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:

Check 2-1: Speedometer Inspection
Using the suitable stand, raise the rear wheel off the ground. Rotate the rear wheel by hand or start the engine. Check that the display changes speedometer. If the display function does not work, check the following parts. Rear Wheel Rotation Sensor (see Wheel Rotation Sensor Inspe ...

Balance Adjustment
If the wheel always stops in one position, provisionally attach a balance weight [A] on the rim at the marking using adhesive tape. Rotate the wheel 1/4 turn [B], and see whether or not the wheel stops in this position. If it does, the correct balance weight is being used. If the whe ...

KIBS Warning Indicator Light (For models equipped with KIBS)
The yellow warning indicator light in the meter unit functions as the KIBS warning indicator light. The yellow warning indicator light and warning symbol “KIBS” go on if there is a malfunction in the KIBS system. When the warning light is on, the KIBS system stops functioning. However, th ...