84 HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE

lever is pulled and the side stand is Moving Off

fully up.
• Check that the side stand is up.
j • Pull in the clutch lever.
• Shift into 1st gear.
• let outthe
Open throttle a little, and start to
the clutch lever very slowly.
• As the clutch starts to engage, open
the throttle a little more, giving the en-
gine just enough fuel to keep it from
stalling.

NOTE
A. Clutch Lever
○The motorcycle is equipped with a
B. Starter Lockout Switch side stand switch. This switch is de-
signed so that the engine does not
start if the transmission is in gear and
NOTICE the side stand is down.
Do not let the engine idle longer
than 5 minutes, or engine over- Shifting Gears
heating and damage may occur.
• Close the throttle while pulling in the
clutch lever.
 HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE 85

• Shift
gear.
into the next higher or lower WARNING
Downshifting to a lower gear at
high speed causes engine rpm
to increase excessively, poten- j
tially damaging the engine and
it may also cause the rear wheel
to skid and cause an accident.
Downshifting should be done
below the vehicle speeds for
each gear shown in the table.

Vehicle speed when shifting

Shifting up km/h (mph)
A. Shift Pedal
1st → 2nd 15 (9)
• Open the throttle part way, while re-
leasing the clutch lever. 2nd → 3rd 25 (15)

• For smooth riding, each gear position

should cover the proper rate of speed
3rd → 4th 35 (21)
4th → 5th 45 (27)
shown in the table.
5th → 6th 55 (34)
 86 HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE

Shifting down km/h (mph) Braking

6th → 5th
5th → 4th
30 (19)
25 (15)
• Close the throttle completely, leav-
ing the clutch engaged (except when
j shifting gears) so that the engine will
4th → 3rd 20 (12)
help slow down the motorcycle.
3rd → 2nd 15 (9)
• Shift down one gear at a time so that
you are in 1st gear when you come
2nd → 1st 15 (9)
to a complete stop.
NOTE • When stopping, always apply both
brakes at the same time. Normally
○The transmission is equipped with a the front brake should be applied a lit-
positive neutral finder. When the mo- tle more than the rear. Shift down or
torcycle is standing still, the transmis- fully disengage the clutch as neces-
sion cannot be shifted past neutral sary to keep the engine from stalling.
from 1st gear. To use the positive
neutral finder, shift down to 1st gear,
• Never lock the brakes, or it will cause
the tires to skid. When turning a cor-
then lift up on the shift pedal while ner, it is better not to brake at all. Re-
standing still. The transmission will duce your speed before you get into
shift only into neutral. the corner.
• For emergency braking, disregard
downshifting, and concentrate on
 HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE 87

applying the brakes as hard as pos-

sible without skidding.
• Even in motorcycles equipped with
ABS, braking during cornering may j
cause wheel slip. When turning a
corner, it is better to limit braking to
the light application of both brakes
or not to brake at all. Reduce your
speed before you get into the corner.

A. Rear Brake Pedal

Anti-lock Brake System

(ABS)
(only on ABS model)
ABS is designed to help prevent
the wheels from locking up when the
brakes are applied hard while running
straight. The ABS automatically regu-
A. Front Brake Lever
lates brake force. Intermittently gaining
gripping force and braking force helps
 88 HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE

prevent wheel lock-up and allows sta- or downhill surfaces, the stopping
ble steering control while stopping. distance of a motorcycle with ABS
Brake control function is identical to may be longer than that of an equiv-
j that of a conventional motorcycle. The alent motorcycle without ABS. Use
brake lever is used for the front brake special caution in such areas.
and the brake pedal for the rear brake.
Although the ABS provides stability
• ABS will help prevent wheel lock-up
when braking in a straight line, but it
while stopping by preventing wheel cannot control wheel slip which may
lock-up, remember the following char- be caused by braking during corner-
acteristics: ing. When turning a corner, it is bet-
• To apply the brake effectively, use
the front brake lever and rear brake
ter to limit braking to the light appli-
cation of both brakes or not to brake
pedal simultaneously in the same at all. Reduce your speed before you
manner as conventional motorcycle get into the corner.
brake system. • Same as conventional brake system,
• ABS cannot compensate for adverse
road conditions, misjudgment or im-
an excessive sudden braking may
cause wheel lock up that makes it
proper application of brakes. You harder to control a motorcycle.
must take the same care as with mo-
torcycles not equipped with ABS.
• During braking, ABS will not prevent
the rear wheel lifting.
• ABS is not designed to shorten the
braking distance. On loose, uneven
 HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE 89

