What oil should i be putting in a GPZ500?

[c_dug]

As above, the manual says API grade SE, SF or SG, i have no idea what SE, SF and SG stand for

Also i have the best part of 5 liters of semi-synth oil here, will it hurt to finish that off before moving on to the correct type of oil?

cheers

c_dug
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[Noxious89123]

[c_dug]

I think its 15w30 but it might be 10w40, its outside so ill check in the morning.

c_dug
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Kawasaki manual lists it as a 10W40, 10W50, 20W40 or 20W50 SE or SF spec oil.

The SE or SF spec is just referring to the oil spec. Those are grades for car use, and your biggest problem these days would be finding such low spec car oils.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[tsmith]

i used to use halfords 10w40 motorcycle oil, but its pretty expensive

now I use either Tescos or Wickes 10w40 and change it every 3000 miles.

done over 20,000 miles on my GPZ500 with these oils and had no problems.

[temeluchus]

Most car mineral or semi synthetic oils are fine. SL grade is fine, but avoid SJ as it includes additives that will bugger your clutch.

Ive used Halvoline Premium, Halvoline Extra and GTX High Mileage (not normal castrol GTX which isnt suitable)

Halvoline premium is ok and is 8 quid a can.
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[Kickstart]

[arry]

Interesting

So if I were to use, say, a halfords car oil and look for ones that don't have friction reducing addititives I'd be ok? Sounds like a winner to me

[stinkwheel]

[arry]

[Robby]

[arry]

feck it, I'm just going to pour some of my stockpile of 10/40 in it and see what happens. Presumably even at worst case it's not going to do any lasting damage? If I have to drop the oil and start again then so be it?

[c_dug]

Going to bump this thread since it is to do with the same thing.

I am at my dads 65 miles from home, my bike drasticly overheated on the way here but still seems to be running ok for the time being Anyway when i got here i checked a few things and the oil level was seriously low.

The only oil i have access to is mineral oil, ignoring possible damage i may have already done would using mineral oil for the 65 miles home cause any damage? Bareing in mind it will be mixed with the semi-synth that is already in the bike.

There will be a thread in a minute about the possible damage i have done, think i have really wrecked it this time

c_dug
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Probably be fine, assuming it is about the right grade.

Although if it is Magnetec or similar then don't try it.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[c_dug]

I think it is magnatec It is what my dad uses in his beemer, although that is dry clutch so he wouldnt have the clutch slipping issues.

If it is changed as soon as i get home is it still likely to cause issues?

c_dug
____________________
I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Not sure, but plenty seem to have had issues with it. Personally I would try and find a different oil

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing