Oil Change 2021 RT Limited

Demonstration of an oil change on a 2021 Can Am RT Limited. PLEASE NOTE: For the smaller oil plug on the right side (when you are sitting on the bike) use a 6mm allen, not a 40 Torx as I indicate in the video. The torx worked for my first oil change, but I nearly rounded the head the second time around. 6mm is the correct tool.

[@stanweaver]

brilliant move: backing UP onto the ramp to give more space. I never would have thought of that!

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Thanks. It helps a lot.

[@motorradmike]

I agree. Brilliant!

[@poloboy]

Thank you!! this was a very detailed and structured breakdown of each step. I have the same oil change kit and will be using your video as a guide to get it done the exact same model and year as yours

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Glad it is helpful. Enjoy the ride!

[@childofthe60s100]

EXCELLENT - a very helpful and informative video. My dealer is a three and a half hour drive away - so this is one of the most useful videos that could be posted!!

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Glad it helped. Did you note that the one plug is a 6mm Allen, not a 40 torx?

[@zeplinkoylu8492]

Thanks for very detailed information Thanks so much saved me a over priced dealer oil change

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Glad it helped! I have had to do two this year.

[@johnhorn3335]

EXACTLY what I needed - right down to the same color ryde! I had heard horror stories of $400 oil changes (mostly from my 2 wheel nay-sayer friends). Thanks for a simple and detailed video! Also thanks to those who added real-world comments for down the road. Sounds like spare or Lamonster drain plugs in my future. :-)

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

If you are able to bring the RT up off the ground it is about a 20 minute job. Hope you caught that the one plug is a 6mm Allen wrench, not the 40 torx.

[@willl84]

My wife's 21 RT is going to the dealer Friday for the recall. I asked then about an oil change and they said they could do it but it'd be about $450 because they get $150/hr for Spyders and you need to pull a bunch of body panels to get to the filter

[@motorradmike]

Excellent demo!

[@canaltown2018]

Thanks! Did you catch the noted correction on the one plug torx to Allen head change?

[@robsteinhaur221]

Thanks very much for sharing. You have taken all the guess work out of changing the oil.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Glad it helped! Make sure you take note of the correction on the Allen head size on the one plug.😁

[@robsteinhaur221]

@@learnwhileyoucan5947 Got it, Thanks.

[@user-gm5ib2cm1o]

Thank you so much. I want to do all of my mechanical projects on my RT Ltd. Stay safe 😊

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Glad it helped. Hope you noted the correction on the tool size for the second plug. Have to change my oil again soon too😁

[@ledawnhudson8660]

Thank you. I got it done with your help.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

I’m glad it helped.

[@shakin_jakewilson5247]

Thanks for posting this video. I’m in the midst of performing the first oil change on my 21’ RT Limited. I watched primarily hoping to see how the brake fluid reservoir is removed, which you demonstrated admirably

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Glad it helped. Did you catch my note that the second drain plug is a 6mm Allen, not a 40 torx?

[@shakin_jakewilson5247]

@@learnwhileyoucan5947 No I didnt. That said, I initially tried to remove the trans drain plug using a #40 Torx bit, then stopped so I could use a 6mm Allen as I’m also following suggestions over on the SpyderLovers forum & several there said to use the 6mm Allen. I dont know if you ran into a clearance issue getting a 6mm Allen straight into that drain plug but I ran into an interference issue with the brake stay arm. Specifically there is a bolt and nut that prohibits using a conventional 6mm Allen socket so I removed the bolt and nut which allowed the stay it is attached to to drop. The problem I ran into reattaching this arm, it changed the relationship of the brake light switch adjustment which resulted in all three brake lights staying on, so I disconnected the spring so the brake light turned off. I left it that way as I had to feed the horses (we live on a farm) & had other chores to attend to. All that said, removing the bolt and nut on the brake stay could have been avoided if I had an extended 6mm Allen. Extra length Allen sockets are available, I just don't have one, so that’s my advice to others 2021 RT Limited owners that quite possibly run into the same situation I did. I could have forced one of several 6mm Allen tools that I have but they would have gone into the drain bolt crooked and I don't like spin wrenches that way. Sorry, but I digress

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

@@shakin_jakewilson5247 on my first oil change I did use a 40 torx on that plug with no problem. However another viewer commented that it should have been a 6mm Allen. On my second oil change I tried the 40 torx again and it didn’t work very well. So I switched to a long handled 6mm Allen. Apparently the 40 torx is close in size, but I almost rounded the fitting. Interesting that it worked so well on the first change. I plan to pick up a couple of extra plugs just in case as the plugs seem to be pretty soft.

