Spyder to get a guaranteed accurate oil level reading because you need to shift through the gears (SE Only) and get the oil at least warm, preferably, but not critically necessary to operating temperature.
#2 - The SE5 (and to a slightly lesser degree, the SM5) are VERY wet clutch oil sensitive. Get the wrong oil and you'll slip your clutch. (Lug the SE5 and you'll do the same). Clutch replacement is expensive and unnecessary. Treat the clutch right in a Spyder and it will probably last the life of the vehicle. Treat it wrong and you may not get 1,000 miles out of it.
This sometimes works to scare people in to buying the BRP lubricant. I don't recommend this. Because, as mentioned above, there are much better products for less money. And even better products for about the same or slightly more.
#3 - Amsoil does not make a Wet Clutch Oil in a 5w/40. The Amsoil I recommend, and use, is their 10w/40 MCF. But whatever oil you use. It must be rated JASO MA2. Using any other JASO rated oil is a risk to your clutch.
#4 - The SM warning is because SM means that Friction Modifiers have been added to the lubricant. Friction Modifiers make the oil slipperier, which is great for everything BUT the CLUTCH! However, the SM rating is not necessarily a death knell for your Spyder. If the oil has a JASO rating of MA2 with the SM rating. Then you are still good to go. I little difficult to comprehend how a slipperier oil could still allow the clutch to function without issue. But these oil engineers keep coming up with the ability to go 2 directions at the same time.
#5 - Beware of oil recommendations from those who own an SM6/SE6 1330 ACE motor. BRP made changes to the clutch in them and they are not nearly as wet clutch sensitive as is the SM6/SE5. An oil that works fine in a 1330 may well slip the clutch in the 998.
I hope this helps. Don't be intimidated by all of this. There are a lot of great alternatives out there that will do a better job for less money. They are not hard to find. With a bit of care and proper attention, you should be very happy with your purchase. It is a good sign that you are asking BEFORE you find these things out the hard way.
Good Luck!
Last edited by BajaRon; 07-20-2021 at 11:35 AM.
Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)
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Very Active Member
Walmart might have several oils with Jaso M2 to choose from. I used Amsoil when I had a 998, and other types in the 1330 but always come back to Amsoil. I know its a quality product and meets all requirements.
Two Wheelers from 1963-2011
Three Wheelers:
2011 RT(Red)
2014 RT(white)
2016 F3T(red)
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2019 Slingshot
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I to have always and will continue using Amsoil. I buy all my oil filters and brake shoes from BajaRon, high quality and best of service, great guy to deal with. He even ships to Canada. Enjoy your ride, it’s a great bike.
Roger
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Very Active Member
Since the subject of checking the oil level came up I guess this is as good a place to post an experiment I did.
First let me say that I proved myself wrong in something I had said before about idling for 10 minutes being as good as a ride. It's not.
There actually is a reason for following the procedure to check the oil.
Oil Temperature 83.8F Low mark on dipstick Not started for a little over 24 hours
Oil Temperature 151.3 F 1/2 way between low and full Idled for 10 minutes Fan did cycle on
Oil Temperature 211.8 F Full mark on dipstick 9 mile ride
Oil Temperature 206.9 F Full mark 25 mile ride
(I sure wish the tab key worked so the spacing wouldn't @#$$)
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Very Active Member
FWIW, the 990 cc twins, like their revs, and DO use oil between changes @ 4500miles.
Always have a spare quart of oil and a funnel with you to top up at ~ 500mile intervals when you stop for fuel!!!
Al in Kazoo
All the great movements in the world began with a cup of coffee!
2018 F3-T
My mods: Can am Trailer hitch, USB and 12 volt power outlets, Gustason windshield, Bead rider seat cushion, battery harness for electric gear and battery tender, Time out trailer.
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