Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual: Shifting Gears

Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual / How to ride the motorcycle / Shifting Gears

Close the throttle while pulling in the clutch lever.
Shift into the next higher or lower gear.
Open the throttle part way, while releasing the clutch lever.
For smooth riding, each gear position should cover the proper rate of speed shown in the table.

WARNING

Downshifting to a lower gear at high speed causes engine rpm to increase excessively, potentially damaging the engine and it may also cause the rear wheel to skid and cause an accident.

Vehicle speed when shifting

NOTE

The transmission is equipped with a positive neutral finder. When the motorcycle is standing still, the transmission cannot be shifted past neutral from 1st gear. To use the positive neutral finder, shift down to 1st gear, then lift up on the shift pedal while standing still. The transmission will shift only into neutral.

Moving Off

Check that the side stand is up. Pull in the clutch lever. Shift into 1st gear. Open the throttle a little, and start to let out the clutch lever very slowly. As the clutch starts to enga ...

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 ...

Other materials:

Coolant Temperature Meter
The coolant temperature gauge indicates temperature of the engine coolant. The “ ” symbol is displayed if the coolant temperature meter is selected. A. Coolant Temperature Meter B. Warning Indicator Light (Red) C. “ ” Symbol If the coolant temperature is below 40°C (104°F ...

Release Shaft Installation
Apply grease to the oil seal lips on the upper ridge of the clutch cover. Apply engine oil to the needle bearings in the hole of the clutch cover. Applymolybdenum disulfide grease to the pusher-holding portion [A] on the release shaft. Install the washer [B] and spring [C]. ...

Radiator Fan System
Fan Motor Inspection Remove the air cleaner housing (see Air Cleaner Housing Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter). Disconnect the connector [A]. Using an auxiliary leads, supply battery power to the fan motor. If the fan does not rotate, the fan motor is defective and must be re ...