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:

Shift Fork/Gear Groove Wear Inspection
Measure the thickness of the shift fork ears [A], and measure the width [B] of the gear grooves. If the thickness of a shift fork ear is less than the service limit, the shift fork must be replaced. Shift Fork Ear Thickness Standard: 5.7 6.0 mm (0.224 0.236 in.) Service Limit: 5.6 mm ...

Special Tools and Sealant
Oil Pressure Gauge, 5 kgf/cm²: 57001-125 Hand Tester: 57001-1394 Needle Adapter Set: 57001-1457 Extension Tube: 57001-1578 Fuel Pressure Gauge Adapter: 57001-1593 Fuel Hose: 57001-1607 Measuring Adapter: 57001-1700 Liquid Gasket, TB1211: 56019-120 ...

Parts Location
NOTE The front and rear wheel rotation sensors and rotors are standard parts of this motorcycle. Front Wheel Rotation Sensor [A] Front Wheel Rotation Sensor Rotor [B] Rear Wheel Rotation Sensor [C] Rear Wheel Rotation Sensor Rotor [D] ABS Indicator Light (LED) [E] KIBS Indicator Ligh ...