Engine oil

Now, I know I'm gonna create some chaos if I ask what will be the best oil to use, , so I'm just gonna ask what oil you guys are using.

It's been a while since I rode a bike, and because my ZX rebuild is taking bit more time than I expected, I started on my KZ rebuild recently. No. I have not started the build-up yet as the frame/tank/side and tail need to go to paint shop. But in the mean time, I started to collect parts I need, both for the chassis and engine. And whenever possible, I test fit the part(s) I got to the engine, so I want to start buying some engine oil.

Yes. I do use engine assembly lube (both tube and liquid type depending on where). Yes. I took the engine apart and it's in pieces. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't rusted inside. Most are OK. I needed to get some parts like bearing as it showed some sign of rust.

I guess my main concern will be for the clutch.

When I was riding this bike, choices were pretty limited. Now with so many products, I have no idea what to use. Any help will be appreciated!

Most importantly, it should be JASO-MA compliant and be within the viscosity range specified by Kawasaki.

I've been using Rotella T4 in all my MCs with no issues. Cheap too, by the gallon.
www.amazon.com/Shell-ROTELLA-Triple-Prot...rmerly/dp/B01LH7L0XA

I use diesel engine oil. Such oils have lots of good additives appropriate for our bikes. Rotella is excellent but I don't limit myself to that and MA certification isn't necessary in my view although Rotella is certified. Diesel engines don't use wet clutches so most makers of diesel oil don't bother to go through the MA certification testing because that drives cost. Shell made a business decision to spend the money though and for that they get the nod from motorcycle guys that like the warm and fuzzy feeling that the certification brings. I've used various diesel oils over the years and have yet to experience any negative behavior from my bikes, including the clutch.

Kind of reiterating what Nessism said. I use either Shell Rotella T 15W-40 regular in the white bottle or Chevron Delo. Both are marketed as heavy duty diesel engine oils & they usually go on sale for around $13 gal. Valvoline Premium Blue is a similar heavy duty oil, but it's more expensive. The Shell Rotella has the JASO-MA rating, somewhat recently attained by getting the certification, but they didn't have to change their oil to get the Japanese rating.

Kawi 20w - 50 mineral in the Z1's.
Mobil1 15w - 50 full syn in the Nighthawks.
Rotella T6 full syn in the ST1300.

Now, where did that popcorn emoji go...?


Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

Been using 10/40 Valvoline bike oil as I ride in 65 to 85 degree weather and like the quicker flow when cold. Lately been adding a half a quart of there 20/50 to the mix. Wish they'd come out with a 5/45 oil...... bike starts almost instantly and would like to make sure it flows to all areas fast.:silly:

I'm going Valvoline motorcycle 4-stroke 10w40 for the first few thousand miles (break-in). Then going to Mobile 1 Racing 4T 10w40 after that. Definitely not the cheap stuff, but supposedly the best. I don't like to mess with OEM weights. Back then street viscosity was to help engines, now thinner weights do more for the MPG . Racing is another story.

Thanks for all the input guys.

Because of where I live, I have to go out and start looking for all the oils you guys mentioned and see if it's available here. Most of the time, the stuff you guys mentioned won't be available here. Supply and demand, I suppose. Case in point. Shell Rotella or Delo oils. I know I can get the dino oil, but never seen the synthetic ones, yet. And because of HAZMAT, I can't get it to ship here. If I'm lucky enough to find what you guys mentioned, I probably have to sell my Kidney to get it.

Anyway, I'll keep you guys posted. And once again, thanks for all your input.

Do they have Walmart there? If so, that's your spot.

...
By Ojisan rider : ...
Case in point. Shell Rotella or Delo oils. I know I can get the dino oil, but never seen the synthetic ones, yet.
....

Shell Rotella T 15-40 is a regular oil, not synthetic, and the Chevron Delo 15W-40 I use mentioned above is also a regular oil.
Shell Rotella T4 is a regular oil & it's the "improved" version of Rotella T, but I did not see ZDDP listed in an MSDS.
Rotella T6 is synthetic, and Rotella T5 is a synthetic blend oil (regular oil + synthetic oil mixed together).

You can probably use any heavy duty oil marketed for diesel engines, since they usually have the anti-wear additive ZDDP which is the same compound found in motorcycle oils. Most MSDS product sheets will indicate the amount of ZDDP, usually around 1-2%, but sometimes indicated as PPM.

One thing to consider is your climate: If it's cold, the 15W-40 may not be good for cold starts.

Luck had me going to local Walmart today. Just as I said, no synthetic ones. Found T4 and T5, but no T6.

Anyway, still searching for other oil as well.

Wish me luck!