KLR 650 Oil Change

[young35rider]

I love you tube and thanks to guys like you/in this Video it makes things a lot easier. Thank you I didn't hear how much oil to put in but I am going by the window you showed. Once again thank you...Awesome

[ghotioutofh2o]

@young35rider Thanks! Glad to hear I helped.

BTW, 2.5 liters of oil.

[shynex2]

how about water p. gasket and seals

[ghotioutofh2o]

@shynex2 It's recorded, but I forgot my camera where I recorded it (different state). It will be up after New Year's.

[shutokoupro]

This process is exactly the same for the 250 as well.

[hankjak]

I've got a '05 KLR and go to your videos for a quick reference. Even better than the manual. Great stuff Guy!

[SecretHeritage]

Would you say that the semi-synthetic 15 : 50 would be the best chioce for the oil?

[ghotioutofh2o]

@SecretHeritage I haven't used synthetic (semi or full) in my KLR. I like regular oil. You have the weight right: either 15W-50 or 20W-50.

[ducatiman77]

Just changed the oil & filter on my A13, have done it several times over the years, but watched your video as a refresher. Never ceases to amaze me how difficult filter cover is to remove. You struggle & stuggle - then it comes free - like breaking a vacuum? Though seeing using the sidestand cuts down on the mess, I thought I could defy the law of gravity & use a stand. Result: oil running down the side of the engine after removing the cover & even more after removing the filter USE SIDESTAND!

[NAMTRIP]

@ducatiman77 Ive heard of a few people discarding the metal tube that fits thru the oil filter, on accident,and running the bike with out it,I would never recommend any one do this,It would suck to have a blown engine over a simple mistake as this.

[eveRideorg]

Dude, I love your guides. Thank you SO much for taking the time to post. I have a question, though. I was having a little oil leak on the left side of the filter cover. It never leaked too much, but enough to get me concerned. I just changed the oil and the leak seems to be pretty much fixed, but when I dab a paper towel where the leak was I still get trace bits of new oil. Should a teeny bit leak, or none at all?

[EdgarCorona]

I just changed the oil in my KLR250 earlier today and out of boredom I decided to see if anyone made a video of it--- this is basically the exact same thing except 17 ft-lbs instead of 16.5 on the nut underneath. Great vid, very informative and edited well. Safe riding, cheers. :)

[realgraff16]

excellent video

[trbrush1]

how often should we be changing the oil filter if we dont need to do it every time and what is a healthy amount of miles between changes? Lastly what did that Bull score above the work bench, he looks like a monster - Thanks

[trbrush1]

Thank you for posting this, two questions 1- you mentioned if you don't change the filter use 2.2 !

[eveRideorg]

Dude you are awesome, thanks so much for these videos. From my experience, handling a camera while doing maintenance is about 5x harder than actually doing the wrenching, so THANK YOU for all these vids. Also, your bike sounds nice and throaty, and I love the trim around the plastics and tank.

[inscrutable67]

Just did my first oil change on my 02 KLR and it went smoothly.

But I did make a much bigger mess than you seem to. How the hell were your hands so clean the whole time. And when I took the cap off the filter oil spilled out before I even pulled out the filter (must have left it to drain for 5-10 minutes before I even took the cap off and did rock the bike back and fourth).

What should I try next time to do a less messy job?

[inscrutable67]

great video. straight and to the point. I no longer feel the least bit intimidated to try and change the oil myself.

[11NewsCreative]

Thanks for taking the time to do that video.  Very helpful!

[kingetienne0929]

Perfoming the oil change on a KLR is piece of cake. One thing though...from personal experience, I do not recommand using a ratchet for removing and/or tightening the 2 screws on the oil filter cap. I broke the head of one of those last year and having to drill into the screw to remove what was left of it was a real pain in the ass!! Good old screwdriver is perfect!!

[jaykeeps1]

Thank you, helped me with my klx250s oil change.

[Maximonious]

EFEN A;... I did it right...

THANKS DUDE!!!

[ghotioutofh2o]

SWEET!

You're welcome.

[TheDrnervios]

thats a good video, now i don need a mecanic

[jantalvideo]

Great video, thank you. Just checked it to make sure that I had put that metal thingy that goes through the oil filter right way in (thin part towards the bike). I did, but at least it's not bothering me anymore

[dsmith308]

Rotella. End of oil discussion.

[Rockynight]

Thank you sir!

[javiperez2010]

hoy many qts of oil did you put in? is this the same for the 2009 model KLR?

[ghotioutofh2o]

2.5 qts (it's roughly equivalent to 2.5 liters). On the side of the engine near the sight glass it should say "2.5 L."

As far as I know, yes, it should be. Check your owner's manual to make sure.

[Beery33]

May as well adjust the doohickey while you're at it. Good video.

