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 StandDrive Chain Slack Inspection
NOTE
Check the slack with the motorcycle setting on its sidestand.
Clean the chain if it is dirty, and lubricate it if it appears
dry.
Check the wheel alignment (see Wheel Alignment Inspection).
Rotate the rear wheel to find the position where the chain
is tightest.
Measure the ver ...
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 ...
Stem, Stem Bearing Removal
Remove:
Upper Fairing Assembly (see Upper Fairing Assembly
Removal in the Frame chapter)
Front Fender (see Front Fender Removal in the Frame
chapter)
Front Wheel (see Front Wheel Removal in the
Wheels/Tires chapter)
Steering Stem Head with Handlebars (see Handlebar
Removal)
Fron ...