DIY - Motorcycle Oil Change - 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 / Z650

In this DIY we're going to take a look at changing the oil on the new Kawasaki Ninja 650 (at least as of 2017). It is also exactly the same process for the 2017 Kawasaki Z650. Thankfully, on these models changing the oil is easier than ever, thanks to an open bottom that makes it unnecessary to remove any fairings at all. While we are at it, we are also going to install an oil drain valve making future oil changes even quicker and cleaner. Also, this post may be updated over time. To see the latest version, click here.

Let's begin!

Difficulty: Easy
Tool Requirements: Easy
Time: 20 Minutes - 1 Hour

Disclaimers:

Working on any vehicle can be risky to both yourself and the vehicle. No warranties or guaranties, explicit or implicit, are made or implied regarding the compatibility, suitability or effect on functionality, safety or any current warranties. All modifications should be made within the reader's capability and under their own exclusive responsibility.

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Main Items

• Motorcycle Engine Oil - 10w-40 - To change the oil on this particular bike, you will need approximately 2 liters / 2 Quarts (roughly).

• Quality Low Cost Option: Castrol 03130 Actevo 10W-40 Part Synthetic 4T Motorcycle Oil - If you want a high quality, cheap oil for frequent oil changes, this is your best bet in my opinion. It's perfect for the break in period (with frequent oil changes) given its price.

• High Quality Synthetic Option: Castrol 06112 Power1 10W-40 Synthetic 4T Motorcycle Oil - In my opinion, the all-around best oil for severe use and long oil change intervals is this oil. However, given that it is fully synthetic I wouldn't recommend it for the break-in period (it might be too good).

• Oil Filter - Always change the oil filter whenever you change the oil. Personally, I prefer the OEM filter, but if other quality options are available for cheaper, they are equally good choices:

• Kawasaki OEM Oil Filter - 16097-0002 / 16097-0004 / 16097-0008... - This is Kawasaki's OEM option. It should be your first choice, as long as the price is right. Any of the part numbers above are the same item. Simply choose the one with the cheapest price. The link above should show you all the options available ordered from the cheapest offer up.

• K&N KN-303 Motorcycle/Powersports High Performance Oil Filter - A quality aftermarket filter. No better or worse than OEM, but if it's cheaper than OEM it's a good option.

• (EZ-109 Oil Drain Ball Valve) - If you work quickly, changing the oil yourself will take both less time and less money compared to taking it to the shop. This valve helps you get the job done quicker, with less clean up afterwards. Instead of having to find a wrench to remove the oil drain bolt, swap the crush washer, or torque it down properly, you can simply flip the lever on this valve to quickly drain the oil. If you accidentally fill the oil too much, you can simply open the valve a few seconds to fix it. And if you are given to sample your oil for oil analysis, you can hook up a hose like this one directly to it. I install these on all my vehicles and would recommend you do it, too. The model EZ-109 is the correct version for most Kawasaki bikes, but to see the complete compatibility list click here. If you decide to install the oil drain valve, you should also install the EZ L-001 elbow to be able to angle the flow downwards, as well as a 3/8 Inch Diameter Rubber Cap to cap off the nipple end just to keep it clean.

Tools & Supplies

• Rear Stand - To keep the bike upright and easy to work on. A must have for any sport bike owner. I used a Speedmetal Stand when documenting the DIY, but any stand will do.

• (Oil Drip Tray) - To keep the floor free of oil stains. No matter how careful you promise you will be, you'll always end up splashing everywhere.

• 65/14 Oil Filter Tool - 65 is the diameter, and 14 the number of flutes. The model linked is the right oil filter cap wrench for the Kawasaki OEM Oil filter.

• Ratchet - Both 1/4" and 3/8" square drive are the sizes worth using in a job like this. An extension set is also useful to have on hand.

• Adjustable Wrench - Ideally two.

• Oil Drain Pan - I like this model since it doesn't leak, has a little spout for pouring and has a place to drain the oil filter. Also, it's low enough to fit under most bikes.

• 17mm Socket or Wrench - For removing the OEM Oil Drain Bolt.

• 4mm Allen Wrench - To slightly remove fairings or bolts if doing Oil Drain Valve install.

• 8mm Socket or wrench - To slightly move fairings or bolts if doing the oil drain valve install.

• (3/8" Torque Wrench) - If reinstalling original Oil Drain Bolt.

• (Heavy Duty Aluminum foil) - To protect the fairings from oil splashes. The Heavy Duty, thicker version of foil is preferable. I always have a roll in my garage since it's useful all the time.

• Funnel - On this bike using a funnel to fill the oil is nonnegotiable. The port is small and in an awkward location.

• Threadlocker - If you've owned a bike for any amount of time, you probably already know that you have to use threadlocker on just about every single bolt you reinstall...or else.

Notes on oil:

On many modern motorcycles, like this Kawasaki Ninja 650, the engine oil serves simultaneously as both engine oil and clutch/gearbox oil. The benefit of this is only having one fluid to change, but the downside is dirtier oil as well as an oil with much more specific qualities (especially related to friction modifiers). Always use oil specifically made for motorcycles. As in, don't use car oil.

The number on the oil container, 10w-40, refers to the viscosity of the oil (how "thick" it is). 10w-40 is suitable for most users, but if you live in a more particular climate, check the images for a chart on other viscosity options.

Take the bike for a short ride (5-10 minutes) to make sure the oil is hot and agitated, like in the thermal image taken with a FLIR camera above. That way, all the debris are suspended in the oil. It isn’t ideal to change the oil with the engine cold. It also makes the oil more fluid so it flows out of the drain quicker in cold environments.

