Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual: Shifting Gears

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:

Compression Damping Force Adjustment
The compression damping force adjusters for high and low speeds are located on the gas reservoir at the left side of the rear shock absorber. A. High Speed Adjuster B. Low Speed Adjuster NOTE Turning the high speed adjuster has the low speed adjuster turning. Although the low speed adju ...

Cooling System Flushing
Over a period of time, the cooling system accumulates rust, scale, and lime in the water jacket and radiator. When this accumulation is suspected or observed, flush the cooling system. If this accumulation is not removed, it will clog up the water passage and considerable reduce the efficiency ...

Drive Chain Wear Inspection
Remove the chain cover (see Drive Chain Removal/Installation in the Final Drive chapter). Rotate the rear wheel to inspect the drive chain for damaged rollers, and loose pins and links If there is any irregularity, replace the drive chain. Lubricate the drive chain if it appears dry. ...