I've always gone by the book. Ive had bikes for 100,000 miles without any engine problems or need for strip down.

It used to be about every 4,000 miles for most bikes. The Ninja 650 is 7,500 by the book, but a new schedule from Kawasaki, according to my dealer, has lifted that to 12,000 miles. Check the owner's manual for your bike.

With modern engines and oils, every 2,000 - 3,000 miles is just being ****. Very wet, very dusty conditions, or lots of short cold start journeys and you need to change about twice as often as the book in the worst case. You must change the oil every year irrespective of mileage.

Hayes - I own the 650. It wheelys very easily. Perhaps it's your lack of technique. It's actually got more low down torque for getting the wheel up as it hits the beginning of the powerband than most 600 ss bikes. I've ridden most of them as well - and pretty much everything else.

As for blowing curves, a 250 at 90 makes you think hard about what you're doing. A 650 just gets up there without you realising how fast you're going. I've had a lot of years as a bike instructor. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about.

Rob

 

08 250R was my first bike and I still have it and can't wait to get something bigger before this slow thing gets me killed on the interstate! It has no get up and go, however yes it's good for the beginner but after a thousand miles it's time to get rid of it.. no power! If you want something to learn on heck go out and get a gas mo-ped.. that will run about as fast and cost even less lol! Drop that all you want with no worries... Please Santa bring me a bigger bike!

 

After 1,000 miles you haven't started to learn to ride it. Come back after 10,000 miles, when you've moved on from 'beginner' to 'improver'. Your over confidence and attitude screams 'accident waiting to happen'.

There's plenty of power for the interstate. You need to use the gears and more importantly, learn to read the traffic.

If you feel unsafe, then going faster really isn't a good idea.

Rob

 

I cannot say that that I would give up the thrills of my larger rides. But I have mentioned in the past, a well set up 250 would be a nice thing to own.