Kawasaki Ninja Owners Manual: Storage

Preparation for Storage

Clean the entire vehicle thoroughly
Run the engine for about five minutes to warm the oil, shut it off, and drain the engine oil.

WARNING

Engine oil is a toxic substance. Dispose of used oil properly. Contact your local authorities for approved disposal methods or possible recycling.

Put in fresh engine oil.
Empty the fuel from the fuel tank by the pump or siphon.

WARNING

Gasoline is extremely flammable and can be explosive under certain conditions, creating the potential for serious burns. Turn the ignition key to “OFF”. Do not smoke. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and free from any source of flame or sparks; this includes any appliance with a pilot light. Gasoline is a toxic substance. Dispose of gasoline properly. Contact your local authorities for approved disposal methods.

Empty the fuel system by running the engine at idle speed until the engine stalls (If left in for a long time, the fuel will break down and could clog the fuel system).
Reduce tire pressure by about 20%.
Set the motorcycle on a box or stand so that both wheels are raised off the ground.
(If this cannot be done, put boards under the front and rear wheels to keep dampness away from the tire rubber.)
Spray oil on all unpainted metal surfaces to prevent rusting. Avoid getting oil on rubber parts or in the brakes.
Lubricate the drive chain and all the cables.
Remove the battery, and store it where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight, moisture, or freezing temperature. During storage it should be given a slow charge (one ampere or less) about once a month. Keep the battery well charged especially during cold weather.
Tie plastic bags over the mufflers to prevent moisture from entering.
Put a cover over the motorcycle to keep dust and dirt from accumulating on it.

Preparation after Storage

Remove the plastic bags from the mufflers.
Install the battery in the motorcycle and charge the battery if necessary.
Fill the fuel tank with fuel.
Check all the points listed in the Daily Checks section.
Lubricate the pivots, bolts, and nuts.

Bolt and Nut Tightening

In accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart, it is very important to check the tightness of the bolts and nuts listed here. Also, check to see that each cotter pin is in place and in good ...

Troubleshooting guide

Engine Does Not Start Starter Motor Won’t Turn Engine stop switch off Transmission not in neutral Fuse blown Battery leads do not make good electrical contact with battery terminals B ...

Other materials:

Tire Air Pressure Inspection
Remove the air valve cap. Measure the tire air pressure with an air pressure gauge [A] when the tires are cold (that is, when the motorcycle has not been ridden more than a mile during the past 3 hours). Install the air valve cap. Adjust the tire air pressure according to the specifi ...

Upper Crankcase Assembly
When installing the breather plate, replace the gasket [A] with a new one. Apply a non-permanent locking agent to the threads of the bolts [A] and tighten them. Torque - Breather Plate Bolts: 9.8 N·m (1.0 kgf·m, 87 in·lb) Install the fitting [A] until it is bottomed ...

Cylinder Head Warp Inspection
Clean the cylinder head. Lay a straightedge across the lower surface of the cylinder head at several positions. Use a thickness gauge [A] to measure the space between the straightedge [B] and the head. Cylinder Head Warp Standard: – – – Service Limit: 0.05 mm (0.0020 in.) ...