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.

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

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:

Drive Chain Lubrication Condition Inspection
If a special lubricant is not available, a heavy oil such as SAE 90 is preferred to a lighter oil because it will stay on the chain longer and provide better lubrication. If the chain appears especially dirty, clean it before lubrication. NOTICE The O-rings between the side plates seal ...

Fuels Containing Oxygenates
Gasoline frequently contains oxygenates (alcohols and ethers) especially in areas of the U.S. and Canada which are required to sell such reformulated fuels as part of a strategy to reduce exhaust emissions. The types and volume of fuel oxygenates approved for use in unleaded gasoline by th ...

Fuel Level Warning Indicator Light
: The fuel level warning indicators are activated when approximately 3.8 L (1.0 US gal) of fuel remains as follows: For models without KIBS: A. Fuel Level Warning Indicator Light B. “FUEL” Indication The fuel level warning indicator light ( ) goes on and “FUEL” blinks in the ...