Congrats!

Any tips that you can pass on to the members for how to keep the little Ninja running that long?

 

Just dont abuse it, these things are pretty darn tough, that and ebay for OEM and NOS parts galore for dirt cheap. Like my starter I replaced recently, I bought it 5 years ago when I found an OEM with 1200 miles on it, still shiny/greased for 12$. The orig stator died with like 2k miles, but other than that stuff lasts,.. : forks 95k, fuel pump 92k, radiator 95k, Ive done all cables each only once, timing chain tensioner at 75k,

Oh and almost forgot, they did the valves about a year after I got it ,around 8k miles, second valve job was at 92k. I would suggest a shorter interval.

Ive used reg (not synthetic) 10/30 oil changed every 2.5 to 4k miles, NHK plugs, cleaned orig air filter 5+- times er so. I use the lucas marine grease for chain. What really amazes me, Im still on the orig clutch which feels soft to pull (which I like, getting old) but seems to have rock solid discs still, though I just ordered the inevitable EBC plates 10 min ago : ).

 

Nice job! Inspiring! These 2 cyl little Kawi's are bomb proof if you keep the oil at the right level.

Haven't heard of anyone else here with that many miles. I think Sparky was around 40 or 50k

How do you cover yourself in the winter? What tires do you use?

 

Thanx, In winter I use an Aerostich one piece (got their rain pants too which are awesome) and I buy everything one size larger than me so when it's 8 degrees: 3 prs socks, 2 pairs sweat pants and one pair flannel dad jeans fit under. Re-vit boots and 12v Gerbing gloves T5s. The gloves are by far most important.

I used Battleaxes for a while and IRC's are my fave cheap tires. I wanted Diablos but local shops wouldnt source them, dunno,.. Last few years I went with a SHinko ADV block 705 in back and a street tire up front, and thats my fave setup. My last change I put a 705 Shinko rear AND a 705 up front (fender has to come off) which I do NOT recommend except to crazies. It handles WEIRD and theyre HEAVY esp the rear OMG. Top speed is 92mph with rear 705 only,.. I wont by choice hit over 80 with a 705 in front. The rear though is like a weak vibrator wrapped in a lead marshmellow, but I ride in grass, gravel, heavy rain and a few times snow and light off roading. Ida been dead without that rear, but next front will be 'normal'er

 

Awesome!