Has anybody changed the HCM Filter and found it contaminated……needing replacement? The filter is $129+ ….kinda costly!
(The HCM filter protects the trans in case of engine failure)
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 01-16-2023 at 10:29 PM.
Reason: Expanded title to briefly ask the question... ;-)
It’s necessary! That’s your transmission filter. Your motor oil serves both the transmission and your engine. You’ll pay $27.95 for BOTH the oil and transmission filters from Bajaron. And you’ll get a new o-ring for each, plus a new copper crush washer for both the oil tank and engine.
~~2010 RS SE5 My first Spidey, but not my first ride~~
The trigger’s been pulled. We have to
get there before the hammer falls.
Has anybody changed the HCM Filter and found it contaminated……needing replacement? The filter is $129+ ….kindda costly.
I'm kinda Frugal , so I changed mine at 35,000 and now at 75,000 mi I going to change it again ..... I'm 75 and have don'\t ride as much as I used to, so this will likely be my last change..... PS my trans works as it always did .... good luck .... Mike
When I first changed my filter I replaced it with Ron's filter. The new filter and the one I removed from the spyder were identical. I examined the filter I removed with a magnifying glass and could not find any difference between it and the new one. Well, the color of the one I removed was different because of the engine oil it had on it. I could be wrong here but the filter appears to be a safety device keeping large metal debris from entering the engine from the transmission compartment. In other words, a chunk catcher. I intend on checking the filter closely again and if nothing is in it and it's not damaged in any way, then it's going back on.
When I first changed my filter I replaced it with Ron's filter. The new filter and the one I removed from the spyder were identical. I examined the filter I removed with a magnifying glass and could not find any difference between it and the new one. Well, the color of the one I removed was different because of the engine oil it had on it. I could be wrong here but the filter appears to be a safety device keeping large metal debris from entering the engine from the transmission compartment. In other words, a chunk catcher. I intend on checking the filter closely again and if nothing is in it and it's not damaged in any way, then it's going back on.
At the present time I'm thinking the same way! At best I think to clean it and put back in if it doesn't show any damage, but I've been wrong on occasion.(so I've been TOLD! Bill
2020 RTL Chrome, Marsala Red "Non-Directional Tires, Centramatic Balancers"
Front- Kumho KH-16 175/55r15 @17psi, Rear-General Altimax RT-45 215/60r15 @20psi
BaJa Ron Ultra 3 pcs sway bar kit
7jurock 25" tinted windscreen w/flip
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At the present time I'm thinking the same way! At best I think to clean it and put back in if it doesn't show any damage, but I've been wrong on occasion.(so I've been TOLD! Bill
Been there myself. Just stand by, I'm sure we'll be tagged on this one.
There are also three oil strainers [sieves] in the oil sump cover.
The SE6 HCM is much like a 80s-90s electronically controlled automatic transmission in that it has its own oil pumps (two) and tight tolerance solenoid valves (four) operating spool valves. There are two big differences:
(1) like most motorcycles, the HCM is lubricated with shared engine and transmission oil rather than specialized long-life transmission fluid.
(2) like most motorcycles, the clutch plate wear material (nine friction plates) is shed into that engine and transmission oil (the bands for planetary gears are less prone to this).
I have a 90K 2014 (3rd owner) which spent much of its life towing a trailer so I've looked at the cost of replacing the HCM. About $500 if you do it yourself and already have the tools.
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT-S SE6 Freeway Commuter Pod
2016 Royal Enfield Classic 500 Fair-Weather Mountain Bike
I did my HCM at 26000 when I was changing the oil. Just out of curiosity, I pried it apart to see what was in it. Not a lot, but it certainly does catch some machining bits, etc. Here’s a couple of photos. Definitely worth changing.
There are also three oil strainers [sieves] in the oil sump cover.
The SE6 HCM is much like a 80s-90s electronically controlled automatic transmission in that it has its own oil pumps (two) and tight tolerance solenoid valves (four) operating spool valves. There are two big differences:
(1) like most motorcycles, the HCM is lubricated with shared engine and transmission oil rather than specialized long-life transmission fluid.
(2) like most motorcycles, the clutch plate wear material (nine friction plates) is shed into that engine and transmission oil (the bands for planetary gears are less prone to this).
I have a 90K 2014 (3rd owner) which spent much of its life towing a trailer so I've looked at the cost of replacing the HCM. About $500 if you do it yourself and already have the tools.
