Oils & Fluids ? 1984 ZN 1300 Voyager

[Old Nyk]

My 1966 Triumph T100SS has different Oils for (1) The Primary Chaincase-(2)The Gearbox-(3) Three the Engine.Three different Grades of oil.How about my 1984 ZN1300 Voyager ?.Still learning here.Apart from engine oil,what else is involved or does the Engine Oil cover it all,is there seperate places for topping up Engine,Clutch etc ,if so What do you fol'ks reccomend,i have seen 10w40 and 20w50m on the inside of the right side plate,i'm thinkin 20w50.Would as usual appreciate input from the experts.Cheers.

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

Most if not all Japanese motorcycles use the same oil in the transmission and the clutch as they are shared. Only the rear end of a shaft drive will take a different oil (85-90 wt.). The two oils you mentioned (10-30 and 20-50) are what most use. My climate is not usually that hot in riding season, so I use 10-30w in mine. I tried the 20-50, but felt it was a little too "thick" for my climate, but others seem to prefer that weight regardless.

[addonii]

Back when the bike was built Kawasaki (between 1983 - 1988) recommended:

SE type oil 10W -40, 10W-50, 20W-40 or 20w-50

The rear end is: API GL-5 SAE 90 above 5 degrees C

API GL-5 SAE 80 below 5 degrees C

Since oils have changed since that time stay away from the slicker energy saving oils now common and use something that is compatible with a motorcycle using a wet clutch. I realize your in the UK so some of the oils we have here might not be over there. That is why I say use something compatible with motorcycle using a wet clutch or your going to get clutch slippage with the newer energy saving oils. I get a number of magazines from the UK on motorcycles and there is a lot of usable oils listed in them.

Again give a call to Zed Parts as noted in some of the previous posts.

You can also try https://www.z-power.co.uk

Z-POWER
UNIT 1, VICTORIA ST. IND. EST
WN7 5SE LEIGH , LANCASHIRE

GEO : 53.504616 , -2.525192
Phone : 01942 262864
Fax : 01942 670816

They should also be able to help out on compatible oil that is available in your location.

[Old Nyk]

Most if not all Japanese motorcycles use the same oil in the transmission and the clutch as they are shared. Only the rear end of a shaft drive will take a different oil (85-90 wt.). The two oils you mentioned (10-30 and 20-50) are what most use. My climate is not usually that hot in riding season, so I use 10-30w in mine. I tried the 20-50, but felt it was a little too "thick" for my climate, but others seem to prefer that weight regardless.

Much appreciated,your input, and i am taking notes here,collecting all the info i can gather from experienced Voyagers like your self,best wishes.Old Nyk.

[Old Nyk]

Back when the bike was built Kawasaki (between 1983 - 1988) recommended:

SE type oil 10W -40, 10W-50, 20W-40 or 20w-50

The rear end is: API GL-5 SAE 90 above 5 degrees C

API GL-5 SAE 80 below 5 degrees C

Since oils have changed since that time stay away from the slicker energy saving oils now common and use something that is compatible with a motorcycle using a wet clutch. I realize your in the UK so some of the oils we have here might not be over there. That is why I say use something compatible with motorcycle using a wet clutch or your going to get clutch slippage with the newer energy saving oils. I get a number of magazines from the UK on motorcycles and there is a lot of usable oils listed in them.

Again give a call to Zed Parts as noted in some of the previous posts.

You can also try https://www.z-power.co.uk

Z-POWER
UNIT 1, VICTORIA ST. IND. EST
WN7 5SE LEIGH , LANCASHIRE

GEO : 53.504616 , -2.525192
Phone : 01942 262864
Fax : 01942 670816

They should also be able to help out on compatible oil that is available in your location.

Thank's for the info,much appreciated.When you mention the Rear End,is that something to do with the Shaft Drive,if so where do i top that up,sorry but i just want to make sure i have everything covered.Thank's again.

[addonii]

When you mention the Rear End,is that something to do with the Shaft Drive,if so where do i top that up,sorry but i just want to make sure i have everything covered.

The final drive at the rear tire, right side. Kawasaki refers to it a the Final Gear Case.

Pull the saddle bag on the right side and look at the gold colored gear box. See the large plug with the hex head on the side of the unit - unscrew it with a proper sized 6 sided socket and look inside to see the gears and check the oil level. The rear drive is filled just to the top where the gear lube touches the threads if you over fill just let it drain till it stops dribbling. Clean off the run off so it doesn't attract dirt.

Take a look at that KZ1300 manual you downloaded same setup. See page 31, 32 & 217.

Drain plug is at the bottom of the unit.

Try to get the ZN1300 Supplement for a more complete picture of what you need to know.

Also if you haven't done it yet you need to explore the http://www.kz1300.com/ website.

[Old Nyk]

When you mention the Rear End,is that something to do with the Shaft Drive,if so where do i top that up,sorry but i just want to make sure i have everything covered.

The final drive at the rear tire, right side. Kawasaki refers to it a the Final Gear Case.

Pull the saddle bag on the right side and look at the gold colored gear box. See the large plug with the hex head on the side of the unit - unscrew it with a proper sized 6 sided socket and look inside to see the gears and check the oil level. The rear drive is filled just to the top where the gear lube touches the threads if you over fill just let it drain till it stops dribbling. Clean off the run off so it doesn't attract dirt.
Cheers for that Addonnii,found it today and sorted the oil,another thing off my mind,what a complex piece of Kit these Bikes are,still learnin,thank's to all for your help.

Take a look at that KZ1300 manual you downloaded same setup. See page 31, 32 & 217.

Drain plug is at the bottom of the unit.

Try to get the ZN1300 Supplement for a more complete picture of what you need to know.

Also if you haven't done it yet you need to explore the http://www.kz1300.com/ website.