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:

Starting the Engine
Check that the engine stop switch is in the position. A. Engine Stop Switch B. Starter Button Turn the ignition key to “ON”. Make sure the transmission is in neutral. A. Neutral Indicator Light B. Ignition Switch C. “ON” position NOTE The motorcycle is equipped w ...

Transmission Assy Installation
Assemble the transmission assy (see Transmission Assy Assembly). Be sure that the dowel pins are in position. Install the transmission assy on the crankcase. Tighten: Torque - Transmission Case Bolts: 20 N·m (2.0 kgf·m, 15 ft·lb) Install: Shift Shaft (see External Shift Mechani ...

Fuel Injector Audible Inspection
NOTE Be sure the battery is fully charged. The secondary fuel injectors are operating with following conditions. 1. The engine speed is more than 6 000 r/min (rpm). 2. The throttle opening is more than 12°. Remove: Fuel Tank (see Fuel Tank Removal) Primary Fuel Hose (see Fuel ...