Engine oil

New to the forum and new to kawasaki

So, this is a rookie question but I am going to ask anyway.

Just bought an 86 kz1000p with some tinkering I have it running but before I get to serious I would like to change the oil, what viscosity do I use and is any brand better for bikes than others?

I also would like to hear your thoughts on the 1000p.

For the most part,10w40 is what you want,unless you're running the bike in cooler temps(then I would suggest 10w30).
There's alot of different opinions on which BRAND to use...I've been using Pennzoil for the past few years or so,and am happy with it.

Anything but synthetic. The wet clutch no likey the slippery stuff.

Been using Castrol 20w50 since 1973 with no problems.

Tried Castrol 20w-50 last year but didn't want to shift right until the oil warmed up, using Castrol 10w-40 now, no problems w/ shifting.

Mobile MOTORCYCLE synthetic is the best, period! Donthekawguy may be correct about automobile synthetic, I can't say I've ever tried it, and I wouldn't start now. But the Mobil 1 Racing 4t 10W40 made a noticable difference in my KZ650C1 compared to Castrol that I had been using for more than 25 years. It will not make your clutch slip as it is especially formulated for wet clutch bikes. See:

OIL

Thank you every one for the fast reponse, I will be changing my oil today and I am sure I will be post more questions!!

Anything but synthetic. The wet clutch no likey the slippery stuff.

I'm using Kawasaki Synthetic oil on the advise of a Kawi mechanic.
It's mineral based (Dino oil) and has not caused my clutch to slip. My engine revs so much smoother, and power overall seems better. I highly recommend it!
I've been using it for just over a year.

I use either Valvoline or Castrol 10W-40 mostly. It depends which one is least expensive or on sale. I will use 20W-50 if riding hard and long during the hot months, if necessary. I don't use synthetics and avoid the over-priced dealership brands.
I change my oil twice a year, Spring and mid-summer, usually.
I believe this is sufficient and cost-effective for my uses.
That's my 1% for the day.

I think it's toss up for me between Rototella T diesel 15-40 or the Mobile 1 synthetic for my motorcylces. Both have a higher shear rating; which is important in bike trannys as the running rpms are high.
I use the Rotella because it is quite inexpensive, so frequent oil changes aren't a problem.
I also use Rotella T diesel in my 79 chevy truck.
just my experience

Goatman wrote:

New to the forum and new to kawasaki

So, this is a rookie question but I am going to ask anyway.

Just bought an 86 kz1000p with some tinkering I have it running but before I get to serious I would like to change the oil, what viscosity do I use and is any brand better for bikes than others?

I also would like to hear your thoughts on the 1000p.

Asking what the best oil is will generally start a debate... but, IMHO, the heat and shear stress of MC engines is best served by synthetic oil. There are some very good conventional oils also, but I've run syn since it came out. Just don't use the stuff marked "fuel mileage efficient" or such because they have some friction reducer which might make the clutch slip. Stick with Castrol Syn and you can't go wrong.

My 750 has about 10,000 miles on it. It's an '82 model so it's old. I've got a problem that I also had with a '76 model Honda 550. The problem, and I believe it is exacerbated with synthetics, is oil leaking past the o-rings surrounding the passages in either side of the cylinder block-head junction. I know the rubber hardens with age, but I have found that synthetics are more prone to leaking than dino oils. I understand that a leak may occur in any situation but synthetics flow so well they tend to find any path out of the engine. I no longer use synthetics in my motorcycles or my cast iron Chevy V8. A good quality dino will do for me. However I will also say that if I had a new liquid cooled Kawi. I wouldn't hesitate to use synthetics. Just my pennies for what it's worth.