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 StandCylinder Compression Measurement
NOTE
Use the battery which is fully charged.
Warm up the engine thoroughly.
Stop the engine.
Remove the spark plugs (see Spark Plug Replacement in
the Periodic Maintenance chapter).
Attach the compression gauge [A] and adapter [B] firmly
into the spark plug hole.
Using the startermo ...
Axle Inspection
Remove the front and rear axles (see Front/Rear Wheel
Removal).
Visually inspect the front and rear axle for damages.
If the axle is damaged or bent, replace it.
Place the axle in V blocks that are 100 mm (3.94 in.) [A]
apart, and set a dial gauge [B] on the axle at a point
halfway ...
Fuel Flow Rate Inspection
WARNINGGasoline is extremely flammable and can be
explosive
under certain conditions, creating the
potential for serious burns. Make sure the area is
well-ventilated and free from any source of flame
or sparks; this includes any appliance with a pilot
light. Do not smoke. T ...