Kawasaki Oil

Kendan · 08-11-2015, 12:52 AM

I just did an oil change, originally planning to use Motul 5100 Semi-synthetic mostly due to price when comparing pricing from mineral to full synthetic. However I decided to give Amsoil a go, as some say it helps with shifting and the clunk as well as may help the engine run cooler. I found that the Amsoil really didn't help either. Thats fine, I can live with these things, but not sure if I will stick with Amsoil. When visiting the Kawa dealer, I found that they sell Kawasaki Full Synthetic for just under $11 a Litre. I still like the idea with sticking with a synthetic. So when comparing the Kawa oil to the Motul semi synthetic, Mobil 1 synthetic, and Amsoil at $16/litre, and the Motul full synthetic at $19/litre the Kawasaki oil seems like a good choice $ wise.
Has anyone given the Kawasaki synthetic a try? I only found a reference to Citgo previously making it for Kawasaki, and thats really about it. I do plan on doing at least a couple oil changes a year, so for $2 more per litre over the Kawa mineral oil, to me it seems like a decent option.

JayJay · 08-11-2015, 02:41 AM

I've been using Rotella either regular 15 40 or synthetic T6 on all my bikes and never had an issue.

**buckey1313** · 08-11-2015, 05:08 AM

Have one of the temperature dip sticks and use Amsoil oil and no it does not give a lower temp using it I noticed nothing different by the dip stick old wives tale I think. It is an oil for sure and probably very good I doubt if anyone could say one is better then the other and prove it. As long as it lubricates properly I am satisfied.

gv550 · 08-11-2015, 08:31 AM

I've been using Kawasaki S4 full synthetic in all my Kawasaki bikes and have been problem free for 962,000 kms. It is currently supplied by NOCO lubricants company. Definitely good stuff and reasonably priced. My dealer sells the 4 litre jug for $42, and if I bring my own jug they will fill it with bulk S4 for $35. They also have the oil change kit, includes 4 litres of S4, a filter, drain plug washer, plastic gloves and a Vulcan hat.
I change oil every 10,000 and use only Kawasaki filters.

Ken Vega · 08-11-2015, 08:52 AM

I just used Valvoline Motorcycle Oil 10W-40 full synthetic from Walmart. About $8.99 a qt. Bike seems to like it. Smoothe shifting. I will stick to 3000 mile oil changes even with full synthetic. Florida heat can break the oil down in my opinion.

RACNRAY · 08-11-2015, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gv550

I've been using Kawasaki S4 full synthetic in all my Kawasaki bikes and have been problem free for 962,000 kms. It is currently supplied by NOCO lubricants company. Definitely good stuff and reasonably priced. My dealer sells the 4 litre jug for $42, and if I bring my own jug they will fill it with bulk S4 for $35. They also have the oil change kit, includes 4 litres of S4, a filter, drain plug washer, plastic gloves and a Vulcan hat.
I change oil every 10,000 and use only Kawasaki filters.

GARRY... when you do an oil change I bet you wear the gloves for protection from the nasty stuff in used oil, but do you also wear the HAT!!!???

LOL

RACNRAY

gv550 · 08-11-2015, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RACNRAY

GARRY... when you do an oil change I bet you wear the gloves for protection from the nasty stuff in used oil, but do you also wear the HAT!!!???

LOL

RACNRAY

Yes, of course! And I wear green underwear too.

H8BUGZ · 08-11-2015, 03:28 PM

I use Amsoil but it's only as good as the filter. I change oil every 5000 and the K&N filter every 2500 miles. Synthetics are good, but you still need to keep it clean. Just my 2 cents.

VulcanE · 08-11-2015, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Vega

I just used Valvoline Motorcycle Oil 10W-40 full synthetic from Walmart. About $8.99 a qt. Bike seems to like it. Smoothe shifting. I will stick to 3000 mile oil changes even with full synthetic. Florida heat can break the oil down in my opinion.

I bought 4 qts of the Valvoline Motorcycle Oil 10W-40 full synthetic to try on my next oil change. Been using Mobil 1 4T 10W-40 full synthetic in my bike for the better part of 10 years now. 4 qts of the Valvoline was $12 cheaper than 4 qts of the Mobile 1 so I thought I would give it a try. I use the long Bosch filters too.

**cnc** · 08-11-2015, 04:07 PM

Ditto on the s4 been using Kawa oil and filters since the bike was new. I don't have anything to compare with but I don't have complaints either and since I do all my own work I feel if buying what I can from the local kawa dealer helps keep him around then I'm investing in the future. I don't want to buy my next bike from Wally World.

gv550 · 08-11-2015, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H8BUGZ

I use Amsoil but it's only as good as the filter. I change oil every 5000 and the K&N filter every 2500 miles. Synthetics are good, but you still need to keep it clean. Just my 2 cents.

