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:

Spark Plugs
The standard spark plug is shown in the table. The spark plugs should be replaced in accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart. Spark plug removal should be done only by a competent mechanic following the instructions in the Service Manual. Spark Plug A. Plug Gap ...

S-KTRC Warning Indicator Light
The yellow warning indicator light in the meter unit functions as the S-KTRC warning indicator light. The yellow warning indicator light and all S-KTRC mode indicators blink whenever there is a malfunction in the S-KTRC system. At this time, the S-KTRC system does not function. If the ye ...

Crankcase Halves Assembly
Install: Crankshaft (see Crankshaft Installation) Connecting Rods (see Connecting Rod Installation) Using a cleaning fluid, clean off any oil or dirt on the mating surface of the crankcase halves. Apply liquid gasket to the mating surface of the lower crankcase half as shown in the fi ...