[@AASparkChaser]

My clutch cover drain plug did not have a washer either. And I am sure the dealer did an oil change before selling me the machine used.

[@Danzguy1]

Excellent video as I'm now changing oil in my 22rtl. What none of the oil change videos talk about is the Clutch Cover drain plug. It's a T40 torx but the parking brake rod connector bolt/nut is in the way. I almost stripped the clutch cover plug and torx bit trying to get around the nut; I'm still stuck. I have all the rest of the work done but cannot get the clutch cover plug removed! What a pickle I have here. I am afraid to remove the nut because the rod has a loaded spring on the other end and I don't want to create that problem.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

That didn’t create a big problem for me. The plug was not fully behind the parking brake rod and spring. I am planning to purchase the hex bolt plugs at some point. However, that could add some size that might make it harder to reach. I’m laid up right now, but plan to change my oil again soon. I have been changing the oil at anywhere from 2,800 miles (first oil change) to about 3,500 miles. I’ll be on my fourth oil change since purchasing the bike. The price of the oil change kits is getting ridiculous. I get a discount from MotoMember (where I bought the bike) so I purchased three more kits. With my discount and adding shipping I still save about $30 over purchasing local or from Amazon. Imagine the cost of you had a dealer do the change.

[@reneehorton4004]

Thanks for the info

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

You are welcome!

[@purpleguy2159]

Great video! I would point out that the plug that you are using the 40 torx is actually a 6mm allen.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Thanks, I have to do another oil change now. I will check out the 6mm allen.

[@purpleguy2159]

@@learnwhileyoucan5947 I used the 40 a couple times myself. 😃

[@billyraleigh2911]

Be careful, I used a 40 toro and stripped the head on the bolt. Had a time getting the bolt out, I replaced both drain plugs with Lamonster magnetic plugs. 👍

[@frankscola8399]

Should only use 5 quarts if not changing the hcm filter

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

You were right! The 40 torx worked great for the first oil change. When I used the 40 this time, I nearly rounded the head. Switched to 6mm Allen and all is good. I am surprised that the heads of the oil plugs are pretty soft. I’ll purchase a couple of extras just in case. I will make an edit on the video

[@Den-nu6pv]

Is that a good oil change with only the front wheels lifted is that getting all the oil out thanks and I really like your channel and appreciate it very much the fact that your showing us all how to do this GOD bless I bought two 2021 RTL and having the shop do the work is way to expensive they really stick it to you.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Based on the amount of oil in the catch pan I used, I’m confident all the oil drained out. I’ll change the oil again when the riding season starts again. I am going to see if I can get front and back wheels this time. We’ll see if it makes a difference.

[@williewilliams7795]

i have the same model and year as yours right now i have 3yr service plus agreement so they are doing it but if i didnt it would have cost 235.00.gonna do my own soon as service agreement runs out. thanks

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Please note the comment in the introduction on the correct Allen head for one of the plugs.

[@ericdubois7539]

sorry for my stupid question I gonna do my oil change on Saturday I want make sure I gonna get the good oil it rotella t6 5w40 just to make sure ? thanks for your help

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

I have been using the BRP oil kit that comes with oil, oil filter and required o-rings. It is a 10 40 oil and I have seen various posts of other RT owners using different brands. I just have not gone that route yet. Did you see my comment in the intro about a correction on the proper tool for one of the plugs? One uses the torx I mentioned, but the other uses an Allen head.

