What oil should I use?

  • MLMG
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26 Apr 2023 15:18 #883795 by MLMG
What oil should I use? was created by MLMG
Hi everyone, my A1 has a newly assembled engine.
All seals and clutch discs are modern.
For the first use, I used mineral oil, which I plan to change after a few kilometers. My question is, should I stick with mineral oil or switch to synthetic oil?
Thank you.

1977 Kawasaki KZ1000 A1

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  • Kelly E
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26 Apr 2023 15:49 #883796 by Kelly E
Replied by Kelly E on topic What oil should I use?
We use 15w/40 diesel truck oil, it has the correct additives for our old school motors. Rotella T4 is a great choice.

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1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
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26 Apr 2023 16:16 #883797 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic What oil should I use?
 I also use diesel oil.  Some people will be along shortly saying that you MUST use MA certified oil, because otherwise your wet clutch will be damaged, but I don't believe that.  The low viscosity oils, 30 weight and below, often times have friction modifiers, and those can get to your clutch, but typically, 10W-40 or thicker oils won't, so the big worry about clutch damage is overblown.  
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26 Apr 2023 18:16 #883800 by Kidkawie
Replied by Kidkawie on topic What oil should I use?
What does the manual or cap say?

 

1975 Z1 900
1994 KX250 Supermoto
2004 KX125
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26 Apr 2023 19:48 - 26 Apr 2023 19:52 #883804 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic What oil should I use?
The manual and cap were published before synthetic oils were widely available. The manual also says nothing about modern tires, blade fuses, et cetera. Many things have improved since the 1970s.

Any modern oil, without the extra friction modifiers, is in every way better than the best oils available when KZs were new. Synthetic oils are better at resisting shear and heat degradation than non-synthetics. This seems to me to be of special importance in air cooled engines that have the transmission in the sump.
Another consideration is the reduced levels of zinc and sulfur and the effect that has on flat tappet wear. 

I prefer a motorcycle or diesel specific full synthetic. 

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1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
Last edit: 26 Apr 2023 19:52 by TexasKZ.
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26 Apr 2023 19:54 #883805 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic What oil should I use?
I use Rotella T4 15W40.  I believe it's Jaso certified.

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
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26 Apr 2023 19:58 #883806 by Mikaw
Replied by Mikaw on topic What oil should I use?
Rotella T4

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
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26 Apr 2023 20:23 #883807 by sf4t7
Replied by sf4t7 on topic What oil should I use?
I use Kawasaki KPO conventional 10w40 in my 74 Z1A.  I think it's made by Motul.  I've also used Rotella T4 15w40.

Scotty
 


Scotty

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27 Apr 2023 00:14 #883811 by Kidkawie
Replied by Kidkawie on topic What oil should I use?
The easiest way to choose a motorcycle oil, no matter where its used, is to buy it from a dealer in a container saying its for motorcycles with the weight thats noted in the manual or on the cap. Guys want to save a buck here and buy Walmart oil, diesel oil, etc its not necessary.  Personally I would never use non moto oil in my bikes or recommend it to others.

1975 Z1 900
1994 KX250 Supermoto
2004 KX125
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27 Apr 2023 10:29 #883847 by MLMG
Replied by MLMG on topic What oil should I use?
Based on the comments, I conclude that mineral, semi-synthetic or synthetic oil can be used as long as the viscosity of the 10W-40 oil is respected.

1977 Kawasaki KZ1000 A1

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27 Apr 2023 10:39 - 27 Apr 2023 10:42 #883848 by Nessism
Replied by Nessism on topic What oil should I use?

Based on the comments, I conclude that mineral, semi-synthetic or synthetic oil can be used as long as the viscosity of the 10W-40 oil is respected.

The manual doesn't mandate 10W-40.  The chart below is from the 750 manual, but other manuals are similar.  I'd stay away from the thicker stuff if you are riding in cold weather, though.

 
Last edit: 27 Apr 2023 10:42 by Nessism.
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27 Apr 2023 18:14 - 27 Apr 2023 19:55 #883866 by BCScott
Replied by BCScott on topic What oil should I use?
I've had my A1 since 1979. I've always used Castrol 10W40 motorcycle oil. It's readily available to me and reasonably priced. I change it every 5,000 kms. The bike is at 88,000 kms now. My service manual states SAE 10W40.

Back in the saddle and loving it! KZ1000A1
Last edit: 27 Apr 2023 19:55 by BCScott.
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