Stupid!! To have to remove 4 Panels and 2 plugs just to change the oil & filters!

[cptjam]

Relocate the belly pans to a shelf in the garage at the first oil change. Discard the stock plugs for dimple plugs. Future oil changes are fast and easy after that!!

 

[burg650]

Can Am Spyder designers don't care what you think when it comes to how the bike was designed when it comes to servicing the engine, after all they want you all to take it in to a dealer.

 

[kep-up]

No it is not. The double pistons are outside the gear box, outside of the engine. It is part of the HCM (Hydraulic Control Module) that is bolted to the side of the engine on a SE5. The actual transmission on a SE5 and a SM5 are identical. Nothing internally is any different. On a manual a shift pedal is clamped onto a shaft coming out of the gear box. You use your foot on this pedal to shift gears. On a semi that pedal is replaced by a lever, on that same shaft, that is connected to a rod that goes to the HCM. The HCM shifts the gears.

There is no separate filter for the transmission. Yes it is commonly called the transmission filter but no oil that passes through it goes directly to the transmission. It is really the HCM filter. It is there to protect the HCM only. Oil is sucked out of the oil tank by the HCM pump. Filtered by the HCM filter. That hydraulic pressure operates the gear shift lever and over rides the centrifugal clutch. Controlled by solenoid valves. That are controlled by the shift computer. When the HCM is done with the oil it is dumped into the engine sump to be returned to the oil tank.

After a re-look, I stand corrected. Thank you for not putting emphasis on my being the stupid one.

 

[PMK]

Engineers/ designers should be required to work on what they designed.

Have you ever flown on an aircraft, be very thankful to the quality minded techs that deal with working on them, and all the stuff in our way to accomplish a simple task AND dealing with stuff these engineers deem wonderful.

 

[Koop]

No it is not. The double pistons are outside the gear box, outside of the engine. It is part of the HCM (Hydraulic Control Module) that is bolted to the side of the engine on a SE5. The actual transmission on a SE5 and a SM5 are identical. Nothing internally is any different. On a manual a shift pedal is clamped onto a shaft coming out of the gear box. You use your foot on this pedal to shift gears. On a semi that pedal is replaced by a lever, on that same shaft, that is connected to a rod that goes to the HCM. The HCM shifts the gears.

There is no separate filter for the transmission. Yes it is commonly called the transmission filter but no oil that passes through it goes directly to the transmission. It is really the HCM filter. It is there to protect the HCM only. Oil is sucked out of the oil tank by the HCM pump. Filtered by the HCM filter. That hydraulic pressure operates the gear shift lever and over rides the centrifugal clutch. Controlled by solenoid valves. That are controlled by the shift computer. When the HCM is done with the oil it is dumped into the engine sump to be returned to the oil tank.

:agree:

 

[billybovine]

After a re-look, I stand corrected. Thank you for not putting emphasis on my being the stupid one.

I have made similar judgements in the past. Why the hell would they do that!!!! It can go 2 ways. Some engineer made a really stupid decision. Or and more likely. We don't understand the real, real reasons and decisions that went to that design choice.

 

[Mexican]

I have a Suzuki M109 LE that has 2 drain plugs. It does however have only 1 filter. I just got the F3 T so have not experienced the filter and oil change yet but will no doubt have the same thoughts.

Got you beat, my Triump Rocket3 has 3 drain plugs:shocked:

 

[3whlLefty]

My Honda NighthawkS had 3 drain plugs plus the spin on filter. The use sections of the frame to circulate the oil up to an oil cooling radiator. One large oil pan would catch the filter, the crankcase, and one frame drain. Then a coffee can caught the 2nd frame drain. Fun fun fun. It was a great bike tho! Shaft drive and auto valve adjusters so oil and plugs were about the only maintenance ever needed.

 

[BigGuy66]

:shocked: I miss the "Good Old Days"; when we only complained about the valve stem on the rear wheel... :shocked:

How DO you get to that valve stem? I laid on the floor, contorted my right arm to position the pressure gauge while I tried to hold it tight to the stem, then did it again to put some air in the tire... there must be an easier way to get to that rear valve stem. Should I have started a new thread about this rather than jumping in a discussion about changing oil? I want to be a courteous forum member. pps:

 

[Habib]

Extended oil change interval and engine life seem worth a bit of extra effort and filtration. :yes:

 

[PMK]

How DO you get to that valve stem? I laid on the floor, contorted my right arm to position the pressure gauge while I tried to hold it tight to the stem, them did it again to put some air in the tire.... there must be an easier way to get to that rear valve stem. Should I have started a new thread about this rather than jumping in a discussion about changing oil? I want to be a courteous forum member. pps:

Hit the car parts store or similar and get yourself an extension for the valve stem. Use that as needed to added air or check pressure. As for having to get down and do it, can't help you on that. Maybe install the FOBO monitors and add air when needed?

