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:

Air Cleaner Oil Draining
A drain hose is connected to the bottom of the air cleaner to drain water or oil accumulated in the cleaner part. Visually check the drain hose [A] if the water or oil accumulates. If any water or oil accumulates in the hose, remove the plug [B] from the drain hose and drain it. ...

Clutch
Due to friction plate wear and clutch cable stretch over a long period of use, the clutch operation should be checked each day before riding the motorcycle, and must be adjusted in accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart. Inspection Check that the clutch lever operates properly an ...

Rear Shock Absorber Inspection
Remove the rear shock absorber (see Rear Shock Absorber Removal). Visually inspect the following items. Smooth Stroke Oil Leakage Crack or Dent If there is any damage to the rear shock absorber, replace it. Visually inspect the rubber bushing [A]. If it show any signs o ...