WARNING WARNING
ABS cannot protect the rider Use of non-recommended tires
from all possible hazards and may cause malfunctioning of
is not a substitute for safe rid- ABS and can lead to extended j
ing practices. Be aware of how braking distance. The rider
the ABS system operates and could have an accident as a re-
its limitations. It is the rider’s sult. Always use recommended
responsibility to ride at appro- standard tires for this motorcy-
priate speeds and manner for cle.
weather, road surface and traffic
conditions. NOTE
• The computers integrated in the ABS ○When the ABS is functioning, you
compare vehicle speed with wheel may feel a pulsing in the brake lever
speed. Since non-recommended or pedal. This is normal. You need
tires can affect wheel speed, they not suspend applying brakes.
may confuse the computers, which ○ABS does not function at speeds of
can extend braking distance. approx. 10 km/h (6.2 mph) or below.
○ABS does not function if the battery
is discharged. When riding with an
insufficiently charged battery, ABS
may not function. Keep the bat-
tery in good condition according to
 90 HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE

the “Battery Maintenance” section in you, the owner and operator, properly
the MAINTENANCE AND ADJUST- maintain your motorcycle and become
MENT chapter. thoroughly familiar with its operation.
j Improper maintenance can create a
dangerous situation known as throt-
Stopping the Engine tle failure. Two of the most common
• Close the throttle completely. causes of throttle failure are:
• Turn the transmission
Shift the into neutral. 1. An improperly serviced or clogged
• Support the motorcycle on. a firm,
ignition key to air cleaner may allow dirt and dust
• level surface with the side stand. to enter the throttle body and stick
the throttle open.
• Lock the steering. 2. During removal of the air cleaner,
dirt is allowed to enter and jam the
fuel injection system.
Stopping the Motorcycle in
an Emergency In an emergency situation such as
throttle failure, your vehicle may be
Your Kawasaki Motorcycle has been stopped by applying the brakes and
designed and manufactured to pro- disengaging the clutch. Once this
vide you optimum safety and conve- stopping procedure is initiated, the en-
nience. However, in order to fully ben- gine stop switch may be used to stop
efit from Kawasaki’s safety engineering the engine. If the engine stop switch is
and craftsmanship, it is essential that
 HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE 91

used, turn off the ignition switch after WARNING

stopping the motorcycle.
The engine and exhaust system
get extremely hot during normal
Parking operation and can cause serious j
burns.
WARNING Never touch a hot engine, ex-
Operating or parking the vehi- haust pipe, or muffler during op-
cle near flammable materials can eration or after stopping the en-
cause a fire, and can result in gine.
property damage or severe per-
sonal injury. • Shift the transmission into neutral
and turn the ignition key to .
Do not idle or park your vehicle
in an area where tall or dry veg- • Support the motorcycle on a firm,
level surface with the side stand.
etation, or other flammable ma-
terials could come into contact
with the muffler or exhaust pipe. NOTICE
Do not park on a soft or steeply
inclined surface, or the motorcy-
cle may fall over.

• Ifstructure,
parking inside a garage or other
be sure it is well ventilated
 92 HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE

and the motorcycle is not close to

any source of flame or sparks; this
• Lock
theft.
the steering to help prevent

includes any appliance with a pilot

j light.

