Is there a special type of oil I should be using for my 2003 ninja 500? I have heard that each bike require a certain kind of oil by some people and others say that isn't so. What should I be using?Or where can I find this info?(I don't have a service manual)

Thanks!

 

There should be a little sticker under the seat somewhere that tells you what type of oilto use along with some other information. I use SAE 10W-40 per that information on a 2005 Ninja 500R.

 

Just stick with 10-40 and only buy bottles that say "motorcycle" somewhere on the label.
Some guys think 20-50 is okay, but it's too thick and when the engine is cold, it resists flowing to where it is needed.
Other guys think car oil is okay, but cars have two separate chambers for the motor oil and for the transmission fluid, so automotive oils are formulated with only the motor in mind.
I like Golden Spectro synth, and Motul made my '02 500 shift about as smoothly as a tectonic plate. But I'm sure others in here will offer a wide variety of flavors.
P.S. If you want to have some fun, take a cup of prune juice into your garage and when someone walks by, tell them you read on the internet how drinking used motor oil is good for your digestion. Then guzzle the prune juice down. My neighbor tried to stop me, then looked like he was having a heart-attack.