I was wondering if anyone is using Amsoil 0W40 powersports oil for their 1330 engine?
If the BRP full synthetic oil is 0W40, I am curious as to why Amsoil recommends 10W40 motorcycle oil and not the 0W40?
Gunner
You are much better off with a 10w-40 than with a 0w-40 oil. Here are some reasons why.
1- The smaller the difference between the lower number and the higher number, the more stable the oil is. A more stable oil is better able to resist 'Shearing' or degradation due to the crushing force of transmission gears. It therefore not only lasts longer, but provides better lubrication as well.
2- A 0w oil is designed to flow well when cooled to very low temperatures (like a Snowmobile left out overnight in sub-zero temperatures). If you are leaving your Spyder outside in sub-zero temperatures on a regular basis then yes, I would recommend a 0w weight oil. If not, then you are sacrificing the benefits of a 10w oil for a feature that you are not going to use.
When the Spyder first came out BRP recommended a 10w-40 oil. The same Rotax engine in the Aprilia motorcycle recommended 20w-50 oil. My feeling is that BRP wanted to consolidate the lubricants they offered and needed something that will work in all of their equipment. Snowmobiles, ATV's, watercraft and the Spyder. A 0w-40 oil will do this. But it is not necessarily the ideal oil for every application.
Personally, I think the 10w-40 weight oil (or even a 15w-40) is a better fit for the Spyder. I use Amsoil because real life testing shows it holds up much better than the BRP lubricants. But it is my opinion that a 10w-40 oil of any brand that meets BRP specs., is better for our Spyders than the same oil in a 0w-40 viscosity.
Many manufacturers have sacrificed lubrication for fuel mileage. Recommending 0w-?? viscosity oils instead of a heavier viscosity which would offer better protection. I am not saying that BRP has done this with the Spyder. Just that it has been a general trend over the last 15 years or so in an attempt to meet EPA fuel mileage requirements for cars and trucks.