I recently serviced a Vulcan that the owner complained about rattling noise on startup. It had a K&N oil filter and when I removed it no oil came out, it was empty, it either had no anti-drainback valve or. it didn't work. I installed a new Kawasaki filter and the noise was gone after the initial start.
Without a functioning anti-drainback valve the oil pump has to fill the filter and lines before the cams and lifters get any lube. I know the K&N is less money and has the handy hex on the end, but not worth the risk IMO.

highwayman2011 · 08-11-2015, 07:32 PM

I just changed my oil before a long weekend. I saw Lucas 20w50 full synthetic motorcycle oil on sale at the parts store for $9 a Quart so I thought I'd try it because of the heat in Las Vegas. I see no difference in shifting or otherwise between 10w40 Castrol synthetic, 5w40 T-6 full synthetic, or the 10w40 Mobil 1 full synthetic. I am using the long Bosch filter too.

99xcsp · 08-11-2015, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kendan

I just did an oil change, originally planning to use Motul 5100 Semi-synthetic mostly due to price when comparing pricing from mineral to full synthetic. However I decided to give Amsoil a go, as some say it helps with shifting and the clunk as well as may help the engine run cooler. I found that the Amsoil really didn't help either. Thats fine, I can live with these things, but not sure if I will stick with Amsoil. When visiting the Kawa dealer, I found that they sell Kawasaki Full Synthetic for just under $11 a Litre. I still like the idea with sticking with a synthetic. So when comparing the Kawa oil to the Motul semi synthetic, Mobil 1 synthetic, and Amsoil at $16/litre, and the Motul full synthetic at $19/litre the Kawasaki oil seems like a good choice $ wise.
Has anyone given the Kawasaki synthetic a try? I only found a reference to Citgo previously making it for Kawasaki, and thats really about it. I do plan on doing at least a couple oil changes a year, so for $2 more per litre over the Kawa mineral oil, to me it seems like a decent option.

I'm having great results with Motul E-Tech 100 I met a Motul Representative /tech at the Mid Ohio Super Bike races last year and he recommended this oil for my application, you can find prices around $12 - $13 per Qt.

dhobbs74 · 08-12-2015, 07:05 PM

I use regular kawasaki oil, it's never given me any problems with any of my Kawasaki motorcycles. Never had any engine trouble, never smoked, runs cool and fires up on the first crank every time. I don't know about you guys but I don't have a need for that expensive stuff because conventional oil has never let me down

Texas nomad · 08-12-2015, 07:17 PM

I agree. I've used The recommended Kawasaki oil and filter since the first oil change. I've never felt the need to try any others, since I truly haven't ridden my Nomad much due to deployments. Since retiring in '13 from the Army Guard, I no longer have to deal with deployments. I have my weekends back for family and friends. I've started to ride more to work as well. I'm planning on changing the oil this next week. I might try full synthetic for a turn just to see if there is any difference. I'll still use the Kaw filter though...

