in the mail - Vulcan 2000 Oil Level Check Procedure

[Spok]

a letter came in the mail from Maw Kaw, its the proper method of checking the oil and reads as follows


Dear Vulcan 2000 Owner:

Thank you for purchasing the Vulcan 2000, Kawasaki's newest flagship cruiser.

Because the Vulcan 2000 has a unique semi-dry sump lubrication system with separate oil chambers in the crank room, clutch side cover and transmission room, the engine oil level indicated on the dipstick is very sensitive to oil temperature, the motorcycle's position and engine RPM at time of shut down.

Under certain conditions, oil can accumulate in the crank and clutch areas and give a false low reading on the dipstick in the transmission room. This can result in false low readings and oil overlilling, which often leads to oil being pushed out of the crankcase vent and into the airbox.

Use the following procedure, which is also outlined in the Owners's Manual, for checking oil level:

Verify Engine Oil Presence
Before starting the engine, verify that the engine contains oil by removing the oil filler cap/dispstick in the lower right side of the engine. If the dipstick is dry, tip the motorcycle slightly to the right and look thru the filler holde until oil appears. If no oil appears even when the machine is tipped at an extreme angle, remove the oil drain plugs to empty any oil that may be in the transmission, crankcase and clutch cover. Reinstall the drain plugs and refill with the specified amount of oil. Continue with Engine Oil Level Inspection.

CAUTION: If the engine is run without oil, it will be severely damaged.

Engine Oil Level Inspection
After you have verified that the engine contains oil, start the engine and allow it to idle for several minutes to thoroughtly warm the oil in the transmission room to 125 degrees Fahrenheit according to the following chart:

Air Temp Idle Time
40 degrees 15 minutes
65 degrees 10 minutes
100 degrees 5 minutes

*NOTE: During this time the auxilliary cooling fan may be activated several times.
After allowing the engine to idle for the specified time, shut it off. DO NOT REV THE ENGINE AND SHUT IF OFF AT HIGHER THAN IDLE RPM. Doing so can leave a significant amount of oil in the crank room and clutch area, leading to a false low oil level reading.

Allow the oil to settle for several minutes. With the motorcycle level from from to back and side to side, remove the oil filler cap/dipstick and wipe the dipstick clean. Continue holding the motorcycle supright and reinstall the dipstick, threading the cap completely in. Remove the dipstick and check the engine oil level. The engine iol level should be between the high and low level lines on the dipstick.

If the oil level is too high, remove the excess oil through the filler opening using a syringe or other suitable device. If the oil is too low, add oil to reach the correct level. Use the same type of oil that is already in the engine.

Replace the cap, making sure the O-ring is in place and tighten.

Following this procedure should provide an accurate oil leel reading. If you feel your are not obtaining accurate readings using this method, please see your local Kawasaki dealer for further assistance.

Sincerely,

KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., USA

[Xlr8n]

Spok- Did you requested this info or it just came? Seems like they must be getting a lot customer questions regarding the proper method of checking the oil level on the V2K's.

[Spok]

it showed up today in the mail, unsolicited on my part in a mailer that recalls come in...i thought there was a recall on my bike

[Xlr8n]

Good service on their part.

[trikebubble]

[Spok]

yep, thats the one

[metalyguitarded]

I realize that Spok, as a Vulcan, is much stronger than the rest of us humans, but how in the heck are you supposed to tilt the bike "at an extreme angle" while looking through the filler hole for oil to appear. Now, I've only got a 900 and it's hard enough with that. Then again, what's a few extra hundred pounds?

[Spok]

Originally Posted by metalyguitarded

I realize that Spok, as a Vulcan, is much stronger than the rest of us humans, but how in the heck are you supposed to tilt the bike "at an extreme angle" while looking through the filler hole for oil to appear. Now, I've only got a 900 and it's hard enough with that. Then again, what's a few extra hundred pounds?

yeah, i found humor in that statement as well. heck, with a short side stand, i find it hard to put the bike on its left..let alone try to lean it over to the right...c'mon

[2WheelFun]

Originally Posted by spok

it showed up today in the mail, unsolicited on my part in a mailer that recalls come in...i thought there was a recall on my bike

There is. They want you to send it to my house.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by whistle clean

There is. They want you to send it to my house.

ok...just make sure the run down into oregon and thru the woods is on the list of cure remedies

[2WheelFun]

Originally Posted by spok

ok...just make sure the run down into oregon and thru the woods is on the list of cure remedies

You know it is...and...it's just waiting for you to ride it.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by whistle clean

You know it is...and...it's just waiting for you to ride it.

hmmm...

spiral grade, anatone grade, rattlesnake grade, bueford grade, 64 miles thru the woods...sounds fun to me

[trikebubble]

Originally Posted by spok

hmmm...

spiral grade, anatone grade, rattlesnake grade, bueford grade, 64 miles thru the woods...sounds fun to me

me 2, me 2 !!!!!!

[2WheelFun]

You boys need to plan a trip over here muy pronto!

[Spok]

Originally Posted by trikebubble

me 2, me 2 !!!!!!

Originally Posted by whistle clean

You boys need to plan a trip over here muy pronto!

carlo,

cary was telling me of a route he took this summer on a weekend, down the rattlesnake to bogans for pie, up the buefford grade and onto some little town that directed him to an old highway that went 64 miles thru the woods on a good paved road in the middle of nowhere under the cannopy of the trees and where you can go look down into hells canyon (1 1/2 miles deep) and all of this is within 1 day of mr cleans house....

[trikebubble]

Originally Posted by spok

carlo,

cary was telling me of a route he took this summer on a weekend, down the rattlesnake to bogans for pie, up the buefford grade and onto some little town that directed him to an old highway that went 64 miles thru the woods on a good paved road in the middle of nowhere under the cannopy of the trees and where you can go look down into hells canyon (1 1/2 miles deep) and all of this is within 1 day of mr cleans house....

Sounds wicked. Unfortunatly I (we) are booked through November. (A couple of social butterflies we have become)

Next year though........................

[2WheelFun]

Originally Posted by spok

carlo,

cary was telling me of a route he took this summer on a weekend, down the rattlesnake to bogans for pie, up the buefford grade and onto some little town that directed him to an old highway that went 64 miles thru the woods on a good paved road in the middle of nowhere under the cannopy of the trees and where you can go look down into hells canyon (1 1/2 miles deep) and all of this is within 1 day of mr cleans house....

I think you forgot a turn in one of the roads.

[Spok]

Originally Posted by whistle clean

I think you forgot a turn in one of the roads.

well, i was trying to put my paper license plate on while talking to you on the phone so i was just a bit distracted

[2WheelFun]

Originally Posted by spok

well, i was trying to put my paper license plate on while talking to you on the phone so i was just a bit distracted

With that fast bike how's a paper plate going to stay on?

[CheriAnn]

Originally Posted by whistle clean

With that fast bike how's a paper plate going to stay on?

Good point Cary!!!!!