[dcJohn]

Hi. At 200 miles, I’ve noticed my new (2009) Ninja is lowish on oil. I’m planning to take it to the dealership later in the week to get a full oil change, but in the meantime I thought it might be a good idea to add a bit of oil.

1. Is there anything wrong with adding oil as a short term solution before the oil change?
2. What sort of oil should be added?

It’s not been losing oil particularly quickly or noticeably, but there’s only just barely some oil in the side viewing window (versus being halfway-full initially). I’d just rather not run it low before getting it in for service.

(As you probably guessed, I’m not used to used to doing any of my own work on engines. I hope to be able to be able to do more of this myself in the future, but don’t want to tackle it just yet.)

Thanks! – John

[Jim]

Most definitely you should add oil if it is low. Your manual should tell you what grade to put in. My 2006 Ninja takes just plain old 10W-40, I would just put in a little at a time, you don’t want to overfill it. I don’t think you would need an oil change at 200 miles, I would just add oil and wait to your 500 mile service for an oil change, but that is just my opinion. The only thing I’ve read is you don’t want to mix different types of oil, ie regular with synthetic. I ran mine pretty low the first time (forgot about it…dur) and it became harder to work the shift lever, don’t know if that is lubricated with engine oil also.

[Munch]

Manufacturers Owners Manual (MSF anyone?) there may be a way to move or position the bike for correct level sighting… Mine, I have to have it perfectly straight up to get the correct level…leaning on the side stand don’t get it .

Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a prediction, but today…… is a Bi**h

[CBennett]

on the ninja(before 08) just put it on level ground on the center stand . On the 08/09+ Id assume you just have to try to get it as straight as possible to get a right look . and NO you cant do it on the center stand..I did that the other day and I was like WTF I jut did a oil change and its almost at the bottom of the sight glass already? then I realized I was on the side stand instead of the center stand..used center stand and it was right where it should be ..I LOVE center stands!

[dcJohn]

I went straight to the owner’s manual, and I’ve been looking at the oil level with the bike vertical (not resting on the side stand), but I still was left with questions. When it comes to oil, the manual recommends…
Type:
API SE, SF, or SG;
API SH, SJ or SL with JASO MA, MA1 or MA2
Viscosity:
10W-40

It does not mention what oil is originally in the bike. but I know I shouldn’t mix oil with different viscosities, so I know non-synthetic 10W-40. But I wasn’t sure what the API standards mean and what, if any, care I need to take with matching what’s already in the new bike.

Any and all help here appreciated. I’m getting to enjoy the day off tomorrow, just passed my MSF, and am looking forward to getting some riding in.

[Munch]

Todays oil is all pretty much standardized….your not really gonna get too exotic unless your looking really hard to.
In todays time of innovation mixing “synthetic” with “non synthetic” is ok… though the world still has a taboo about it.
All the API (american petroleum institute) and all are basic standards ,,,, kind of like calling medicine FDA approved.
the 10w 40 tells you the weight of the oil and so on….. unnecessary information unless your getting into racing and want to finegle with clearances in the cylinders and such for better lube and compression. It will also hep judge the temperature ranges that the oils keep their liquid like properties and freeze or boil and breakdown. Just follow the MOM on the 10-40 and if you have a question about brand call the local dealer what they recommend. Oil products are like drinks though …. everyone has their favorites.

Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a prediction, but today…… is a Bi**h

[dcJohn]

Thanks Munch, that’s just what I needed to know.

[Andrew]

The Idiots Guide also says that although it is best to mix oil your first criteria is to have enough oil.

[Jiriki]

get the kawi oil.. all dealers have it… it was cheap and won’t be mixing oils…

you are still breaking in? so don’t go synthetic…

[Author]

Posts