Kawasaki Ninja

Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual: Battery

Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual / Maintenance and adjustment / Battery

The battery installed in this motorcycle is a sealed type, so it is not necessary to check the battery electrolyte level or add distilled water.

The sealing strip should not be pulled off once the specified electrolyte has been installed in the battery for initial service.

However, in order to maximize battery life and ensure that it will provide the power needed to start the motorcycle you must properly maintain the battery’s charge. When used regularly, the charging system in the motorcycle helps keep the battery fully charged. If your motorcycle is only used occasionally or for short periods of time, the battery is more likely to discharge.

Due to their internal composition, batteries continually self discharge.

The discharge rate depends on the type of battery and ambient temperature.

As temperature rises, so does the discharge rate. Every 15°C (59°F) doubles the rate.

Electrical accessories, such as digital clocks and computer memory, also draw current from the battery even when the key is switched off. Due to a combination of such “key-off” draws and hot temperature, a battery can go from fully charged to completely discharged in a matter of days.


In extremely cold weather the fluid in an inadequately charged battery can easily freeze, which can crack the case and buckle the plates. A fully charged battery can withstand sub-freezing temperature with no damage.

Tire Wear, Damage
As the tire tread wears down, the tire becomes more susceptible to puncture and failure. An accepted estimate is that 90% of all tire failures occur during the last 10% of tread life (90% worn). ...

Battery Sulfation
A common cause of battery failure is sulfation. Sulfation occurs when the battery is left in a discharged condition for an extended time. Sulfate is a normal by product of the chemical reactions ...

Other materials:

Maintenance and adjustment
The maintenance and adjustments outlined in this chapter must be carried out in accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart to keep the motorcycle in good running condition. The initial maintenance is vitally important and must not be neglected. With a basic knowledge of mechanics and the ...

Water Temperature Sensor Resistance Inspection
Refer to the Water Temperature Sensor Inspection in the Electrical System chapter. If the reading is within the standard, but the problem still exists, replace the ECU (see ECU Removal/Installation in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter). Water Temperature Sensor Circuit 1. ECU 2. Water T ...

Chain Slack Inspection
Set the motorcycle up on its side stand. Rotate the rear wheel to find the position where the chain is tightest, and measure the maximum chain slack by pulling up and pushing down the chain midway between the engine sprocket and rear wheel sprocket. A. Chain Slack If the ...