Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R ABS 2013, Ninja ZX-15R ABS 2013 Owner's manual

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GENERAL INFORMATION	j
HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE	j
SAFE OPERATION	j
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT	j
STORAGE	j
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE	j

A Table of Contents is included after the Foreword.

Whenever you see the symbols shown below, heed their instructions! Always follow safe operating and maintenance practices.

DANGER

DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING

WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

NOTICE is used to address practices not related to personal injury.

NOTE

○NOTE indicates information that may help or guide you in the operation or service of the vehicle.

WARNING

Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

NOTICE

THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN MANUFACTURED FOR USE IN A REASONABLE AND PRUDENT MANNER BY A QUALIFIED OPERATOR AND AS A VEHICLE ONLY.

FOREWORD

Congratulations on your purchase of a new Kawasaki motorcycle. Your new motorcycle is the product of Kawasaki’s advanced engineering, exhaustive testing, and continuous striving for superior reliability, safety and performance.

Please read this Owner’s Manual carefully before riding so that you will be thoroughly familiar with the proper operation of your motorcycle’s controls, its features, capabilities, and limitations. This manual offers many safe riding tips, but its purpose is not to provide instruction in all the techniques and skills required to ride a motorcycle safely. Kawasaki strongly recommends that all operators of this vehicle enroll in a motorcycle rider training program to attain awareness of the mental and physical requirements necessary for safe motorcycle operation.

To ensure a long, trouble-free life for your motorcycle, give it the proper care and maintenance described in this manual. For those who would like more detailed information on their Kawasaki Motorcycle, a Service Manual is available for purchase from any authorized Kawasaki motorcycle dealer. The Service Manual contains detailed disassembly and maintenance information. Those who plan to do their own work should, of course, be competent mechanics and possess the special tools described in the Service Manual.

Keep this Owner’s Manual aboard your motorcycle at all times so that you can refer to it whenever you need information.

This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle and should remain with the motorcycle when it is sold.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without our prior written permission.

This publication includes the latest information available at the time of printing. However, there may be minor differences between the actual product and illustrations and text in this manual.

All products are subject to change without prior notice or obligation.

KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.

Motorcycle & Engine Company

© 2013 Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Mar. 15, 2013. (1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIFICATIONS...............................	9
SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS.........	13
LOCATION OF PARTS .......................	14
LOADING AND ACCESSORIES
INFORMATION ................................	17
GENERAL INFORMATION.................	20
Meter Instruments ............................	20
Speedometer and Tachometer .....	21
Multifunction Button ......................	21
Multifunction Meter .......................	22
Warning/Indicator Lights ...............	48
Keys .................................................	51
Ignition Switch/Steering Lock...........	52
Right Handlebar Switches................	54
Engine Stop Switch ......................	54
Starter Button ...............................	54
Left Handlebar Switches ..................	55
Dimmer Switch .............................	55
Turn Signal Switch........................	55
Horn Button ..................................	55

Hazard Switch ..............................	55
Multifunction Button ......................	56
Passing Button .............................	56
Brake/Clutch Lever Adjuster ............	56
Fuel Tank Cap..................................	57
Fuel Tank .........................................	58
Fuel Requirement .........................	59
Stand................................................	63
Seat..................................................	64
Single Seat Cover ............................	66
Helmet Hooks...................................	67
Tool Kit Compartment.......................	68
Air Cleaner Intake ............................	68
BREAK-IN...........................................	69
HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE . 71
Starting the Engine ..........................	71
Jump Starting...................................	73
Moving Off........................................	77
Shifting Gears ..................................	78
Braking.............................................	80

