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:

Gear Position Indicator
The gear position indicator shows the corresponding gear positions where the transmission is shifted. For example, when the transmission is in 6th gear, “6” is displayed. A. Gear Position Indicator (Normal mode) NOTE If the gear position is in the neutral position, the gear positio ...

Oil Seal, Grease Seal
Do not remove pressed oil or grease seals unless removal is necessary. Replace with new ones whenever removed. Press new oil seals with manufacture and size marks facing out. Make sure the seal is aligned properly when installing. Apply specified grease to the lip of seal before installing ...

Balancer Removal
Remove: Engine (see Engine Removal in the Engine Removal/Installation chapter) Oil Pan (see Oil Pan Removal in the Engine Lubrication System chapter) Remove: Balancer Shaft Clamp Lever Bolt [A] Balancer Shaft Clamp Bolt [B] Balancer Shaft Clamp Lever [C] Balancer Shaft [D] Bal ...