In this video, I not only change the oil and filter, but I pull the pre-filter screen. Which should be done during each oil change. I also give a bit of family news at the end.
I just changed the motor and the transmission oils of my "new to me" 2004 Classic, with the help of your two videos. With your slow pace explanations, I felt confident, and indeed, it all worked out great. Thank you, Chef!
I’ve done everything on my Kawasaki through your videos so far. All the clutch and break work, bleeding, oil now, and next is your video on the radiator flush and fill! Your videos are amazing! I recommend you to do many other Kawasaki drifters, mean streaks, classics etc.
I would love to work on other models, but I only have the classic. Well, I just purchased the Voyager. I have ordered new Progressive rear shocks, but the video for that install won't be for a couple of months.
We just bought a 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500... after a couple of your videos, i learned i actually had a little tool kit the little hole behind the side panel, had no clue that door pocket was there, let alone the tools... now my air filter is an after market air filter on the right side...was bought like that Thanks for your videos
Hi Marc, great brush up video.I sold My 1600 Nomad 2 years ago to My buddy, who loves it as it is a great road bike, now He said it needs oil change, I told Him I do all My oil changes and I do both fluids for Him and filter.Kawasaki is the easiest bike to change fluids,plugs coolant.I love them as Ive had 3 Meansreaks 3 vulcans ,now I run a connie 1400 abs Zx motor, what a ride! Also I run a 2008 Suxuki B-King, and Vintage Norton Commando. All bikes get Rotella T6 Syn. I swear by this....$22 bucks a gallon, runs cool clean and shifts smooth. half the price of AMsoil Thanks Tim Tucson
Wow, that's a lot of bikes you've had. Hope you don't miss that Nomad to much. I'm sure your buddy ribs you a bit for selling to him. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for posting this. I just got an 03 1600 Classic. Didn’t know about the pre filter screen. I just changed the oil & checked that screen so now I’m ready for the riding season.
Just found your channel and watched this video to the end. I know 3 years have passed since you had to put your dog down and I'm sorry for your family's loss. I put mine down 2 months ago ang it was much harder to do than I imagined. I share the feeling with you. Ride safe!
Thanks for taking the time to make this video Marc. Good lighting and close-in videography. I paid attention to your tips regarding not losing the washer in the oil, how much to tighten, what to look for in the screen. Worked like a champ on my 2007 Nomad. Much appreciated.
Hi Mark Just wanted to thank you for the vidios you post. I myself am a Vulcan member in Sweden and drive a VN 1600 classic Touer. So your movies have come in handy thank you very much Christer Tornerefelt member 9809 Vulkan Riders Sweden
Thank you for the prayers. Bree has been gone for a couple years now and we got a new bloodhound puppy early this year. Thanks for watching. I'm glad you find my videos useful.
I'm not a mechanic, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Haha Meanies are a little different than my Classic. But, I hope my videos will at least give you some general idea.
I am subscribed. Enjoying your videos. I have a 2005 1600 vulcan Smoothest bike I have ever had. Especially enjoy your rides you share. Sounds just like my bike!
I have the same feelings. It's the best bike I've owned. And, thanks for the kind comment and your subscription to the channel. It makes me happy when people say they enjoy and like my videos. I have a 4 day moto-camping trip that I am leaving for in a couple days. Hope to get those videos posted in a month or so.
I bought a 2008 Kawasaki Nomad 1600 yesterday for 3000 dollars. Only had 11k miles on it. Was a absolute steal!! Anyway I’ve always had Harley’s and I had to change 3 things...engine, primary, and trans- gearbox. On this Kawasaki are all 3 In the single change?? Or is the gearbox separate?? 10-40 oil seems pretty thin for a gear box
My 03 has the cartridge filter, had a recall. 03 classic. Gonna do mine this weekend. Ive never taken the screen out but I use amsoil so hopefully the screen will be ok.
I don't think the brand of oil will make much of a difference when it comes to how clean the screen is. The screen grabs "large" particulates from getting into the oil filter itself and clogging it up.
@@ChefHikerBiker cool, ill check it out and make sure it's OK. I have the 03 and bought it new. Still runs and the only issue is the cam plugs leaking.
At least those are cheap enough to replace. Take care of your ride and it will take care of you. But in my experience with the 1600, they are a tank. For the most part, they just seem to run forever.
Yeah, the plugs themselves are only around $10, but you have to pull the motor to replace them correctly. I have heard of people cleaning the area with brake cleaner to remove all the dirt and oil then take RTV Silicone and smear it around the plug. Just don't view it as a permanent fix. But it could work for a year or two, if done properly.