[rodrigo10801]

thanks dude!

[halbiz1]

Thanks for this!

[redneckskier30]

Is there really a difference between kawasaki brand 10-40 and mobil one say? the dealer told me that there was and you should always put in kawi brand oil, I think their full of shit and just want me to buy their stuff for a higher price!

[ghotioutofh2o]

*My opinion* is that they're bullshitting you.

I think as long as you get something of sufficient weight and it does not have "energy saving," you're good to go.

[kingetienne0929]

@redneckskier30 They are indeed full of shit!! As a matter of fact, you could put pretty much ANY kind of motor oil in a KLR and it would run perfect and you would barely feel any difference. My KLR is an '02 with 25000 km and I usually use Semi-synthetic sae 10W-40 oil (NOT the kawa brand, by the way), but if I go on a trip and need to add oil (if you own a KLR,you probably know that you should check the oil level very often....these things litterally "drink" oil), I just buy what's cheaper...

[bduce77]

not sure about your year bike but the 2006 oil level should be in the middle of the viewing window.  but good video

[N8Ryder]

Would this be all you have to do to switch to synthetic?

[ghotioutofh2o]

Yes, but I wouldn't bother with synthetic on a KLR.

[bbrown4261]

thanks - very good vid

[xela687]

do u need a new filter????

[ghotioutofh2o]

Need? Not necessarily. I would advise it, though.

[rogersmithiii]

This video can't be authentic. It lacks the technique for properly dropping the wrench, and the drain plug into the boiling hot oil.

[ghotioutofh2o]

You're right; I'm such an impostor!

[elliprestsins]

@rogersmithiii

Yeah right :) "lacks the technique" ... and you are Picasso or something? You Sir are full of shit - begging your pardon of course. Just go ahead and give it a try, and you'll be pleasantly surprised

[elliprestsins]

A straightforward guide to what should be a straightforward procedure. I'll be watching this a few more times before going ahead by myself. Thanks, and consider yourself subscribed :)

[raycam01]

matey thanks a heap, i have just bought a 88 KLR650, and watching this was a buzz, Oil change on MOnday thanks mate

[chainhand1]

great job man

[KawaKlrChris]

hey!

perfect video! even clear for me as a german biker =)

[truckomotive]

Nicely done!

Maybe a small remark if I may:

the Clymer manual says (just like the customary practice)

"...install a new seal washer on the drain plug, ...install a new, lubricated O-ring onto the filter cover"

Though re-using the old ones won't necessarily cause it leak, you won't save much by being cheap on this.

You've got my favourite KLR color and the prettier decals. Mine is the dullest green and ugliest letters there is. We are good friends just the same.

Safe fun!

[ravenousjerboa]

thanks bro, i got a yz250f, but basicly same thing

[Cube210]

How do you break in an engine?

Like when do you change oil, and how would you ride it? You seem to know the KLR well.

[guyNbluejeans]

What do you do with the old oil?

I was surprised to hear the guy at the Kaw shop tell me that the book says to change the oil every 4,000 miles. I'd been changing it more often than that.

[ghotioutofh2o]

If you use well water, I would strongly advise against pouring it down gopher holes.

But seriously, dispose of it in an environmentally safe manner - landfill!

[guyNbluejeans]

Thanks for the advice.

I've been putting it in one gallon milk cartoons and then taking it to the dumpster. I went to an oil specialty place for cars (Midas?) and asked them if the wanted it (to recycle), but they said no, which surprised me.

[ghotioutofh2o]

That's odd. Usually they'll take it.

There isn't a problem with just tossing it. Landfills have thick, impermeable layers to keep things from leaking to the environment. To say that throwing oil away is going to destroy the environment is a load of rubbish. Pardon the pun.

[obbergruppenfuhrer]

@guyNbluejeans see if your city has a hazardous waste disposal program, my city sends people who take my hazardous wastes (batts, coolant, oils, etc) rigth from my driveway on a date i schedule; DO NOT THROW OIL AWAY IN YOUR GARBAGE, PLEASE

[guyNbluejeans]

@obbergruppenfuhrer Okay, thanks!

[stew100]

Good video! Thank you for the tips. Well narrated and good camerawork.

[pabloking55]

That is a Dirt Bike is that correct

because alot of dirt bikes dont have keys

[ghotioutofh2o]

It is a dual sport (or enduro). It is essentially a street legal dirt bike, but not a real dirt bike.

[zadokolo]

Excellent Video I look forward to watching more of these videos.

[bandguy360]

no!!!! stop putting mechanix out of business!!!! ;)

[jaxship1]

Good Video, very helpful, thanks.

[Markmeblablabla]

Was thinking of buying this bike since somone stole my xr 650l, but noticed this is actually a cheaper in price bike, can anyone explain that to me please.

