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:

Interlock Operation Inspection
Raise the rear wheel off the ground with the stand [A]. 1st Check Start the engine to the following conditions Condition: Transmission Gear → 1st Position Clutch Lever → Release Sidestand → Down or Up Turn the ignition switch to ON and push the starter butto ...

Valve Seat Repair
Repair the valve seat with the valve seat cutters [A]. Special Tools - Valve Seat Cutter Holder Bar [B]: 57001 -1128 Valve Seat Cutter Holder, 4.5 [C]: 57001 -1330 [For Exhaust Valve Seat] Valve Seat Cutter, 45° - 27.5: 57001-1114 Valve Seat Cutter, 32° - 28: 57001-1119 Valve Seat ...

Brake Pedal Position Adjustment
NOTE Usually it is not necessary to adjust the pedal position, but always adjust it when push rod locknut has been loosened. Loosen the locknut [A] and turn the push rod with the hex head [B] to achieve the correct pedal position. If the length [C] shown is 69 ±1 mm (2.7 ±0.04 in.), th ...