Yes I know. There are Nuton meters, Foot pounds, and Inch pounds for every nut, bolt, and screw on every vehicle. But that does not mean you have to use a torque wrench on everything. I am not a mechanic. I work on my own bike and feel comfortable with the way I do it. If you feel the need to use a torque wrench, then use it. If you don't want to use one, then don't. The only time I would feel the absolute need to use a torque wrench is if I tore apart an engine and was rebuilding it. Then I would consider it a necessity.
Just checked my screen for the second time. I don't remember it being so hard to tighten back up the first time. I had to really crank it down to stop it from leaking.
Thank you for the video Marc. I just bought used 2007 vulcan 1600 and this video was very helpful. I know you said we need 3.8 quarts so what happens if we put all 4 quarts of oil on it? Also, it would be great if you had a link for those Wrench and oils.
The manual says 3.8 quarts, but on my bike, 3.8 quarts is just at the low level line. For my bike 4 quarts puts the oil level close to the full level line.
I am new to motorcycling, and I ride an 07 Vulcan 1600 Classic, so this video is impossibly helpful! But I was wondering if all bikes have the screen you have to clean out as well as the oil filter?
No, not all bikes have the screen. In fact, most bike don't have the pre-screen. And the filter location and removal process can be different from one bike to another. I have a video where I'm doing an oil and filter change on my friends V-Star 650. Way different system, setup, process, and procedure compared to my Vulcan.
Thanks Marc, sorry for your loss with your pooch mate 😢 I know where you were coming from, my dog had similar symptoms then we lost him....He was my best and only friend and I loved him dearly and have a photo of him with me all the time....absolutely gut wrenching mate 😭😢 ........ what pipes have you on your 1600? 👍💪
Marc VanderPal Ok Marc its just they sound kinda meaty 🤔 Thought they mighta been Cobra’s? I’m just pricing a pair of Vance n Hines slip ons for the 1600 ......£600! $720!!!! Extortion 😱😱😱😡
Hello Sir!!! Thanks for sharing this video!!. I have a question, Is there any way possible you can provide me the model or part number for that luggage rack on your bike? I been looking everywhere can't find it.
If it is leaking from the screen bolt, it is most likely the rubber o-ring around the bolt housing. Make sure that it's in good condition and not cracked, rotting, or just completely missing. Also check around the area where it mounts to make sure nothing is preventing it from sealing, grit, grime, debris, or whatever.
First of all, nice video, all I need for the oil change THANKS! Got a question tho, what oil is recomended for these bikes? I got a hypercharger and powercommander on but I drive calmy. Is it 10-40w semi synthetic?
Keep in mind, I'm not a mechanic, but I don't think Kawasaki requires any specific oil blend: standard, semi-synthetic, or full synthetic. I think the owners manual just says to use a 10w-40. I personally switched to full synthetic a few years ago.
As far as I am aware, semi-synthetic is a blend of standard and synthetic. Full synthetic is what the name says, it's all synthetic. Semi-syn will be a little easier on the wallet but still give some of the benefits of full syn but some of the down sides of standard oil.
No, I have never had a problem with the tensioners. I hear the chain while riding, but that's normal for a Vulcan engine. Just because you can hear it, doesn't mean there is anything wrong.
I typicaly shift every 10-15mph. But for cuising I go about 1 gear for every 10mph. So if I'm cruising at 25-30mph, I have it in 3rd gear, 35-45 mph I'm in 4th, 50mph or more I'm in 5th.
What exactly is stuck, the bolt or the screen itself? If it's the bolt, spray it with a penetrating lube, and let it sit for a while. Might need to spray it a couple times and it could take a few days to loosen up. If it's the screen, you might be able to grab it with a needle nose pliers. Just be careful not to crush it.
The bolt was stuck on my vn750. It took a few day before the penetrating lube got in and did its thing. I then had to replace the bolt, because the head was totally trashed from working on removing it without any lube.
As you know, I have a Classic not a Meanstreak. But if they use the same motor, it should be located in the lower front area, behind the radiator, down by your shifter.
Hands down the best vulcan 1600 oil change video out there! Many people forget or dont know about the oil screen. A plus video. Thank you Sir!
Thank you and thanks for watching
I just changed the motor and the transmission oils of my "new to me" 2004 Classic, with the help of your two videos. With your slow pace explanations, I felt confident, and indeed, it all worked out great. Thank you, Chef!
