Can't find 5w 50 for the 500

[Syl]

Several places don't carry the 5w 50 Syn. oil and after much talk etc. High Performance, Red Line 10w 40 Syn will be just fine. I don't know about oil and this was recommended by the dealer. Any thoughts or opinions?

[hgw75]

Where do you live?  Average  temp?  This will let you adjust the oil weight. Look in your owners book. 

[Syl]

Live 25 miles N.E. of Pittsburgh, Average Temperature. hgw75, thank you, if I would learn to read more and look at the manual better I would know what you told me! I looked over the manual once but didn't read it like I should and I'm not ashamed to say...duh me! Looks like the 10W 40 will be ok. Further, I was surprised the dealer had the specific oil filter in stock. I may know photography but am not a mechanic & like to do by seeing instead of reading in depth. Want to get ready for the "Ride For Homeless Vets", this Sunday and it is a long ride with 2-300 bikes and want to be safe..... http://rideforhomelessvets.com/ if interested in looking over. Again, hgw75 thanks.

[racewalker]

Several places don't carry the 5w 50 Syn. oil and after much talk etc. High Performance, Red Line 10w 40 Syn will be just fine. I don't know about oil and this was recommended by the dealer. Any thoughts or opinions?

I am running Mobil 1 syn 10w40 MX4T in mine.

[JustWantToRide]

I have Mobil 1 synthetic 0w-40 in mine.  For the Texas summer I should probably change to 15w-50.  Walmart's here carry both.

Only Kymco Branded oil is going to have those specific 5w-50 numbers.  The lower number helps it flow easily when cold, the higher number helps it perform once hot.  10w-30 would work fine if you don't ride when it's really hot or cold.  It was riding around in 114 degree heat last year - and the stickers melted/peeled off of my bike (it was over 114 on the blacktop).  I was glad I had 15w-50 in it then... 

Just don't bother with the motorcycle version - it's differences are only for a wet clutch which you don't have.

[sissy mary]

Just changed my oil this weekend. Got 15/50 at "the walmart". I have used this weight in all cars, bikes and so on for ever. I have never had an internal engine break down. This weight just about covers all temp's. You can buy K&N oil filters at many shop's, or you can get them on ebay for about $12.00 including shipping. Great filter and it has a nut on the bottom so u need only a simple wrench to change it. Part # is KN-147.

[JustWantToRide]

The nut on the bottom sounds great - I have a hard time removing my filters.  I still haven't figured out how to do it without making a mess.  I bought an extra funnel that I plan on heating up in the oven until it's a little pliable - and then shaping it to fit the spaces rather than just using the pan.  Hmm - it's just about that time again...

[sissy mary]

I go to a dollar store and buy a large plastic bowl. I drain the oil in it (after running the bike for about 1 minute, warm but not hot). Drain oil back into bottles. And then dump bowl in garbage. I also buy real cheap rubber/plastic gloves and throw them out also. I never have to come into contact with any oil this way. Why clean an oil pan when it only cost a dollar?

[500_Monkeys]

Take a look at Penrite
http://www.penriteoil.com.au/products/engine-oils-~-automotive/10-tenths-premium/premium_5_ _(5w-60)_ full_syn.

That's what I use.  Little expensive, but so is replacing your engine.

[gregspeople250]

Oil viscosity is set by Kymco based on three requirements: Ambient temperature, Engine clearances/manufacturing quality and Friction reduction to improve fuel usage.

[Oldscoot]

With a properly operating liquid-cooled engine the engine temperature should not - even on a hot day - reach higher termperatures that would require using anything higher then 40W.  I use Rotella T6 5-40W which is an excellent synthetic available at Wal-Mart. Piaggio (including Vespa and Aprilia) recommends a 5-40W synthetic for its scooters.  For those of you who have smaller bikes and air-cooled bikes - what is Kymco's oil recommendation? Kymco may just be covering all possible bases with the broadest spectrum range of viscosities.          

[sissy mary]

Also, you can put some tin foil over the frame tube, and crimp it in place, so that when you drain the oil it will not get all over the frame/center stand.