Newbie: oil change

[martijn]

Hi there,
Just got a xz550 to enable me to keep riding, now that my Yamaha SRX 6 has broken down on me.
One of the first things I would like to know is how to check the oil level of the XZ and how much you have to add for topping up / replacing (The oil cap has no metering rod?)

I searched the NEW and OLD ROV forums with these search terms but couldn't find a suitable topic. And I don't have access to the manuals (yet?). Any help for this newbie?

thanks, martijn (Netherlands)

[corwin]

according to Haynes manual ..

1) place the motorcycle on the centerstand and allow the engin to reach normal operating temperature.
2) stop the engin and allow the machine to sit on the centerstand for about five minutes.
3) with engine off, check the oil level in the window located at the lower part of the left cranckcase cover. the oil level should be between the maximum and minimum lever mark on the window.
4) if the level is below the minimum mark, remove the oil filler cap from the front of the left cranckcase cover and add enough oil.

well, that should be clear. when changeing the oil and replaceing  
the oil filter you will need 2.7 litres of oil whitch i belive is also marked on the engine. use SAE 20W40 or SAE 10W30 (in winter).

c

[louthepou]

Hi there! good to make your acquaintance.

You'll find a lot of good reading in this previous post:

http://www.ghetti.net/cgi-bin/ROVBB/YaBB.pl?board=general;action=display;num=1088318818

it's called "Did anyone say OIL debate?" I think; you'll either be a lot clearer, or totally confused after reading it all one thing for sure, youll enjoy it.

Cheers!

Louis

[martijn]

Thanks you all - it seems like a simple procedure, even without a manual ;-)
About the type of oil - I feel "the Oil debate" hasn't ended yet. My Vision has 44.000 km (27000 miles) on the dial and I plan to ride it even in our mild dutch winters.
Wouldn't it be better to use 10W-40 instead the 20W-40 Corwin mentioned?
And since no one has actually experienced an engine eaten away by synthetics I presume synthetic oil would be fine? (for better clutch performance?).

Anyway - nice to know there's a large group of XZ "enthousiasts" out there! Thanks and 'see' you later.
Martijn

[jasonm.]

I let mine sit 30 minutes after fully warmed up(20 miles/20 minutes). The 20w50 takes a while to get up into the window below the alternator cover.