Excellent! It makes me feel good to hear my videos helped or encouraged someone. Thank you😃👍
I’ve done everything on my Kawasaki through your videos so far. All the clutch and break work, bleeding, oil now, and next is your video on the radiator flush and fill! Your videos are amazing! I recommend you to do many other Kawasaki drifters, mean streaks, classics etc.
I would love to work on other models, but I only have the classic. Well, I just purchased the Voyager.
I have ordered new Progressive rear shocks, but the video for that install won't be for a couple of months.
We just bought a 1999 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500... after a couple of your videos, i learned i actually had a little tool kit the little hole behind the side panel, had no clue that door pocket was there, let alone the tools... now my air filter is an after market air filter on the right side...was bought like that
Thanks for your videos
Awesome Ryan, ride safe out there.
Hi Marc, great brush up video.I sold My 1600 Nomad 2 years ago to My buddy, who loves it as it is a great road bike, now He said it needs oil change, I told Him I do all My oil changes and I do both fluids for Him and filter.Kawasaki is the easiest bike to change fluids,plugs coolant.I love them as Ive had 3 Meansreaks 3 vulcans ,now I run a connie 1400 abs Zx motor, what a ride! Also I run a 2008 Suxuki B-King, and Vintage Norton Commando. All bikes get Rotella T6 Syn. I swear by this....$22 bucks a gallon, runs cool clean and shifts smooth. half the price of AMsoil Thanks Tim Tucson
Wow, that's a lot of bikes you've had. Hope you don't miss that Nomad to much. I'm sure your buddy ribs you a bit for selling to him.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks Mark I love these tutorials. Every riding season I come back to these videos. Cheers!
Glad you're enjoying them.👍
Thank you for posting this. I just got an 03 1600 Classic. Didn’t know about the pre filter screen. I just changed the oil & checked that screen so now I’m ready for the riding season.
Great, glad my videos could help and thanks for watching.
i'm picking up a 1600 nomad today. i'm adding your video to my maintenance vids. nice job.
Awesome! And thanks for watching.
Just found your channel and watched this video to the end.
I know 3 years have passed since you had to put your dog down and I'm sorry for your family's loss. I put mine down 2 months ago ang it was much harder to do than I imagined. I share the feeling with you.
Ride safe!
Thank you for watching and the sympathy. Sorry for your loss too.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video Marc. Good lighting and close-in videography. I paid attention to your tips regarding not losing the washer in the oil, how much to tighten, what to look for in the screen. Worked like a champ on my 2007 Nomad. Much appreciated.
Thank you and thanks for watching
Loved your video! Very informative. I know it was 2 years ago but sorry about your fur baby. I love my 4 legged family members too.
Thanks you. And thanks for watching.
Hi Mark
Just wanted to thank you for the vidios you post.
I myself am a Vulcan member in Sweden and drive a VN 1600 classic Touer.
So your movies have come in handy thank you very much
Christer
Tornerefelt member 9809 Vulkan Riders Sweden
Thank you, I'm happy you like my videos and that they're helpful to you.
Man seizures with your dog can be tuff. My husky had em....praying for ya.......thanks so much for vid on changing oil I will definitely use it .
Thank you for the prayers. Bree has been gone for a couple years now and we got a new bloodhound puppy early this year.
Thanks for watching. I'm glad you find my videos useful.
Great Video and It will certainly help with oil changes... sad to hear about your pup. Dogs become our family and it is hard to let them go.
Thank you. Both for the complement and for our loss.
Thank you much... it is my first byke and my first change of oil and I have learned exactly what I needed. Thanks Much!
And I am very sorry for your dog as I have lost my female golden retriever at 13.8 years old. Take it easy.
Thanks for watching
Thanks for the sympathy. It's been 2 years that we had Bree put down. I'm looking at getting a Bloodhound sometime in the next 4 months or so.
Thanks Marc. Just bought an 07 Meanstreak and was looking for a vid like this. Have a good one.
I'm not a mechanic, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Haha
Meanies are a little different than my Classic. But, I hope my videos will at least give you some general idea.
My condolences for your dog. I have heard it said dogs make humanity more human. 🌄
Nice saying 🐕
I am subscribed. Enjoying your videos. I have a 2005 1600 vulcan Smoothest bike I have ever had. Especially enjoy your rides you share. Sounds just like my bike!
I have the same feelings. It's the best bike I've owned.
