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:

Balance Adjustment
If the wheel always stops in one position, provisionally attach a balance weight [A] on the rim at the marking using adhesive tape. Rotate the wheel 1/4 turn [B], and see whether or not the wheel stops in this position. If it does, the correct balance weight is being used. If the whe ...

Wheel Inspection
Raise the front/rear wheel off the ground. Special Tools - Jack: 57001-1238 Jack Attachment: 57001-1608 Spin the wheel lightly, and check for roughness or binding. If roughness or binding is found, replace the hub bearings (see Hub Bearing Removal/Installation). Inspect the wh ...

Piston Ring Thickness Inspection
Measure the piston ring thickness. Use the micrometer to measure at several points around the ring. Piston Ring Thickness Standard: Top [A] 0.77 0.79 mm (0.0303 0.0311 in.) Second [B] 0.78 0.79 mm (0.0307 0.0311 in.) Service Limit: Top 0.70 mm (0.0276 in.) Second 0.71 mm (0.0280 ...