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:

Air Cleaner Oil Draining
A drain hose is connected to the bottom of the air cleaner to drain water or oil accumulated in the cleaner part. Visually check the drain hose [A] if the water or oil accumulates. If any water or oil accumulates in the hose, remove the plug [B] from the drain hose and drain it. ...

Payload and Tire Pressure
Failure to maintain proper inflation pressures or observe payload limits for your tires may adversely affect handling and performance of yourmotorcycle and can result in loss of control. The maximum recommended load in addition to vehicle weight is 180 kg (397 lb), including rider, passenger, ...

Idle Speed Inspection
Start the engine and warm it up thoroughly. With the engine idling, turn the handlebar to both sides [A]. If handlebar movement changes the idle speed, the throttle cables may be improperly adjusted or incorrectly routed, or damaged. Be sure to correct any of these conditions before rid ...