And, thanks for the kind comment and your subscription to the channel. It makes me happy when people say they enjoy and like my videos. I have a 4 day moto-camping trip that I am leaving for in a couple days. Hope to get those videos posted in a month or so.
Thanks for the video, I've got a 2002 Kawasaki Drifter, love it.
Vulcans are awesome bikes. Enjoy the ride!
Great video 👍
Thanks 👍
Thank you for the motorcycle knowledge. Sorry about the pup.
Thank you, for the comment, liking my videos, and the sympathy.
Thanks for your video, very well done! I have the exact same bike 😉
Thank you. Sweet ride, isn't it
Thank you. Great job.
Thank you and thanks for watching.
thanks for this video it helped me a lot.
Thanks for watching
I bought a 2008 Kawasaki Nomad 1600 yesterday for 3000 dollars. Only had 11k miles on it. Was a absolute steal!! Anyway I’ve always had Harley’s and I had to change 3 things...engine, primary, and trans- gearbox. On this Kawasaki are all 3 In the single change?? Or is the gearbox separate?? 10-40 oil seems pretty thin for a gear box
Yes, I believe the Nomad and the Classic are basically the same. So the same oil runs through everything.
My 03 has the cartridge filter, had a recall. 03 classic. Gonna do mine this weekend. Ive never taken the screen out but I use amsoil so hopefully the screen will be ok.
I don't think the brand of oil will make much of a difference when it comes to how clean the screen is. The screen grabs "large" particulates from getting into the oil filter itself and clogging it up.
@@ChefHikerBiker cool, ill check it out and make sure it's OK. I have the 03 and bought it new. Still runs and the only issue is the cam plugs leaking.
At least those are cheap enough to replace. Take care of your ride and it will take care of you.
But in my experience with the 1600, they are a tank. For the most part, they just seem to run forever.
@@ChefHikerBiker the local guy wants 800 to fix them. Maybe you can do a vid on how to lol
Yeah, the plugs themselves are only around $10, but you have to pull the motor to replace them correctly. I have heard of people cleaning the area with brake cleaner to remove all the dirt and oil then take RTV Silicone and smear it around the plug.
Just don't view it as a permanent fix. But it could work for a year or two, if done properly.
well there are specific Nm force which you should use when tightening the screw
Yes I know.
There are Nuton meters, Foot pounds, and Inch pounds for every nut, bolt, and screw on every vehicle. But that does not mean you have to use a torque wrench on everything.
I am not a mechanic. I work on my own bike and feel comfortable with the way I do it.
If you feel the need to use a torque wrench, then use it. If you don't want to use one, then don't.
The only time I would feel the absolute need to use a torque wrench is if I tore apart an engine and was rebuilding it. Then I would consider it a necessity.
Just checked my screen for the second time. I don't remember it being so hard to tighten back up the first time. I had to really crank it down to stop it from leaking.
Maybe the O-ring around the oil screen cap is bad and needs to be replaced
@@ChefHikerBiker That's what I thought. It's not leaking right now. The next time I remove it, I'll have a new o ring ready.
Let me know if the new O-ring fixes the issue.
Thanks you so much!!!
Thanks for watching
Thanks Chef
Thank you for watching👍
Thank you for the video Marc. I just bought used 2007 vulcan 1600 and this video was very helpful. I know you said we need 3.8 quarts so what happens if we put all 4 quarts of oil on it? Also, it would be great if you had a link for those Wrench and oils.
The manual says 3.8 quarts, but on my bike, 3.8 quarts is just at the low level line. For my bike 4 quarts puts the oil level close to the full level line.
The spring is so if the screen gets to clogged it will Compress the Spring and allow the oil to move past the screen
That is not true at all. The spring is simply to hold the screen's rubber seal tightly in place against the oil pan.
I am new to motorcycling, and I ride an 07 Vulcan 1600 Classic, so this video is impossibly helpful! But I was wondering if all bikes have the screen you have to clean out as well as the oil filter?
No, not all bikes have the screen. In fact, most bike don't have the pre-screen. And the filter location and removal process can be different from one bike to another. I have a video where I'm doing an oil and filter change on my friends V-Star 650. Way different system, setup, process, and procedure compared to my Vulcan.
Posiadam Suzuki Marauder VZ 1600 2005 rok i tam jest silnik od Vulkana Mean streak 1600 bardzo przyzwoita jednostka
They are pretty good motors. I have had almost no issues with the motor.
