• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Average Miles Before Having to Add Oil? My machine is sucking it down ...

JacqueTanis

JacqueTanis

New member
Average Miles Before Having to Add Oil? My machine is using a lot of oil ...

New development ... several weeks ago I took a trip - 1200 round trip miles - during and since my bike is using oil like crazy. Can't find any leaks :dontknow: Really confused, we seem to be adding every 150 to 200 miles. The oil barely touches the stick when we check it, husband just added a cup. I am using Amsoil European Car Formula 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil. My husband thinks because the oil is so slippery it is not allowing the ringS to seat? :( He's a wrench but has never used Synthetic Motor Oil and does not have experience with the Spyders, and wants me to find out what you all think ... I have a 2013 ST-L Anyway, HELP!
 
Last edited:
By the manual???

JacqueTanis said:
New development ... several weeks ago I took a trip - 1200 round trip miles - during and since my bike is using oil like crazy. Can't find any leaks :dontknow: Really confused, we seem to be adding every 150 to 200 miles. The oil barely touches the stick when we check it, husband just added a cup. I am using Amsoil European Car Formula 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil. My husband thinks because the oil is so slippery it is not allowing the ringS to seat? :( He's a wrench but has never used Synthetic Motor Oil and does not have experience with the Spyders, and wants me to find out what you all think ... I have a 2013 ST-L Anyway, HELP!
Click to expand...

Are you checking oil level as per instructions in owner's manual? Must follow exactly to get a true read on dipstick. Also consider using oil specifically formulated for motorcycles. AMSOIL has one.
 
We use 10W40 Motorcycle Oil from Amsoil, I don't know if 5W40 is the correct weight. I'm sure someone else will chime in on that. My 2010 and 2013 Spyders would burn a quart of oil in 3,500 miles.
 
murphybrown said:
Are you checking oil level as per instructions in owner's manual? Must follow exactly to get a true read on dipstick. Also consider using oil specifically formulated for motorcycles. AMSOIL has one.
Click to expand...

;) Yes I am checking the oil level per instructions in owner's manual ... I will check on the oil you mentioned. I'm assuming it's synthetic. Thanks!
 
OIL

It is possible the Amsoil car oil you have been using might be contributing to your heat problem. Use Amsoil 10W-40 motorcycle oil. I bet you will use less oil and you might even see a difference in the heat.
 
As was said, be sure you check the oil by the manual.....at full operating temperature (after a ride) and with the dipstick screwed in. The oil you are using does not meet the BRP spec, which calls for a motorcycle oil. That may be adding to your oil usage. The oil should not be labeled for the API-SM rating. Although the spec calls for 5W-40, 10W-40 works acceptably for most of us.

Instead of "uses oil like crazy", it would help to keep track of the amount added and the miles traveled. In case you report it to your dealer, that is information he will need. I would not add oil to a 990 or 991 (V-twin) engine until it reaches the add mark, if you can help it. There is a tendency to blow oil by to the airbox if it is run at or above full. The V-twins do seem to use a little oil. A pint in 1,500-3,000 miles is not unusual at all. Some seem to use more than others.
 
Last edited:
NancysToy said:
As was said, be sure you check the oil by the manual.....at full operating temperature (after a ride) and with the dipstick screwed in. The oil you are using does not meet the BRP spec, which calls for a motorcycle oil. That may be adding to your oil usage. The oil should not be labeled for the API-SM rating. Although the spec calls for 5W-40, 10W-40 works acceptably for most of us.

Instead of "uses oil like crazy", it would help to keep track of the amount added and the miles traveled. In case you report it to your dealer, that is information he will need. I would not add oil to a 990 or 991 (V-twin) engine until it reaches the add mark, if you can help it. There is a tendency to blow oil by to the airbox if it is run at or above full. The V-twins do seem to use a little oil. A pint in 1,500-3,000 miles is not unusual at all. Some seem to use more than others.
Click to expand...

Thank you, I am adding 1/2 pint every 150 to 200 miles. I will purchase AmsOil 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil tomorrow and see how it works. Thanks so much ...
 
