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).

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
Wheel Bearing Damage InspectionAlternator Cover Removal
Remove:
Upper Fairing Assembly (see Upper Fairing Assembly
Removal in the Frame chapter)
Air Cleaner Housing (see Air Cleaner Housing Removal
in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter)
Bolt [A]
Bring the heat insulator plate [B] forward to remove the
alternator lead connector.
Clear the p ...
Front Footpeg Position
The right and left front footpegs can
be selected to one of two positions to
suit the front preferences. Have the
front footpeg positions changed by an
authorized Kawasaki dealer.
A. Bolts
B. Upper Position (Standard)
C. Lower Position
NOTE
Install the front footpegs with same
heig ...
Piston Ring, Piston Ring Groove Wear Inspection
Check for uneven groove wear by inspecting the ring seating.
The rings should fit perfectly parallel to groove surfaces.
If not, replace the piston and all the piston rings.
With the piston rings in their grooves, make several measurements
with a thickness gauge [A] to determine pisto ...