WARNING
Gasoline is extremely flammable
and can be explosive under cer-
tain conditions, creating the po-
tential for serious burns. Turn
the ignition switch off. Do not
smoke. Make sure the area is
well ventilated and free from any
source of flame or sparks; this
includes any appliance with a pi-
lot light.
 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 93
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT
The maintenance and adjustments outlined in this chapter must be carried out in
accordance with the Daily Checks and Periodic Maintenance to keep the motorcy-
cle in good running condition and to reduce air pollution. The initial maintenance
is vitally important and must not be neglected. j

WARNING
Failure to perform these checks or to correct a problem before opera-
tion may result in serious damage or an accident. Always perform daily
checks before operation.

With a basic knowledge of mechanics and the proper use of tools, you should be
able to carry out many of the maintenance items described in this chapter. If you
lack proper experience or doubt your ability, all adjustments, maintenance, and
repair work should be completed by a qualified technician.
Please note that Kawasaki cannot assume any responsibility for damage result-
ing from incorrect or improper adjustment made by the owner.
 94 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT

DANGER
Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless poisonous
gas. Inhaling carbon monoxide can cause serious brain injury or
death. DO NOT run the engine in enclosed areas. Operate only in a
well-ventilated area.
j

WARNING
The cooling fan spins at high speed and can cause serious injuries. Keep
your hands and clothing away from the cooling fan blades at all times.

NOTE
○If a torque wrench is not available, the maintenance items which require a specific
torque value should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer.
 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 95

Daily Checks
Check the following items each day before you ride. The time required is minimal,
and habitual performance of these checks will help ensure you a safe, reliable ride.
If any irregularities are found during these checks, refer to the MAINTENANCE
AND ADJUSTMENT chapter or see your dealer for the action required to return the
motorcycle to a safe operating condition. j

See
Operation
Page
Fuel
Adequate supply in tank, no leaks –
Engine oil
Oil level between level lines 103
Tires
Air pressure (when cold), install the air valve cap 130
Tire wear 131
Drive chain
Slack 118
Lubricate if dry 117
 96 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT

See
Operation
Page
Bolts, nuts and fasteners
Check for loose and/or missing bolts, nuts and fasteners –
Steering
j
Action smooth but not loose from lock to lock –
No binding of control cables –
Brakes
Brake pad wear 123
Brake fluid level 122
No brake fluid leakage –
Throttle
Throttle grip free play 113
Clutch
Clutch lever free play 116
Clutch lever operates smoothly –
Coolant
No coolant leakage –
 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 97

See
Operation
Page
Coolant level between level lines (when engine is cold) 107
Electrical equipment
All lights (head, city, brake/tail, turn signal, license plate, warning/indicator) and – j
horn work
Engine stop switch
Stops engine –
Side stand
Return to its fully up position by spring tension –
Return spring not weak or not damaged –
Rear view mirrors
Rear view sight –
 98 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT

Periodic Maintenance
*A: Service at number of years shown or indicated odometer reading intervals,
whichever comes first.
*B: For higher odometer readings, repeat at the frequency interval established here.
j *C: Service more frequently when operating in severe conditions: dusty, wet, muddy,
high speed, or frequent starting/stopping.
*D: California model only
○ : Emission Related Item

: Inspection : Dealer Inspection

: Change or Replace : Dealer Change or Replace

: Lubrication : Dealer Lubrication

 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 99

Odometer Reading (*B)

year × 1 000 km (× 1 000 mile) See
(*A) 1 6 12 18 24 Page
Items (0.6) (3.8) (7.6) (11.4) (15.2)

○ Air cleaner element (*C) 110

j
○ Idle speed 115

○ Throttle control system (play, smooth

return, no drag) :1 113

○ Engine vacuum synchronization –

Fuel system :1 –

Fuel filter –

Fuel hose :5 –

○ Evaporative emission control system

(*D)
–

Coolant level 107

Cooling system :1 –
 100 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT

Odometer Reading (*B)

year × 1 000 km (× 1 000 mile) See
(*A) 1 6 12 18 24 Page
Items (0.6) (3.8) (7.6) (11.4) (15.2)

j Coolant, water hose and O-ring : every 36 000 km –

:3
(22 500 mile)

