Instructions for an Oil Change in a Kawasaki Motorcycle
by Chris Gilliland
Regular oil changes are an absolute requirement if you plan on riding your Kawasaki motorcycle for any length of time. The motorcycle's oil lubricates the numerous moving components, reducing the build up of friction. This friction, however, forms heat that slowly begins to break down the oil. If left unchecked, the oil could reach a point where it no longer has any lubricating properties and allows the motor to burn itself out. Draining old oil and adding fresh oil prevents this from happening.
Step 1
Place an oil pan under the motor. Drain the oil from the motor, using a socket wrench to unscrew the drain plug from the bottom of the motor's crankcase. Wipe the drain plug with a shop rag and reinsert it into the motor once the flow of oil has stopped.
Step 2
Locate the oil filter. Late model Kawasaki motorcycles use a spin-on oil filter, which is usually mounted at the front of the motor. Use a cap-type oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the filter. Older models may use an in-engine filter element that is usually placed near the front sprocket. Remove the sprocket cover bolts with a screwdriver and pull the cover away. Unscrew the oil filter cover with a socket wrench and pull the cover and filter element off of the motor.
Step 3
Insert or install a new oil filter. Spin-on filters should be hand-tightened until the filter is seated against the motor. Filter elements are slipped into the motor and secured in place by the filter cover. Reinstall the sprocket cover, tightening the mounting bolts with a screwdriver.
Step 4
Remove the oil filler cap from the right side of the motor. Use a funnel to slowly pour in the oil to prevent air bubbles from forming. Screw the oil filler cap onto the motor once the oil has been filled and wipe away any spills with a shop rag.
References
- "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program;" Professional Career Development Institute; 1995
- "2004 Kawasaki ZX6R Ninja Service Manual;" Kawasaki Heavy Industries; 2004
- "1976 Kawasaki KZ 750 Service Manual;" Kawasaki Heavy Industries; 1976
Tips
- Determine how much oil is needed by looking on the right side of the motor, where Kawasaki has imprinted the maximum oil capacity. Fill the motor to three quarters of the maximum capacity to prevent over-filling the motor and add oil as needed to raise the oil level.
Things You'll Need
- Oil pan
- Socket wrench and sockets
- Shop rags
- Oil filter wrench
- Screwdrivers
- Oil filter
- Funnel
- Motor oil
Writer Bio
An avid motorcyclist, Chris Gilliland has immersed himself into the two-wheeled world while balancing work life and raising three daughters. When he is not managing the parts department of a local, multi-line motorcycle dealership, Gilliland can often be found riding, writing or working on his motorcycle blog, Wingman's Garage.
