Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual: Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS, For models equipped with KIBS)

Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual / How to ride the motorcycle / Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock Brake System (KIBS, For models equipped with KIBS)

KIBS regulates anti-lock braking performance with more precision during sports riding compared to a conventional ABS system.

KIBS is designed to help prevent the wheels from locking up when the brakes are applied hard while riding straight. KIBS automatically regulates brake force using engine data in addition to front and rear wheel speed to help prevent wheel lock-up and allows more stable steering control while stopping.

KIBS helps provide stability while stopping by preventing wheel lock-up, but you should be aware of the following:

To apply the brakes effectively, use the front brake lever and rear brake pedal simultaneously in the same manner as a conventional motorcycle brake system.
KIBS cannot compensate for adverse road conditions, misjudgment or improper application of brakes.

You must use the same discretion as you would with motorcycles not equipped with KIBS.
KIBS is not designed to shorten the braking distance. On loose, uneven or downhill surfaces, the stopping distance of a motorcycle with KIBS may be longer than that of an equivalent motorcycle without KIBS. Use special caution in such areas.
KIBS will help prevent wheel lock-up when braking in a straight line, but it cannot control wheel slip which may be caused by braking during cornering.

When turning a corner, it is better to limit braking to a light application of both brakes or not to brake at all. Reduce your speed before you get into the corner.
Same as conventional brake system, an excessive sudden braking may cause wheel lock up that makes it harder to control a motorcycle.
KIBS will not prevent the rear wheel lifting.

WARNING

KIBS cannot protect the rider from all possible hazards and is not a substitute for safe riding practices. Be aware of how the KIBS system operates and its limitations. It is the rider’s responsibility to ride at appropriate speeds and manner for weather, road surface and traffic conditions.

The computers integrated in the KIBS compares vehicle speed with wheel speed. Since non-recommended tires can affect wheel speed, they may cause the computers to make incorrect calculations that can extend braking distance.

WARNING

Use of non-recommended tires can cause the KIBS to malfunction and lead to extended braking distance, resulting in a crash causing serious injury or death.

Always use the recommended standard tires for this motorcycle.

NOTE

When the KIBS is functioning, you may feel a pulsing in the brake lever and/or pedal. This is normal. Maintain pressure on the lever and/or pedal for most effective braking.
KIBS does not function below speeds of approx. 5 km/h (3.1 mph).
KIBS does not function if the battery is discharged. When riding with an insufficiently charged battery, KIBS may not function. Keep the battery in good condition according to the “Battery Maintenance” section.

Braking

Close the throttle completely, leaving the clutch engaged (except when shifting gears) so that the engine will help slow down the motorcycle. Shift down one gear at a time so that you are ...

Stopping the engine

Close the throttle completely. Shift the transmission into neutral Turn the ignition key to “OFF”. Support the motorcycle on a firm, level surface with the side stand. Lock the steeri ...

Other materials:

Tire Tread Wear Inspection
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). So it is false economy and unsafe to use the tires until they are bald. Measure the tread depth a ...

Battery Maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to keep the battery fully charged. Failure to do so can lead to battery failure and leave you stranded. If you are riding your vehicle infrequently, inspect the battery voltage weekly using a voltmeter. If it drops below 12.8 volts, the battery should be ...

ESD Actuator Resistance Inspection
Turn the ignition switch to OFF. Remove the electronic steering damper unit (see Steering Damper Removal in the Steering chapter). Connect a digitalmeter to the ESD actuator connector [A]. Measure the ESD actuator resistance. ESD Actuator Resistance Connections: BK lead [1] ← ...