Oil levels

[yankeeDoolte]

I've had my RT since last summer. After the 600 mile oil change I had1750 miles this spring, I checked the oil level and was a qt. low. I've heard that has happened to others. Would this be normal to lost quart that soon?:banghead:

 

[CyncySpyder]

Depends on a few things, but not unheard of

Properly checking the oil on the Spyder can be a PITA. 1st, before you can check it correctly, the byke MUST BE RIDDEN & PUT THROUGH THE GEARS, not just pulled into driveway & waiting til the temp. gauge shows in the middle. Many new owners make the mistake of thinking since the Temp. gauge is in the middle, that the byke is properly warmed up, THAT IS INCORRECT. The Temp. gauge shows the Coolant Temp. NOT THE ENGINE or OIL TEMP. You actually have to ryde it first, to get the engine warmed up. Also, your average useage will be determined on if you have the SE5 (SemiAutomatic) or the manuel option. The SE5 uses the engine oil also for the transmission, the manuel has its own resevoir. Therefor,its common for an SE5 to use more oil thana manual. Historically, and in my own personal experience, its been reported that using a quarter quart or so for every 2000 miles or sois fairly common, again, in our experience. Hope this helps & have fun ryde'n :yes:

 

[boborgera]

I've had my RT since last summer. After the 600 mile oil change I had1750 miles this spring, I checked the oil level and was a qt. low. I've heard that has happened to others. Would this be normal to lost quart that soon?:banghead:

If it's not leaking, Then i can think of two reasons ;1, Your dealer didn't fill it properly. OR.
2,[most likely] You didn't check the oil level by the book [manual] :dontknow:
:dontknow:

 

[CyncySpyder]

Almost forgot to add.

If you check the oil before it is properly warmed up, it will show that you are low. It can be frustrating & many of us have complained, but it is what it is. Make sure its properly warmed up & check it again & see if you get the same reading:dontknow: Many have made this mistake, and then over-filled it, then you get oil in the air-box :banghead:

 

[NancysToy]

.....Also, your average useage will be determined on if you have the SE5 (SemiAutomatic) or the manuel option. The SE5 uses the engine oil also for the transmission, the manuel has its own resevoir. Therefor,its common for an SE5 to use more oil thana manual. .....

Sorry, dave. They both use a single oil supply and reservoir. The SE has a bit more capacity, due to the volume of the transmission hydraulics module, etc. The SE seems to be more sensitive to oil volume, also.

My guess is that the dealer failed to properly fill the Spyder at the 600 mile service, or the level was checked cold recently. As has been said, the oil level should be checked at full operating temperature. That means the oil and metal temperature, not just a few bars on the water temperature gauge. After a ride works best, but check within 30 seconds of shutting it off. Also, unlike many other vehicles, the proper level is checked with the dipstick screwed all the way in. Failing to do any of these things will falsely show a low oil level. One more thing...the oil level should be checked a bit more frequently than after 1250 miles. The manual specifies every 300 miles. I would also recommend checking it after a dealer oil change...just in case.

 

[Mr. White]

The oil check methods mentioned above are also in the owners manual. I check BR1 after every third or fourth ride, when all is hot. I shut him off, pull the panel, remove the dip stick and by then the 30 seconds have passed and I check it according to the book. I have not used any oil. It was changed at 710, 3,170 and last week at 6,250, with none added in between any changes.

:spyder2:

 

[Grandpa Spyder]

Note

My dealer told me to keep the oil level in the middle of the high and low mark. He said to much is as bad as not enough because it goes into the air filter if it is too high. so I keep mine in the middle.

 

[2 Cruysyn]

For What It's Worth

Checked mine yesterday while it was bone cold. Level was at the add mark. Rode for twenty minutes in stop and go traffic (plenty warm by the time we reached our destination) and checked it again. Level was 3/4 up the stick, same place it was last time I checked when it was warmed up.

Haven't proved it yet but maybe the add mark, at least for the SM5, is close enough when the Spyder is cold? Then again why waste a reason to ryde!

 

[ulflyer]

Regarding the 30 sec check, I find the oil is foamy and takes a minute or two to settle down. Using Amsoil. The OEM oil also foamed during its 600 mile run.

If you folks don't get the foam, what brand oil are you using?

 

[Dudley]

Regarding the 30 sec check, I find the oil is foamy and takes a minute or two to settle down. Using Amsoil. The OEM oil also foamed during its 600 mile run.

If you folks don't get the foam, what brand oil are you using?

I use Royal Purple 10W40 Synthetic Automotive. I have a combined mileage of 63,000 miles (on 2 Spyders) using this oil without any transmission issues. No foam when checking oil.