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:

Oil Cooler Installation
Replace the O-ring [A] with a new one. Apply grease to the new O-ring. Install the water hoses and hose clamps [A] as shown in the figure. Water Hose (About 300 mm, 11.8 in.) [B] Water Hose (About 130 mm, 5.1 in.) [C] Yellow Paint [D] Tighten: Torque - Water Hose Clamp S ...

Lower Fairing Removal
Remove the quick rivets [A]. Remove: Quick Rivets [A] Bolts [B] Pull up the core by the flat-head screwdriver (–), and then remove the quick rivet. Clear the hook portions on the upper edges [C] from the slots, and remove the left lower fairing [D]. While pulling down ...

Exhaust Pipe Installation
Replace the exhaust pipe gaskets [A] and premuffler chamber gasket [B] with new ones. Install the premuffler chamber gasket to the premuffler chamber [C] until it is bottomed so that the chamfer side faces exhaust pipe [D]. Install the exhaust pipe clamp [E] as shown in the figure. I ...