So I had the first service done (by the Kawasaki agents) on the Z about two weeks ago. I have not been riding much since then so only really started picking this up lately.

The motor seems noisier than before? Almost like an engine with noisy lifters. Anyone else notice this? The guys tell me the run in oil is slightly thicker than the oil the use for servicing.

I think I should invest in some proper oil and rather just change the filter and oil again myself. Any recommendations?? Or should I just leave it as is and live with it?

Well an oil change it a cheap way to get some peace of mind, so you lose very little by doing your own change. Be aware, however, that these engines do loosen up as they break in. Hearing a bit of valve noise isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, on my race bike I set the valves a bit loose on purpose, which results in a noisy valvetrain.

If you think it's unnaturally loud after the oil change, I'd have it looked at. If it stays pretty much where it's at now, then I wouldn't worry too much...

Thanks CBR Brutha, any recommendations on what oil I should try??

I live by repsol . . . it has not given me any reason not to be happy with its performance

Originally Posted by speedyZ

Thanks CBR Brutha, any recommendations on what oil I should try??

Ask 100 people this question and you'll get 100 different answers. Best way to start a virtual riot on this forum is to start a thread inquiring as to what oil is superior.

I use Amsoil 10w40, which I believe to be best b/c I've used it and had no issues. Others will say the same about the oil they use, and it'll be just as valid. Best bet is to not waste your time trying to poll people here for an oil recommendation. Read some tests (Google "motor oil bible", download it, & read it), then make a decision based on what makes you feel warm & fuzzy...

+1

Yeah I guess you right hey, how long is a piece of string.

Will research some oils and get it done ASAP, I think just the piece of mind will make me feel better! Besides I was not happy watching the guy doing the service! Only thing he did right was adjusting the chain.

Currenty I run Motul 300V. Shifts a little better than factory kawi oil, and clutch seems a bit smoother. Next oil change I will switch to Repsol, a buddy of mine owns a shop and also races a CBR1000. He has always run Repsol and has never had an oil related failure.

To me, any good name brand oil designed for sport bikes will be fine, to each his own.

Its a hot climate where i am so i use thick oil........engine and gear box should be smooth with new oil coz it did not break down the oil so qiuter then the factory oil......

now im thinking it could be 2 things............................i think you first oil change was around 1600 km, unless you changed at 800 kiliometers. So if 1600 kilometers the exhaust manifold headers nuts maybe a bit loose, those should be tighterned to 13lbs per foot pounds (Those come loose). and follow the sequence.

A lttle bit of cam chain noise is normal as the engine breaks in......but im not really sure what type of noise from the engine your hearing. Also if its a vibe noise, the lamp set and windshield get loose and vib, put your finger on thme to cut out that noise......those come loose to just tightern them up

Originally Posted by speedyZ

So I had the first service done (by the Kawasaki agents) on the Z about two weeks ago. I have not been riding much since then so only really started picking this up lately.

The motor seems noisier than before? Almost like an engine with noisy lifters. Anyone else notice this? The guys tell me the run in oil is slightly thicker than the oil the use for servicing.

I think I should invest in some proper oil and rather just change the filter and oil again myself. Any recommendations?? Or should I just leave it as is and live with it?

I bet you checked the oil level? to much or to less oil will give that effect of the lifters......

Originally Posted by dennis14685

Its a hot climate where i am so i use thick oil........engine and gear box should be smooth with new oil coz it did not break down the oil so qiuter then the factory oil......

now im thinking it could be 2 things............................i think you first oil change was around 1600 km, unless you changed at 800 kiliometers. So if 1600 kilometers the exhaust manifold headers nuts maybe a bit loose, those should be tighterned to 13lbs per foot pounds (Those come loose). and follow the sequence.

A lttle bit of cam chain noise is normal as the engine breaks in......but im not really sure what type of noise from the engine your hearing. Also if its a vibe noise, the lamp set and windshield get loose and vib, put your finger on thme to cut out that noise......those come loose to just tightern them up

Originally Posted by dennis14685

Its a hot climate where i am so i use thick oil........engine and gear box should be smooth with new oil coz it did not break down the oil so qiuter then the factory oil......

now im thinking it could be 2 things............................i think you first oil change was around 1600 km, unless you changed at 800 kiliometers. So if 1600 kilometers the exhaust manifold headers nuts maybe a bit loose, those should be tighterned to 13lbs per foot pounds (Those come loose). and follow the sequence.

A lttle bit of cam chain noise is normal as the engine breaks in......but im not really sure what type of noise from the engine your hearing. Also if its a vibe noise, the lamp set and windshield get loose and vib, put your finger on thme to cut out that noise......those come loose to just tightern them up

The service was done at 998Km, I have replaced the complete exhaust system and have already checked the header bolts. Phoned the guy up again yesterday and he said its pretty normal seeing as the Z doesn’t have a much covering the engine, as is the case with the ZX-10 for instance.

Still trying to make my mind up with the damn oil. We are in winter now with day temps going up to around 15-17 deg C.

Originally Posted by dennis14685

I bet you checked the oil level? to much or to less oil will give that effect of the lifters......

Yip oil level is spot on!

I use KawaChem 20-50 year round, and change it every 2k miles. No complaints here.

My dealer sold me 20-50 and I hated it, even in TX. I am running 10-40 now.

i think whats important, rather than brand, or even synthetic vs semi synth is that you stick exclusively to the recommended viscosity!


after all the most important aspect of oil is is viscosity level which attributes to how well it works in any given application.