[ghotioutofh2o]

Not many people want an "ugly" bike? :-D

[vincesm1]

yes this bike is the the highest selling bike in north america so the more they make the more they sell so the cheaper they are to make plus unlike honda these bikes are still made in japan so they are cheaper to make as well with honda you are paying for the name i decided to go with the 09 klr after researching it and finding out that it is the easiest to work on and get parts for this bike has been in production for about 25 years remaining unchanged for the first 21 also used buy the marines

[codeman1979]

I have a 1976 Kawasaki KZ400. Where is a good place to get a shop manual for it?

[Markmeblablabla]

A kawasaki dealer

[elementelrage]

awesome vid. constructive criticism, it was a bit hard to see some things, maby for the next one you could use a mag light or something? but like I said before, awesome vid!

[ghotioutofh2o]

Thank you! I'll keep that in mind.

[jigjag454]

Thank you. It was a very good video.

[halbiz1]

Very thorough. Thanks! I think I did everything right and this was verification that I did. I had an after market pan protector o n the bike and managed to spill some oil on it, which will stay there until I take the thing off....or hopefully it will fall out of its own accord (what I didn't drain off first). I will not use a lift next time, and just use the side stand and just rock it back and forth when necessary. It would definitely provide more room to work.

Hal

[ZiggyMosquito]

I realize that after doing my oil/filter change that I don't remember seeing a seal on the Filter cap. Now, my new filter came with 2 seals (wasn't sure what for) but I didn't use them. My question is, is it important to have that seal? and if so, what could I do to put one in now that I just changed the oil. If I take the cap off will all the oil drain out?

Thanks

[ghotioutofh2o]

I'd say it's pretty important. Just pull the cap off and put an o-ring on there (provided it's the right size) and reinstall. If oil does come out, it shouldn't be very much. Do this before you ride (so it's not hot and so the filter housing hasn't recently filled with oil.

[johndevinaspre676]

so does it matter how hard you turn the wrench just as long as oil isnt leaking around it and its pritty snug or does it make a pritty big diference

[ghotioutofh2o]

Don't get to torque happy or you might (will most likely) strip something. This won't be fun for you. Use a torque wrench set to 17 ft lbs.

[ZiggyMosquito]

I don't have a washer on my oil drain plug, should I order one?

Is it important?

Thanks for taking the time to make this video's to help us all, and to do so to help and not for personal gain .. cool.

Thanks a lot!

I just bought an 04! love it!

[ghotioutofh2o]

Nah, just go to Ace or some hardware store and get a washer; should work fine. I've been using the same non-crush washer for 15,000 miles and haven't had any problems (I'm using an aluminum washer).

[WarriorWithin1]

Thanks! Just got an 08 and going to do my first oil change now. THanks for posting.

[TheGuern55]

Thanks! I watched 3 times then went out and did it without even thinking about it (much). My oil fill cap was missing the O-ring. I'll have to find out exactly what kind to get. But by bike's previous owner should have changed the oil a bit sooner. I really noticed a difference in the engine's smoothness and idle speed. Then I cleaned the air filter (really dirty) and the engine suddenly got Power. Nice.

[itakeyouthere]

Was Very Helpful Thankyou. I am 19 with my first bike KLR 250 2005 and its time for an oil change!

[7solidstate7]

I have a Suzuki 650 around the same year. I was just wondering if the pretty much the same concept of changing the oil on this one?

[thornstein]

I'm new to my KLR650 and this is a great help. Easier than I thought.

[mattdreid28806]

Thanks for posting this video. I have a KLR 250 and am new to motorcycle maintenance. This helps more than reading the manual.

[Spartaque]

cut the top off a plastic coke bottle (make sure its dry) and use it as a funnel!

[rideswift]

Thanks, I wasn't sure which way the tube went back in. Now I know!!!

[dakaraabbccdd]

great video... keep it up, buddy!

[drstrange462]

Great video. Thank you very much for the info.

[canuckphuck123]

good job, thanks for the incite, thanks for sharing

[beardedwulverine]

Ive watched a few of your videos. I recommend investing in a tripod, they work great.

[nordvind34]

Thanks man!!! Can you post more videos about the maintenance on KLR 65O? I have the C model (Europe). I'd really apreciate that... Thanks again!!!!!

[nordvind34]

Thanks man!!! Can you post more videos about the maintenance on KLR 65O? I have the C model (Europe). I'd really apreciate that... Thanks again!!!!!

[frontier1701]

It's exactly the same for the KLR 250.... Thanks for the great video :)

[frontier1701]

Hope its the same for the KLR 250

[ghotioutofh2o]

I'm pretty sure it is.

[Showko22Milk]

What type of 4T u use?

[OneThirtyOneTwo100]

Getting ready for my first oil change in my 650. Thanks for your help. I thought the oil was to be half way in the window??? I will trust your advise and go to the top of the window with the fill up. I would rather have too much than not enough.

