....Well much to my surprise they installed EBC brake pads... Is this standard practice to use aftermarket pads or are these the same pads as the factory pads?
You did not give us the production year of your bike, it may make a difference in the eye of the mechanics/dealer.
The 08 / 09 brakes were a bit finnicky, and in 2010 a new compound (improved) was made by Kaw, many dealers were retrofiting these as they were improved. If you have an 08/09, EBC's HH Sintered pads WERE an improvement over the originals, but i believe averyone that is using the newer compound Kaw pads (2010 and up) find them to be fine.
I would question the dealer, as they
SHOULD only be installing Kawasaki brand replacement parts
UNLESS you specify aftermarket specialties.....
My opinion is I like the EBC's, I have been running them for 10k mi., they hiss a bit but stop and control perfectly. I did have an issue of the thickness of the pad though, they are a bit skimpy on material compared to the factory pads.