How to Change Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad Oil

Nothing makes a cruiser motorcycle’s motor run smoother than a crankcase full of clean engine oil. 

Changing the oil on a Kawasaki motorcycle only takes a handful of minutes, and doing it regularly helps ensure the motor will last for decades. Watch the video above and follow the steps below to change the engine oil in a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad cruiser bike. 

Tools and Parts Needed – Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad Oil Change

Tools

• Ratchet and extensions
• 17mm socket
• Flathead screwdriver
• Drain pan
• 65mm oil filter wrench

• Torque wrench

Parts

• Oil filter
• 10W40 motorcycle oil (4 quarts)

How to Change Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad Engine Oil

Step 1. Run the engine for about 45 seconds to warm the oil, which makes the oil less viscous and helps it drain out faster. Remove the oil fill cap so the crankcase can vent, which also helps the oil drain faster.

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

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

Step 4. Remove the old oil filter with a 65mm oil filter wrench. Apply a coat of oil to the rubber gasket on the new oil filter, then install the filter and torque it to 13 foot-pounds.

Step 5. Fill the engine with 3.3 quarts of 10W40 motorcycle oil, then reinstall the oil fill cap.

Step 6. Run the engine on idle for about 15 seconds to distribute the oil within the engine, then shut it off and let it sit for 30 seconds so the oil can settle.

Step 7. Check the oil level through the sight glass on the lower right side of the engine. The oil should be between the halfway point and top part 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 across all models. However, if you want to see a more detailed look at changing the oil on a Kawasaki Vulcan, watch the video below to see our 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero oil change.