Bert, So you are saying to change the HCM filter as suggested at the proper intervals? Or, do a thorough cleaning and put it back in if it doesn't show damage? We are listening to one that has better knowledge of this! TIA Bill
2020 RTL Chrome, Marsala Red "Non-Directional Tires, Centramatic Balancers"
Front- Kumho KH-16 175/55r15 @17psi, Rear-General Altimax RT-45 215/60r15 @20psi
BaJa Ron Ultra 3 pcs sway bar kit
7jurock 25" tinted windscreen w/flip
Frogman Dave's "Signal Button" If in Doubt, Don't Do It!
" Pros: Excellent Bug Killer, Cons: Pizz Poor Pothole Dodger"
Most of the 1330 HCM's we've changed look good as new. Very little, if anything, in them. We've had 2, I believe, that had enough to warrant changing. The thing is. If you can't document changing at the prescribed, 28K interval. BRP has valid grounds do deny a warranty claim for any issue impacted by the HCM filter system. I'm not saying this is kosher if the filter is clean. And I don't attempt to fear monger about warranty. Personally, warranty issues are not a big part of my private concern process. However, I know there are those who are very concerned about protecting themselves in this area. So I offer the facts to be applied as needed.
I did my HCM at 26000 when I was changing the oil. Just out of curiosity, I pried it apart to see what was in it. Not a lot, but it certainly does catch some machining bits, etc. Here’s a couple of photos. Definitely worth changing.
Remember that the HCM filter has a very Big job to do. As seen from the post above, Some people make the wrong choices. I have always stated that if you don't have the money to maintain your TOY ......Best Not Get the Toy. Enjoy Your Day. .......
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 01-16-2023 at 10:42 PM.
Reason: Moved Post title into text - many won't see post titles, only Thread Titles! ;-)
ENJOY YOUR LIFE WITH A SPYDER
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I did my HCM at 26000 when I was changing the oil. Just out of curiosity, I pried it apart to see what was in it. Not a lot, but it certainly does catch some machining bits, etc. Here’s a couple of photos. Definitely worth changing.
I did my HCM at 26000 when I was changing the oil. Just out of curiosity, I pried it apart to see what was in it. Not a lot, but it certainly does catch some machining bits, etc. Here’s a couple of photos. Definitely worth changing.
Do you have any idea why there are so many holes / tears in the fabric ..???? .... Mike
I did my HCM at 26000 when I was changing the oil. Just out of curiosity, I pried it apart to see what was in it. Not a lot, but it certainly does catch some machining bits, etc. Here’s a couple of photos. Definitely worth changing.
Wow that doesn't look good at all. What did the magnet on your drain plug look like? After seeing that did you tear apart your main oil filter to see what was in it?
The tears are from prying it apart. It didn’t come apart easily. The first couple oil changes had very minor bits on the magnet - as many do. Nothing on more recent oil changes.
If you're inclined to skip or stretch out the HCM filter replacement I wouldn't do it at the first interval. There are going to be contaminants from assembly and initial break in that the original filter will catch as JSRT's pictures show.
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The debris in the HCM filter depicted in JSRT's public service photos is from the engine and transmission captured by the 50 micron brass screen. That screen and the 10 micron fleece stand between the engine oil sump and the HCM itself, the first component of which being the oil pumps. If that debris had reached the tight tolerance solenoids, you would be replacing the HCM.
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT-S SE6 Freeway Commuter Pod
2016 Royal Enfield Classic 500 Fair-Weather Mountain Bike
If you're inclined to skip or stretch out the HCM filter replacement I wouldn't do it at the first interval. There are going to be contaminants from assembly and initial break in that the original filter will catch as JSRT's pictures show.
After reading about the HCM filter; JSRT's pictures, Bensonoid's intel, and Bert Remington's mechanical input. I've come to the conclusion that I will be replacing the filter on the first interval as it comes due in another 8K miles. At about a 1/2 cent a mile it is good insurance to "Ride More, Worry Less". Thanks all, Bill
2020 RTL Chrome, Marsala Red "Non-Directional Tires, Centramatic Balancers"
Front- Kumho KH-16 175/55r15 @17psi, Rear-General Altimax RT-45 215/60r15 @20psi
BaJa Ron Ultra 3 pcs sway bar kit
7jurock 25" tinted windscreen w/flip
Frogman Dave's "Signal Button" If in Doubt, Don't Do It!
" Pros: Excellent Bug Killer, Cons: Pizz Poor Pothole Dodger"
HCM filter - does it really need replacement?
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If in Doubt, Don't Do It! 
Originally Posted by bikerchris1270
At the present time I'm thinking the same way! At best I think to clean it and put back in if it doesn't show any damage, but I've been wrong on occasion.(so I've been TOLD! 
It's not a $100 oil strainer
