I just hit the 500 mile mark on my 08 250R and figured I would get a filter and some oil from the auto parts store but called the dealer first to see what they're deal was. The service guy said to only get my filter and oil from a Kaw dealer and if I didn't have a torque wrench that I could do more damage than good. They could take care of it for $50 labor plus the oil and filter. Is he just saying that since he's the dealer or is he right? Any recommendations to what I should do/ use?

 

well as far as i know the only place to get the filter is from Kawi. As far as oil goes, any high quality 4strock bike oil will work. And with the torque wrench, there hes right. The bolts thread into aluminum so it would be easy to strip em out.

 

There is no reason that you can't do the oil change yourself. It sounds like the dealer is using scare tactics to let them do the service. It wouldn't be a bad idea to use a torque wrench, but you don't need it for this service. I have never used one myself for an oil change, and have yet to strip out the aluminum housing.

There are many GOOD filters aside from Kawasaki's own filter that will work for your 250R I use a WIX 24941 filter, and Castrol 10w40 oil. This combination has worked great for me over two years now.

Here are several great links for this topic you need to look at:

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Oil_Change_Procedure

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Oil_Filters

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Preferred_Brands

 

the oil change is easy.i use thekawi filter $7,and castrol 4t 20w50 $4 per quart. make sure you get the metal washer from the bottom of the old filter. it goes between the bottom of the filter and the spring. the bottom plate has an o-ring on it, so it doesnt have to be super tight, just make sure you dont over tighten it.

 

+1 on what Mark and Hayes just posted... they got it covered. TB