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:

Front Wheel Installation
NOTE The direction of the wheel rotation [A] is shown by an arrow [B] on the wheel spoke. Check the wheel rotation mark on the front wheel and install it. Apply high-temperature grease to the grease seal lips. Fit the collars [A] on the both sides of the hub. The collars are i ...

Battery
The battery installed in this motorcycle is a sealed type, so it is not necessary to check the battery electrolyte level or add distilled water. The sealing strip should not be pulled off once the specified electrolyte has been installed in the battery for initial service. However, in or ...

Seat Cutter Operation Care
1. This valve seat cutter is developed to grind the valve for repair. Therefore the cutter must not be used for other purposes than seat repair. 2. Do not drop or shock the valve seat cutter, or the diamond particles may fall off. 3. Do not fail to apply engine oil to the valve seat cutter ...