○ Valve clearance –

○ Air suction system –

Clutch operation (play, engagement,

116
disengagement)
Engine oil (*C) and oil filter :1 104

Tire air pressure :1 130

Wheel and tire :1 131

Wheel bearing damage :1 –

Drive chain lubrication condition (*C) : every 600 km (400 mile) 117
 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 101

Odometer Reading (*B)

year × 1 000 km (× 1 000 mile) See
(*A) 1 6 12 18 24 Page
Items (0.6) (3.8) (7.6) (11.4) (15.2)

Drive chain slack (*C) : every 1 000 km 118 j

(600 mile)
Drive chain wear (*C) –

Drive chain guide wear –

Brake system :1 –

Brake operation (effectiveness, play, –

no drag) :1

Brake fluid level :1 122

Brake fluid (front and rear) :2 –

Brake hose :4 –

Rubber parts of brake master cylinder : every 48 000 km –

and caliper :4
(30 000 mile)
 102 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT

Odometer Reading (*B)

year × 1 000 km (× 1 000 mile) See
(*A) 1 6 12 18 24 Page
Items (0.6) (3.8) (7.6) (11.4) (15.2)
Brake pad wear (*C) 123
j
Brake light switch operation 124

Suspension system :1 –

Lubrication of rear suspension –

Steering play :1 –

Steering stem bearing :2 –

Electrical system :1 –

○ Spark plug –

Chassis parts :1 –

Condition of bolts, nuts and fasteners –

 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 103

Engine Oil
Oil Level Inspection
• Ifandtherunengine is cold, start the engine
it for several minutes at idle
speed. j
• Stop the engine, then wait several
minutes until the oil settles.

NOTICE
A. Oil Level Inspection Window
Racing the engine before the oil B. Oil Filler Cap
reaches every part can cause en- C. Upper Level Line
gine seizure. D. Lower Level Line

• Check the engine oil level through • Ifexcess

the oil level is too high, remove the
oil through the oil filler open-
the oil level inspection window. With
ing using a syringe or some other
the motorcycle held level, the oil level
suitable device.
should come up between the upper
and lower level lines next to the oil • If the oil level is too low, add oil to
reach the correct level. Use the
level inspection window.
same type and brand of oil that is
already in the engine.
 104 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT

Oil and/or Oil Filter Change

• Warm up the engine thoroughly, and
then stop it.
• Place an oil pan beneath the engine.
• gasket. the engine oil drain bolt and
Remove
j

WARNING
Engine oil is a toxic substance.
Dispose of used oil properly.
A. Engine Oil Drain Bolt
Contact your local authorities B. Gasket
for approved disposal methods
or possible recycling. • Let the oil completely drain with
the motorcycle perpendicular to the
ground.
• If the oil filter is to be replaced, re-
move the oil filter and replace it with
a new one.
 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 105

NOTE
○If a torque wrench or required
Kawasaki special tool is not avail-
able, this item should be serviced by
an authorized Kawasaki dealer.
j

A. Gasket

• Install the drain bolt with a new gas-

ket. Tighten it to the specified torque.

