Kawasaki Vulcan s oil change and Chain Clean

[@semicroquant3420]

Straight to the points, no waste of time, no bullshit. U earned a sub.

[@CockneyBiker]

Thanks Semicroquant! Appreciate that!

[@danf8047]

a little advice, when you spray your chain, you can put a piece of cardboard between the chain and the tire so all that lubrification doesn't get on the tire. That's the last thing you want on your tire...cheers!

[@CockneyBiker]

Absolutely.. I dropped the ball on that one.. I've used a rag ever since... luckily enough there wasn't any issues after that time.

[@7316bobe]

Yes I use a piece of cardboard cut from a large size rice bubble box. One will last many chain lubes. That "chain wax" is the best lube that I have ever used.

[@quietcoyote174]

Hey man, just wanted to stop by and say thanks. I’m new to motorcycles and just bought a new Vulcan S, and this video was really informative. I went ahead and bought that bike stand and spools, and now feel a lot better about maintenance. Great vid, definitely subbing!

[@CockneyBiker]

That is awesome to hear.. thank for the sub! Ride safe and have fun on your new ride!

[@Phyde4ux]

You forgot about the very important step of accidentally dropping the nut into the pan of oil. No oil change is complete without doing this at least one time.

[@CockneyBiker]

+Phyde4ux ...lol, you are so right! But to be "original" I decided to overfill the oil reservoir instead.. (you can see where I edited it to say "two quarts" instead of "two n a half")... I had to syphon half a quart out!..

[@ThomasRSmith-og7zo]

He instead dropped the 17 mm socket into the pan :-)

[@just-dl]

^^ true

[@chael9323]

I actually dropped the bike in the pan.

[@cobbb11]

That's why you get the telescopic magnet bolt picker-upper. Saves A LOT of frustration.

[@172389]

Great video, glad to see that rear stand works without any issues. I own the same motorcycle and bought a rear stand for oil changes but ran into the issue where the stand contacts the licence plate. I have to take my licence plate off to use my rear stand, and even then I usually have to lift the bike up a bit by getting the rear tire resting on a 2X4 before the stand will clear the fender.

[@djb523]

I bought a 2023 Vulcan S last year and ran into the same problem. Gotta get that stand.

[@zachrat9083]

How frequently do you change your oil? Is the manual pretty accurate?

[@stevensanger]

Great video as I am looking at buying a Vulcan myself in the near future, also I know nothing about maintaining one so this video was very helpful and looks straight forward

[@CockneyBiker]

Im glad its helpful to you... :)

[@StrongbowTX]

THANK YOU for the link to the LED light. I've wanted to swap mine out as well and wasn't sure what was compatible.

[@CockneyBiker]

You're welcome :)

[@utubevid0]

Very informative and detailed. 5*. Can you please provide the link for the seats?

[@drlove891]

I like how clear your instructions are and the labeling in your video. Cool accident by the way.

[@billmeloche4918]

Nice Video:) Where did you get your engine Guards?

[@MrEye4get]

Very informative video! Engine Oil: 1.7L without filter change and 1.9L with a filter change. Torque Engine oil filter: 17.5 N·m (1.78 kgf·m, 12.9 ft·lb). Engine Oil Drain Bolt: 30 N·m (3.1 kgf·m, 22 ft·lb). Don't let oils and cleaners stain the driveway or your spouse will bitch endlessly!

[@bstranded]

Great video and tips. Where did you get the crash bars?

[@ravenrodriguez7818]

I'm not into red and livery but, that bike looks sweet AF~!

[@MrEye4get]

It's funny, but hard as hell to find large rubber gloves in Thailand. Asian sizes are 1-2 sizes smaller than US/EU sizes. I found a simple strap oil filter wrench; that works on all sizes of filters. Where do you dispose of used oil in the UK? Most smaller shops here seem to prefer the backyard! I changed my light bulb to LED as well. Actually I went through three different LED bulbs until I found one the right color and not blinding! Be careful with over-spray of chain cleaner and lube on the rear tire! I use a rag to catch the excess spray, or sometimes cover the tire with a larger towel.

[@CockneyBiker]

Hiya MrEye4get.. Im living in the USA so we can take the oil to any auto shop and they'll get rid of it here.. I forgot to wipe down the tire after waxing the chain, there was no slips but I'll have to remember to do that next time..lol.. as for the gloves, when I order anything manufactured from places like Thailand I normally have to ask for a larger size.. so its understandable..