 

[robtdonna]

I was getting worried, thought I missed a filter! :yikes: Didn't know that the SE's have two, the SM's only one, whew !!! :yes:

If you only wanted one filter then you should have bought a manual version. It only has one. Maybe it's time to trade yours in. :joke:

 

[Pappy John]

....and don't forget...placing those two drains just ONE INCH further apart than my catch pan's diameter, so I can't drain both with the same pan at the same time.:banghead:

....and the two filter covers that could, BUT DON'T use the same length screws, so that if you inadvertently get them switched your engine filter cover looks and feels tight, but won't hold oil. Ask me how I know.:banghead:

....and NO COLD SUMP DIPSTICK!! 'Cause (see above) now I'm not sure how much oil I have left in the engine and I don't want to run it to op-temp to check the level since it might not be safe because, again, I'm not sure how much oil I have left in the engine. I guess I'll just dump 2 quarts in and work up from there. ray:

I had a wonderful afternoon yesterday. Sure am glad I only do this once a year.:roflblack: Now I have a huge oil spot on my carport floor to remind me not do do stupid stuff in future.

 

[Papahoosh]

Can Am Spyder designers don't care what you think when it comes to how the bike was designed when it comes to servicing the engine, after all they want you all to take it in to a dealer.

Agree, it was designed to create job.

 

[Buckeye Bleau]

Perhaps a better solution to the situation would be to perform proper due diligence PRIOR to purchasing what one considers to be a poorly designed piece of equipment.

i have worked on enough equipment over the years to know that engineers do NOT have to service or maintain what they design, but the die was cast prior to your purchase, so accept your fate with a grin or frustrate yourself with the inevitable! :banghead:

Joe

 

[Zip]

I betcha my left hand doesn't get as tired as yours whilst sitting at one of those extra-long traffic signals or tied up in rush hour traffic.

I have no problem, but you can always kick it up to (N) if the wait is too long.:thumbup:

 

[Pappy John]

Perhaps a better solution to the situation would be to perform proper due diligence PRIOR to purchasing what one considers to be a poorly designed piece of equipment.

i have worked on enough equipment over the years to know that engineers do NOT have to service or maintain what they design, but the die was cast prior to your purchase, so accept your fate with a grin or frustrate yourself with the inevitable! :banghead:

Joe

You're right of course....and overall it's been a great machine with just minor issues that I've been able to handle myself for the most part.

I just needed a rant this morning.

 

[Motorcycledave]

I just finished changing my oil and filters, again. And I cannot believe the intelligence level of the Can Am Spyder designers! To change oil one must remove not one, but 4 body panels to access the drain plugS and filterS. Not one plug, mind you, but TWO! STUPID! And replace not one oil filter, mind you, but TWO! And different filters at that! STUPID! Especially since the oil is used in both the engine and transmission, why TWO and not only two, but two DIFFERENT filters. In all of my motorcycles that used the same oil in the tranny and the engine not one had more than ONE drain plug and ONE filter.

Unbelievable!!

BOY DO I AGREE WITH THAT ONE... I have had over 30 motorcycles in my lifetime and not one had the crazy things about them that my Spyder has. You should change out the battery on mine some time, first remove the left saddle bag then remove the saddle bag mounting bracket, then remove 2 maybe 3 left side body side panels then if you look hard and are lucky you will find the battery under the seat laying on its side... STUPID.

Well, mine is not there anymore. I moved it to the front trunk in a nice small battery box. I am sure the Spyders were all designed by NON RIDING and NON MECHANICAL people who were put in a room and told to come up with something new and different.

It's not bad servicing Spyders at all, if you don't have to do it yourself. Hey maybe that is why the labor rates are so high for service on them, it sure doesn't cost $250+ to have the oil changed on my GoldWing.

Ride Safe
Dave

 

[Bfromla]

I share your concern(s). There must be logic for both filters ... it would be interesting to hear from BRP.

:agree: Having known a few engineers myself it helps to know they are still just doing their job & were givin a set of parameters to work with. Those parameters are not yours. At this time, when it is your time what will you come up with?:roflblack::roflblack:

 

[JerryB]

Hi Bfromla,

Re: Having know a few engineers

Well, since I are one, IMO every design is a trade-off.

No design can ever be perfect for everyone.

Ya spends ya money & ya takes ya chances,

Jerry Baumchen