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:

Lighting System
This motorcycle adopt the daylight system and have a headlight relay in the relay box. The headlight does not go on when the ignition switch and the engine stop switch are first turned on. The headlight comes on after the starter button is released and stays on until the ignition switch is turn ...

Storage
Preparation for Storage Clean the entire vehicle thoroughly Run the engine for about five minutes to warm the oil, shut it off, and drain the engine oil. WARNINGEngine oil is a toxic substance. Dispose of used oil properly. Contact your local authorities for approved disp ...

Engine Removal
Support the rear part of the swingarm with a stand. Squeeze the brake lever slowly and hold it with a band [A]. WARNINGMotorcycle may fall over unexpectedly resulting in an accident or injury. Be sure to hold the front brake when removing the engine. NOTICE Be sure ...