[@jacejace2011]

I just bought a 2018 Vulcan S last week. Approaching 300 miles so not too far off from needing to do my first oil change. Your vid definitely helped me out. One question thou...Do you not replace the crush washer? I thought reusing them was a big no-no...

[@deep_k1ng]

Can you please make a video on how to adjust the chain slack?

[@CockneyBiker]

Sure..Her bike is due for another service soon, so I'll include that as well

[@the_wilkini]

Top video and extra points for mentioning the size of the sump plug nut :D

[@CockneyBiker]

Glad to help!

[@marcinpiak3540]

Good instructional video. Never seen that colour before, looks great. Ride safe mate.

[@7316bobe]

Yes the colour is beautiful.

[@tedturner5299]

Really good review. Good commentary. Don't forget to wipe clean the metal facing before installing the new oil filter. Love the links you provided to the various goodies!!!!!

[@CockneyBiker]

Thanks Ted, Appreciate you saying that.. I probably forgot a lot of things to do on that bike for the maintenance..lol. I hoped it helped you out.

[@MichelCernev]

Thank you Cockney Biker, It's awesome maintenance of Vulcan S, tricks of the trade and the good old know how is the way to go. Regards : Mich

[@CockneyBiker]

Really appreciated Michel! Thanks!

[@namter93]

Need to apply lube to the inside of the chain to the lube migrates through the chain. Also fill the oil filter with oil prior to putting it on

[@K369-v3o]

tip: when you jack the rear wheel up, turn her over and put her into first. The rear wheel will spin on it's own, meaning you don't have to spin it manually.

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

Hi, you have links to Harley Dav parts. Does this Mustang seat actually fit the Vulcan S? I agree with others, please dig that music. Thanks for the helpful information.

[@ThomasRSmith-og7zo]

Great instructional video as always! Thanks for posting them! I will need to get me one of those Rear jacks to do the Chain clean and lube. Thanks again! Great Video.

[@CockneyBiker]

Thanks Thomas.. Glad it helped :)

[@SunShine-yd5xu]

Why you didn’t change the oil while on stand, like the way cleaned the chain ?

[@CockneyBiker]

Because the drain bolt was on the kickstand side of the bike.. so it drained a bit quicker.

[@nproy2319]

Hey Cockney Biker! Great instructional video, curious of your opinion on if the Vulcan S would be a good first bike? I've been looking at these for a while and think it will be my choice.

[@CockneyBiker]

Hey Nick, Absolutely I would recommend the Vulcan S as a first bike.. it's got a great engine and handles like a dream, It does great on twisty roads and goes faster that a lot of cruisers out there. it's got the adjustable ergonomics for tall and short people, I know a few KVS riders and no one has anything bad to say about the bike.

[@mikeyates4724]

I love mine!

[@turtle19dad]

Hey Cockney Biker do you have the bike in neutral when you do the chain maintenance?

[@CockneyBiker]

Yes.. you have to to be able to spin the wheel and clean the chain.. never use the engine to tick over the wheel while cleaning the chain..

[@nathanhitesman1787]

Nice bike. What rear stand are you using. I can't find one that doesn't run into the rear tail light. I found one online that a few people recommended but it was kind of expensive.

[@faithbiker8262]

I just made a reservation at the Harley dealer to get my oil changed. I would do it myself but figure to let the pros do it knowing my luck I will mess it up some how. LOL Nice looking bike bro! Take care my friend.

[@CockneyBiker]

How many miles does you Harley have on it?

[@gizmoinasia6080]

nice bike m8 where did the tinted screen come from and the rear saddle bags?

[@nathangarciamuro]

Thanks man for the video. I have learnt a lot, specially on how to change the oil. I love to work in the motorcycle so next oil change Ineill do it myself. By the way, wouldn’t you have a video on how you changed the headlight bulb? I saw your LED bulb and I went and purchased one from Amazon.

[@CockneyBiker]

Thanks Nathanael, I do have a video on that.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXLZhKacmcR0hJI

[@nathangarciamuro]

Hello again, can you share the model of the oil filter you used in your video? Do you have a link to such oil filter?

[@k_mish]

Hey mate, what did you use between chain cleaner and chain wax? Chain Lube?

[@CockneyBiker]

Yep.. Cleaner , Lube then Wax

[@BikeRider01]

Thanks for the video. I'm really liking the dark windshield. Did you applied the dark tint film yourself?

