oil change & air filter change ITS TIME!!

Personally, I have yet to see an argument for or against synthetic that actually proves it's better than dyno juice. I've been running regular Kawi oil in my engine since I got it, and it's got almost 20K miles on it and no issues...

I like regular dyno juice cause you have to change it more often, which allows you to see what it looks like, etc,etc so you know if something is wrong... If ever I were to go on a long road-trip though, I'd go to full-synthetic, and pay the $50 or so in oil so I wouldn't have to change it on the trip...

I recommend regular oil, a K&N air filter, and your K&N will probably be about twice what you pay for the oil and oil filter.... Maybe $80 total?

My oil changes cost me $13 usually, including filter... I also get a bit of a discount at my local shop...

Random info: I'm also still on the original Kawi, foam air filter (washing it every oil change -1,500mi), and it seems to be doing great still!

But like you, I've heard goods things about both, so maybe, in the end, it comes down to how much you want to spend, eh?

Good luck!

My oil change is cheap because I buy one from the moto-shop about once a month, and other things as well. I usually give the shop about 1/8 of my paycheck every paycheck, so they know I'm consistent, and spend a lot of money there, so give me deals on everything... I also refer them A LOT of business...

Concerning your choice of oil, I've found that what matters more is the oil weight, not the brand. They're pretty much the same across the board, as long as you do frequent oil changes. If you start going more than 3,000 miles (5800km??) between changes, it will start to matter more, which is why brand doesn't me.... If you find something concrete to dispute this, please share, I'd love to know! So go with the cheap oil, hell i buy the cheapest Kawi oil, and my engine is still looking great - all tolerances WELL within speck!

There is one thing that bothers me, personally, about synthetic, and that is that I know, in general, things which get used up serve a purpose. So if I know I go 1,500 miles on an oil change, and then the oil gets worked out, and a synthetic brand will last me 2 or 3 times as long, it means it's not wearing out, and I'm a little skeptical about how well it's doing it's job.... Like I said, personal opinion and skepticism, not founded in anything. Everybody says synthetic is a lot smoother, and that worries me, because I'm not sure that's a good thing. Oil doesn't just lubricate, it also cleans your engine (necessitating the need to change it, to keep the engine clean), and if the synthetic lasts longer, it means it's not undergoing the same chemical and physical changes, in the same amount of time as the dyno juice. Not even to mention the additives.... To me, it feels like synthetic is there to do just one thing, and that is to lubricate the engine, not be the life-blood, as I've experienced dyno juice to be.... Somebody please tell me if I'm way off base here...

Zandit, why did you go with heavier oil for the cold? I thought it was the other way around? Rectify my thinking, eh?

Been a while since I been on these forums. Ok guys finally bought the Motul 5100 10W-40 Semi Synthetic[]http://www.motul.com.au/product_line_up/4stroke/4stroke18.html] & will buy the uni flow oil filter tomorrow. I thought I'd buy the Semi Synth as the bike has gone 1500 kms already & the engine has been run in good in my opinion.

I'm trying to find a write-up / video / photos on the oil change for the ninja 250R but cant seem to find anything. Can you guys help me please? These questions might sound stupid, although I don't know, I want to know:

- Is it the Right side fairing I take off?
- how many litres does the oil take?
- is it best to change oil when bike is cold or hot?
- what special tools do I need?

I service the cars at home and this will be the first I service my motorbike, I have most the motor vehicle tools you'll find in any normal garage, but is there any other special tool I need when servicing the motorbike?

http://www.newninja.com/general-tech/oil-change/msg2760/#msg2760
Dan Johns

http://www.newninja.com/general-tech/oil-change/msg15421/#msg15421
CCY and Me.

http://www.newninja.com/general-tech/oil-change/msg29390/#msg29390
RedRider

These are just the highlights. Many others also have very good points, and it's a great discussion. It's worth the read.

It doesn't seem that we have a dedicated oil-change "how-to".... I'll work on that, but it's 1,500 miles away... I just did mine last night, but regrettably didn't take pictures.... Didn't see the thread in time, sorry. Unless somebody buys be me another oil change, and I'll do a write-up...

To answer your questions:
1.) You don't have to take off any fairings to do an oil change. To clean the air filter you have to take off the right side black side cover - one phillips heads screw and it pops off... Some of this is also in your owner's manual.
2.) 2L
3.) It is best to change the oil, lube the chain when the bike is up to temperature. Be careful, the oil will be hot ~200F (95C), like right after your commute home from work, or at least a 20 minute ride...
4.) You shouldn't need any special tools. a 17mm fits both the drain plugs, and the oil canister bolt. The air filter box hex screws are 6mm keys... MAKE SURE TO GET NEW ALUMINUM CRUSH WASHERS FOR EITHER/BOTH OF THE DRAIN PLUGS YOU REMOVE.... If you forget, you can use the old ones, it's just nice knowing you have a brand new seal....

Hope this helps, keep asking questions...