1982 KZ 1000 LTD

Wondering what weight of oil to put in engine? Also was wondering if I can run Full Synthetic Oil in it? I just got the bike a few days ago and want to service it. Hope someone can help. Thanks

I run Rotilla 15/40. I use to run Castrol 20/50 until I learned they changed it. Bike doesn't use any oil now. After 40+ years I made a change and am glad I did.
Steve

Either 10w-40 or 15-w40 will be fine. Be sure that the oil is compatible with wet clutches. The safest bet is to be sure the oil bottle says JASO-MA on it. Diesel oils like Rotella seem to be fine for now. What you want to be sure to avoid are automotive oils that have the Energy Conserving logo. They have friction modifiers that can cause clutch slippage.

TexasKZ wrote: Either 10w-40 or 15-w40 will be fine. Be sure that the oil is compatible with wet clutches. The safest bet is to be sure the oil bottle says JASO-MA on it. Diesel oils like Rotella seem to be fine for now. What you want to be sure to avoid are automotive oils that have the Energy Conserving logo. They have friction modifiers that can cause clutch slippage.

That's what I am worried about. Screwing up the clutch plates. So the oil will say right on it " Wet Clutch Compatible"? So I guess Full Synthetic 10W40 is no good either then. That will cause clutch problems. I am in Canada so I wonder if Canadian Tire carries the right oil. I will go in and check I guess. If you know a good oil brand I can get here in Canada, let me know the name and what to watch for so I make sure I don't screw up my bike I just got. lol Thanks.. Russ

Full synthetic is fine. Sadly, I don't know of any brand that says wet clutch compliant. Mobil 1 4T might be the best on the market and it has a price to match. Shell Rotella is for diesel engines, but it's formula is compatible with wet clutches. And it is widely available and reasonably priced. Rosella comes in non- synthetic, blend, and full synthetic. Any are fine.

You can get the Shell Rotella 15/40 diesel oil at Canadian Tire and if you take a look at the fine print on the back of the 4L jug you'll find the JASO-MA stuff.
I've been using it for a few years with no problems.
Good luck

No, it is most unlikely the oil will say "Wet Clutch Compatible" That's exactly why, as TexasKZ said, you need to see the designation "JASO-MA" on the container label. That standard is specifically engineered for wet clutches. Ed

Rotella synthetic 5W-40 is good stuff. That's what I'm running in my bikes.

cobra7777 wrote: . . . wondering if I can run Full Synthetic Oil in it? . . . .

Using full synthetic oil (designed for automobile use) in the bike at hand is imho a bad idea.
Because it will likely (1) cause clutch slippage, and (2) be more prone to leakage past the various engine seals.

I wouldn't use the synthetic oil branded as motorcycle synthetic oil (such as Honda Synthetic Motorcycle Oil) because it came out for use in more modern motorcycles designed for using motorcycle synthetic oil.

And besides, it's more expensive, especially if following the factory maintenance schedule for changing every 4000 miles.

Just my 2¢.

Good Fortune!