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:

Front Fork Disassembly
Remove the front fork (see Front Fork Removal (Each Fork Leg)) Drain the fork oil (see Front Fork Oil Change). Take the dust seal [A] off the outer tube. Remove the retaining ring [B]. Separate the outer tube from the inner tube. Remove the following parts from the inner tube. ...

Front Master Cylinder Installation
Apply silicone grease to the sliding surface of the brake lever pivot bolt. Tighten: Torque - Brake Lever Pivot Bolt: 1.2 N·m (0.12 kgf·m, 11 in·lb) Brake Lever Pivot Bolt Nut: 5.9 N·m (0.60 kgf·m, 52 in·lb) Assemble the reservoir [A] and the bracket [B] as shown in the figu ...

Coupling Bearing Inspection
Since the coupling bearing is made to extremely close tolerances, the clearance can not normally be measured. NOTE It is not necessary to remove the coupling bearing for inspection. If the bearing is removed, it will need to be replaced with a new one. Turn the bearing in the coupling b ...