NOTE
A. Oil Filter ○Replace the gasket with a new one.
• Apply a thin film of oil to the gasket
and tighten the oil filter to the speci-
fied torque.
 106 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT

Tightening Torque *Kawasaki Performance Oils and Lu-

Oil Filter: bricants have been specifically engi-
17.5 N·m (1.78 kgf·m, 12.9 ft·lb) neered for your vehicle. Consistent
use of these products meets or ex-
Engine Oil Drain Bolt:
ceeds warranty and service require-
30 N·m (3.1 kgf·m, 22 ft·lb) ments and can help to extend the life
j
of your Kawasaki.
• Fill the engine up to the upper level
line with a good quality engine oil NOTE
specified in the table. ○Do not add any chemical additive to
Recommended Engine Oil the oil. Oils fulfilling the above re-
Type: quirements are fully formulated and
Kawasaki Performance 4-Stroke provide adequate lubrication for both
Motorcycle Oil* the engine and the clutch.
Kawasaki Performance 4-Stroke
Engine Oil Capacity
Semi-Synthetic Oil*
Kawasaki Performance 4-Stroke Full 1.6 L (1.7 US qt)
Synthetic Oil* [when filter is not removed]
or other 4-stroke oils with API SG, SH,
SJ, SL or SM with JASO MA, MA1 or 2.0 L (2.1 US qt)
MA2 rating [when filter is removed]
Viscosity:
SAE 10W-40
 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 107

Although 10W-40 engine oil is the • Start the engine.

recommended oil for most condi-
tions, the oil viscosity may need to
• Check the oil level and oil leakage.

be changed to accommodate atmo-

spheric conditions in your riding area.
Coolant
Coolant Level Inspection j
• Position the motorcycle so that it is
perpendicular to the ground.
• Check the coolant level through the
coolant level gauge on the reserve
tank located in right middle fairing.
The coolant level should be between
the F (Full) and L (Low) level lines.
 108 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT

Coolant Filling
• Remove the cap from the reserve
tank and add coolant through the
filler opening to the F (Full) level line.

A. F (Full) Level Line

B. L (Low) Level Line
C. Reserve Tank

NOTE
○Check the level when the engine is A. Reserve Tank Cap
cold (room or atmospheric tempera-
ture). NOTE
• Ifcient,
the amount of coolant is insuffi- ○In an emergency you can add wa-
add coolant into the reserve ter alone to the coolant reserve tank,
tank. however it must be returned to the
correct mixture ratio by the addition
 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 109

of antifreeze concentrate as soon as Coolant Requirement

possible.
WARNING
NOTICE Coolant containing corrosion in-
hibitors for aluminum engines
If coolant must be added of- j
and radiators include harm-
ten, or the reserve tank com-
ful chemicals for human body.
pletely runs dry, there is proba-
Drinking coolant can result in
bly leakage in the system. Have
serious injury or death. Use
the cooling system inspected
coolant in accordance with the
by your authorized Kawasaki
instructions of the manufacturer.
dealer.
Use a permanent type of antifreeze
Coolant Change (soft water and ethylene glycol plus cor-
Have the coolant changed by an au- rosion and rust inhibitor chemicals for
thorized Kawasaki dealer. aluminum engines and radiators) in the
cooling system. On the mixture ratio
of coolant, choose the suitable one re-
ferring to the relation between freezing
point and strength directed on the con-
tainer.
 110 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT

NOTICE Air Cleaner

If hard water is used in the sys- This motorcycle’s air cleaner element
tem, it causes scale accumula- consists of a wet paper filter. Replace-
tion in the water passages, and ment of the air cleaner element should
considerably reduces the effi- be done by an authorized Kawasaki
j ciency of the cooling system. dealer.
Oil Draining
NOTE • Remove the rider’s seat (see Seats
○A permanent type of antifreeze is in- section in the GENERAL INFORMA-
TION chapter).
stalled in the cooling system when
shipped. It is mixed at 50% and has • Remove the bolt and washer.
the freezing point of –35°C (–31°F). • Remove the bolt.
• Pull the left side cover outward to
clear the projections and tabs.
• Remove the left side cover.
 MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 111

A. Bolt and Washer A. Fuse Box

B. Bolt
C. Projections
D. Tabs
• Inspect the transparent drain cap lo-
cated the left lower end of the air
E. Left Side Cover cleaner housing to see if any oil has
run down.
• Remove
bracket.
the fuse box from the