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:

Armature Inspection
Using the × 1 Ω hand tester range, measure the resistance between any two commutator segments [A]. Special Tool - Hand Tester: 57001-1394 If there is a high resistance or no reading (∞) between any two segments, a winding is open and the starter motor must be replaced. ...

Throttle Control System Inspection
Check the throttle grip free play [A]. If the free play is incorrect, adjust the throttle cables. Throttle Grip Free Play Standard: 2 3 mm (0.08 0.12 in.) Check that the throttle grip [B] moves smoothly from full open to close, and the throttle closes quickly and completely by the ...

Fuel Pump Removal
WARNINGGasoline is extremely flammable and can be explosive under certain conditions, creating the potential for serious burns. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and free from any source of flame or sparks; this includes any appliance with a pilot light. Do not smoke. T ...