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:

Air Switching Valve
Air Switching Valve Operation Test Refer to the Air Suction System Damage Inspection in the Periodic Maintenance chapter. Air Switching Valve Unit Test Remove the air switching valve (see Air Switching Valve Removal in the Engine Top End chapter). Set the hand tester [A] to the × 1 ...

Oil Filter Replacement
Drain the engine oil (see Engine Oil Change). Remove the left lower fairing (see Lower Fairing Removal in the Frame chapter). Remove the oil filter [A] with the oil filter wrench [B]. Special Tool - Oil Filter Wrench: 57001-1249 Replace the filter with a new one. Apply grease t ...

Engine Oil
In order for the engine, transmission, and clutch to function properly, maintain the engine oil at the proper level, and change the oil and replace the oil filter in accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart. Not only do dirt and metal particles collect in the oil, but the oil itself los ...