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:

Parking
WARNINGOperating or parking the vehicle near flammable materials can cause a fire, and can result in property damage or severe personal injury. Do not idle or park your vehicle in an area where tall or dry vegetation, or other flammable materials could come into cont ...

Sidestand Installation
Replace the sidestand nut [A] with a new one. Apply grease to the sliding areas [B]. Tighten the sidestand bolt [C] first, and then the sidestand nut. Torque - Sidestand Bolt: 44 N·m (4.5 kgf·m, 32 ft·lb) Sidestand Nut: 29 N·m (3.0 kgf·m, 21 ft·lb) Install the spring [D] as sh ...

Valve Guide Installation
Apply engine oil to the valve guide outer surface before installation. Heat the area around the valve guide hole to about 120 150°C (248 302°F). NOTICE Do not heat the cylinder head with a torch. This will warp the cylinder head. Soak the cylinder head and heat the oil. Usin ...