[@CockneyBiker]

Hiya BikeRider, no, I bought the bike with that screen already attached.. I don't know how they did it.. or if the screen came like that

[@johnnychristo4895]

Why didn’t you clean the oil screen located on the back of the motor?

[@SuperLaplander]

Good video, thanks for sharing. Subbed.

[@CockneyBiker]

Thanks for the sub!

[@RALPH531967]

Did you make a video when you changed her headlight?

[@CockneyBiker]

Yes.. it's here kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=sAvSsfd_AN0

[@knightice69]

Link does not work :-(

[@paulnicholas6147]

Are your saddle bags attached to brackets or free floating?

[@CockneyBiker]

There are brackets under the saddle bags.

[@paulnicholas6147]

@@CockneyBiker great, thanks :) love the videos, I've found them really helpful

[@ekimandersom4478]

Shouldn’t the dealer do the first oil change for warranty?

[@davidcordatos-marcotte8144]

Been riding I see.

[@StrongbowTX]

Did you add the rear seat? I haven't seen one that came with it yet. I was wondering if I was going to need to do that to put saddle bags on (or one of those over-priced "luggage racks" to go on the rear fender.)

[@CockneyBiker]

The rear seat was an extra purchase (came with the 2015 Vulcan s, .. it's handy for shea's saddlebags,.. but not to worry, she has no rear foot pegs so there's no danger of her taking any passengers for a ride.. >:)

[@StrongbowTX]

Oh, I wasn't worried about that. Just wondering if you found a deal where it was included, or if you had to buy that as an extra. :)

[@CockneyBiker]

It came with the 2015 bike.. the seat has a bracket that needs to go on first so the rear seat hooks on to it ..

[@JaguarPirate]

easy to follow instructions, thanks Cockney Biker.

[@CockneyBiker]

Glad it helped

[@StrongbowTX]

Finally got around to filming this, eh? I was going to do it when I made the change a couple weeks ago, but it was late in the day and had no light for fliming. Especially by the time I dealt with finding a tool that could get the original filter off.

[@StrongbowTX]

I had to laugh when you pulled out the channel lock wrench! I had to resort to the same thing!

[@CockneyBiker]

LOL!.. I bet so many people didn't know that as well !!

[@StrongbowTX]

I have an oil filter wrench, it just won't go small enough for the motorcycle filter. I got a smaller set of "strap wrenches", but they wouldn't grip tight enough. Ended up with the channel locks. The replacement filter has a 17mm "nut" on the end of it, so the next time I need to do this, I just need my socket wrench. So, I'm surprised you didn't have Shea do the oil change.

[@CockneyBiker]

I was going to make her do it, But she still has a sprained ankle from a week ago.. She fell down some stairs not too long ago and so she's limping for a bit..

[@RALPH531967]

Thanks, by the way does the abs model come with the rear seat

[@CockneyBiker]

No, They all come with a single seat, the Passenger seat AND Passenger pegs are sold separately.. I bought Sheas first Vulcan s Used (The Black 2015 model) so the previous owner already installed the passenger seat and wind shield, I transferred them to her new red 2017 KVS afterwards.

[@KMK77]

Good one mate

[@Rambiker2023chief]

have you fiddled with the rear spring adjustment ? my bike bottoms out easily

[@CockneyBiker]

Hey Rami.. the spring came set on the 2nd to lowest setting.. under your seat is a small tool kit, and with it is an adjuster for the spring.. set it to the 3rd or 4th setting and you shouldn't have any issues

[@lakegeneva4851]

Don’t have a Vulcan as you know but great video. Maybe Shea could get her hands dirty too, so she can look after her own bike 😂😂

[@CockneyBiker]

She would have, But she twisted her ankle so she couldn't do anything.. she was laid up in the house :(

[@Desstrik]

Good vid, great bike.

[@CockneyBiker]

Thanks!

[@iamthebeatmaster]

nice video, i have the exact same bike, same color. i'm wondering why you didn't fill the oil while the bike is on the rear stand since the bike need to be levelled to have the right amount of oil. a tip, when i clean the chain i put a card board between the wheel and sprocket, high/low enough so the cleaner and wax doesn't go on the rim and tire, that way everything stay clean and no danger of having cleaner or wax residue on the rubber tire.

