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:

Exhaust Butterfly Valve Actuator Inspection
NOTE Be sure the battery is fully charged Remove the front seat (see Front Seat Removal in the Frame chapter). Turn the ignition switch to ON. In the left side view of the motorcycle, check to see the pulley [A] clockwise [B] and counterclockwise [C] smoothly. The pulley turns ...

KIBS Hydraulic Unit Installation
NOTICE Brake fluid quickly ruins painted plastic surfaces; any spilled fluid should be completely washed away immediately. Install the KIBS hydraulic unit together with the bracket. Before installing the brake pipe, check to see that there is no damage on the threads of the brake pipe joi ...

Fuse Box Fuse Removal
Remove the left upper inner fairing (see Upper Inner Fairing Removal in the Frame chapter). Unlock the hook [A] to take off the fuse box 1 [B]. Unlock the hook [C] to lift up the lid. Pull the fuses [A] straight out of the fuse box 1 with needle nose pliers. Fuse Box 2 ...