2022 Kawasaki KX250 Engine Oil
Engine Oil
In order for the engine, transmission, and clutch to function properly, maintain the engine oil at the proper level, and change the oil and oil filter periodically. Not only do dirt and metal particles collect in the oil, but the oil itself loses its lubricative quality if used too long.
WARNING
Motorcycle operation with insufficient deteriorated, or contaminated engine oil will cause accelerated wear and may result in engine or transmission seizure, accident, and injury. Check the oil level before each ride and change the oil according to the periodic maintenance chart in the Owner’s Manual. Because of the semi-dry-sump lubrication system, the engine oil level indicated on the oil level inspection window will fluctuate depending on the motorcycle’s position and engine speed when the engine’s shut off. To ensure proper reading of the engine oil level, follow the Oil Level Inspection procedures closely.
NOTICE
Racing the engine before the oil reaches every part can cause engine seizure.
Oil Level Inspection
- If the oil has just been changed, let the motorcycle sit a few minutes allowing the oil to settle.
- Start the engine and run it for several minutes at idle speed. Do not run the engine at high engine speed.
- Stop the engine and wait several minutes for the oil to settle.
- Check the engine oil level with the motorcycle vertical through the oil level inspection window on the lower right side of the engine. The oil level should come up between the high and low-level lines next to the inspection window.
NOTE
- If the oil level is too high, remove the excess oil using a syringe or other suitable device.
- If the oil level is too low, add the correct amount of oil through the oil filler opening. Use oil of the same type and brand as those the one that is already in the engine.
- lf no oil appears in the oil level inspection window, tip the motorcycle slightly to the right until oil is visible then return to an upright position. If no oil appears even when tipped at an extreme angle, remove the drain bolt to empty any oil that may be in the transmission and crankcase, reinstall the drain bolt and refill with the specified amount of oil.
A. Oil Level Inspection Window
B. High-Level Line
C. Low-Level Line
D. Oil Filler Plug
Oil and/or Oil Filter Change
- The engine oil and/or oil filter should be changed periodically to ensure long engine life.
- Warm up the engine thoroughly so that the oil will pick up any sediment and drain easily.
- Stop the engine, and place a container beneath it.
- Remove the oil filler plug.
- For KX252D, remove the lower engine guard bolts and the lower engine guard.
- Remove the oil drain bolt and gasket.
- Position the vehicle perpendicular to the ground to allow all the oil to drain.
A. Lower Engine Guard Bolts (KX252D)
B. Lower Engine Guard (KX252D)
C. Drain Bolt and Gasket
WARNING
Engine oil is a toxic substance. Dispose of used oil properly. Contact your local authorities for approved disposal methods or possible recycling.
When replacing the oil filter, remove the oil filter cap bolts and take off the cap with O-ring and spring.
A. Oil Filter Cap Bolts
B. Oil Filter Cap
- Replace the oil filter element with a new one.
- Apply grease to the grommet.
- Install the oil filter element with the grommet toward the engine.
A. Oil Filter Element
B. Grommet
NOTICE
Inside-out installation stop oil flow, causing engine seizure.
- Replace the O-ring with a new one.
- Apply grease to the O-ring and install it to the oil filter cap.
- Install the spring to the oil filter cap.
- Install the oil filter cap and tighten its bolts to the specified torque.
A. O-ring
B. Spring
C. Oil Filter Cap
Tightening Torque
Oil Filter Cap Bolts:
10 Nm (1.0 kgfm, 89 in-lb)
- Replace the drain bolt gasket with a new one.
- After the oil has completely drained out, install the drain bolt with its new gasket. Proper torque for it Is shown in the table.
Tightening Torque
Engine Oil Drain Bolt:
10 N-m (1.0 kgfm, 89 in-lb)
- Fill the engine up to the high level line with good quality engine oil specified in the table.
Recommended Engine Oil
- Castrol “Power1 Racing 4T” 5W-40 or
- Kawasaki Performance 4-Stroke Full Synthetic Oil” 10W-40 or
- Kawasaki Performance 4-Stroke Semi-Synthetic Oil” 10W-40 or
- Kawasaki Performance 4-Stroke Motorcycle Oil 10W-40
- Kawasaki Performance Oils and Lubricants have been specifically engineered for your vehicle. Consistent use of these products meets or exceeds warranty and service requirements and can help to extend the life of your Kawasaki.
Engine Oil Capacity
- Capacity:
- 0.75 L (0.79 US qt) (When filter is not removed)
- 0.80 L (0.85 US qt) (When filter is removed)
- 1.0L (1.1 US qt) (When engine is completely dry)
NOTE
Olf unavailable, use equivalent engine oil in accor- dance with the following table.
- Type:
- API SG, SH, SJ, SL or SM with JASO MA, MA1 or MA2
- Viscosity:
- SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-5
NOTE
- Do not add any chemical additive to the oil. Oils fulfilling the above requirements are fully formulated and provide adequate lubrication for both the engine and the clutch.
The oil viscosity may need to be changed to ac- commodate atmospheric conditions in your riding area.
- Tighten the oil filler plug.
Tightening Torque
Oil Filler Plug:
3.5 Nm (0.36 kgfm, 31 in-lb)
- Start the engine.
- Check the oil level and oil leakage.
- For KX252D, instal the lower engine guard with the lower engine guard bolts.
- Run the radiator overflow hose to the lower engine guard hole.
- Tighten the front side bolts first then tighten the rear side bolts.
Tightening Torque
Lower Engine Guard Bolts:
6.0 Nm (0.61 kgfm, 53 in-Ib)
- A. Lower Engine Guard (KX252D)
- B. Lower Engine Guard Bolts (KX252D)
- C. Radiator Overflow Hose