Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R ABS 2013 Owner's manual
Quick Reference Guide
This Quick Reference Guide will
assist you in finding the information
you’re looking for.
A Table of Contents is included after
the Foreword.
SAFETY INFORMATION j
GENERAL INFORMATION j
HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE j
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT j
APPENDIX j
MAINTENANCE RECORD j
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 in-
jury.
WARNING
WARNING indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
NOTICE is used to address prac-
tices not related to personal in-
jury.
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 p e rfo rmance.
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 n ot 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 be twee n 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 H eavy Industries, Ltd. May 17, 2013. (1)
Emission Control Information
To protect the environment in which we all live, Kawasaki has incorporated
crankcase emission (1) and exhaust emission (2) control systems in compliance
with applicable regulations of the U nited States Environmental Protection Agency
and California Air Resources Board. Additionally, K awasaki has incorporated
an evaporative emission control system (3) in compliance with applicable regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and California Air
Resources Board.
1. Crankcase Emission Control System
This system eliminates the release of crankcase vapors into the atmosphere.
Instead, the vapors are routed through an oil separator to the intake side of the
engine. While the engine is operating, the vapors are drawn into the combustion
chamber, where they are burned along with the fuel and air supplied by the fuel
injection system.
2. Exhaust Emission Control System
This system reduces the amount of pollutants discharged into the atmosphere
by the exhaust of this motorcycle. The fuel, ignition and exhaust systems of this
motorcycle have been carefully designed and constructed to ensure an efficient
engine with low exhaust pollutant levels. The exhaust system of this model motorcycle includes a catalytic converter system.
3. Evaporative Emission Control System
The evaporative emission control system for this vehicle consists of low perme-
ation fuel hoses and fuel tank.
3. Evaporative Emission Control System (California)
Vapors caused by fuel evaporation in the fuel system are not vented into the
atmosphere. Instead, fuel vapors are routed into the running engine to be burned,
or stored in a canister when the engine is stopped.
High Altitude Performance Adjustment Information
High Altitude adjustment is not required.
Maintenance and Warranty
Proper maintenance is necessary to ensure that your motorcycle will continue to
have low emission levels. This Owner ’s Manual contains those maintenance recommendations for your motorcycle. Those items identified by the Periodic Maintenance Chart are necessary to ensure compliance with the applicable standards.
As the owner of this motorcycle, you have the responsibility to make sure that
the recommended maintenance is carried out according to the instructions in this
Owner’s Manual at your own expense.
The Kawasaki Limited Emission Control System Warranty requires that you return your motorcycle to an authorized Kawasaki dealer for remedy under warranty.
Please rea d the warranty carefully, and keep it valid by complying with the owner’s
obligations it contains.
You should keep a maintenance record for your motorcycle. To assist you in
keeping this record, we have provided space on pages 180 through 185 of this
manual where an authorized Kawasaki dealer, or someone equally competent, can
record the maintenance. You should also retain copies of maintenance work orders,
bills, etc., as verification of this maintenance.
Tampering With Noise Control System Prohibited
Federal law prohibits the following acts or the causing thereof: (1) the removal or
rendering inoperative by any person other than for purposes of maintenance, repair, or replacement, of any device or element of design incorporated into any new
vehicle for the purpose of noise control prior to its sale or delivery to the ultimate
purchaser or while it is in use, or (2) the use of the vehicle after such device o r
element of design has been removed or rendered inoperative by any person.
Among those acts presumed to constitute tampering are the acts listed below:
* Replacement of the original exhaust system or muffler with a component not in
compliance with Federal regulations.
* Removal of the muffler(s) or any internal portion of the muffler(s).
* Removal of the air box or air box cover.