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) for
models equipped with ABS...........	81
Yellow ABS Indicator Light............	83
Stopping the Engine.........................	84
Stopping the Motorcycle in an
Emergency ...................................	85
Parking.............................................	86
Catalytic Converter...........................	87
KTRC (Kawasaki TRaction Control). 89
Power Mode.....................................	93
KTRC and Power Mode
Combination .................................	95
SAFE OPERATION.............................	97
Safe Riding Technique .....................	97
Daily Checks ....................................	100
Additional Considerations for High
Speed Operation ..........................	102
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 104
Periodic Maintenance Chart.............	109
Engine Oil ........................................	121
Cooling System................................	126
Spark Plugs......................................	132

Evaporative Emission Control
System (California model only).....	133
Valve Clearance ...............................	134
Kawasaki Clean Air System .............	135
Air Cleaner .......................................	136
Throttle Control System ...................	142
Engine Vacuum Synchronization .....	144
Idle Speed........................................	145
Clutch...............................................	145
Drive Chain ......................................	147
Brakes..............................................	155
Brake Light Switches........................	158
Front Fork.........................................	160
Rear Shock Absorber.......................	168
Wheels .............................................	173
Battery..............................................	179
Headlight Beam................................	189
Fuses ...............................................	193
General Lubrication..........................	195
Cleaning Your Motorcycle ................	196
Bolt and Nut Tightening....................	202
STORAGE...........................................	205
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE............	208

YOUR WARRANTY/OWNER		ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.....	216
SATISFACTION ...........................	209	MAINTENANCE RECORD .................	217
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS ......	215	LOCATION OF LABELS.....................	223

SPECIFICATIONS 9

		SPECIFICATIONS
PERFORMANCE
Minimum Turning Radius		3.1 m (122 in.)
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length		2 170 mm (85.4 in.)
Overall Width		770 mm (30.3 in.)
Overall Height		1 170 mm (46.1 in.)
Wheelbase		1 480 mm (58.3 in.)
Road Clearance		125 mm (4.92 in.)
Curb Mass	(E)	265 kg (584 lb)
	(F)	268 kg (591 lb)
ENGINE
Type		DOHC, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled
Displacement		1 441 cm³ (87.9 cu in.)
Bore x Stroke		84.0 × 65.0 mm (3.3 × 2.6 in.)
Compression Ratio		12.3 : 1

10 SPECIFICATIONS
Starting System		Electric starter
Cylinder Numbering Method		Left to right, 1-2-3-4
Firing Order		1-2-4-3
Fuel System		FI (Fuel Injection)
Ignition System		Battery and coil (transistorized ignition)
Ignition Timing		10° BTDC @1 100 r/min (rpm) 33.6° BTDC @5 500
(Electronically advanced)		r/min (rpm)
Spark Plug		NGK CR9EIA-9
Lubrication System		Forced lubrication (wet sump)
Engine Oil	Type:	API SG, SH, SJ, SL, or SM with JASO MA, MA1 or MA2
	Viscosity:	SAE 10W-40
	Capacity:	4.6 L (4.9 US qt)
Coolant Capacity		3.2 L (3.4 US qt)
TRANSMISSION
Transmission Type		6-speed, constant mesh, return shift
Clutch Type		Wet, multi disc
Driving System		Chain drive

Primary Reduction Ratio Final Reduction Ratio Overall Drive Ratio Gear Ratio 1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th

FRAME
Castor
Trail
Tire Size:	Front
	Rear
Rim Size:	Front
	Rear

Fuel Tank Capacity

SPECIFICATIONS 11

1.556 (84/54)

2.471 (42/17)

3.980 (Top gear)

2.611 (47/18)

1.947 (37/19)

1.545 (34/22)

1.333 (32/24)

1.154 (30/26)

1.036 (29/28)

23°

93 mm (3.7 in.) 120/70ZR17 M/C (58 W) 190/50ZR17 M/C (73 W) J17M/C × MT3.50 J17M/C × MT6.00

22 L (5.8 US gal)

12 SPECIFICATIONS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Battery		12 V 12 Ah
Headlight	High beam	12	V 55 W + 65 W (× 2)
	Low beam	12	V 55 W (× 2)
Tail/Brake Light		LED

E:ZX1400E

F:ZX1400F

Even if one of LED (Light Emitting Diode) tail/brake light does not go on, consult with an authorized Kawasaki dealer.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS 13

SERIAL NUMBER LOCATIONS

The engine and frame serial numbers are used to register the motorcycle. They are the only means of identifying your particular machine from others of the same model type. These serial numbers may be needed by your dealer when ordering parts. In the event of theft, the investigating authorities will require both numbers as well as the model type and any peculiar features of your machine that can help them identify it.

