Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual: Shifting Gears

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

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:

Turn Signal Switch
When the turn signal switch is pushed to the left ( ) or right ( ), the corresponding turn signals blink on and off. To stop blinking, push the switch in. Horn Button When the horn button is pushed, the horn sounds LAP/Passing Button When the LAP/passing button is pushed, the headlight hi ...

Fuel Pump Operating Voltage Inspection
NOTE Be sure the battery is fully charged. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. Remove: Fuel Tank Bolts (see Fuel Tank Removal) Fuel Tank Bracket Bolts (see Fuel Tank Removal) Disconnect the fuel pump lead connector and connect the harness adapter [A] between these connectors as shown i ...

Safe 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 ...