Kawasaki
Your motorcycle

2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S

649cc parallel twin · liquid-cooled · chain drive
Typical for 2015–2026 · confirm in your manual
All listed trims share these maintenance parts.

Your oil change shopping list

Everything for one DIY oil change
OilEngine oil10W-40 · JASO MA · Capacity: see manualBuy on Amazon
1Oil filterHF303Buy on Amazon
1Crush washerFor the drain plugBuy on Amazon

Parts & fluids for the 2016 Vulcan S, by area of the bike

Each part shows when it's due and who should do it: DIY · EasyDIY · ModerateMechanicDealer or specialist

EngineOil, filters, plugs and valves7 items
Engine oil10W-40 · JASO MACapacity: see manual. Use motorcycle oil rated JASO MA or MA2. Car oils with friction modifiers can make a wet clutch slip.
WhenEvery 7,500 mi or once a year
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Oil filterHF303Common cross-reference for this generation. Confirm the fit before you buy.
WhenEvery oil change
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Drain plug crush washerNew washer each changeCheap insurance against leaks. Torque the drain plug to spec; aluminum cases strip easily.
WhenEvery oil change
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Air filterFits 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan SUsually under the seat or tank. A clogged filter costs power and fuel economy.
WhenEvery 11,000 mi (sooner on dusty roads)
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Spark plugs (2)NGK CR9EIA-9Usually easy to reach. Use a plug socket and torque them to spec.
WhenEvery 7,500 mi
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Valve clearance checkInspect and adjust shims or screwsTight valves cause hard starting and burnt valves. It's a skilled job; most owners use a dealer or specialist shop.
WhenEvery 26,000 mi
Dealer or specialist
CoolantKawasaki Permanent Type Antifreeze (50/50)Use silicate-free motorcycle coolant. Check the level in the overflow tank before rides.
WhenEvery 2 years
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Final drive (chain)What turns the rear wheel3 items
Chain & sprocket kitFits 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan SAlways replace the chain and both sprockets together.
WhenReplace together when the chain is stretched or sprocket teeth are hooked (often 15,000–25,000 mi)
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Chain clean & lubeChain cleaner + O-ring safe chain lubeSpin the rear wheel on a stand, clean, then lube the inside of the chain while it's warm.
WhenEvery 300–600 mi, and after riding in rain
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Chain slack adjustmentPer the sticker on your swingarmToo tight wears the transmission; too loose can throw the chain.
WhenCheck every 600 mi
DIY · Easy
BrakesPads and fluid3 items
Front brake padsFits 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan SFront pads wear faster because they do most of the braking.
WhenInspect every 4,000 mi; replace at about 2 mm of pad
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Rear brake padsFits 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S
WhenInspect every 4,000 mi; replace at about 2 mm of pad
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Brake fluidDOT 4Never mix DOT 5 (silicone) with DOT 3/4. Check what your reservoir cap says.
WhenEvery 2 years
DIY · ModerateBuy on Amazon
Tires & wheelsYour only contact with the road3 items
Front tire120/70-18Check pressure before every ride; it's on the swingarm or frame sticker.
WhenAt 2/32" of tread, or 5–6 years old
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Rear tire160/60-17Rear tires usually wear out about twice as fast as fronts.
WhenAt 2/32" of tread, or 5–6 years old
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Tire pressure gaugeDigital or dial gaugeUnder-inflated tires make a bike handle badly and wear fast.
WhenBefore every ride
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
ElectricalBattery and bulbs2 items
BatteryFits 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan SKeep it on a battery tender if the bike sits for more than a couple of weeks.
WhenMost last 3–5 years
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Battery tenderSmart maintainerThe best way to make a motorcycle battery last.
WhenWhenever it's parked for winter
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Suspension & controlsForks, clutch and cables3 items
Fork oil & sealsFork oil per your manualOil on the fork tubes means a leaking seal. Service both forks together.
WhenEvery 2 years or 15,000 mi; seals when they leak
MechanicBuy on Amazon
Clutch & throttle cablesCable lubeCheck the free play at the lever; a frayed cable should be replaced right away.
WhenLube and adjust every 4,000–6,000 mi
DIY · EasyBuy on Amazon
Steering head & swingarm bearingsInspect for playNotchy steering or a clunk when braking points to worn bearings.
WhenEvery 12,000 mi
Mechanic

Owner's manual for the 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S

Amazon fit lists aren't always perfect. Your owner's manual has the exact oil, capacities and part numbers for your bike, so check it before you buy.

Free official Kawasaki owner's manual →From Kawasaki's owner site. Pick your model and year.Printed owner's manual on Amazon →Original and reprint manuals for the 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan S.Clymer & Haynes repair manuals →Step-by-step service manuals that home mechanics swear by.

Every 7,500 miles: what's due

Pick your mileage to see what comes due at that service.

7,500 miles 4 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Spark plugsevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Chain & sprocket inspectionevery 7,500 mi
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 7,500 mi
15,000 miles 5 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Air filterevery 11,000 mi
    Shop part →
  • Spark plugsevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Chain & sprocket inspectionevery 7,500 mi
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 7,500 mi
22,500 miles 5 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Air filterevery 11,000 mi
    Shop part →
  • Spark plugsevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Chain & sprocket inspectionevery 7,500 mi
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 7,500 mi
30,000 miles 5 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Spark plugsevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Valve clearance checkevery 26,000 mi
  • Chain & sprocket inspectionevery 7,500 mi
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 7,500 mi
37,500 miles 5 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Air filterevery 11,000 mi
    Shop part →
  • Spark plugsevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Chain & sprocket inspectionevery 7,500 mi
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 7,500 mi
45,000 miles 5 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Air filterevery 11,000 mi
    Shop part →
  • Spark plugsevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Chain & sprocket inspectionevery 7,500 mi
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 7,500 mi
52,500 miles 5 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Spark plugsevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Valve clearance checkevery 26,000 mi
  • Chain & sprocket inspectionevery 7,500 mi
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 7,500 mi
60,000 miles 5 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Air filterevery 11,000 mi
    Shop part →
  • Spark plugsevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Chain & sprocket inspectionevery 7,500 mi
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 7,500 mi
67,500 miles 5 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Air filterevery 11,000 mi
    Shop part →
  • Spark plugsevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Chain & sprocket inspectionevery 7,500 mi
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 7,500 mi
75,000 miles 4 items
  • Engine oil & filterevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Spark plugsevery 7,500 mi
    Shop part →
  • Chain & sprocket inspectionevery 7,500 mi
  • Brake pads & tires inspectionevery 7,500 mi

Other years: 2015 Vulcan S · 2017 Vulcan S · All Vulcan S years

Motorcycle specs on PartSpec are typical values for this generation and haven't all been checked against the manufacturer yet. Confirm the oil, capacities and part numbers in your owner's manual before you buy. Read the full disclaimer

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