08-11-2015, 12:52 AM	#1
Kendan Jr. Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 18	Kawasaki Oil I just did an oil change, originally planning to use Motul 5100 Semi-synthetic mostly due to price when comparing pricing from mineral to full synthetic. However I decided to give Amsoil a go, as some say it helps with shifting and the clunk as well as may help the engine run cooler. I found that the Amsoil really didn't help either. Thats fine, I can live with these things, but not sure if I will stick with Amsoil. When visiting the Kawa dealer, I found that they sell Kawasaki Full Synthetic for just under $11 a Litre. I still like the idea with sticking with a synthetic. So when comparing the Kawa oil to the Motul semi synthetic, Mobil 1 synthetic, and Amsoil at $16/litre, and the Motul full synthetic at $19/litre the Kawasaki oil seems like a good choice $ wise. Has anyone given the Kawasaki synthetic a try? I only found a reference to Citgo previously making it for Kawasaki, and thats really about it. I do plan on doing at least a couple oil changes a year, so for $2 more per litre over the Kawa mineral oil, to me it seems like a decent option. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-11-2015, 02:41 AM	#2
JayJay Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 145	I've been using Rotella either regular 15 40 or synthetic T6 on all my bikes and never had an issue. __________________ 08 Vulcan Nomad 1600 Red and Black colour scheme Mustang 2 up seat with back rests Highway pegs Hard bags with rear trunk Accent LED'S Baron Air Cleaner Sony MP3 Player Infinity6x9 2004 Vulcan 2000 (sold)
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08-11-2015, 05:08 AM	#3
buckey1313 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Westlock, Alberta Posts: 442	Have one of the temperature dip sticks and use Amsoil oil and no it does not give a lower temp using it I noticed nothing different by the dip stick old wives tale I think. It is an oil for sure and probably very good I doubt if anyone could say one is better then the other and prove it. As long as it lubricates properly I am satisfied. __________________ Dave Leyh Edmonton, Alberta 2009 Kawasaki 1700 Vulcan Nomad
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08-11-2015, 08:31 AM	#4
gv550 Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Listowel, Ontario Posts: 642	I've been using Kawasaki S4 full synthetic in all my Kawasaki bikes and have been problem free for 962,000 kms. It is currently supplied by NOCO lubricants company. Definitely good stuff and reasonably priced. My dealer sells the 4 litre jug for $42, and if I bring my own jug they will fill it with bulk S4 for $35. They also have the oil change kit, includes 4 litres of S4, a filter, drain plug washer, plastic gloves and a Vulcan hat. I change oil every 10,000 and use only Kawasaki filters. __________________ Garry 2009 1700 Voyager KACT, sold at 679,465 kms 2011 1700 Nomad Improve handling, suspension and tire life with Garry's Fork Brace. PM for details.
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08-11-2015, 08:52 AM	#5
Ken Vega Advanced Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: South Florida Posts: 710	I just used Valvoline Motorcycle Oil 10W-40 full synthetic from Walmart. About $8.99 a qt. Bike seems to like it. Smoothe shifting. I will stick to 3000 mile oil changes even with full synthetic. Florida heat can break the oil down in my opinion. __________________ 2004 Vulcan 1500 Classic "Sasha" (SOLD) 2014 Vulcan Vaquero ABS SE "Candie" On the 1500, too much to list. On the Vaquero: V&H slash cut slip ons Power Commander 5 and Ivan-ized ECU Chuckster's BAK Aux Audio adapter with bluetooth receiver. Mustang 2 up Touring Seat w/ driver and passenger backrest Kuryakyn Longhorn highway pegs. Kawasaki 12 volt charger Longer 1600 meanstreak SE kickstand Full LED Daymaker light mod. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-11-2015, 03:28 PM	#8
H8BUGZ Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Midwest Posts: 273	I use Amsoil but it's only as good as the filter. I change oil every 5000 and the K&N filter every 2500 miles. Synthetics are good, but you still need to keep it clean. Just my 2 cents. Last edited by H8BUGZ; 08-11-2015 at 03:34 PM.
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08-11-2015, 04:07 PM	#10
cnc Join Date: May 2009 Location: Montreal QC Posts: 12,034	Ditto on the s4 been using Kawa oil and filters since the bike was new. I don't have anything to compare with but I don't have complaints either and since I do all my own work I feel if buying what I can from the local kawa dealer helps keep him around then I'm investing in the future. I don't want to buy my next bike from Wally World. __________________ Norm Ward 2008 blue / silver nomad kawanow / VBA #01136 Last edited by cnc; 08-11-2015 at 04:10 PM.
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08-11-2015, 07:32 PM	#12
highwayman2011 Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: N Las Vegas, NV Posts: 364	I just changed my oil before a long weekend. I saw Lucas 20w50 full synthetic motorcycle oil on sale at the parts store for $9 a Quart so I thought I'd try it because of the heat in Las Vegas. I see no difference in shifting or otherwise between 10w40 Castrol synthetic, 5w40 T-6 full synthetic, or the 10w40 Mobil 1 full synthetic. I am using the long Bosch filter too. __________________ 2010 Vulcan Voyager
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08-12-2015, 07:05 PM	#14
dhobbs74 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 99	I use regular kawasaki oil, it's never given me any problems with any of my Kawasaki motorcycles. Never had any engine trouble, never smoked, runs cool and fires up on the first crank every time. I don't know about you guys but I don't have a need for that expensive stuff because conventional oil has never let me down
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08-12-2015, 07:17 PM	#15
Texas nomad Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Kansan. City, KS Posts: 141	I agree. I've used The recommended Kawasaki oil and filter since the first oil change. I've never felt the need to try any others, since I truly haven't ridden my Nomad much due to deployments. Since retiring in '13 from the Army Guard, I no longer have to deal with deployments. I have my weekends back for family and friends. I've started to ride more to work as well. I'm planning on changing the oil this next week. I might try full synthetic for a turn just to see if there is any difference. I'll still use the Kaw filter though...
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