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:

Spring Plate Free Play Measurement
Insufficient clutch free play will cause the engine braking effect to be more sudden, resulting in rear wheel hop. On the other hand, if the free play is excessive, the clutch lever may feel “spongy” or pulsate when pulled. Hold an extra drive shaft in a vise and install the following c ...

Lap Counter/Coolant/Intake Air Temperature Meter
This meter shows the coolant temperature, the intake air temperature or the lap number. The lap number is displayed in the stop watch mode, refer to the “Stop Watch” item in this section. A. Lap Counter/Coolant / Intake Air Temperature Meter The coolant temperature meter and inta ...

Shifting Gears
Close the throttle while pulling in the clutch lever. Shift into the next higher or lower gear. Open the throttle part way, while releasing the clutch lever. For smooth riding, each gear position should cover the proper rate of speed shown in the table. WARNINGDownshifti ...