I find the rear brake on the C14 to be "dead" feeling. No sense of what's going on, if anything. This is an ABS model, and it's not pulsing. No problems with actual stopping distance, but the pedal is numb.
The rear brake on all the big Kawasaki's I've ridden in the last decade have a similar, looking for a better word than "dead", feel to them that is different than other bikes. I've never seen it as an issue, just a characteristic. I guess if you were racing, you might want to change it out for something with more feedback, but the unit on these bikes works and works well, maybe just doesn't have the "sudden bite" you might be used to with other bikes.
Having said this, I just finished bleeding my rear caliper and wouldn't you know it, I perceive "better" feel and quicker actuation. All seat of the pants so YMMV but it only takes a couple minutes unless your daughter doesn't understand what "hold the pedal down until I say so" means...
As for oil, you're gonna find as many opinions about this as there are gasholes, and I've used the "bad" Mobil 1 (yep, the energy conserving label one) in many previous wet clutch bikes without even a hint of clutch issues, the last bike turning 20k+ on the odo when I sold it. It's still on it's original clutch.
You're gonna find a lot of "the sky is falling" mentality on this and other forums like it. Goes with the territory. Just turn on your BS filter to "11" and you'll do fine with the plethora of good info on this site (especially).
1) That being said, are there any potential Warrantee issues in using a Pure One filter as opposed to Kaw brand? I've seen the PL14612 listed as being correct for the C14.
2) I noticed several references to using Rotella 15/40, and then a warning against using it due to additives? I may just go with what i've been using in all my bikes for several years Mobil I (not MC specific) 15/50.
3) This is my first bike with ABS. Is it normal to experience the foot pedal dive under casual braking (such as a stop sign or traffic light) when the bike is nearing complete stop? There is also a bit of pulsing on the front brake lever at that point? This does NOT happen under firm or hard brake application.
I can see the yard being a lot more neglected in the coming months with this new BEAST in the stable!!!!