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:

Throttle Grip and Cables
Free Play Inspection Refer to the Throttle Control System Inspection in the Periodic Maintenance chapter. Free Play Adjustment Refer to the Throttle Control System Inspection in the Periodic Maintenance chapter. Cable Installation Install the throttle cables in accordance with the Cable, ...

Tie-Rod Removal
Squeeze the brake lever slowly and hold it with a band [A]. Remove the front footpeg bracket bolts [A]. Raise the rear wheel off the ground with the jack (see Rear Shock Absorber Removal). Special Tools - Jack: 57001-1238 Jack Attachment: 57001-1608 Remove: Upper ...

Front Fork Oil Change
Remove the front fork (see Front Fork Removal (Each Fork Leg)). Turn the spring preload adjuster fully counterclockwise for removing the piston rod assy easily. Hold the inner tube lower end in a vise. Using the wrench [A], unscrew the top plug [B] out of the outer tube. Special Too ...