[@thesuk1222]

we are buying a 2022 Spyder rtl next year. how would you rate the comfort seat upgrade and the passenger arm rest upgrade. is the seat better then the stock seat? and how sturdy are the arm rest and does it get in the way of your passenger hold the bars on turns? thanks for the video keep them coming.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Congratulations on your purchase plans. As you know, I have the comfort seat that comes standard with RT Limited. I can’t give you a comparison. However, I found that the comfort seat still isn’t very comfortable over long hauls (>300 miles). I will probably upgrade the seat to an Ultimate Seat, which I experience with. That said, the Ultimate Seat for the Spyder is a bit overpriced in my opinion. I may just stay with the comfort seat and take more breaks when I ride Route 66 again in 2022. That said, the heated seat feature is great! I (and my passengers) like the passenger armrests. Very sturdy. No complaints from passengers relative to access to the hand grips. When kids have ridden with me, the armrests do block access to the hand grips.

[@thesuk1222]

@@learnwhileyoucan5947 thank you for the reply. i have to check with the dealer it shows the comfort seat on the 2022 rtl as an option. on can-am web site!

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

@@thesuk1222 I will check my quote. Perhaps I inserted that in the options I wanted. I will get back to you. Is your dealer negotiating on the price, or are they are saying list price is the price?

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

@@thesuk1222 I just checked the options I had included in my purchase of the 2021. I had the following items: TOP CUFF WITH LG XGRIP, BACKREST_DRIVER REMOVABLE, REST_ARM PASSENGER, SEAT_HEATED KIT SHOW CHROME FRONT FENDER AM, Bottle Holder w/ screw, RT OUTDOOR COVER 2020, LIGHT_LED LWR. The seat option is the Comfort Seat, so I was wrong, it was not standard with the Limited.

[@johncantelon7071]

On my 2021 RTL the right side is a 6 mil Allen head bolt.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

That is correct. I made that correction in the written introduction as I didn’t have the video file to add a note to the video. I pulled the plug with the torx bit I mentioned, but it actually requires the 6mm Allen as you noted.

[@99shadows66]

I noticed that you added 5W40 oil to your machine. I was just looking at the BRP website and they are stating that the 5W40 is for 450CC or less Rotax engines. They list 10W50 for the Rotax V-twin engines 500CC or more. Is the 1330CC engine in the 2021 Can-Am RT Limited a V-twin? I want to attempt changing my own oil but I don't want to void my warranty by adding the wrong grade of oil.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

I purchased three oil change kits directly for the dealer (MotoMember in VA.) when I purchased the RT. The Can Am site also shows 5W40 for the 1330 RT: can-am-shop.brp.com/on-road/us/en/9779249-4t-5w-40-synthetic-blend-oil-change-kit-for-rotax-1330-engine.html

[@billwilliams9527]

Did you use BRP oil, if not what? I have a 2020 RTL so I'm thinking this is not so difficult.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

I did purchase the XPS oil change kits when I picked up the bike. They give a 10% discount to their customers and they owed me some credit since I had to install the backrest they quoted that was back ordered. The kit includes the oil filter, o-rings and crush washers. It is not a difficult job. I haven’t priced oil changes at Can Am dealers, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see an $80 labor fee if not more. If you have the tools and the time, you can save some money. I have two kits in my stock to cover me to about 12,000 miles.

[@billwilliams9527]

Thanks much, I have the ramps and I think I can work through it. We'll see how it goes, my dealer will give me 15% off parts and labor, but with 7% tax it's not 15%, but I will call and get a quote. I prefer to do it rather than ride an hour 30, but I'm 88 and might not get it done. I know Baja Ron sells the kits for a reasonable price. Again, thanks for your help.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

@@billwilliams9527 I am impressed! Enjoy the ride.

[@ralphplazachesmarhomes]

Thanks for the video. I wish you had shown the actual adding the oil. Just to verify the exact location to add oil. My question is you have to drain two plugs. What was the other drain plug? The both engine oil drain plug? Or that was for tranny oil? Is there only one place to add oil? Just a bit clarification.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

There two plugs I show are both related to oil. There is only one location for adding the oil. It is on the right side of the RT as you are sitting on it. I hope this helps.

[@ralphplazachesmarhomes]

@@learnwhileyoucan5947 thanks for the clarification. I own a Harley where I drain 3 plugs but I have add oil in 3 places. I have 2500 miles on my RT so I think I’m doing it myself. Thanks!

