Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual: How to ride the motorcycle

Break-in

The first 1 600 km (1 000 mi) that the motorcycle is ridden is designated as the break-in period. If the motorcycle is not used carefully during this period, you may very well end up with a “b ...

Starting the Engine

Check that the engine stop switch is in the position. A. Engine Stop Switch B. Starter Button Turn the ignition key to “ON”. Make sure the transmission is in neutral. A. Neut ...

Other materials:

Valve Guide Installation
Apply engine oil to the valve guide outer surface before installation. Heat the area around the valve guide hole to about 120 150°C (248 302°F). NOTICE Do not heat the cylinder head with a torch. This will warp the cylinder head. Soak the cylinder head and heat the oil. Usin ...

Piston Ring End Gap Inspection
Place the piston ring [A] inside the cylinder (upper crankcase), using the piston to locate the ring squarely in place. Set it close to the bottom of the cylinder, where cylinder wear is low. Measure the gap [B] between the ends of the ring with a thickness gauge. Piston Ring End Gap ...

Crankcase Halves Assembly
Install: Crankshaft (see Crankshaft Installation) Connecting Rods (see Connecting Rod Installation) Using a cleaning fluid, clean off any oil or dirt on the mating surface of the crankcase halves. Apply liquid gasket to the mating surface of the lower crankcase half as shown in the fi ...