Kawasaki Ninja ZX12R Oil Change

Changing the engine oil in a Kawasaki motorcycle is Maintenance 101. If you have a handful of minutes to spare, you can get this simple maintenance task done in a matter of minutes.

Watch the video above and follow the steps below to learn how to change the oil in a Kawasaki Ninja ZX12R.

Tools and Parts – Kawasaki Ninja ZX12R Oil Change

• Ratchet and extensions
• 17mm socket
• Crosshead screwdriver
• Torque wrench

• Drain pan
• 65mm oil filter wrench
• Oil filter
• Kawasaki motorcycle oil (3 quarts)

How to Change Kawasaki Ninja ZX12R Engine Oil

Step 1. Run the engine for half a minute to warm the oil, which makes it less viscous and easier to drain. Remove the oil filler cap so the crankcase can vent, which also helps the oil drain faster.

Step 2. Position a drain pan beneath the engine, and remove the 17mm oil drain bolt and crush washer. Inspect the crush washer for wear, and replace it if necessary. 

NOTE: Replace the washer once every 3-4 oil changes, regardless of its condition.

Step 3. Drain out the oil, then reinstall the crush washer and oil drain bolt. Torque the bolt to 14 foot-pounds.

Step 4. Remove the center cowling behind the front wheel to access the oil filter.

Step 5. Remove the oil filter using a 65mm oil filter wrench.

Step 6. Coat the rubber O-ring on the new oil filter with oil, then install the new filter and torque it to 20 foot-pounds.

Step 7. Reinstall the center cowling.

Step 8. Fill the engine with 3 quarts of 20W-50 motorcycle oil and reinstall the oil filler cap.

Step 9. Run the engine on idle for about 20 seconds to distribute the oil within the engine, then shut it off and let it stand for a minute so the oil can settle.

Step 10. Check the oil level in the sight glass on the lower right side of the engine. The level should be between the middle and top of the sight glass. Top off the oil if necessary and you’re done.

The steps for changing the oil on a Kawasaki motorcycle are the same or similar for all models. However, if you want see another oil change for a slightly different model, watch the video below to see how to change the oil on a Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R.