Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual: Tire Tread Wear Inspection

Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual / Periodic Maintenance / Periodic Maintenance Procedures / Wheels/Tires / Tire Tread Wear Inspection

As the tire tread wears down, the tire becomes more susceptible to puncture and failure. An accepted estimate is that 90% of all tire failures occur during the last 10% of tread life (90% worn). So it is false economy and unsafe to use the tires until they are bald.

Measure the tread depth at the center of the tread with a depth gauge [A]. Since the tire may wear unevenly, take measurement at several places.

If any measurement is less than the service limit, replace the tire (see Tire Removal/Installation in the Wheels/Tires chapter).

Tire Tread Wear Inspection

Tread Depth Standard:

Front 3.6 mm (0.14 in.)

Rear 5.3 mm (0.21 in.)

Service Limit:

Front 1 mm (0.04 in.) (AT, CH, DE) 1.6 mm (0.06 in.)

Rear 2 mm (0.08 in.) (Up to 130 km/h (80 mph)) 3 mm (0.12 in.) (Over 130 km/h (80 mph))

WARNING

Some replacement tires may adversely affect handling and cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death. To ensure proper handling and stability, use only the recommended standard tires for replacement, inflated to the standard pressure.

NOTE

Most countries may have their own regulations a minimum tire tread depth: be sure to follow them.
Check and balance the wheel when a tire is replaced with a new one.

Wheel/Tire Damage Inspection

Remove any imbedded stones [A] or other foreign particles [B] from tread. Visually inspect the tire for cracks and cuts, and replace the tire if necessary. Swelling or high spots indicate int ...

Wheel Bearing Damage Inspection

Raise the front wheel off the ground with the jack (see Front Wheel Removal in the Wheels/Tires chapter). Special Tools - Jack: 57001-1238 Jack Attachment: 57001-1608 Turn the handlebar a ...

Other materials:

Odometer
The odometer shows the total distance in kilometers or miles that the vehicle has run. If the odometer is displayed, the “ODO” is displayed on the multifunction display. This meter cannot be reset. A. Odometer B. “ODO” NOTE The data are maintained even if the battery is disco ...

Air Cleaner
A clogged air cleaner restricts the engine’s air intake, increasing fuel consumption, reducing engine power, and causing spark plug fouling. This motorcycle’s air cleaner element consists of a wet paper filter, which cannot be cleaned. The air cleaner element must be replaced in acco ...

Tire Removal
Remove: Wheels (see Front/Rear Wheel Removal) Valve Core (Let out the air) To maintain wheel balance, mark the valve stem position on the tire with chalk so that the tire can be reinstalled in the same position. Chalk Mark or Yellow Mark [A] Valve Stem [B] Align [C] Lu ...