Basic oil change/add questions

[Saturnine0]

Hi,
I have some pretty basic questions, I've never done anything with vehical maintenence before so I'm really clueless but... Does anyone know of a good web site that has step by step instructions for how to change, or at least add, oil to a zx-600? Also, some questions:
What oil do I use? is it different from car oil?
what am I likely to screw up? and can I fix most the stuff I'm likely to screw up? Is this something I should even be thinking of doing myself? The little window thingy, do I read the oil level hot or cold? level or on the kick-stand?

Thank you.

[OKC_Kent]

Here is a web site to get you started, scroll down to the "Lubrication" section
http://www.dansmc.com/MC_repaircourse.htm
It's a good place for other bike maintenance too.

What oil do you use?
Use what your manual suggests, it will tell you the weight, like 10w-40 or 20w-50.

Is it different from car oil?
Could be, do you know what is in there now? Some bikes (mine included) work fine on car oil, but you need to understand the differences in oil. If you still are not sure, ask the dealer and buy his Kawasaki oil. It will be a bit more expensive, but you sound concerned enough to ask. Go with his suggestion until you learn more about oil.

What am I likely to screw up?
Well, you can strip the drain plug, round off the drain plugs' head, get a leak, forget to add the oil, hurt or burn yourself, damage a gasket or o-ring.....

Is this something I should even be thinking of doing myself?
YES !! Many riders enjoy working on their bikes, many don't too... It's a fairly simple job, and one that won't take more than an hour to do for a beginner..

The little window thingy, do I read the oil level hot or cold? level or on the kick-stand?
Never read it on the sidestand, read it on the center stand or level, it doesn't matter if it's hot or cold. If it's hot then give it a few minutes to drain back to the bottom. If you can't see the window as you hold up the bike level, use a mirror. The proper level is USUALLY in the middle of the window. There may be two small dash marks next to the window, keep the oil between them.

Good luck and have fun!

[silentshot]

Make sure that you get a motorcycle grade oil, remember that oil will lube the transmission too. There some car motor oils, that you can use in your bike, but I recommend to stay with the manufacturer recommendation or if you are going to use synthetic, use one designed for motorcycles. It will be easy, don't forget the oil filter and if you can get the service manual it will give a lot of details about it.

[Saturnine0]

Wow that's a great site. Thank you. Perhaps this forum needs a quick link section... with that in it. I think for now I'm going to just put more oil in, does it matter if I don't know the current grade in the engine? I just need to get as far as a repair shop that will let me stare over their shoulders. Last shop I went to, they said they changed the oil..... I don't think they did there are a couple other things they did I'm suspicious of.