Kawasaki Ninja

Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual: Shifting Gears

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

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:

Evaporative Emission Control System (California model only)
This system routes fuel vapors from the fuel system into the running engine or stores the vapors in a canister when the engine is stopped. Although no adjustments are required, a thorough visual inspection must be made at the intervals specified by the Periodic Maintenance Chart. Inspection ...

KIBS Hydraulic Unit Inspection
Remove the KIBS hydraulic unit (see KIBS Hydraulic Unit Removal). Visually inspect the connector terminals [A]. Replace the KIBS hydraulic unit or main harness if either of the terminals are cracked, bent, or otherwise damaged. If the KIBS hydraulic unit connector is clogged with mud or ...

Daily Checks
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 fo ...