We'll see, I will pay close attention on how much I can put in the tank after 100 miles on the trip-meter!!!

If anything I will call the place I got my bike from and ask them these questions, I have a couple others (like not having a hazard switch which says I should have).....
We'll see what they say about all this and how long the bike was just sitting there.....

Thanks for your help, hopefully after my 600 mile service it will be much better after it's broken in!!!

 

Don't bother about the hazard switch. That is a Euro-spec requirement and the dealership has no control over that.
Kawasaki has to make several different versions of every model to meet the regional requirements and local traffic laws (for example the CA- vs. 49-state model.) Should they come out with several different versions of the owner's manual for every little region's requirement too? Possibly, but that would cost more money, which we would have to pay when buying the bike.
There is no law requiring hazard lights on a motorcycle in the US, so...
You'll only look like a PITA to the dealership if you complain about the lack of a hazard light.

Another possible thing that might be driving up your fuel consumption: choke-usage! How much are you using the choke lever? Here in SoCal, you should really only use the choke to get the bike started, then push the lever forward once you're underway. I've known several people who think they're doing their bike a favor by "warming it up gently." They'll start the bike up with the choke on, then let it idle for several minutes with the choke on, which really sucks down the gas and is actually pretty bad for an engine.
In addition to fouling plugs, running the bike excessively with the choke on will cause the rich condition to burn away/foul the oil-film on your cylinder walls. You want to keep this oil film on your cylinder walls because if the piston rings rub directly on the cylinder walls, your engine life will be greatly reduced.
So use only as much choke as it takes to get the bike rolling. The longest I would ever let a bike "warm up" is the amount of time it takes to put on your helmet & gloves.
Start it up and ride immediately away; then push the choke lever forward and take it slow and easy your first 1-2 miles.
Also try not to forget about the choke lever when riding--riding around with your choke regularly engaged will mean an early death for your new engine.
Good luck!
-CCinC

 

What does PITA mean? Still trying to pick up on the slang ya heard? About warm up times and choking.......what would you say is too long to warm the bike? With and without the choke? I've read its probably good to really let the engine suck up the oil and warm it....just a question-Ive only been riding for a year now but I want to be sure to give my baby the best. John

 

That's not motorcycle slang, that's universal for Pain In The @$$.
Where did you read that it's best to let an engine suck up and warm the oil?
The best way to warm up a bike is in my previous post. One minute is too long to leave the choke engaged or to let a bike idle after you start it. Unless you're in Minnesota during winter, simply start it up and ride immediately--just take it nice and easy, no hard acceleration or high-revving for the first two miles.

 

good info cc!!!

the chocking could have been a result of old gas in the tank as someone mentioned, I'm not too woried about it.... we'll see how it goes from now on, maybe even one or two more tanks before it gets back to normal but from what I have heard should be fine now.....

and on the warming up, I was told by the guys that sold me the bike that I should do that.... pretty much on cold mornings to start it, put the choke on and go get dressed.... I will now do as you say and see how that goes!!!

again, thanks CC and everyone!!!

 

so can anyone say either way...

is the California model 3.8 gal or not on our 500R's???......
from the way I have to fill up - seems to be the case........????


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