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.

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

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:

Stopping the engine
Close the throttle completely. Shift the transmission into neutral Turn the ignition key to “OFF�. Support the motorcycle on a firm, level surface with the side stand. Lock the steering. NOTE The motorcycle is equipped with a vehicle-down sensor, which causes the engine to sto ...

Valve-to-Guide Clearance Measurement (Wobble Method)
If a small bore gauge is not available, inspect the valve guide wear by measuring the valve to valve guide clearance with the wobble method as indicated below. Insert a new valve [A] into the guide [B] and set a dial gauge against the stem perpendicular to it as close as possible to the cy ...

Stem, Stem Bearing Installation
Replace the bearing outer races with new ones. Drive them into the head pipe at the same time. Special Tools - Head Pipe Outer Race Press Shaft [A]: 57001-1075 Head Pipe Outer Race Driver, 55 [B]: 57001 -1446 or Bearing Driver Set: 57001-1129 Apply grease to the outer races. ...