I have a '05 Kawasaki 1500 FI Vulcan Classic that has about 600 mi on it, it is a liquid cooled bike, but the radiator is so small that it might as well be air cooled. Its ready for it's first oil change. The only spec that the manual says is SE, SF,SG 10w40 oil.
I've had motorcycles and quads before, but nothing this new, and I've always ran a 15w40 Rotella or Chevron Delo. with out problems. The temps are finally starting to rise, but a 15w40 is still plenty thick.
What exactly is the difference between a motor cycle oil and a normal automotive oil? Is it just a difference in phosphorus and maybe calcium levels?
This is my first real cruiser, and I don't want to ruin the motor or void the 4 yr warranty, but most of the UOA's I've seen on BITOG, the expensive synthetics have sheared down into the 30wt range, while over the shelf conventionals of the 15w40 nature hold grade really well.
This bike is not a rpm monster, so I really question wether I need a ester based zillion dollar a qt MC oil like Motul (i think its ester based), but I do want some thing that will stay in grade.
I was thinking about using Rotella 5w40 and change it at super short intervals of 1500 -2000 mi.
I am also wondering about Red Line 10w40, but I can't find any info on wether or not it can be used in a MC. Another oil that I am entertaining would be Amsoils 0w40 Motorcycle oil. The problem with these oils is availablity, but I also have the same problem with any MC oil, the nearest MC shop is 70 mi away.
I've had motorcycles and quads before, but nothing this new, and I've always ran a 15w40 Rotella or Chevron Delo. with out problems. The temps are finally starting to rise, but a 15w40 is still plenty thick.
What exactly is the difference between a motor cycle oil and a normal automotive oil? Is it just a difference in phosphorus and maybe calcium levels?
This is my first real cruiser, and I don't want to ruin the motor or void the 4 yr warranty, but most of the UOA's I've seen on BITOG, the expensive synthetics have sheared down into the 30wt range, while over the shelf conventionals of the 15w40 nature hold grade really well.
This bike is not a rpm monster, so I really question wether I need a ester based zillion dollar a qt MC oil like Motul (i think its ester based), but I do want some thing that will stay in grade.
I was thinking about using Rotella 5w40 and change it at super short intervals of 1500 -2000 mi.
I am also wondering about Red Line 10w40, but I can't find any info on wether or not it can be used in a MC. Another oil that I am entertaining would be Amsoils 0w40 Motorcycle oil. The problem with these oils is availablity, but I also have the same problem with any MC oil, the nearest MC shop is 70 mi away.