How much damage from low oil....?

[IndyRSS]

So I just picked up my 2012 RS from a guy locally with 1980 miles on it. It was super dirty, showed some wear but he assured me that it had been cared for by the dealer and had the first service done. I rode it a bit this weekend and to work on Monday and got caught in the rain - maybe 70 miles at most. It was making a slight whining noise when accelerating that I was chalking up to possibly a wet belt. Tonight it occurred to me to give the bike a thorough going through per the owners manual before any real riding this weekend

After getting the bike to temperature per the owners manual *rode a solid 20 or 30 minutes) I checked the oil. The dip stick had oil coating it when I initially puled it out - so it isnt empty, but the dipstick once wiped clean and screwed back in comes out showing now oil. Clearly its very low - how low I wont know till I can bring it back up.

How much damage do you suppose has been done? What can I do besides having the dealer take a look to determine if everything is ok? Is there anything I can listen for or check? Do you think the level being this low indicates he didn't have the 600 mile work done?

 

[DrewNJ]

Not going to really be able answer. You really have to figure out HOW low. Also, SE or SM?
Its a dry sump so if there is oil in the tank your likely fine...especially with less than 2k miles on it.

 

[IndyRSS]

Its an SE...and it appears to be shifting just fine, clunky on the downshifts if I dont initiate it. I assumed that was a good sign.

 

[billybovine]

Its an SE...and it appears to be shifting just fine, clunky on the downshifts if I dont initiate it. I assumed that was a good sign.

Since it is an SE and it is shifting fine. That means that no air getting sucked into the shifter system and the suction line for it is higher in the oil tank than the suction line for the engine oiling system.

 

[BajaRon]

Won't make much difference on an SM. An SE is much more 'Oil Level Sensitive'.

If it is shifting well, no clutch slippage, then chances are it's fine. I would definitely get it back up to the correct level before riding it anymore.

 

[DrewNJ]

Yup. Your likely fine. Top it off and consider doing an oil change in the near future.

 

[IndyRSS]

Cool - that's what I was hoping. I will get some oil tomorrow and go from there. I am a tad overly cautious with this machine as I bought it with little or no real history - something I never do - but the deal was pretty solid and it still has warranty left having been a leftover when the first owner bought it.

If I expereince any other issues after adding the oil I will follow up. Thanks guys!

 

[retread]

Only a suggestion, but if you just got it, change the oil now, then you know there's good oil in it, and can ryde and act accordingly.

john

 

[Chupaca]

Relax..!!

from what you say your good. If it gets really low it looses oil pressure, shifting get bad check engine light comes on these machine are good about letting you know. You just have to pay attention and if in doubt ask...:thumbup:

 

[napper39]

i also think your ok sence you said it was shifiting ok,but when you ad oil make sure its motorcycle oil.good luck :congratsn your spyder indever,have fun.:2thumbs:

 

[Highwayman2013]

Only add a couple ounces at a time or you could overfill

 

[BajaRon]

If it's yours (sorry, didn't pick that up on the 1st time around, thought you were test driving) I highly recommend changing the oil and filters asap. Be sure to use the correct type, viscosity and JASO (Wet Clutch) rated oil. If you're not sure ask, several here can help you with that.

Being a 2012 you'll need the Extended Transmission filter.

You also need to check the oil at operating temperature. The best time is after you've ridden for 10 or 15 minutes or at the end of a ride. Let it idle for 20 or 30 seconds, shut it off and check.

If you check the oil cold you'll get an incorrect low reading.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree:
Since you described the bike as "super dirty", when you picked it up; please take the time to change the oil, and go over the bike with a fine-toothed comb...
Seller's assurances don't mean much, when they fly in the face of what seems obvious.
Good luck! :thumbup:

 

[jtoro1]

Check if it has an extended warranty you can get up to 5 years for a very low price . Your bike should be fine.
If the 600 check up was done it will be recorded with any BRP dealers computer with the serial #. Have fun
Riding. These bikes drink oil check very 500 miles.

 

[Dan McNally]

Copy the VIN number and take it to a dealer.
They can tell you what has been done and when it was done.

:agree: . . . unless he showed you the paperwork, many folks will tell you what you want to hear when selling their used ride . . .

 

[IndyRSS]

Check if it has an extended warranty you can get up to 5 years for a very low price . Your bike should be fine.
If the 600 check up was done it will be recorded with any BRP dealers computer with the serial #. Have fun
Riding. These bikes drink oil check very 500 miles.

I assume the dealer can quote me an extended warranty? Whats the ballpark price on that?

 

[flamingobabe]

chances are the oil has been in there too long....change oil and filters......then you know where you are with the bike....plus get a printed copy of bike's history from dealer