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What oil should I use?
- MLMG
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26 Apr 2023 15:18 #883795
by MLMG
1977 Kawasaki KZ1000 A1
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.
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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- Never Give Up. Never Surrender
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26 Apr 2023 15:49 #883796
by Kelly E
The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda Sabre 700
1984 Honda Interceptor 1000
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000
1994 Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours
And more
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.
The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda Sabre 700
1984 Honda Interceptor 1000
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000
1994 Kawasaki ZG 1000 Concours
And more
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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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- Kidkawie
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26 Apr 2023 18:16 #883800
by Kidkawie
1975 Z1 900
1994 KX250 Supermoto
2004 KX125
Replied by Kidkawie on topic What oil should I use?
1975 Z1 900
1994 KX250 Supermoto
2004 KX125
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- TexasKZ
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26 Apr 2023 19:48 - 26 Apr 2023 19:52 #883804
by TexasKZ
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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.
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.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
Last edit: 26 Apr 2023 19:52 by TexasKZ.
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- hardrockminer
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26 Apr 2023 19:54 #883805
by hardrockminer
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.
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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- Mikaw
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26 Apr 2023 19:58 #883806
by Mikaw
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.
Jimi Hendrix.
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.
Jimi Hendrix.
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- sf4t7
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26 Apr 2023 20:23 #883807
by sf4t7
Scotty
1974 Z1A
1015
welded Z1 crank
Andrews 1X Cams
Delkevic 4 into 1
Superbike bars
530 conversion
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
Scotty
1974 Z1A
1015
welded Z1 crank
Andrews 1X Cams
Delkevic 4 into 1
Superbike bars
530 conversion
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- Kidkawie
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27 Apr 2023 00:14 #883811
by Kidkawie
1975 Z1 900
1994 KX250 Supermoto
2004 KX125
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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- MLMG
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27 Apr 2023 10:29 #883847
by MLMG
1977 Kawasaki KZ1000 A1
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
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.
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
Back in the saddle and loving it! KZ1000A1
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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