TOPIC:

You are correct that the FSM does not specifically state SAE 5W20 fork oil under the heading "Type", but the little table has the title "Fork Oil" and the subtitle is "Filling fork oil capacity."

I guess it's a matter of interpretation on the part of the mechanic as to whether the term "fork oil" in the title and subtitle is intended to inform him to use fork oil if it is simply intended to mean the oil that goes into the forks. The KZ650 FSM is written in similar fashion, but for sure the KZ650 forks are meant to run fork oil, so I suspect the same is true of the KZ550. Ed

Thank God the amount and measurement was very close (springs in 393mm If I remember right) on my 650 (in both the factory and Clymer) ..... this one would have me worried sick..... and Ed changing his oil every 2 years has got me feeling the shame....

I changed to 15W Bel ray somewhere in the late 80s then bought another bottle in the mid to late 90s and have it out in the shed with old marked on it (still unopened) next to another I bought in 2014 to change..... that you guessed it is still unopened.

I planned on tapered bearings and doing it then but the starter clutch drama and bore job I had set it all in limbo...... I have a change fund with 166 bucks so far in it for this fall where I plan on the bearings, pads, lines, tire and a change then. Seals still leak free and seems like good damping but I'm sure I will feel a night and day diff when I do finally get around to it.

Dam them For putting sae! I prob should reseal my forks when I do the official refill with whatever weight I find good. While I'm at might as well get tapered head bearings while I'm at it lol

Oops, sorry 650ed....tbere was supposed to be a big thank you for your quick responses and advice!

Does the 650 manual specify, explicitly to use oil intended for forks and not oil for motors?

As you pointed out, maybe it's a philosophical question... if you use some oil to polish your silverware, and that silverware includes a fork, does that make it fork oil?

My manual says non detergent, We use to use hydraulic oil.Years ago I used Castrol 20-50. It worked until I could get some REAL fork oil.
Steve

loudhvx wrote: Does the 650 manual specify, explicitly to use oil intended for forks and not oil for motors?

As you pointed out, maybe it's a philosophical question... if you use some oil to polish your silverware, and that silverware includes a fork, does that make it fork oil?

No. It is consistent in that it always uses the phrase "front fork oil" but it does not say anything about not using motor oil. I bought my bike new, and when I spoke with the Kawasaki dealer the first time I serviced the front forks he said the forks needed to use fork oil. That's what the dealer used in all Kawasaki forks. Ed