Absolutely right...but what I was pointing out is not "when should we change the engine oil?"...but I guess our question to them should be "why should we change it at such a large interval when the other bikes are doing it so frequently?".
Im sure non of the owners have a problem changing it at 12ooo kms, but they would like to know whats the appropriate time interval and the reason (why its appropriate)

Thanks.No, not everytime.

Hey dude, since you know my financial position does not mean that you should declare it to all. I try to use Oklahama Overdrive (riding in neutral on slopes) & Chinese turbocharger (small plastic tube for lifting petrol from unlocked vehicles) in daily riding. How can I afford to change oil every 3000 kms? I need to install a new imported system for oil now.

i had already raised this query. the word was that since its recommmended by kawasaki, and they have not mentioned any changes due to the environment or operating conditions in india, we will be sticking to the same. if you wish to get it changed earlier, its entirely the customers interest.

Also there was talk of a semi synth/fully synth oil to be introduced by bajaj for the ninja.. any word on that??

@jd-- i saw your reply here and from what you guys have stated is that the 250R's lamps are decent enough for it to not warrant an upgrade, but has anyone tried this? The genuine Philips HID, it sure shall be an upgrade
and don't the normal halogens with repeated use(like in 250R)get a wee bit faint/yellowish over some time?

@ Tenhut: need your help with the brand & specification/grade of fully synthetic oil. I have clocked 5000 on my bike. Next service is @ 6K but i guess i should change my oil immediately after reading these posts..cause i dont shift below 10k rpm ever...so please help..you had mentioned motul...please help with the grade & cost again..cause i dont have the energy to find your previous post..also please help with cost & how many litres do i require...also please let me know if oil filter should be changed each time you change the oil...cause i have 1k kms to go for service & i assume bajaj would change the oil filter then...many thanks in advance!!

I don't think bajaj will be changing the air filter in the second service..u'll have to specifically ask them to change it...it may be a good idea to order it before hand...

1. Motul 15w50 300V double ester factory line --> thats the full name of the oil. Synthetic. Cost = 850ish per can of 1.05 litres.
2. Motul 15w50 5100 single ester ---> full name of the oil. Techsynthetic. Cost = 300ish per can of 1.05 litres.

Factory line = track like conditions ! High rpm riding at very high temperatures. Change oil at 4k to 5k. Tbh you can stretch this oil till 8k kms.
For everything else go for the go for the Techsynthetic but change it at 3k to 3.5k kms. Dont stretch this oil though !

Finding the factory line is a *****. If you need it I can get it for you as I have it sitting at home.
You will need 2 litres of which ever oil you want to go for !! So two cans.

Oil filter HAS to be changed as you are switching from mineral to synthetic/techsynthetic.

Lemme know if you need the 300V factory line cans !

P.S : notice that the oil grades are 15W50 and not 20W50 as specified by kawasaki.
If you run 15W50 DO NOT forget to warm up your bike before you start ripping it. Especially on a cold morning. When you thumb the starter let it idle for a while and take it easy for about 3 to 5 kms. I do sincerely think whichever grade oil one uses one needs to develop a ritual of letting the bike warm up. Its a healthy practice.

Just for Ninja owner's information.

I have also noticed that 10W-40 engine oil is suggested in the manual of carb version Ninja. Also mentioned this line - "the oil viscosity may need to be changed to accommodate atmospheric conditions in your riding area". They have also provided a graph where you can check which grade of oil should be used, according to the temperature/condition of our area.

Also we have to keep in mind that our Ninja owner's manual is done by Bajaj.

@sheel - the bulbs on the ninja, have specific instructions that they should not be touched by hand. They are some high tech bulbs ( im forgetting the name ), and should be handled with a clean cloth only. the slightest amount of oil ( like in a finger print ), water or any other residue on the glass will cause the bulb to crack at high temperature ( basically when its been on for sometime ).

I doubt they will lose much of their brightness/color.

As per Blabberash's post, if I read it right, its a green Ninja. Good to hear that the bikes are coming here much earlier than anticipated.

On the price part, I clarified with Janaki. As of now, the price is 3.25L and it will take another few days to sort out the confusion. But i am not too optimistic about the Govt. refunding the amount. They might just go ahead and decide to freeze on the higher tax amount... that anyway wont deter people from buying vehicles. Anyway, i hope the price comes down to 3.2L and we end up savin at least 5k.

On the delivery part, looks like my ninja will be here by the end of the month or sometime in may instead of near end june (90 days from date of booking). 2 Greens to be delivered and mine is next... Janaki confirmed my bike will arrive in the next shipment. fingers crossed for now.

@Ten: many thanks for the detailed info. I just spoke with my bike mechanic "Jhonny Mario" - he is very famous amongst SBK owners in Mumbai. Has more than 3 decades of experience with SBK's & has told me not to use Fully synthetic oil for the 250 & only use semi synthetic oil. He was busy so i did not ask him the reason for advising to stick to semi synthetic oil. Will call him tomorrow. Now i'm confused.

this has nothing to do with the engine oil change conversation, but have to break it for just a moment.
@stapathi - mine is green; i hope you don't break my dream run
sorry for being late in replying was busy so didn't login to xbhp

Just came back from DSG. He stocks the Motul 300V Factory Line 15W50. But each can is for 895/-

Also, how necessary is it to get a tank pad? Saw a few at DSG, but they were pretty expensive at Rs.2200+

The tank pad saves your paint from scratches and nicks, and from the zipper of your jacket too. But more than the tank pad, I think putting transparent protection films on the side of the tanks is more important since your jeans/riding pants/knee armor is always rubbing against it. You should get it from ebay or 20north.

There are cheaper tank pads too, in the range of <INR 1000.