Hey folks,

whats the recommended oils etc for the 550 also servicing intervals?

Any known issues to look out for?

Also anyone have the service manual by any chance.

Mine will be due its first service shortly and looking at doing it myself as the dealer is just too far away and would mean shipping the bike to them for servicing so will do all my own servicing.

thanks

Anyone?? emersonsc?

You don't have a wet clutch so synthetic Rotella, blue jug, would be a good option. I use it in my outlander and it's a good oil especially for the money. I just change it every spring but I only put on 1k max a season. I would follow the manual if in doubt.

[2015 Z Force 800 53/Trail EPS]

Use whatever oil meets the requirements set in your manual and you will always be safe.

According to the Dave Danielson, whos head of the warranty department, they DO NOT RECOMMEND full synthetic oil. The engines were NOT designed for full synthetic, and a full synthetic oil can actually wash out the internal bearings and destroy the motor. A Synthetic Blend is fine, but they do not want full syn in these motors. They arent Vipers. They arent Corvettes. They arent high performance engines that were designed for it.

With that being said, I recommend at minimum a 10w40 oil. With the 500 H.O. there is no wet clutch, so a wet clutch oil is no needed. How ever, run it anyway!!! Wet-clutch oil has extra anti-wear additives! I personally run Shell Rotella 15w40 in my 800 because of the antiwear additives and the zinc in it.

First oil change do around 200 miles, after that, every 600 OR if youre a light user (less than 600mi/yr), MINIMUM once a year.

The manual will say you can go longer, but no thank you. Small engines run hotter and work hard. They arent like car motors.

Not to mention, a good grade 10-40 is around $6.99/qt and a filter is $9.99 so its not like its breaking the bank every time you change the oil. Oil changes are much cheaper than replacing a blown motor.

Had my dealer do a complete oil and differential oil change @ 100 miles. Will probably do another at the 200 mile marker. Then proceed with the 500 mile oil changes.  Just rather be safe than sorry.  Like emersonsc said doesn't break the bank to do the change.

Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated, not sure how easily the Shell Rotella will be to get hold of beside me,

Also emersonsc, you say as a minimum 10W40, I'm in Thailand so temps are very rarely below mid 20's Celsius where I am and can even reach low 40's at times (although I wouldn't be out riding if it was that hot), would this have an impact on oils and should I be looking at any certain types based on running in these conditions?

thanks again.

They hide the fuel filter under the plastic over the gas tank...this should be changed maybe every other oil change or so depending on your use.