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:

Spring Plate Free Play Adjustment
NOTE The free play adjustment is performed by replacing the steel plate(s). Measure the clutch spring plate free play (see Clutch Spring Plate Free Play Measurement), and then replace the steel plate(s) which brings the free play within the usable range. Spring Plate Free Play Usable ...

Rear Shock Absorber Scrapping
WARNINGPressurized nitrogen may explode when heated. The rear shock contains nitrogen gas. To avoid an explosion, do not incinerate the shock body without first releasing the nitrogen and removing the shraeder valve. Remove the rear shock absorber (see Rear Shock Ab ...

Specifications
Whenever you see the symbols shown below, heed their instructions! Always follow safe operating and maintenance practices. DANGER DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. WARNINGWARNING indicates a hazardous situation whi ...