2008/2013 990/998 V Twin Owners - XPS M Rated Oil versus OTHER Oils Rated API 'M'

[Jeriatric]

As suspected, but wanted to see it in writing.

BRP specially formulated their API M rated oil geared towards use in ALL Spyder's.

That said, as noted below. Use of MOST other oil with API M rating is still NOT recommended - Per the 2 responses below from XPS Lubricant representatives.

That too, is exactly as thought.

Trust but verify.


Response #1 addressed to GK72Cane

XPS_Lubricants <[email protected]>
11:55 AM (37 minutes ago)
to me

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the question.

The new bottle has the same 5W-40 oil as previously used and called Summer Grade, we just updated the packaging with new labels and bottle design.

In terms of the literature that recommends prior oil generations, the reason for the recommendation to NOT use SM is that many formulations with this API service level are formulated with types of friction modifiers that cause wet clutch slippage.

XPS is formulated with precise friction to optimize the wet clutch performance of the Spyder, yet maintains API SM service level.

So most oils in the market that say API SM would not meet the specific requirements for Can Am, however the XPS product does meet the requirements for the clutch as well as meeting API SM service levels.

Thank you,

XPS Lubricants


Response #2 addressed to Spyderman14RSS

Hi Derek,

Thanks for the question.

You have the correct oil in your kit for your machine.

In terms of the literature that recommends prior oil generations, the reason for the recommendation to NOT use SM is that many formulations with this API service level are formulated with types of friction modifiers that cause wet clutch slippage.

XPS is formulated with precise friction to optimize the wet clutch performance of the Spyder, yet maintains API SM service level.

So most oils in the market that say API SM would not meet the specific requirements for Can Am, however the XPS product does meet the requirements for the clutch as well as meeting API SM service levels.

Thank you,

XPS Lubricants

 

[Sarge]

NAOT! (Not Another Oil Thread)

Oh man. Can of worms here. I have been using AMSOIL since 2000 in literally everything I own that needs oil. Cars, trucks, lawnmowers, tractors, weed eaters, chainsaws, pressure washers, generators, gas and electric motors, firearms and general lubrication needs to include grease for bearings etc.

There are NO Friction modifiers in AMSOIL motorcycle oils ... :yes:

"AMSOIL Synthetic Metric Motorcycle Oil API SM, JASO MA/MA2 contains no friction modifiers and promotes smooth shifting and positive clutch engagement. It is engineered to control heat and prevent slippage and glazing, promoting longer clutch life. "

I know this will stir up controversial conversations, so I will just say use whatever oil you are comfortable with and be happy.:thumbup:

 

[Jeriatric]

It is well documented that Amsoil is Okay.

That said, NEW owners of older machines should know,

"most oils in the market that say API SM would not meet the specific requirements for Can Am"

Simply trying to save NEW folks from some headaches. :thumbup:

 

[Sarge]

We are on the same page Jeriatric.

 

[ARtraveler]

Yes....keeping it friendly is good. :bowdown:

 

[Motorcycledave]

Oh man. Can of worms here. I have been using AMSOIL since 2000 in literally everything I own that needs oil. Cars, trucks, lawnmowers, tractors, weed eaters, chainsaws, pressure washers, generators, gas and electric motors, firearms and general lubrication needs to include grease for bearings etc.

There are NO Friction modifiers in AMSOIL motorcycle oils ... :yes:

"AMSOIL Synthetic Metric Motorcycle Oil API SM, JASO MA/MA2 contains no friction modifiers and promotes smooth shifting and positive clutch engagement. It is engineered to control heat and prevent slippage and glazing, promoting longer clutch life. "

I know this will stir up controversial conversations, so I will just say use whatever oil you are comfortable with and be happy.:thumbup:

I have run Amsoil in most everything I have and have had since the early 1970's it works great

 

[Jeriatric]

Been using it for years myself. Other than a costly mistake(another post), and the oil it was delivered with, it's the only oil this Spyder has ever known.





EDIT: changed suing it to using it

 

[Eckhard]

Been suing it for years myself. Other than a costly mistake(another post), and the oil it was delivered with, it's the only oil this Spyder has ever known.

"Using" I would guess.

 

[Eckhard]

Are there other oils that work? Please let me know.

Thanks

 

[Jeriatric]

"Using" I would guess.

Yup:thumbup: Thanks & I'll correct that too.

 

[Jeriatric]

Are there other oils that work? Please let me know.

Thanks

Owner's manual calls for API SL, SJ, SH and SG.

