Switching over to synthetic

Its that time to switch over to synthetic oil. Don't worry this isn't about which is the best oil or any crap like that. My question is because I'm switching over to synthetic from conventional, is it a bad idea to run engine/oil flush through the motor before putting in the new oil? I'd hate to have two different types of oils in my bike at the same time. Is this common practice when switching oil types or am I just being over careful about my bike?

Just drain the old oil. It'll be fine. Let it drip for a while to make sure most of the old is out then put the filter on and fill 'er up.

All modern engine oils, synthetic or otherwise, are compatible, so you don't have to worry about them mixing. Edit: Meaning, you can mix automotive, motorcycle and aircraft oils with other oils intended for that type of service.

My bike is just about broken in. I'm about to change the oil, wanting synthetic of course. But I was told by some older technicians that I shouldn't be going to synthetic yet after the first 500 miles. Does this hold true, or are the older guys just paranoid?

Well I waited till i had a little over 2k miles before switching over to synthetic. If you want to, you can switch once you reach 1500 miles but not before. I'm sorry you broke your bike in the manual way. Anyways the reason why you should wait to switch to synthetic is explained 3/4th page down http://mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

This has, unfortunately turned in to another engine break-in thread. I'd highly suggest anyone reading this to search out the engine break-in and oil threads and read them.