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 Removal
ZX1000JC/KC
Remove:
Steering Damper Mounting Bolts (TORX Bolts) [A]
Washer [B]
Washer and Collar [C]
Steering Damper [D]
ZX1000JD/KD
Remove:
Clamp [A]
Connector [B] (Disconnect)
Steering Damper Mounting Bolts (TORX Bolts) [C]
Washer [D]
Washer and Collar [E]
Elect ...
Location of parts
Clutch Lever
Left Handlebar Switches
Rebound Damping Force Adjuster
(Front Fork)
Compression damping force adjuster
(Front Fork)
Meter Instruments
Brake Fluid Reservoir (Front)
Right Handlebar Switches
Front Brake Lever
Throttle Grip
Ignition Switch/Steering Lock
Elect ...
Drive Chain Slack Inspection
NOTE
Check the slack with the motorcycle setting on its sidestand.
Clean the chain if it is dirty, and lubricate it if it appears
dry.
Check the wheel alignment (see Wheel Alignment Inspection).
Rotate the rear wheel to find the position where the chain
is tightest.
Measure the ver ...