Service items

[demic77]

I'm looking at doing a service myself over the coming month and was wondering if it's worth sticking iridium plugs and K&N filter in? I don't mind spending a bit more cash on decent/OEM stuff if I'm doing it myself, already saved £££ on labour. Also what oil do you use/recommend?
While I'm in a mithering mood, the tyres that came on the bike are Dunlop sportmax, the front is getting ready for replacement shortly but the rear is nearly new. I'm fancying some Michelin Pilot road 2 or 3 next time, what are your opinions on chucking a Michy on the front and wearing the back out before putting a matching rear on? I've had no bother at all with the Dunlops but the Pilots seem to be really well regarded.
Thanks in advance, demic   

[wickedmonkey]

Not that I'm an expert but regarding oil, Silkolene was recommended when I did mine.

[Mattsplat]

Iridium's in mine, no difference.

K&N/Pipercross/DNA filters are all similar, better lifetime than an OEM filter.

As for tyres, everyone has their preference.

[johna6968]

Irridium plugs not worth the extra money, same goes for the K&N imo.. Silkolene semi synth for me too.. Never been fan of mixin brands of tyres but personal choice.. Any tyre long as it doesnt say Maxxis on the side 

[Lez72]

As far as oil goes allegedly the Fazers quite like Silkolene Super 4 10w 40 semi synthetic. I use it in mine. Its well priced and seems to do the job well enough. I personally always use genuine air filters as I think the benefits (performance wise) of a K&N or equivalent are not noticeable enough on a standard bike. Some of the cheaper conventional filters are not always an exact fit and have caused issues on other members bikes from posts I have read. The benefit of a K&N will be in the mileages achievable if its looked after and kept in clean condition.

[fazersharp]

NON irridium for me and do notice a difference --------------- in my pocket
I too am not convinced by any benefits of a K&N and would not use paten filters
Oil ---- I like castrol act-evo as its a nice red colour (its semi synth)
Tyres I very rarely have a exact match pair - like two bt023s because I hardly do any mileage and by the time im ready for a new one they have brought out a newer tyre.
But at the moment I have a match thanks to a 5 inch nail
Never a mis-match in manufacturers though   

[Arfa]

I've been using Castrol Racing 1 oil, no complaints whatsoever. Did seem to tame the clunky gear changes a little, compared to whatever the previous owner had used... 

Regarding oil, is it fairly normal to rarely ever need to top it up? Had mine changed last July, topped up once (I think) since then. I average about 7k miles a year, mostly round town.

[fazersharp]

Regarding oil, is it fairly normal to rarely ever need to top it up?

Funny you should say that, I always used the act evo and once done never needed to top up - although very little miles between change.
But my last change I used some hein gerrick and after a while my oil light was flashing on with hard accelerating around and exiting a roundabout, but I have never had this with the act evo stuff. Although the same grade the hein must be thinner or not as sticky or somthing.

[fazersharp]

One of these ? http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_564255_langId_-1_categoryId_255241

[pilgo]

any views on the oil filter? OEM or k & n? 
 
plan to get all the service bits together as im not convinced the dealer serviced it as promised when i brought it back in oct 13 so for my peace of mind i'll get her serviced soon.
 
cheers

[Slaninar]

Hiflo - hf147. Cheap, works good.