Oil usage

[spydertrike]

2012 RTS. SE5

i have traveled 3500kms (2187 miles) and have had to add three quarters of a litre of oil to the spyder
Is this normal for the distanced traveled ?

thank you

 

[GOZFST]

That's on the high end of acceptable oil consumption. Are you following the manual as how to check the oil and when was it last changed?

 

[Chupaca]

Depends..!

it will vary with many things. Sound right to me I check every 500 miles or so and have to add most of the time. I ryde hard and mostly hot weather but will use at least a quart (liter) between oil changes. I change my oil 3 or 4,000 mile depending on my ryding...:thumbup:

 

[spydertrike]

That's on the high end of acceptable oil consumption. Are you following the manual as how to check the oil and when was it last changed?

After a day of riding engine hot, I turn bike off and wait one minute to check dip stick. Most times cant see pil on the stick
the oil is ready to be changed in the next week

 

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

I also use about a quart or so between changes. I also ride hard and fast, and love pounding the twisties. Gotta have some fun on the Beast!

 

[Highwayman2013]

Sounds about normal.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

LOOK HERE

Since you have a 12 this shouldn't be found but !!!!!...........Check your AIR BOX for oil.....if you have any , you are getting blow-by (?) from possibly over-filling........just a thought.........Mike :thumbup:

 

[szohar]

On my 2012 RT I an using about a quart/1000 miles.

 

[Bam Bam and Pebbles]

That sounds really bad. See Mike's answer above, or check for leaks.

 

[finless]

My 2011 RTS uses almost a quart between oil changes which I do every 4,600 miles.

However my last oil change I went through a full quart and a little more but this was due to a oil leak caused by a set screw coming out from inside the engine.

See this post for more detail.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...ervice-and-OOOOPS!-I-don-t-think-this-is-good!


Bob

 

[Bob Denman]

You're not actually following the suggested manner in which to check the oil level properly...
Please re-read your manual...

 

[finless]

You're not actually following the suggested manner in which to check the oil level properly...
Please re-read your manual...

This is what the manual says... I lifted it right from it.

Doesn't say anything about waiting a minute or not. As long as temp is up to running temps, waiting a minute should not be a problem. Waiting 5 minutes probably is. By the time I stop, pull the panel, pull the stick wipe it off and put it back in, it's been a minute.

NOTE: The oil level dipstick is accurate when the
oil temperature is at 80°C (176°F). If the oil level
is checked when the oil is at room temperature
(20°C (68°F)), the proper oil level indication is
half way between the lower (ADD) and upper (F)
marks on the dipstick. This must be considered
to prevent overfilling the oil tank.

Bob

 

[finless]

But to check it right, when you pull the stick out and wipe it off, dance in a circle 3 times before putting it back in. If your north of the equator you dance clockwise. If your south of the equator dance counter-clockwise

Ahhh the mystic oil check procedure! :roflblack:

Bob

 

[Bob Denman]

The engine needs to idle for at least 30 seconds, prior to shutting it down to check the oil level...

 

[finless]

The engine needs to idle for at least 30 seconds, prior to shutting it down to check the oil level...

Sorry Bob but where does it say that?

Bob

 

[BajaRon]

I think that is a bit high for oil consumption. You should be using about 1/2 that amount at that mileage. There are many variables and most have already suggested.

Here are some questions I would ask

How many total miles do you have on the Spyder? Low mileage Spyders will use more oil.
What oil are you using?
It sounds like you are checking your oil correctly otherwise this would also be a question asked. Many have to wait a bit to let the foam subside (depending on which oil you are using). If your system is working correctly a short wait should not alter the oil level reading.

You may be sucking oil into your air box. As suggested, not as common with a 2012 but still quite possible.

Riding style and conditions can affect oil consumption. Lugging or high RPM's will increase oil consumption. High RPM's are fine, lugging can cause additional issues over time. Hot weather, mountains, windy roads with a spirited throttle hand and also increase oil consumption.

 

[billybovine]

Sorry Bob but where does it say that?

Bob

Step # 3 page 127 of your owner's manual.

 

[billybovine]

I have found from my own experience. It does not happen often but oil drains out of the oil tank back into the engine. So I suggest if you are surprised at how low your engine oil level is. Start it up and idle for 30 seconds to empty the engine sump and check it again.

 

[finless]

I have found from my own experience. It does not happen often but oil drains out of the oil tank back into the engine. So I suggest if you are surprised at how low your engine oil level is. Start it up and idle for 30 seconds to empty the engine sump and check it again.

Yes I have seen that happen a couple times.... Check it and it's at a certain level, put the stick back in and check again and it has dropped, again and it has dropped some more. That happened to me shortly after getting the Spyder and it freaked me out. Restarting it and running it up a little, it came back up and the 2nd time it did not drop like that. I could see when this happens you over fill. Like Billy said, it doesn't happen often.

Bob

 

[Bob Denman]

All Together Now...

:roflblack: