I tend to like to attempt to fix things myself and after 26k miles it was time to replace the front and rear sprockets, chain, spark plugs and air filter. I ride year round down to about 15 degrees as long as it isn't icy or expecting much rain. This is mainly to save gas and reduce miles on our primary vehicles - I don't enjoy riding around with distracted drivers everywhere.
I had previously replaced the spark plugs and air filter without major incident but the rest was new. Not having a motorcycle lift but knowing that appropriate tools tend to make or break activities like this - I decided to install an electric hoist in the garage. Floor space is getting sparse and using a hoist allows me to remove both wheels for things like tire replacement or simply to ease chain maintenance. The hoist worked very well in general although there was a bit of sway to deal with.
Since I am trying to be somewhat green, I replaced the throw away air filter with a washable K&N version which is supposed to flow more air. Not sure whether the touted air flow will make a difference but not having to throw away more stuff made it a worthwhile investment.
I replaced the spark plugs with Iridium versions which I hope last longer and may provide a small power boost. The previous plugs actually still look to be in pretty good shape.
The sprocket replacements were very straight forward. I switched the front sprocket from 15 teeth to 16 and the rear from 47 to 44 teeth. This reduced the RPM down to around 4300 @ an indicated 65MPH from just about 5000 RPM. It is more relaxed and I hope to improve the fuel economy a bit.
The chain replacement was the more tedious item. I have never worked with a "continuous chain" before. This is a DID X link chain where you must press & rivet the link on (versus simply installing a clip on the side of the master link). A bolt cutter worked nicely to remove the old chain. I ended up ordering the DID KM501E tool since other methods discussed in various blogs made me a bit nervous. The results with the appropriate tools are quite nice.
On top of the normal maintenance, I decided to install the Kouba links which have been laying around the garage for about 4 years. These links reduce height of the read end by about 1 1/8 inches. I lowered the front end about .9 inches. I can now touch nearly flat footed which is nice but almost odd feeling after so long. I wish I did this a long time ago.
So far, I have not noticed much difference in power after the gearing change. It could be the better spark plugs and air filter made a small difference but I don't have any data to back that up.
My only real complaint through all this is that the plastic "rivets" which attach parts of the fairing together are very annoying on a good day.
Next maintenance will involve new brake pads which I noticed, during all this, are getting a bit thin.
I do want to credit the various contributors over at http://www.stromtrooper.com for great information which gave me enough confidence to tackle these tasks (years later than original posts in some cases).
UPDATE 2012/08/23:
The above changes have resulted in an average 65+ MPG with a high of 67.7 MPG compared to an average around 58-60MPG. That gives me a range of around 380+ miles on a tank of gas.
Have a slight (single) click when braking which I haven't tracked down yet - seems likely related to either the lowering with the Kouba links or maybe a bolt needs to be slightly tighter.
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