Engine No.		Frame No.

A. Engine Number

A. Frame Number

14 LOCATION OF PARTS

LOCATION OF PARTS

1.	Clutch Lever	7.	Throttle Grip
2.	Left Handlebar Switches	8.	Front Brake Lever
3.	Clutch Fluid Reservoir	9.	Spring Preload Adjuster
4.	Meter Instruments	10.	Rebound Damping Force Adjuster
5.	Brake Fluid Reservoir (Front)	11.	(Front Fork)
6.	Right Handlebar Switches		Ignition Switch/Steering Lock

LOCATION OF PARTS 15

1.	Headlight	10.	Tail/Brake Light	18.	Side Stand
2.	Air Cleaner Intake	11.	License Plate Light	19.	Compression
3.	Turn Signal Light	12.	Brake Disc		Damping Force
4.	Air Cleaner	13.	Rebound Damping	20.	Adjuster
5.	Spark Plugs	14.	Force Adjuster		Chain Adjuster
6.	Fuel Tank		Front Fork	21.	Drive Chain
7.	Seat	15.	Brake Caliper	22.	Muffler
8.	Seat Lock	16.	Coolant Reserve Tank
9.	Single Seat Cover	17.	Shift Pedal

16 LOCATION OF PARTS

1.	Fuse Box	6.	Rear Brake Light Switch
2.	Brake Fluid Reservoir (Rear)	7.	Rear Brake Pedal
3.	Battery	8.	Rear Shock Absorber
4.	Fuel Tank Cap	9.	Oil Level Inspection Window
5.	Swingarm

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION 17

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION

WARNING

Incorrect loading, improper installation or use of accessories, or modification of your motorcycle may result in an unsafe riding condition. Before you ride the motorcycle, make sure it is not overloaded and that you have followed these instructions.

With the exception of genuine Kawasaki Parts and Accessories, Kawasaki has no control over the design or application of accessories. In some cases, improper installation or use of accessories, or motorcycle modification, will void the motorcycle warranty, can negatively affect performance, and can even be illegal.

In selecting and using accessories, and in loading the motorcycle, you are personally responsible for your own safety and the safety of other persons involved.

NOTE

○Kawasaki Parts and Accessories have been specially designed for use on Kawasaki motorcycles. We strongly recommend that all parts and accessories you add to your motorcycle be genuine Kawasaki components.

Because a motorcycle is sensitive to changes in weight and aerodynamic forces, you must take extreme care in carrying cargo, passengers and/or in the fitting of additional accessories.

18 LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION

The following general guidelines have been prepared to assist you in making your determinations.

1.Any passenger should be thoroughly familiar with motorcycle operation. The passenger can affect control of the motorcycle by improper positioning during cornering and sudden movements. It is important that the passenger sit still while the motorcycle is in motion and not interfere with the operation of the motorcycle. Do not carry animals on your motorcycle.

2.You should instruct any passenger before riding to keep his feet on the passenger footpegs and hold on to the operator or seat strap. Do not carry a passenger unless he or she is tall enough to reach the footpegs and footpegs are provided.

3.All baggage should be carried as low as possible to reduce the effect

on the motorcycle center of gravity. Baggage weight should also be distributed equally on both sides of the motorcycle. Avoid carrying baggage that extends beyond the rear of the motorcycle.

