Gasoline frequently contains oxygenates (alcohols and ethers) especially in areas of the U.S. and Canada which are required to sell such reformulated fuels as part of a strategy to reduce exhaust emissions.
The types and volume of fuel oxygenates approved for use in unleaded gasoline by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency include a broad range of alcohols and ethers, but only two components have seen any significant level of commercial use.
Gasoline/Alcohol Blends - Gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol (alcohol produced from agricultural products such as corn), also known as “gasohol” is approved for use.
NOTICE
Avoid using blends of unleaded gasoline and methanol (wood alcohol) whenever possible, and never use “gasohol” containing more than 5% methanol.
Fuel system damage and performance problems may result.
Gasoline/Ether Blends - The most common ether is methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). You may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE.
NOTE
Other oxygenates approved for use in unleaded gasoline include TAME (up to 16.7%) and ETBE (up to 17.2%). Fuel containing these oxygenates can also be used in your Kawasaki.
NOTICE
Never use gasoline with an octane rating lower than the minimum specified by Kawasaki.
Never use “gasohol” with more than 10% ethanol, or more than 5% methanol. Gasoline containing methanol must also be blended with cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.
Certain ingredients of gasoline may cause paint fading or damage.
Be extra careful not to spill gasoline or gasoline oxygenate blends during refueling.
When not operating your Kawasaki for 30 to 60 days, mix a fuel stabilizer (such as STA-BIL) with the gasoline in the fuel tank.
Fuel stabilizer additives inhibit oxidation of the fuel which minimizes gummy deposits.
NOTICE
Never store this product with “gasohol” in the fuel system.
Before storage it is recommended that you drain all fuel from the fuel system. See the Storage section in this manual.
Fuel Type
Side StandSteering Stem Bearing Lubrication
Remove the steering stem (see Stem, Stem Bearing Removal
in the Steering chapter).
Using a high flash-point solvent, wash the upper and
lower ball bearings [A] in the cages.
Wipe the upper and lower outer races which are press
-fitted into the head pipe to clean off grease and dirt.
V ...
Fuel Hose Inspection (fuel leak, damage, installation condition)
If the motorcycle is not properly handled, the high pressure
inside the fuel line can cause fuel to leak [A] or the
hose to burst. Remove the fuel tank (see Fuel Tank Removal
in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter) and check the
fuel hoses.
Replace the fuel hose if any fraying, cracks [B] or ...
Sprocket Wear Inspection
Visually inspect the engine and rear sprocket teeth for
wear and damage.
If the teeth are worn as illustrated, replace the sprocket,
and inspect the drive chain wear (see Drive Chain Wear
Inspection in the Periodic Maintenance chapter).
Worn Tooth (Engine Sprocket) [A]
Worn Tooth (Rear ...