The first step is to put the bike up on a rear stand, with an oil drip tray underneath (if possible). Then, identify the bolts you’ll be working on. On the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650, you’ll find the oil drain fill and drain bolts pictured in the attached images. Don’t loosen anything just yet, though.

If you don't want to loosen the fairing to drain the oil (and who does?), cover the fairing's tip with some aluminum foil to protect it from hot oil.

Use a 17mm socket or wrench to remove the Oil Drain Bolt. You want to remove the bottom drain bolt before removing the fill bolt so the oil flows slower at the beginning and doesn't make a mess. Try to avoid dropping the Drain Bolt in the hot oil. Also make sure you don't lose the crush washer. Most of the time it stays stuck to the oil pan.If you need to replace the crush washer, this is the replacement.

If you intend to take an oil sample for analysis, take it after a few seconds of flow so the dirtiest oil can drain out first. That way you'll get the most homogeneous sample.

Though originally marketed for aeronautic and heavy industry use, I personally like sending my oil for analysis to make sure all is well inside the engine.While in the States 3 months between oil changes is typical, in Europe the norm is 1 to 2 years - using the same oil. I personally fall within the long oil change philosophy. I'll only change my oil sooner if it's required for maintaining the warranty. Generally I'll go about 1 year between oil changes, if I can.

The kit I tend to use is the WIX Filters - 24077 Oil Analysis Kit. It's around 15-20$, and includes the cost of the analysis. All you have to do is send it to the address on the included form (2-3$ via USPS First Class Package) and a week later they will email you back a PDF with the results. Attached you'll find a sample analysis. It tells you how dirty the oil is, and whether or not it's actually deteriorated. I've gone up to 3 years without an oil change on a family vehicle and the oil is still good, per the analysis. You'd be surprised at how good modern oils are. By doing an oil analysis I can be confident I am in no way damaging the engine.

It also gives you actionable diagnostic info like if there is coolant or water in the oil (head gasket leak) or if there are excessive metal particulates (worn piston or engine components).

This step is by no means necessary, but for the price it's worthwhile to me for the info.

Once the flow out of the oil drain bolt hole has slowed down a bit, remove the oil fill bolt at the top to speed up the draining. Personally, I installed this aftermarket CNC Oil Filler Cap since it requires an Allen key to remove, making it less tamper friendly, and a lot more aesthetically pleasing given how flush it is. The Oil Fill Bolt for the 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 650 is 20mm x 2.5mm. If you have more questions regarding compatibility with this bike, check this compatibility list.

Once most of the oil has drained out, remove the oil filter currently on the bike. There are no pictures of this since it was hard to get a decent image. Simply use the oil filter removal tool to remove it with a ratchet. Make sure the oil pan is underneath it since it will release oil.

Fetch the replacement oil filter and fill it partially with oil. In this case where the oil filter is installed horizontally, you want to fill it only about half way so it doesn't spill. Let the filter absorb the oil. If the filter was installed vertically, you'd fill it completely. This is to make sure the oil filter isn't empty when the engine first starts, making it take longer to get oil to where it's needed.

Also, use your finger to apply some of the oil to the gasket to aid with sealing.

Install the replacement filter and only tighten it just past hand-tight. It should be snug but not much more than that. Be careful with the exhaust pipes, since they should still be hot.

I'll admit I'm very biased towards EZ Oil Drain Valves. Changing the oil yourself is only worth it if you can do so quickly and cleanly. This valve helps you do that since you can open and close the valve with the little lever. It's also great when you mistakenly over fill the oil, since you can release only a bit. Plus the option to attach a hose means you could even drain the oil directly to a container for recycling without the need for an oil pan. It doesn't get any cleaner than that. I also use the same feature to take samples of oil directly to the test container for oil analysis.

Simply apply some blue threadlocker (medium strength) to the valve and screw it in. Make sure the lever can be moved freely however you install it.

On this bike, you need to install the right angle hose end to make the oil drain downwards. To screw it in you'll have to remove the 4mm bolt securing the fairing tip, and loosen the 8mm bolts holding the fairing bracket. You don't have to remove the bracket completely though, as pictured.

After installing, pop a 3/8" Rubber Cap on the hose end tip to keep it clean.

If you'll be reusing the original oil drain bolt instead of installing this valve, replace the crush washer if possible. Also, if you have a torque wrench, torque the original bolt down to 30 N m (3.1 Kgf m, 22 ft lb).

You'll need 1.8 Liters or 1.9 US Quarts of oil to fill the compartment, roughly. Never pour it all in straight away though. Pour in about 90% and then pour the rest while looking at the engine oil level window.

You'll need a funnel to pour the oil in this bike.

You should never check the oil while the bike is on its sidestand. Ideally it should be on the ground and upright. While using a rear stand isn't ideal, it is acceptable to check the oil level while it's on it (if not the oil would be "incorrect" while driving downhill). Make sure the oil level is between the two marks, biased towards the top mark.

After making sure the level is correct, reinstall the oil filler cap.

It makes no sense to save the time taking your bike to the mechanic for an oil change if you have to take your used oil to be recycled each time.

The best solution I've found so far is this 7 Gallon Emergency Water Container. You can put just about a years supply of used oil (including brake oil, hydraulic oil, etc) in there and simply do the trip once. Most major auto-parts stores like Autozone have a huge deposit in the back where you can empty the bottle there. It's free, and you don't have to buy anything to do so.

Just make sure to mark the container as used oil. I used these cute stickers to make that clear.

Now that everything's done, double-check the bike for leaks or uninstalled bolts and then take her for a ride! Always check the oil level afterwards as well.

Hopefully this was helpful to anyone wanting to change the oil on this, or any, bike. Also, if you want to see what other projects or mods I've done to my bike, check out my Kawasaki Ninja 650's mods list.

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