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:

Cable, Wire, and Hose Routing
1. Clamp (Hold the regulator/rectifier lead. Run the lead inside of the installation hole.) 2. Clamp (Bend down the clamp, and hold the main harness and the vacuum hose (equipped models).) 3. Clamp (Hold the air intake solenoid valve lead (equipped models).) 4. Run the vacuum hose under ...

Oil Pump Installation
Install the outer rotor [A] into the crankcase. Assemble: Oil (Water) Pump Shaft [B] Pin [C] Inner Rotor [D] To prevent dropping, apply grease to the pin. Install the inner rotor assembly into the crankcase. Fit the slot [E] onto the projection [F]. Replace the O-ring [A ...

Fuel Tank Removal
WARNINGGasoline is extremely flammable and can be explosive under certain conditions, creating the potential for serious burns. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and free from any source of flame or sparks; this includes any appliance with a pilot light. Do not smoke. T ...