Kawasaki Vulcan 500 Maintanence Questions?

Question

I purchased a 2007 Vulcan 500 used with no owners manual. For peace of mind, I would like to change fluids out for a clean slate so to speak. I have searched the internet everywhere so Ive brought this question to you Do It Yourself folks out there as a guide for me and for the many out there looking for the answers to these folowing maintainence questions:

1. How to change oil and filter w/ interval recommendations

2. How to flush coolant

3. How to change air filter

I believe this would be the first guide for the Vulcan 500 motorcycle for Do It Yourselfers on the net so thank you for your answers in advance.

Ps would rather spend the 50.00 for the manual latter so I can ride now!!!

Answer 1

have a look here for a manual free downloads..

http://www.dansmc.com/shopmanual2.htm

& there is a great site for general bike maint & fixing bikes here..

http://www.dansmc.com/MC_repaircourse.ht...

Answer 2

The air box cover is under the seat, in the front below the fuel tank.

To remove the seat - remove the bolt at the rear of the seat - put your fingers under the piece of metal to prevent scratching the fender - hit the hump of the seat to the rear of the bike to un-hook it.

The filter is foam - wash it and re-oil it.

http://street.parts-unlimited.com/16/138...

To get access to the radiator cap - remove the speedometer cluster on the fuel tank.

Have a pair of needle nose pliers ready to remove the speedometer cable when the meter is lifted.

Loosen the radiator cap.

The coolant drain bolt is on the water pump cover.

Right side of engine - radiator hoses go the water pump cover - drain bolt is on the bottom of the cover - it has a sealing washer on it.

Remove the bolt to drain the coolant.

Re-install the bolt.

Use 50/50 mix of coolant/water rated for aluminum engines.

Slowly fill at the radiator cap (slowly to prevent water pockets).

The oil drain bolt is on right "side" of engine - it has a sealing washer on it.

Put a drain pan under it - remove the bolt - sit on the bike and tilt it to the right to drain all of the oil out - re-install the bolt.

Put the drain pan under the spin-on oil filter at the front of the crankcase.

Remove the filter.

Dip your finger in oil and wet the o-ring of the new filter.

Clean the engine surface the filter touches and install the new filter hand tight.

Hold the bike straight up and down (as if you were sitting on it) when checking the oil level.

Remove the oil fill cap (top of the clutch cover - rt side engine cover).

Fill with brand name 10W40 4 stroke motor oil until it covers the oil level window (right side engine cover).

Install the fill cap - start and run the engine for a few minutes - to fill the oil filter and let the oil circulate throughout the engine.

Stop the engine and let it sit for a few minutes to let the oil drain down to the crankcase.

Re-check the oil level - bike straight up & down, the oil should cover 3/4 of the window - drain or add oil if necessary.

Purchase a manual

http://www.motocom.com/motorcycles/

Edit - Ment to say "air pockets" when filling the radiator.