When the pads are down to 1 mm (about the thickness of a dime) they need to be replaced. I went from stock to EBC HH and I like the EBC better. I think they are cheaper, too.
You will get different opinions on oil. The motorcycle specfic stuff cost about twice as much. Test don't seem to show much if any difference between car and motorcycle oil. Synthetic oil is better but cost more. With that in mind pick an oil that is 10W40, 10W50, 20W40 or 20W50. Go with the higher viscosity in hot climate. I use Mobil 1 15W50 (car stuff) in my '95 ZX-6R and am very safisfied with it.
As far as the chain noise, you might have a stiff link. I would just lube the chain and keep an eye on it.
You will get different opinions on oil. The motorcycle specfic stuff cost about twice as much. Test don't seem to show much if any difference between car and motorcycle oil. Synthetic oil is better but cost more. With that in mind pick an oil that is 10W40, 10W50, 20W40 or 20W50. Go with the higher viscosity in hot climate. I use Mobil 1 15W50 (car stuff) in my '95 ZX-6R and am very safisfied with it.
As far as the chain noise, you might have a stiff link. I would just lube the chain and keep an eye on it.
