07-21-2012, 11:07 PM | #1 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 19
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oil change questions
hi, I've been reading through posts about changing oil and filter.
should I use regular or synthetic oil? 10W-40? motorcycle specific? what filter does it take? can I get one at a local auto parts place or online? I'm changing it because it looks pretty black. I bought the bike used, and the guy said he recently changed it but not the filter. I've gone about 1000 miles since getting the bike, and I just want to be on the safe side. any other thoughts or input? thanks so much. Login or Register to Remove Ads |
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07-22-2012, 01:04 AM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Squamish B.C Canada
Posts: 11,409
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Re: oil change questions
Any motorcycle specific 10-40 oil will do. You can also use a non moto specific oil if you want. You must however be sure they do not contain any ingredients such as friction molifiers and labelled as energy conserving. Dino or synthetic is your choice but I have had very good results with plain old Shell Rotella 15-40. It is cheap and certified for moto use by Shell. You could also use Rotella synthetic 5-40. Still cheap compared to other synthetics.
Filter wise you can go to Suzuki or elsewhere. HiFlo make the HF136 filter for the GZ and is a common filter for many smaller engines. Check out local small engine repair shops, auto parts stores or online for the best price and availability. You will need 1300 mm of oil for the change. Oil and filter require 1400 mm of oil. Buy two qts and you have lots left over to top up with when needed. Be sure to check the oil level in the sight glass with the bike held upright. If it is leaning on the side stand the level will be incorrect and you will overfill it. Keep in mind that some oils will change color soon after an oil change. That not a bad sign. It just happens. |
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07-22-2012, 01:44 AM | #4 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Squamish B.C Canada
Posts: 11,409
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Re: oil change questions
Quote:
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07-22-2012, 12:27 PM | #6 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Upstate SC
Posts: 19
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Re: oil change questions
Any difference in the K&N vs Hiflo filter?
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07-23-2012, 10:09 AM | #8 |
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Dalton, GA
Posts: 3,996
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Re: oil change questions
When you hold the K&N filter and the stock filter side by side, you might be disappointed with how similar and basically identical they are.
It's strictly your decision, but I would save my money in the future and stick with the cheap ones. |
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07-23-2012, 02:59 PM | #10 |
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Dalton, GA
Posts: 3,996
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Re: oil change questions
Well there you go then. I've seen K&N priced way too high before, because it's K&N and that's what they do.
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