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:

Daily Checks
Check the following items each day before you ride. The time required is minimal, and habitual performance of these checks will help ensure you a safe, reliable ride. If any irregularities are found during these checks, refer to the Maintenance and Adjustment chapter or see your dealer fo ...

Exhaust System Identification
Exhaust Pipe Mark Position [A] Premuffler Chamber Mark Position [A] Muffler Body Mark Position [A] Premuffler Chamber [A] with Hole [B] for Oxygen Sensor [C] Honeycomb Type Catalyst Position [A] Specifications ...

Model Identification
ZX1000JB (US and CA Models) Left Side View ZX1000JB (US and CA Models) Right Side View ZX1000JB (EUR Models) Left Side View ZX1000JB (EUR Models) Right Side View ZX1000KB (US and CA Models) Left Side View ZX1000KB (US and CA Models) Right Side View ZX1000KB (EUR Models) ...