JacqueTanis said:
Thank you, I am adding 1/2 pint every 150 to 200 miles. I will purchase AmsOil 10W-40 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil tomorrow and see how it works. Thanks so much ...
Click to expand...
That's quite a bit, more than a quart in a thousand. Let us know how a different oil works out. If there is no change I'd report it to your dealer.
 
NancysToy said:
That's quite a bit, more than a quart in a thousand. Let us know how a different oil works out.


I'm going to look in the book for how to change the oil, is it hard? we are going to change the oil, get the old oil out and put the new oil in. I will let you know how it goes ... thanks again!
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
OIL CHANGE

Jacque, I hope your first oil change goes better than mine did. Look up Near Disaster on Oil Change in ST shop talk. Use a 6mm hex bit for both plugs and a 5mm bit for the oil and transmission cover screws. Hopefully your dealer didn't put the plugs on so tight that they have to be drilled out. (Ask me how I know!!)
 
JKMSPYDER said:
Jacque, I hope your first oil change goes better than mine did. Look up Near Disaster on Oil Change in ST shop talk. Use a 6mm hex bit for both plugs and a 5mm bit for the oil and transmission cover screws. Hopefully your dealer didn't put the plugs on so tight that they have to be drilled out. (Ask me how I know!!)
Click to expand...

Thanks so much, we did read your post. John is thinking of changing out the plugs from Electric Allen to Hex because the Allen type strip out too easily.
 
There you go...!!

Think they have you covered on the measurment and correct oil with hints on oil change. Do have two more... Place the allen wrench in the drain plugs and hit them a few times with a hammer, this helps loosen them up. When changing filters on the SE models remove and replace each filter one at a time to avoid the mixing up of the bolts. They are different lengths and using the wrong one in the wrong place can cause you problems...take your time you'll be fine...:thumbup:
 
Chupaca said:
Think they have you covered on the measurment and correct oil with hints on oil change. Do have two more... Place the allen wrench in the drain plugs and hit them a few times with a hammer, this helps loosen them up. When changing filters on the SE models remove and replace each filter one at a time to avoid the mixing up of the bolts. They are different lengths and using the wrong one in the wrong place can cause you problems...take your time you'll be fine...:thumbup:
Click to expand...


My husband did the oil change today. He removed the Allen drain plug and replaced with Hex drain plugs. He's happy with them. I'm not a wrench so if he's happy I'm happy ... lol
 
NancysToy said:
As was said, be sure you check the oil by the manual.....at full operating temperature (after a ride) and with the dipstick screwed in. The oil you are using does not meet the BRP spec, which calls for a motorcycle oil. That may be adding to your oil usage. The oil should not be labeled for the API-SM rating. Although the spec calls for 5W-40, 10W-40 works acceptably for most of us.

Instead of "uses oil like crazy", it would help to keep track of the amount added and the miles traveled. In case you report it to your dealer, that is information he will need. I would not add oil to a 990 or 991 (V-twin) engine until it reaches the add mark, if you can help it. There is a tendency to blow oil by to the airbox if it is run at or above full. The V-twins do seem to use a little oil. A pint in 1,500-3,000 miles is not unusual at all. Some seem to use more than others.
Click to expand...

:agree:I use 10W-40 Amsoil on both my SM-5 2011 RS-S and 2013 RT-S and they do well on oil, shifting is smooth and the engine runs cool. I usually carry a quart on long rides (300 miles one way), and between both Spyders I use very little of it.
 
Does anyone know what the actual length of the bolts are for each filter on a 2010 RTS SE5?? I have a slight leak and it could be I've mixed up the bolts.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Z
2015 F3S Oil Pump Failure, replaced, engine still ticking - any ideas on what component/s might have been damaged?
Replies
15
Views
814
Cobranut
Cobranut
K
Oil level is too high - is it safe to ride?
Replies
16
Views
2K
BLUEKNIGHT911
BLUEKNIGHT911
R
Engine Oil - What Amsoil products are you using?
Replies
17
Views
3K
BajaRon
BajaRon
CLady
Should I use API SM Oil; & can low oil cause exhaust smoke?
Replies
19
Views
2K
Snowbelt Spyder
Snowbelt Spyder
J
All Things Oil For A Newbie
Replies
16
Views
2K
IGETAROUND
IGETAROUND
Back
Top