May find this worth the read. Check the API classification of each.

https://bestsyntheticoilguide.com/synthetic/motorcycle-oil-review/

 

[BajaRon]

It has always been true that a few 'SM' rated oils will work in the 998 engines. SM means friction modifiers (additives which reduce friction). You don't want friction anywhere EXCEPT in your wet clutch which depends on friction to work. Blending an oil that does both well (protect parts from friction at the same time providing friction properties for the wet clutch) adds a level of complexity and compromise. Reduced friction is great for engines. Possibly fatal for wet clutches.

Just had a customer contact me about their slipping clutch from using a lubricant which works well in most wet clutch applications. But as we know, the SM5/SE5 Spyders have a very lubricant picky clutch. Unfortunately, this customer did not catch the slipping condition soon enough. It's a very costly fix.

There are a number of oils out there that will work just fine in the 998 Rotax. The message here is that there are also a good number of lubricants that you might think will work, but they will not. Many stick to the BRP (which is Castrol) product to be safe, which is fine. But but in doing so, they are missing out on superior lubricant options available.

I cringe when people say 'I use brand 'X' and it works great in my Spyder'. But they do not mention that they have a 1330 motor with a completely different clutch, not subject to the same lubricant sensitive issues as the 998 Spyders. This may cause a 998 owner to think this same lubricant will work in their Spyder, and get stung with clutch slippage. Make sure you are talking Apples to Apples when it comes to Spyder oil.

If you catch clutch slippage soon enough. A simple oil change to an appropriate oil will correct the situation. Some are more sensitive to clutch slippage than others. Some don't notice any clutch slippage until it is too late.

 

[Eckhard]

What about some brand names please. Is there a Castrol, Mobil 1, Pennzoil flavor that I can buy. Most synthetic oils I see now are SM and even SN rated. There are even some that are dexos1 and ILSAC GF-5 rated, whatever that is, with no mention of the API grades.

TIA

 

[Motorcycledave]

Are there other oils that work? Please let me know.

Thanks

Castrol GTX full synthetic 10/40

 

[Curlytops]

Well this is all a little confusing for us first time 998 spyder SE5 owners... Im intending to do my own servicing here in the UK.... so perhaps I should stick to oil from the dealer rather than trying to find one that suits my spyder and ending up with a slipping clutch! :dontknow:

 

[BajaRon]

Well this is all a little confusing for us first time 998 spyder SE5 owners... Im intending to do my own servicing here in the UK.... so perhaps I should stick to oil from the dealer rather than trying to find one that suits my spyder and ending up with a slipping clutch! :dontknow:

The BRP lubricants are adequate, but more expensive than the same product purchased elsewhere. It isn't difficult to find a much superior oil that works well with the 998 clutch, usually at a lower cost. In my opinion, a much better way to go.

 

[Highwayman2013]

Oh man. Can of worms here. I have been using AMSOIL since 2000 in literally everything I own that needs oil. Cars, trucks, lawnmowers, tractors, weed eaters, chainsaws, pressure washers, generators, gas and electric motors, firearms and general lubrication needs to include grease for bearings etc.

There are NO Friction modifiers in AMSOIL motorcycle oils ... :yes:

"AMSOIL Synthetic Metric Motorcycle Oil API SM, JASO MA/MA2 contains no friction modifiers and promotes smooth shifting and positive clutch engagement. It is engineered to control heat and prevent slippage and glazing, promoting longer clutch life. "

I know this will stir up controversial conversations, so I will just say use whatever oil you are comfortable with and be happy.:thumbup:

There is Molybdenum in Amsoil 10W40 Metric Motorcycle Oil, found that in oil analysis.

 

[Eckhard]

The BRP lubricants are adequate, but more expensive than the same product purchased elsewhere. It isn't difficult to find a much superior oil that works well with the 998 clutch, usually at a lower cost. In my opinion, a much better way to go.

Care to name them please? I have to use up those seals and filters I bought from you earlier on.

Thanks.

 

[Highwayman2013]

Care to name them please? I have to use up those seals and filters I bought from you earlier on.

Thanks.

Well there is Amsoil 10W40 Metric Motorcycle oil that Ron sells. Lamonster has a 5W40 Spectro oil.

 

[JimSter]

I've always strayed away from most oil threads as they usually become a real "PIA".
I've had several motorcycles that I used the Shell Rotella Synthetic oil in with no problems after many 1,000"s of miles. These were all Jap bikes though.

However now that I just bought a used 2015 Spyder I know I'm dealing with a different animal. And since the thread has made reference to the 998 engine, I'm wondering does the 1330 requires something different.

And what about the filter? I see the Can Am oil change kit is pushing $90.
Can you get the filter at Auto Zone, O'Rielly's, etc along with the correct oil of your choice?