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:

Clutch Removal
Remove: Clutch Cover (see Clutch Cover Removal) Clutch Spring Bolts [A] Clutch Springs (with Clutch Spring Holders) Clutch Spring Plate [B] Pusher [C] Remove: Friction Plates (10) [A] Steel Plates (9) [B] Spring [C] Spring Seat [D] Hold the sub clutch hub [A] ...

Inner Tube Inspection
Visually inspect the inner tube [A]. If there is any damage, replace the inner tube. Since damage to the inner tube damages the oil seal, replace the oil seal whenever the inner tube is replaced. NOTICE If the inner tube is badly bent or creased, replace it. Excessive bending, followed by ...

Bolts, Nuts and Fasteners Tightness Inspection
Check the tightness of the bolts and nuts listed here. Also, check to see that each cotter pin is in place and in good condition. NOTE For the engine fasteners, check the tightness of them when the engine is cold (at room temperature). If there are loose fasteners, retighten them to ...