Spyder Oil Change Schedule

[DGoebel]

Blackstone Laboratories

I use Blackstone Laboratories for oil testing on my autos, truck, and cycles. www.blackstone-labs.com
Here's a link to their explanation of reports http://www.blackstone-labs.com/report-explanation.php
My last Spyder Oil check running Castrol Power 1 5W/40 Syn 4T at 6000 miles showed the oil was still usable.

 

[JayBros]

How and where does one get their oil tested? I have never heard of that.

You can go to Napa online at this link to purchase an analysis kit that contains all the instruction you need to take and send a sample to the laboratory: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/FIL4077. The instructions do say that if you send the sample it will take a couple of weeks where UPS or FedEx is faster.

 

[L_r_g]

Thanks for the reply. Where does one get Magic Mirror mounts? Do dealers install them? I tried again to take one off and its now loose at the front end.

http://www.lamonstergarage.com/lamonster-magic-mirrors-set-of-6-can-am-spyder-rt/

There's also a set of 4. I got the set of 6 and they're worth their weight in gold. Come to think about it, that's about the cost of them too, so I guess it's a fair price!

Makes it sooooo easy to take the mirrors off and put them back on, about 10 seconds max per mirror now!

The others have gotten you set for oil analysis, that's the best way to go. That way you know how YOUR oil is doing in YOUR motor being ridden in the conditions YOU ride in. Like others have mentioned, I think if you use a high quality, full synthetic oil, and get it analyzed, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the life you can get out of it. After you send a sample in, they'll send you the results and their recommendations, whether it be to change it or continue running it and they'll suggest a mileage to retest at. Since you rack up the miles quick, if you stay with the oil analysis through the complete lifecycle (meaning oil changes), that should give you some solid info and from there you can formulate your own oil change interval and have peace of mind that your engine is being protected as it should be but you're also getting the benefit of longer oil change intervals.

Lastly, since you're potentially going to be running longer oil change intervals, I also recommend running a high quality filter, ideally with synthetic media, to keep that oil clean.

 

[locomotion40]

Spyder oil change schedule

Locomotion, I have a '13 and agree, I was putting 3k in two months last year. But others on this forum made me aware of the 4,600 mile interval and I did get the Magic Mirror magnet mounts to make taking the mirrors off and on easier. I've done the Castrol 4T full synthetic and have stretched my changes to 6K+ and ran oil tests showing the oil was still in good shape.

How and where can you get oil tested?

 

[spydernatic]

OK so I tried this. Mirror did not come off but the front edge is back tight, so I am happy about that. One more question, when you smack under the mirror is it close to the outer edge or real close to the body as shown in the videos I have seen?

Close to the outer edge the video shows that it is that easy but it not you will have to try and try again using more pressure in the pulling and lifting with the left hand you will get it and once you do and see how the mirror is mounted with the 3 lugs and then you will understand how it works which will make it easier the next time believe me I stressed about it but paying out $200 for an oil change against buying the kit for around $75 just made me more determined to get that mirror off.

 

[DGoebel]

How and where can you get oil tested?

See Post #21 above, Blackstone Labs, Napa, there are others. Blackstone offers some extra testing options, and maintains a database on your vehicle, and compares against other equivalent vehicles if you want all that data / comparison. You can use anything to withdraw a sample of your oil and put in in the Oil sampling inner bottle. Some use Turkey basters (never to be used with food again), Blackstone sells a handy pump system that their sample bottles connect to. Or you can take samples while changing your oil. You put the desired amount (based on the sampling instructions) in the inner bottle. Seal it, label it, put that in the shipping bottle, label it and ship it. The kits come with all the instructions.

WWW.Blackstone-Labs.com has videos on their website at https://www.blackstone-labs.com/videos.php

 

[locomotion40]

Close to the outer edge the video shows that it is that easy but it not you will have to try and try again using more pressure in the pulling and lifting with the left hand you will get it and once you do and see how the mirror is mounted with the 3 lugs and then you will understand how it works which will make it easier the next time believe me I stressed about it but paying out $200 for an oil change against buying the kit for around $75 just made me more determined to get that mirror off.

Thanks you have been very helpful and supportive. But, I think I will not try to remove mirror again until its due for an oil change in case I break it LOL

 

[atelegs]

Dealer quote for oil change on my F3S

This is my first post but have enjoyed reading on forum and have used several suggestions on this site. I recently have had shell shock over two price quotes from my local dealer. !) Dealer quote on BRP B.E.S.T. extended warranty (service plan) was like $1800.00. Checked the forum and found a recommendation for Pitbull Motorsports in Springfield, MO. Bought the same warranty with same 3 year extension on factory warranty for just a few bucks over 1/2 of my dealer quote. Spoke with Rory at Pitbull due to recommendation on the forum. Great guy, very customer oriented!
2) price quote for oil change from my local dealer was $280.00. My jaw dropped when I hit the floor. Guess I'm still living in the seventies!