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 OperationBrakes
Brake Wear Inspection
Inspect the brakes for wear. For each
front and rear disc brake caliper, if the
thickness of either pad is less than
1 mm (0.04 in.), replace both pads
in the caliper as a set. Pad replacement
should be done by an authorized
Kawasaki dealer.
A. Lining Thickness
B. ...
Caliper Rubber Parts Replacement
Front Caliper Disassembly
Remove:
Front Caliper (see Front Caliper Removal in the Brakes
chapter)
Brake Pads (see Front Brake Pad Removal in the Brakes
chapter)
Remove:
Front Caliper Assembly Bolts [A]
Split the front caliper.
Remove:
Pad Spring
O-ring [A]
U ...
Shift Fork Guide Pin/Drum Groove Wear Inspection
Measure the diameter of each shift fork guide pin [A], and
measure the width [B] of each shift drum groove.
If the guide pin on any shift fork is less than the service
limit, the fork must be replaced.
Shift Fork Guide Pin Diameter
Standard: 6.9 7.0 mm (0.272
0.276 in.)
Service Limit: ...