Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual: Connecting Rod Big End Side Clearance Inspection

Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual / Crankshaft/Transmission / Crankshaft and Connecting Rods / Connecting Rod Big End Side Clearance Inspection

Insert a thickness gauge [A] between the big end and either crank web to determine clearance.

Connecting Rod Big End Side Clearance

Standard: 0.13 0.38 mm
(0.0051 0.0150 in.)


Service Limit: 0.58 mm (0.023 in.)

Connecting Rod Big End Side Clearance Inspection


If the clearance exceeds the service limit, replace the connecting rod with new one and then check clearance again.

If the clearance is too large after connecting rod replacement, the crankshaft also must be replaced.

Connecting Rod Twist Inspection
With the big-end arbor [A] still on V block [C], hold the connecting rod horizontally and measure the amount that the arbor [B] varies from being paralleled with the surface plate over a 100 ...

Connecting Rod Big End Bearing Insert/Crankpin Wear Inspection
Remove the connecting rod big end (see Connecting Rod Removal). Cut strips of plastigage to crankpin width. Place a strip on the crankpin parallel to the crankshaft installed in the correct ...

Other materials:

Cylinder Head Installation
NOTE The camshaft cap is machined with the cylinder head, so if a new cylinder head is installed, use the cap that is supplied with the new head. Install the dowel pins. Replace the cylinder head gasket with a new one. Replace the cylinder head bolt washers with new ones. Apply molybden ...

Throttle Grip and Cables
Free Play Inspection Refer to the Throttle Control System Inspection in the Periodic Maintenance chapter. Free Play Adjustment Refer to the Throttle Control System Inspection in the Periodic Maintenance chapter. Cable Installation Install the throttle cables in accordance with the Cable, ...

Cam Wear Inspection
Remove the camshafts (see Camshaft Removal). Measure the height [A] of each cam with a micrometer. If the cams are worn down past the service limit, replace the camshaft. Cam Height Standard: Exhaust 35.043 35.157 mm (1.3796 1.3841 in.) Intake 38.243 38.357 mm (1.5056 1.5101 in. ...