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:

Fuel Pump Operating Voltage Inspection
NOTE Be sure the battery is fully charged. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. Remove: Fuel Tank Bolts (see Fuel Tank Removal) Fuel Tank Bracket Bolts (see Fuel Tank Removal) Disconnect the fuel pump lead connector and connect the harness adapter [A] between these connectors as shown i ...

Brake Light Switches
When either the front or rear brake is applied, the brake light goes on. The front brake light switch requires no adjustment, but the rear brake light switch should be adjusted in accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart. Inspection Turn the ignition key to “ON”. The brake ligh ...

Rear Shock Absorber Inspection
Remove the rear shock absorber (see Rear Shock Absorber Removal). Visually inspect the following items. Smooth Stroke Oil Leakage Crack or Dent If there is any damage to the rear shock absorber, replace it. Visually inspect the rubber bushing [A]. If it show any signs o ...