Hey 650 owners,

I am fast approaching my 10 hours of break-in on my Kawasaki 650. The owners manual says to take it into the dealership for the 10 hour service. This is fine and I expect to do that. But, for future reference, what type of oil are you guys using and how hard is it to change oil? I am not a mechanical guy but I believe that I am smart enough to do things with instructions or guidence. (my wife will disagree though)

I briefly skimmed over the oil changing secion of the manual but I have learned so much in the forum that I thought some of you may have some advice for me. Thanks!

Daryn

 

Do you have to bring it into the shop for first maitnance or can I do it my self?

 

I didn't take mine to the dealer ( maybe I should have to be on the safe side, for the warranty sake ). I used Kawasaki oil filter, 20/50 Kawachem 4-stroke engine oil, Kawachem gear and wet brake fluid ( same as Mobil 424, just has Kawasaki name on it ) in the rear and front drive. Book says to use engine oil in the front, but my dealer said he would use the Kawachem gear and wet brake fluid in the front also because of the clutch pack ( I'm the only one on here that has done this I've noticed ). I used a Toyota Corilla oil filter wrench, it fits perfect. It's easy to change the fluids, I really enjoy working on my stuff anyway. I keep all the receipts just in case there ever is a warranty issue.

 

I basically did exactly what TrailHog did, but I ordered 2.5 gallons of MobilFluid 424 from Snider Petrolium for about $28. (that ought to last a lifetime) Their website is http://www.sniderPetroleum.com

 

My dealer says I can look after my own oil and other fluid changes and to just keep track for warranty purposes.

 

I did me 10 hr service myself however I didnt do front diff. Can anyone tell me how they refilled it without making a mess. It a very tight spot .Did you use big funnel or ??
How often after first 10 hr should we do oil and filter change?
Gb in NJ

 

Front diff filling - I got a special funnel from autozone. It's kinda hard to explain, but it is basically a piece of tubing with a threaded adaptor on the end that screws onto the container of oil. It works well and was only a few dollars.

 

Change the engine oil every 90 days or 1100 miles ( I change the oil and filter when it starts to look kinda dark, which is about 200 miles, when the oil starts to get dark that means carbon deposits are mixing with the oil ), Change the rear and front diff oil every year, but most of all make your self check it at least once a month and inspect the outside of the diff for leaks every ride, if you do a lot of water riding check more often for a milky look to the oil, if it does look milky, water got in there, so change it and look for possible leak. Don't forget the air filter, clean it every 10 days or 120 miles, more often if it is really dusty.

 

I took mine into the dealer for the first ten hours but I should have done it myself. They didn't adjust the valves like I was told they would. I guess it didn't need it. I've since changed the fluids myself using Castrol 10W40 in the engine and front end. I've heard of aftermarket oil filters that will fit but for the litle difference in price I just bought a Kawasaki filter from the dealer. I also purchased the Kawachem fluid for the rear from the dealer for about $6.00 per quart, I couldn't find any Mobile 424. To add fluid to the front differential, I used a large syringe and it worked just fine. You can also use a basting bulb from your wife's kitchen if you get her a replacement. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] It's a good idea to keep track of all your service jobs and to be sure you perform regularly scheduled maintenance. Good luck and happy riding...

 

Thanks for all your input guys. I put a hard 50 miles on my ATV yesterday in deep mud and snow. IRS is sure overrated. The V-Twin went through anything I asked it to with no problem. I am now at 100 miles total and thinking about my first oil changes now.

Daryn