Thanks Marc, sorry for your loss with your pooch mate 😢 I know where you were coming from, my dog had similar symptoms then we lost him....He was my best and only friend and I loved him dearly and have a photo of him with me all the time....absolutely gut wrenching mate 😭😢 ........ what pipes have you on your 1600? 👍💪
Thanks for your sympathy for our dog, Bree. She was a wonderful girl.
My pipes are just OEM stock. I haven't done anything with them, at all.
Marc VanderPal Ok Marc its just they sound kinda meaty 🤔 Thought they mighta been Cobra’s? I’m just pricing a pair of Vance n Hines slip ons for the 1600 ......£600! $720!!!! Extortion 😱😱😱😡
That's exactly why I never changed my pipes. For me personally, the cost just isn't worth it.
I have a Mean Streak 1600, should be the same right? Exellent video, thanks a bunch! :)
Yeah, I think they are the same, for the most part.
Hello Sir!!! Thanks for sharing this video!!. I have a question, Is there any way possible you can provide me the model or part number for that luggage rack on your bike? I been looking everywhere can't find it.
Sorry, all I can tell you is I bought it off ebay about 12 years ago.
I have a valcan classic 1500 and i have a little oil leak at the screen bolt could it be the rubber on the screen going bad
If it is leaking from the screen bolt, it is most likely the rubber o-ring around the bolt housing. Make sure that it's in good condition and not cracked, rotting, or just completely missing. Also check around the area where it mounts to make sure nothing is preventing it from sealing, grit, grime, debris, or whatever.
Hi. What is the code of the proper oil filter for a VN1600 classic, year 2003?
After a quick search, using the all knowing oracle, Google, it looks like the K&N filter is 204-1. 204C if you want a chromed filter.
Yeah, things do come off easier if you unscrew them the correct way the first time, LOL!
I almost always turn it the wrong way at first.
First of all, nice video, all I need for the oil change THANKS! Got a question tho, what oil is recomended for these bikes? I got a hypercharger and powercommander on but I drive calmy. Is it 10-40w semi synthetic?
Keep in mind, I'm not a mechanic, but I don't think Kawasaki requires any specific oil blend: standard, semi-synthetic, or full synthetic. I think the owners manual just says to use a 10w-40.
I personally switched to full synthetic a few years ago.
@@ChefHikerBiker Thanks for the quick answer bro👍 alright, whats the biggest difference between semi and full synth?
As far as I am aware, semi-synthetic is a blend of standard and synthetic. Full synthetic is what the name says, it's all synthetic. Semi-syn will be a little easier on the wallet but still give some of the benefits of full syn but some of the down sides of standard oil.
@@ChefHikerBiker you're a true hero! Thank you and happy new year bro!
Thanks Axis, hope the new year is good to you too. Stay safe out there.
Did you put a tachometer on the bike
No, no I haven't.
Dude, high humidity and heat hope it was ice coffee.
No, I don't like ice coffee
The engine from Vulcan 1600 classic is the same as the mean streak 1600?
I don't know. I would want to say yes, but I don't know if there are unseeables that are different, like cams and gearings and stuff like that.
@@ChefHikerBiker Did you ever have problem with cam chain tensioner on your bike?
No, I have never had a problem with the tensioners. I hear the chain while riding, but that's normal for a Vulcan engine. Just because you can hear it, doesn't mean there is anything wrong.
what is the oil filter number?
I use a K&N 303
hey mark does yours have a tach ?
No, my 1600 does not have a tach.
And can you tell me the shifting in town and highway
I typicaly shift every 10-15mph. But for cuising I go about 1 gear for every 10mph. So if I'm cruising at 25-30mph, I have it in 3rd gear, 35-45 mph I'm in 4th, 50mph or more I'm in 5th.
Was that a serious question?
My 1500 has a screen
I think most Vulcan models do.
What happens if the little screen one is stuck
What exactly is stuck, the bolt or the screen itself?
If it's the bolt, spray it with a penetrating lube, and let it sit for a while. Might need to spray it a couple times and it could take a few days to loosen up.
If it's the screen, you might be able to grab it with a needle nose pliers. Just be careful not to crush it.
The bolt is stuck thank you
The bolt was stuck on my vn750. It took a few day before the penetrating lube got in and did its thing. I then had to replace the bolt, because the head was totally trashed from working on removing it without any lube.
where's the starter located at ?.2008 vulcan meanstreak 1600
As you know, I have a Classic not a Meanstreak. But if they use the same motor, it should be located in the lower front area, behind the radiator, down by your shifter.