Check the following items each day before you ride. The time required is minimal, and habitual performance of these checks will help ensure you a safe, reliable ride.
If any irregularities are found during these checks, refer to the Maintenance and Adjustment chapter or see your dealer for the action required to return the motorcycle to a safe operating condition.
| WARNING Failure to perform these checks before operation may result in serious damage or an accident. Always perform daily checks before operation. |
DANGER
Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless poisonous gas.
Inhaling carbon monoxide can cause serious brain injury or death.
Do not run the engine in enclosed areas. Operate only in a well-ventilated area.
Fuel ............................. Adequate supply in tank, no leaks.
Engine oil .................... Oil level between level lines.
Tires ............................ Air pressure (when cold):

Install the air valve cap.
Drive chain .................. Slack 25 ∼ 35 mm (1.0 ∼ 1.4 in.).
Lubricate when chain is dry.
Nuts, bolts, fasteners .. Check that steering and suspension components, axles, and all controls are properly tightened or fastened.
Steering ...................... Action smooth but not loose from lock to lock.
No binding of control cables.
Electronic Steering Damper Unit: No oil leakage.
Brakes ........................ Brake pad wear: Lining thickness more than 1 mm (0.04 in.) left.
No brake fluid leakage.
Throttle ....................... Throttle grip play 2 ∼ 3 mm (0.08 ∼ 0.12 in.).
Clutch ......................... Clutch lever play 2 ∼ 3 mm (0.08 ∼ 0.12 in.).
Clutch lever operates smoothly.
Coolant ....................... No coolant leakage.
Coolant level between level lines (when engine is cold).
Electrical equipment ... All lights (Headlight, Tail/Brake Lights, Turn Signal Lights, Warning/Indicator Lights) and horn work.
Engine stop switch ...... Stops engine.
Side stand ................... Return to its fully up position by spring tension.
Return spring not weak or not damaged.
Safe riding technique
Additional Considerations for High Speed OperationSteering Damper Oil Leak Inspection
Visually inspect the steering damper [A] for oil leakage.
If the oil leakage is found on it, replace the steering
damper with a new one (see Steering Damper Removal/
Installation in the Steering chapter).
ZX1000JD/KD [B]
...
Radiator Hose and O-ring Replacement
Drain the coolant (see Coolant Change).
Remove:
Upper Fairing Assembly (see Upper Fairing Assembly
Removal in the Frame chapter)
Thermostat Housing [A] (see Thermostat Removal in the
Cooling System chapter)
Oil Cooler [B] (see Oil Cooler Removal in the Engine
Lubrication System chap ...
Rear Shock Absorber Inspection
Press down on the seat several times
to inspect the stroke.
Visually inspect the rear shock absorber
for oil leaks.
If there is any doubt about the rear
shock absorber, it should be inspected
by an authorized Kawasaki
dealer.
A. Rear Shock Absorber
Spring Preload Adjustment
...