Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual: Tire Tread Wear Inspection

Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual / Periodic Maintenance / Periodic Maintenance Procedures / Wheels/Tires / Tire Tread Wear Inspection

As the tire tread wears down, the tire becomes more susceptible to puncture and failure. An accepted estimate is that 90% of all tire failures occur during the last 10% of tread life (90% worn). So it is false economy and unsafe to use the tires until they are bald.

Measure the tread depth at the center of the tread with a depth gauge [A]. Since the tire may wear unevenly, take measurement at several places.

If any measurement is less than the service limit, replace the tire (see Tire Removal/Installation in the Wheels/Tires chapter).

Tire Tread Wear Inspection

Tread Depth Standard:

Front 3.6 mm (0.14 in.)

Rear 5.3 mm (0.21 in.)

Service Limit:

Front 1 mm (0.04 in.) (AT, CH, DE) 1.6 mm (0.06 in.)

Rear 2 mm (0.08 in.) (Up to 130 km/h (80 mph)) 3 mm (0.12 in.) (Over 130 km/h (80 mph))

WARNING

Some replacement tires may adversely affect handling and cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death. To ensure proper handling and stability, use only the recommended standard tires for replacement, inflated to the standard pressure.

NOTE

Most countries may have their own regulations a minimum tire tread depth: be sure to follow them.
Check and balance the wheel when a tire is replaced with a new one.

Wheel/Tire Damage Inspection

Remove any imbedded stones [A] or other foreign particles [B] from tread. Visually inspect the tire for cracks and cuts, and replace the tire if necessary. Swelling or high spots indicate int ...

Wheel Bearing Damage Inspection

Raise the front wheel off the ground with the jack (see Front Wheel Removal in the Wheels/Tires chapter). Special Tools - Jack: 57001-1238 Jack Attachment: 57001-1608 Turn the handlebar a ...

Other materials:

Exhaust Butterfly Valve Cable Removal
Remove the fuel tank (see Fuel Tank Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter). Open the clamp [A] and free the cables. Slide the dust covers [B]. Loosen the locknuts [A], and turn the adjusters [B] to give the cable plenty of play. Remove the clamp [A]. Remove the up ...

KIBS Hydraulic Unit Removal
NOTICE The KIBS hydraulic unit [A] has been adjusted and set with precision at the factory. Therefore, it should be handled carefully, never struck sharply, as with a hammer, or allowed to fall on a hard surface. Be careful not to get water or mud on the KIBS hydraulic unit. Drain the b ...

Air Cleaner
A clogged air cleaner restricts the engine’s air intake, increasing fuel consumption, reducing engine power, and causing spark plug fouling. This motorcycle’s air cleaner element consists of a wet paper filter, which cannot be cleaned. The air cleaner element must be replaced in acco ...