1996 ZX-11 DIY oil change questions

[BeachBum]

Question for the oil experts out there:

I'm planning on taking care of my own oil changes.
I've got a 1996 ZX-11 with a hair over 40,000 miles.

I'm planning on getting a Scott's/K&P stainless filter for it.

I'm almost positive that it calls for 10w40 oil.
I'm planning on using full synthetic.

Would I be safe(er) with a synthetic?
or should I just use dino juice and change it every 3-4k miles?

Can I go a bit longer with synthetic? 5k, 6k, longer?
I'm doing all (90%+) highway miles for now.

Is 10w40 the right viscosity for summer riding with this bike?
Should I go with a heavier weight oil for the summer?

Thanks in advance everyone!
--B

[oldman&theZX]

Hey Beach Bum....hate to break your bubble, but I would not buy a Scotts Filter. Everything I have read, is the are over rated and not that good. Mobil 1 or Amsoil Filter are my top choices !!! But hey...not everyone one likes FAT chicks either.

10/40Wt is my choice for both my bikes. Semi or Full....I change at 3K. Always use a quality oil made for motorcylces!

Ride Safe...JzJzz in SCr

[Claude]

As written in my PM; you have to remove the oil filter cover and TWO drain plugs (shown below)

[Tenquo]

For a zx-11 i would pamper her and go ahead and buy fully synth and buy at least semi-synth MOTORCYCLE oil...

The more synth content an oil has and the better the additives then the better the protective potential the oil has but otherwise i havnt considered changing the oil less frquently just because i have a better oil changing it regular ensures that the oil doesnt have a chance to breakdown and lose its viscosity rating.