4.Baggage should be securely attached. Make sure that the baggage will not move around while you are riding. Recheck baggage security as often as possible (not while the motorcycle is in motion) and adjust as necessary.

5.Do not carry heavy or bulky items on a luggage rack. They are designed for light items, and overloading can affect handling due to changes in weight distribution and aerodynamic forces.

6.Do not install accessories or carry baggage that impairs the performance of the motorcycle. Make sure that you have not adversely

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION 19

affected any lighting components, road clearance, banking capability (i.e., lean angle), control operation, wheel travel, front fork movement, or any other aspect of the motorcycle’s operation.

7.Weight attached to the handlebar or front fork will increase the mass of the steering assembly and can result in an unsafe riding condition.

8.Fairings, windshields, backrests, and other large items have the capability of adversely affecting stability and handling of the motorcycle, not only because of their weight, but also due to the aerodynamic forces acting on these surfaces while the motorcycle is in operation. Poorly designed or installed items can result in an unsafe riding condition.

9.This motorcycle was not intended to be equipped with a sidecar or to

be used to tow any trailer or other vehicle. Kawasaki does not manufacture sidecars or trailers for motorcycles and cannot predict the effects of such accessories on handling or stability, but can only warn that the effects can be adverse and that Kawasaki cannot assume responsibility for the results of such unintended use of the motorcycle. Furthermore, any adverse effects on motorcycle components caused by the use of such accessories will not be remedied under warranty.

Maximum Load

Weight of rider, passenger, baggage, and accessories must not exceed 175 kg (385 lb).

20 GENERAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

Meter Instruments

A.Speedometer

B.Yellow ABS Indicator Light (for models equipped with ABS)

C.Green Left Turn Signal Indicator Light

D.Red Warning Indicator Light

E.Green Neutral Indicator Light

F.Multifunction Meter

G.Blue High Beam Indicator Light

H.Yellow Engage/Shift Up Indicator Light

I.Green Right Turn Signal Indicator Light

J.Red Oil Pressure Warning Indicator Light

K.Red Zone

L.Yellow KTRC Warning Indicator Light

M.Yellow Engine Warning Indicator Light

N.Tachometer

Speedometer and Tachometer

The needle of the speedometer and tachometer momentarily sweeps from the minimum to maximum and back to minimum when the ignition key is turned to “ON”. This checks the operation of the meter needles, so if they do not operate correctly, have the function checked by an authorized Kawasaki dealer.

The speedometer shows the speed of the vehicle.

The tachometer shows the engine speed in revolutions per minute (r/min, rpm). On the right side of the tachometer face is a portion called the “red zone”. Engine r/min (rpm) in the

GENERAL INFORMATION 21

red zone is above maximum recommended engine speed and is also above the range for good performance.

NOTICE

Engine r/min (rpm) should not be allowed to enter the red zone; operation in the red zone will overstress the engine and may cause serious engine damage.

Multifunction Button

The multifunction button is located on the left handlebar switches. Select the various functions by pushing the multifunction button.

22 GENERAL INFORMATION

A.Multifunction Button

B.Upper Button

C.“SEL” Button

D.Lower Button

Multifunction Meter

When turning the ignition key to ON position, the animation and “Kawasaki” are displayed for about 4 seconds. Then, depending on the mode selected, the current mileage, average

mileage, cruising range, battery voltage or outside temperature and the odometer or trip meter are displayed.

A. “Kawasaki” Display

The multifunction meter displays the following modes.

•Odometer/Trip Meter A/Trip Meter B

•Coolant Temperature Meter

•Fuel Gauge

•Clock

•Mileage (Current Mileage/Average Mileage/Cruising Range)

• Battery Voltage		GENERAL INFORMATION 23
		When the lower button is pushed, the
• Outside Temperature		display mode can be shifted as follows.
• Gear Position
• Economical Riding Indicator
• Power Mode Indicator
• KTRC Mode Indicator
• KTRC Level Indicator
When the upper button is pushed, the
display mode can be shifted as follows.

