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 StandSafe riding technique
The points given below are applicable for everyday motorcycle use and
should
be carefully observed for safe and effective vehicle operation.
For safety, eye protection and a
helmet are strongly recommended.
You should be aware of and verify
the applicable safety regulations in
force prior ...
Liquid Gasket, Non-permanent Locking Agent
For applications that require Liquid Gasket or a
Non-permanent Locking Agent, clean the surfaces so
that no oil residue remains before applying liquid gasket or
non-permanent locking agent. Do not apply them excessively.
Excessive application can clog oil passages and
cause serious damage.
...
Spring Preload Adjustment
Remove the rear shock absorber from the frame (see
Rear Shock Absorber Removal).
Loosen the locknut and turn out the adjusting nut to free
the spring.
Special Tools - Hook Wrench T=3.2 R37: 57001-1539
Hook Wrench R=35: 57001-1580
To adjust the spring preload, turn in the adjusting n ...