Anyway, thanks for the tips and I will post an addition review. I might even post a video reply for the first time.

I live in East TN and the weather has just turned toward fall and the riding is great.

[ghotioutofh2o]

The Kawi manual says 2.5 L of oil, which does put the oil out of view of the window by a little bit.

Be careful with just guessing how much oil you're putting in. Too much can be just as bad a too little. Get the oil in the liter container (or quart container, which I've been using for a few oil changes so far) and put in 2.5 bottles.

Glad I could help! Have fun riding and be safe.

[jayguy173]

just like a car oil change only things bigger

[epicdeuce]

What type of oil did you use?

[ghotioutofh2o]

I believe that time it was Actevo 10w-40 Synthetic Blend. I've been experimenting with different types of oil since then. My current oil is Castrol GTX 10W-40. So far I've used Torco T-4 10W-40 (usual, but expensive; hence the experimenting) and Quakerstate 10W-40.

[satucker1]

which do your prefer?

[ghotioutofh2o]

I think it's a tie between the Torco and the Castrol. This is based on nothing scientific whatsoever, just how (I think) the bike feels. YMMV.

[Nitrodrums75]

i did an oil change 2day on my klr650, i used about 2 and 1/4 quarts, i think i should add some because with the bike level the oil window shows it about 3/4 to the top of the window. you said it should be just about level with the top right?, thanks dude.

[ghotioutofh2o]

If you put in the Kawi recommended 2.5 LITERS, it should go out of view of the window. My last oil change I did use 2.5 QUARTS and it was still above the window top.

No problem.

[utubeuser7388]

Nice work - don't have my KLR -- yet - definitley helpful for us new riders. p.s. there's a good chance ther is a "poor" rating previous to this one - my mouse was a bit too quick - certainly not done intentionally - sorry..

[jakesdoc]

Just wanted to write and let you know what a big help your video was. I am new to the whole motorcycle scene (just bought my first bike). I've changed the oil in my car many times, but never on a bike. It was fairly similar, but there were a few important differences that really helped. Thanks again.

[IMCrazyQuick]

That was good... Now can you show us how to change an oil filter on a 1999 Kawasaki ZX9R ? BTW,,, I usually use a bit of teflon tape on the drain plug threads to help seal the plug.

[ghotioutofh2o]

I would love to demonstrate an oil change on a '99 ZX9R - would you like to donate one to the cause?

I just use the washer and torque it to 17 and it hasn't leaked any. I might try the teflon tape next time and see what happens.

[IMCrazyQuick]

If you were local "in FLorida" I'd be happy to bring the bike by for a demo on how to get that filter off... Besides the lower fairing, It looks like the radiator and exhaust also have to be taken off to get to it. Maybe someone makes an oil filter relocator for a motorcycle to make future oil changes easier?

[ghotioutofh2o]

I stopped by the dealer today to gander at a ZX9R, but they only had a ZX6R and a ZX10R for my viewing pleasure. I don't know which one the 9R is closer to, so I'll describe what I saw on both). On the 6R, the drain is on the bottom left side of the engine, left of the exhaust, screwed in horizontally (drain oil shoots out forward). I didn't see any oil filter flags.

[ghotioutofh2o]

10R: the drain is in the same-ish location, but pointing down (like the KLR), and the filter is tucked behind the exhaust on the front of the engine. If you have small hands and small wrists, you MIGHT be able to get to it without removing anything / too much, otherwise it looked like you'll need to pull the left shroud off. If you warm the bike up first (recommended (by me)), just pour some water on the exhaust so it's only warm to the touch. Reach in from the left and unscrew (it's car-esque).

[KawasakiZZR2]

Hey thanks for checking. I also have an 04 ZZR6 and the oil filter is easy to get off by reaching between the header with an oil filter wrench and dropping the filter out the bottom. However, the "1999" ZX9 is a beast and looks like it requires lots of disassembly... Thanks again.

[rafesykes]

great to see a visual...thanks for taking the time to do this

[gtz1100kmf]

Hey, thanks for the video. I bought a 2008. I used to have a 2000. Is there some kind of cam chain adjustment we are supposed to do? Is this doohickey an automatic adjuster? I would appreciate the advice.

[ghotioutofh2o]

No, there is no cam chain adjustment that you need to do - it's fully automatic. So you know what not to wrench on: it's on the back left side of the cylinder level with "Made in Japan" with 2 mounting bolts and a raised center bolt. (I'll probably cover the cam chain adjuster in a valve check / adjustment video.)

[olfartnewguitar]

good video. you should do a video on how to fix the doohickey.

[ghotioutofh2o]

Thanks.

I will as soon as I get around to it. Hopefully it'll be in the next few weeks.