[@CockneyBiker]

Hiya! the manual called for 1.9 us Gals, so that's all I put in, You're right though on both points that I could have filled it up more accurately had it been on the stand at the time.. so I'll do that next time I change the oil.. It never occurred to me at the time to do anything to protect the tire when I cleaned the chain, I hope I didn't do any damage to it in the process.. but from now in I'll do as you suggest and use something to protect the tire on the next chain clean.. thanks for your input, Appreciate it.. Ride safe. (PS.. they are fantastic bikes these vulcan s's, I hope you get as much enjoyment as my daughter gets from hers)

[@q-bert6454]

Do the transmission and engine share the same oil? My z1000 does

[@CockneyBiker]

Yep.. there is no seperate trans oil on these bike as far as I'm aware

[@q-bert6454]

The Cockney Biker: I see you’re using regular motor oil, my owners manual says not to use regular motor oil because of the wet clutch.

[@CockneyBiker]

@@q-bert6454 The oil is Kawazaki SAE 10w 40.. which is for the Vulcan S, However, My biggest concern was making sure the bike wasn't upgraded to Synthetic Oil.. So I checked with the dealership (The place I bought the Oil and the Bike) and they it's the proper oil for it.. what we must not do is put car oil into the bike for that very reason.. Motorcycle oil is designed for wet clutches regardless of the weight.. Trust me, the oil is fine for this bike.. it's been ridden a couple of thousand miles since that change :)

[@q-bert6454]

Ok thank you for sharing this info.

[@motoryzen]

12:05..Instead of using any big name brand cleaner ( like that one he shows at 12:06)..Use pure kerosene that is available in one or more gallon jugs for MUCH cheaper overall at Walmart. Get a cheap spray bottle and a small measuring cup from dollar tree. measure /pour an ounce or two into the spray bottle and you have a great chain cleaner that is o ring safe for all motorcycle chains. revzilla has some reasonable deals on lube, YMMV depending on zilla cash remaining versus other sites.

[@CockneyBiker]

Won't Kerosene corrode the O-Rings on your chain? Everyone was going on about using cleaners and lubricators that protect these rings, So I just played it safe for the cleaning and lubing..

[@Fabi_045]

Thank you very much! New subscriber! You're amazing! ^_^ ❤

[@CockneyBiker]

+Fabio Ciarcià glad to help!

[@linusa2996]

I'm guessing they expected that for an oil change, the mechanic would put it on a rear wheel stand?

[@CockneyBiker]

Probably, But the drain plug is on the low side as the bike sits on the kickstand.. it only needs to be level if you want to know how much oil there is on that little window.. so it's really one way or another..

[@linusa2996]

It uses a de-tuned motor from the Ninja right? Looking at the maintenance manual, the Ninja's kickstand is further back compared to this Vulcan. So it looks like when they adapted the motor for this application, they did change the location of the drain hole to take into account the different placement of the kickstand.

[@linusa2996]

sorry "did not change the location".

[@CockneyBiker]

Quite possibly, It's been tuned for a lower torque, so it's not a screamer :) Which is great for my daughter to ride.. it's one of the best bikes for a short rider (Other than a 250 or a HD Soft tail slim)

[@NoWay23548]

Skip the elevator music and the video gets much more enjoyable.

[@kandicegalbraith7870]

Cut the background music its annoying and your just changing oil.

[@ronallan]

2:34 I rather use a breaker bar than a ratchet.

[@antoniovictor8697]

Españolllllll

[@dano6687]

Turn the music down

[@q-bert6454]

No need for the background music

[@7316bobe]

No I did not like the back ground music either. I want to concentrate on what is being said. All said it is a very good video.

[@SpiderPig454]

Would this oil be good my for 2016 Vulcan S? 2013 Kawsaki NINJA 650 Full Synthetic Oil Change Kit www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSZB95G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_04tXAbFVSJQQY

[@CockneyBiker]

Hey Niko... you're going to upgrade your engine to full synthetic, you'll be ok with doing that.. you'll get better performance.. I'm thinking of upgrading Sheas bike in a couple of thousand miles.. the general advice is not to ever downgrade again..

[@SpiderPig454]

The Cockney Biker So would you recommend it? It’s more expensive but I want my bike to run as good as it can for as long as it can!

[@CockneyBiker]

Absolutely.. At the very least it'll be cheaper in the long run as you can go a lot longer between Oil changes..

[@allmenon]

3 quarts? The Queens English please for us Brits!

[@CockneyBiker]

2 small bottles.. I can't convert it to liters lol