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:

Valve Installation
NOTICE Do not lap the valve to the valve seat, using the grinding compound. It will come off oxide film treated surface of the valve. Replace the oil seal with a new one. Apply a thin coat of molybdenum disulfide grease to the valve stem before valve installation. Install the springs so ...

Front Footpeg Position
The right and left front footpegs can be selected to one of two positions to suit the front preferences. Have the front footpeg positions changed by an authorized Kawasaki dealer. A. Bolts B. Upper Position (Standard) C. Lower Position NOTE Install the front footpegs with same heig ...

Brake Hose and Pipe Damage and Installation Condition Inspection
Inspect the brake hoses, pipes and fittings for deterioration, cracks and signs of leakage. The high pressure inside the brake line can cause fluid to leak [A] or the hose to burst if the line is not properly maintained. Bend and twist the rubber hose while examining it. Replace the ...