The O-Ring(s)

Unlike *normal* motorcycles, the KZ750 Twin requires a crazy figure-8-shaped o-ring for the oil chamber cover.  The hands-down best thing for this is to get an N.O.S. o-ring for this, since nothing else fits as well.  But in a way, you have and alternative, giving you 2 main options for replacing the o-ring:

1. Kawasaki o-ring Part # 92055-084, which I’ve seen listed for anywhere between $10-$20 in various places around the ‘Net
2. The o-ring included in Fram Filter CH6014 (see below)

The Filter(s)

I have always read (and you might have too) about quality challenges in certain manufacturer’s oil filters.  But I’m not going to spend big bucks for expensive filters either.  So, I have decided to mitigate any concerns, and regularly alternate oil filters between each change.

I’m sure there are other filters than the ones I list below, but I’ve arrived at a certain pattern of use over the years, and for better or worse, here it is…  For me, there are 3 basic options:

1. Fram CH6013 – $7.28 – This is the filter that is listed for the KZ750 Twin on some parts sites.  It does fit.  It does work.  It includes 2 o-rings: an o-ring for the oil bolt that you *can* use, and a large round o-ring that you can fling at your buddy, or toss right in the garbage.  It does *not* include the figure-8-shaped o-ring.  I typically do not buy this model.
2. Fram CH6014 – $6.95 – Same filter as the CH6013, and the same small o-ring for the oil bolt, but this one *does* contain what I would call an “attempt” at a figure-8-shaped o-ring that you can actually attempt to use.  Being frank here, you can make it work, but it is not easy, because it is not perfectly shaped.  But you can get it in place and get it sealed with a little patience.  And it may just be the last hope to find the figure-8-shaped o-ring when I have bought up all the N.O.S. ones from eBay…  Did I just write that…?  I typically buy these and alternate them with the Emgo ones below…
3. Emgo 10-24400 – $3.80 – No o-rings.  And you’ll like it.  I typically buy these and alternate them with the CH6014 above.

I have bought these in the past at various places, including the links I provide above, as well as some of the places I list on my “Misc. Vendors” page.  Then there’s eBay, of course…

By the way, I’m not affiliated with any of the links provided… and make no promises regarding them… and prices were valid at the time of this post.

Good luck!

My main oil for my KZ750 is Shell Rotella T big jug (though I have been known to thrown in a jug of GTX once in a while).  I use the 15w-40, and as I live in the northern mid-west of the US, I ride only at 32F and above.  If I ever start riding in colder weather, I might switch to the 5w-40 synthetic.  Warmer areas can consider 20w50.  Straight-weight oils generate so much debate that I have decided to avoid them altogether, given the availability of alternatives.

I change my bike’s oil at 1500-2000 mile intervals!  Bikes that share the transmission with the clutch and the… well, the rest of the engine, break down viscosity quickly.  Since it’s only around $13 per gallon, everyone can afford it…

But one of the most important points of all is this:  avoid oil with so-called “enhancements” or “friction modifiers”.  These ingredients can make you clutch slip, and you’ll be wondering why your bike won’t move…

Shell Rotella T