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

@@ralphplazachesmarhomes the price they charge for the oil change on the RT makes doing it yourself make a lot of sense.

[@143Chippy143]

You want to apply a small amount of oil to the new O rings on assembly

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

You’re right! I should have shown that.

[@billwilliams9527]

One more question, did you gt a full drain just using the ramps?

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Yes, based on the amount needed to refill, I am very confident it was a complete drain. Weather is starting to warm up here and I will do an oil change for the new riding season.

[@billwilliams9527]

Many thanks, saving you're video.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Can-AmMan asked about my passenger armrests. These came from BRP.

[@peterjung5965]

Any problem getting the plastic parts snapped back in on the side, or the panel underneath ?

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

I didn’t have any problems re-inserting the plastic shield with the pushpins. There was one pin location that required a little bit of work. It was in a blind spot so I had to feel around to re-insert the push pin.

[@peterjung5965]

@@learnwhileyoucan5947 thanks for the information. Just took delivery of my 2021 RTL on Saturday and will do my own oil changes.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

@@peterjung5965 I picked mine up the end of April. I already have 5,700 miles on it. I’ll have to do another oil change soon😁

[@peterjung5965]

@@learnwhileyoucan5947 I’m retiring in October from a 32 year career in LE, and this was my early retirement gift to myself. I’ll have more time to ride then.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

@@peterjung5965 congratulations as thank you for your service. I served in LE in the USAF and also as a deputy sheriff in the 70’s. With an exception of some name calling, cops were pretty well respected back then.

[@99shadows66]

Just to be 100% sure, you remove two drain bolts, one for the engine and one for the gearbox but you only fill through the one fill opening for both?

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

That is correct. Please make sure you noted the correction on the tool specs for one of the plugs. It’s written in the description. I just replaced the drain bolts with magnetic hex bolts to keep it simple.

[@99shadows66]

@@learnwhileyoucan5947 Would you happen to have a link to the drain bolts that you replaced the originals with? I'd like to do the same.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

@@99shadows66 I think I got them on-line. Let me dig in my emails and get you a link.

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

@@99shadows66 found it. I purchased them from Slingmods.com. Here is the description: Item #SM18381 Set of Magnetic Drain Plugs for the Can-Am Spyder F3 / RT (2014+) - 1330cc Engines

[@cam009947]

What's a 45 torch?

[@canaltown2018]

That refers to a torx bit. Hopefully you noticed that one of the plugs uses an Allen head. I made note of it in the description.

[@billryan8707]

You will probably not read this. However it is important the bike must be level to properly drain. Your front was up . ???

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Thank you for your input. I do read all the comments. I found the height of the front wheels did not hinder the draining of the oil. The refill took the full required amount of oil. If there was any remaining oil before the drain, I’m confident it wasn’t significant. That said, I am working to bring up the back wheel on a ramp as well.

[@AASparkChaser]

You forgot to torque the drain plugs and oil filter cover after tightening!

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Thanks. I did tighten them but didn’t use a torque to measure the foot pounds. I should have mentioned the torque specs.

[@AASparkChaser]

@@learnwhileyoucan5947 Calibrated elbow?😁

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

@@AASparkChaser 😆😆

[@thomasnappo6309]

Ever dealer will try to SCAM you to come in for first service...my Harley cost 600 plus tax for a oil change and peek aboo...SCAMMERS

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

It can be hard to find a dealer not driven for profits at all costs. I try to learn how to do anything I can possibly do. Oil changes are always an easy way to save money. However, I remember when a store I worked at as a teen had Quaker State 10-30 SAE oil on sale for 69 cents a quart from time to time! Of course in “those days” I only used Castrol in my bike 😁

[@ourlistingpro117]

WRONG! You're sharing information that causing folks to strip out their bolts. The crankshaft side drain plug is NOT torx, it's a 6mm hex!!

[@learnwhileyoucan5947]

Yes I know, and I made notes in the introduction so people would get the right nut. Most people have made that connection. Thanks for pointing it out though. I do appreciate it.