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:

Refreshing Charge
Remove the battery (see Battery Removal). Do refresh charge by following method according to the battery terminal voltage. WARNINGThis battery is sealed type. Charge with current and time as stated below. Terminal Voltage: 12.0 12.7 V Standard Charge (see following ...

Exploded View
AL: Tighten the two clamp bolts alternately two times to ensure even tightening torque. HG: Apply high-temperature grease. R: Replacement Parts WL: Apply soap and water solution or rubber lubricant. Specifications WARNINGSome replacement tires may adversely affect h ...

Subthrottle Valve Actuator Inspection
NOTE Be sure the battery is fully charged. Remove the air cleaner housing (see Air Cleaner Housing Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter). Turn the ignition switch to ON. Check to see that all the subthrottle valves [A] open and close smoothly. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. I ...