Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual: Shifting Gears

Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual / How to ride the motorcycle / Shifting Gears

Close the throttle while pulling in the clutch lever.
Shift into the next higher or lower gear.
Open the throttle part way, while releasing the clutch lever.
For smooth riding, each gear position should cover the proper rate of speed shown in the table.

WARNING

Downshifting to a lower gear at high speed causes engine rpm to increase excessively, potentially damaging the engine and it may also cause the rear wheel to skid and cause an accident.

Vehicle speed when shifting

NOTE

The transmission is equipped with a positive neutral finder. When the motorcycle is standing still, the transmission cannot be shifted past neutral from 1st gear. To use the positive neutral finder, shift down to 1st gear, then lift up on the shift pedal while standing still. The transmission will shift only into neutral.

Moving Off

Check that the side stand is up. Pull in the clutch lever. Shift into 1st gear. Open the throttle a little, and start to let out the clutch lever very slowly. As the clutch starts to enga ...

Braking

Close the throttle completely, leaving the clutch engaged (except when shifting gears) so that the engine will help slow down the motorcycle. Shift down one gear at a time so that you are ...

Other materials:

Thermostat Removal
Remove: Fuel Tank (see Fuel Tank Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter) Air Cleaner Housing (see Air Cleaner Housing Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter) Throttle Body Assy (see Throttle Body Assy Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter) Throttle Body Assy Holder Clamp [A] ...

Charging Voltage Inspection
Check the battery condition (see Charging Condition Inspection). Warm up the engine to obtain actual alternator operating conditions. Remove the front seat (see Front Seat Removal in the Frame chapter). Check that the ignition switch is turned off, and connect the hand tester [A] to t ...

Gear Position Switch Removal
Remove: Oil Pump (see Oil pump Removal in the Engine Lubrication System chapter) Engine Sprocket (see Engine Sprocket Removal in the Final Drive chapter) Fuel Tank (see Fuel Tank Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter) Disconnect the connector [A]. Remove: Screws [A] ...