24 GENERAL INFORMATION

When the “SEL” button is pushed, the display can be shifted as follows.

A.Power Mode Indicator

B.KTRC Mode Indicator

C.Main Display

For more detailed information about the KTRC or Power mode, see “Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC)” or “Power Mode” section in the HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE chapter.

Odometer/Trip Meters -

“ODO/TRIP A/TRIP B”

The trip meter and odometer can be shifted to ODO, TRIP A and TRIP B by pushing the lower button.

The odometer shows the total distance in kilometers or miles that the vehicle has been ridden. This meter cannot be reset.

NOTE

○The data is maintained even if the battery is disconnected.

○When the figures come to 999999, they are stopped and locked.

○The measurement unit of the odometer can be changed, refer to the “Setting Menu” item in this section.

The trip meter shows the distance in kilometers or miles traveled since they were last reset to 0.0.

TRIP A/B: 0.0 9999.9

NOTE

○The data is maintained even if the battery is disconnected.

○When the trip meter reaches 9999.9 while riding, the meter resets to 0.0 and continues counting.

○The measurement unit of the trip meter can be changed, refer to the “Setting Menu” item in this section.

GENERAL INFORMATION 25

To reset the trip meter:

•Push the lower button to display the TRIP A or TRIP B.

•Push the lower button for 2 seconds.

A. Push Lower Button for 2 Seconds

Coolant Temperature Meter -

The coolant temperature meter indicates temperature of the engine

coolant.

A. ODO/TRIP A/TRIP B

26 GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Coolant Temperature Meter

•If the coolant temperature is below 40°C (104°F), “– –” is displayed.

When the coolant temperature rises to above 40°C (104°F), the numerical value of the coolant temperature at the present state is displayed.

•If the coolant temperature rises to above 115°C (239°F) and below 120°C (248°F), the numerical value of the current coolant temperature starts blinking and the coolant warning symbol is displayed and the warning indicator light also goes on. This warns the operator that the coolant temperature is high.

A.Coolant Warning Symbol “”

B.Red Warning Indicator Light

If the coolant temperature rises to above 120°C (248°F), “HI” is displayed and starts blinking and the coolant warning symbol is displayed and the warning indicator light also goes on. This warns the operator that the coolant temperature is too high. Stop the engine and check the coolant level in the reserve tank after the engine cools down.

GENERAL INFORMATION 27

A.Coolant Warning Symbol “”

B.Red Warning Indicator Light

NOTICE

Do not let the engine continue running when the coolant temperature shows “HI”. Prolonged engine operation will result in severe engine damage from overheating.

28 GENERAL INFORMATION

Fuel Gauge -

The fuel in the fuel tank is shown by the number of segments displayed. When the fuel tank is full, all 6 segments are displayed. When the vehicle stands with the side stand, the fuel gauge cannot show the amount of fuel in the fuel tank exactly. Stand upright the vehicle to check the fuel level.

If the fuel gauge is not correctly displayed, have the fuel gauge checked by an authorized Kawasaki dealer.

A. Fuel Gauge

As the fuel level in the tank goes down, the segments disappear one by one from F (full) to E (empty). When the “E” segment is displayed in the fuel gauge, the “E” segment and the fuel

symbol () are blinking in the multifunction meter. This indicates that the usable remaining in the tank is approximately 4.2 L (1.1 US gal). Refuel at the earliest opportunity if the “E” segment

and fuel symbol () are blinking in the multifunction meter.

A. “E” Segment and Fuel Symbol ()

All of the segments and fuel symbol will blink in case of the open or short of the wiring. Have the wiring inspected by an authorized Kawasaki dealer immediately.

GENERAL INFORMATION 29

A. All Segments and Fuel Symbol ()

Clock -

This display shows the time.

When adjusting the clock, refer to the “Setting Menu” item in this section.