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:

Drive Chain
The drive chain slack and lubrication must be checked each day before riding the motorcycle and must be maintained in accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart for safety and to prevent excessive wear. If the chain becomes badly worn or maladjusted - either too loose or too tight - the c ...

Swingarm Bearing Removal
Remove: Swingarm (see Swingarm Removal) Collar [A] Oil Seals [B] Sleeve [C] Circlip [D] (Right Side) Special Tool - Inside Circlip Pliers: 57001-143 Remove the ball bearing and needle bearings. Special Tool - Oil Seal & Bearing Remover [A]: 57001-1058 ...

Amplifier Input Voltage Inspection
NOTE Be sure the battery is fully charged. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. Remove the upper fairing (see Upper Fairing Removal in the Frame chapter). Do not disconnect the connectors. Connect a digital meter to the amplifier connector [A] with needle adapter set. Special To ...