| 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
BrakingOil and/or Oil Filter Change
To change the engine oil and replace
oil filter, the engine oil drain bolt and
oil filter must be removed. The oil
change and oil filter replacement
should be done by an authorized
Kawasaki dealer.
A. Engine Oil Drain Bolt
A. Oil Filter
WARNINGEngine oil is a toxic s ...
Valve Clearance
Valve and valve seat wear decreases
valve clearance, upsetting valve timing.
NOTICE
If valve clearance is left unadjusted,
wear will eventually
cause the valves to remain
partly open; which lowers performance,
burns the valves and
valve seats, and may cause serious
engine damage.
Valve cle ...
Master Cylinder Inspection (Visual Inspection)
Remove the master cylinders (see Front/Rear Master
Cylinder Removal).
Disassemble the front and rear master cylinders (see
Master Cylinder Rubber Parts Replacement in the Periodic
Maintenance chapter).
Check that there are no scratches, rust or pitting on the
inner wall [A] of each ma ...