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:

Coupling Bearing Inspection
Since the coupling bearing is made to extremely close tolerances, the clearance can not normally be measured. NOTE It is not necessary to remove the coupling bearing for inspection. If the bearing is removed, it will need to be replaced with a new one. Turn the bearing in the coupling b ...

Engine Removal
Support the rear part of the swingarm with a stand. Squeeze the brake lever slowly and hold it with a band [A]. WARNINGMotorcycle may fall over unexpectedly resulting in an accident or injury. Be sure to hold the front brake when removing the engine. NOTICE Be sure ...

Front Master Cylinder Removal
Remove the reservoir mounting bolt and nut [A]. Unscrew the banjo bolt [A] and disconnect the brake hose from the master cylinder (see Brake Hose and Pipe Replacement in the Periodic Maintenance chapter). Unscrew the clamp bolts [B], and take off themaster cylinder as an assembl ...