* Modifications to the muffler(s) or air intake system by cuttin g, drilling, or oth er
means if such modifications result in in crea sed noise levels.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION .................... 13
Read Owner’s Manual ..................... 13
Training ............................................ 13
Daily Checks and Periodic
Maintenance ................................. 13
Loading and Accessories
Information.................................... 14
Passenger .................................... 15
Baggage and Luggage ................. 16
Accessories .................................. 16
Other Load.................................... 17
If You are Involved in an Accident .... 17
Safe Operation ................................. 18
Carbon Monoxide Hazard............. 18
Fueling.......................................... 19
Never Ride with Drugs or Alcohol . 19
Protective Gear and Clothing ....... 19
Safe Riding Techniques................ 20
Additional Co nsiderations for High
Speed Operation ....................... 22
GENERAL INFORMATION................. 24
Specifications................................... 24
Serial Number Locations.................. 28
Location of Labels ............................ 29
Location of Parts .............................. 38
Meter Instruments ............................ 41
Tachometer................................... 43
Multifunction Meter ....................... 44
Indicator Lights ............................. 54
Warning Indicator Lights ............... 61
Keys ................................................. 65
Ignition Switch/Steering Lock ........... 66
Right Handlebar Switches ................ 68
Left Handlebar Switches .................. 69
Brake Lever Adjuster........................ 70
Fuel Tank Cap .................................. 70
Fuel Tank ......................................... 71
Side Stand ....................................... 76
Seat.................................................. 77
Helmet Hooks................................... 81
Tool Kit ............................................. 81
Air Cleaner Intake ............................ 82
Event Data Recorder........................ 82
HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE .84
Break-In ........................................... 84
Starting the Engine .......................... 85
Jump Starting ................................... 88
Moving Off........................................ 90
Shifting Gears .................................. 91
Braking............................................. 93
Kawasaki Intelligent anti-lock
Brake System (KIBS, For models
equipped with KIBS) ..................... 94
Stopping the Engine......................... 96
Stopping the Motorcycle in an
Emergency ................................... 97
Parking............................................. 98
Kawasaki TRaction Control (KTRC). 99
Power Mode ..................................... 103
KTRC and Power Mode
Combination ................................. 104
MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 106
Daily Checks .................................... 108
Periodic Maintenance....................... 111
Engine Oil ........................................ 116
Coolant............................................. 119
Air Cleaner ....................................... 122
Throttle Control System ................... 126
Idle Speed ........................................ 128
Clutch............................................... 129
Drive Chain ...................................... 131
Brakes.............................................. 135
Brake Light Switches........................ 138
Suspension System ......................... 139
Front Fork ..................................... 139
Rear Shock Absorber ................... 142
Setting Tables............................... 1 45
Wheels ............................................. 148
Battery.............................................. 151
Headlight.......................................... 155
Fuses ............................................... 157
General Lubrication.......................... 158
Cleaning Your Motorcycle ................ 1 60
General Precautions ..................... 160
Washing Your Motorcycle ............. 161
APPENDIX .......................................... 166
Storage ............................................ 166
Troubleshooting Guide..................... 169
Your Warranty/Owner Satisfaction ... 170
Reporting Safety Defects ................. 176
Environmental Protection ................. 177
MAINTENANCE RECORD ................. 178
SAFETY INFORMATIO N
SAFETY INFORM ATION 13
Read Owner’s Manual
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 fe atures , capabilities, and limitations. This manual offers many safe
riding tips, but its purpose is not to provide instruction in all of the techniques
and skills required to ride a motorcycle
safely.
Training
Kawasaki strongly recommends that
all operators of this vehicle complete a
suitable motorcycle rider training program to learn the proper skills and techniques necessary for safe m otorcycle
operation.
Daily Checks and Periodic Maintenance
It is important to keep your motorcycle properly maintained and in safe riding condition. Inspect your motorcycle before every ride and carry out all
periodic maintenance. See the Daily
Checks section and the Periodic Maintenance section in the MAINTENANCE
AND ADJUSTMENT chapter for more
information.
WARNING
Failure to perform these checks
or to correct a problem before
operation may result in serious
damage or an accident. Alwa ys
perform daily checks before op-
eration.
14 SAFETY INFORMATION
To ensure your motorcycle is serviced using the latest servicing information, it is recommended that an
authorized Kawasaki Dealer performs
the periodic maintenance as directed
in the Owner’s Manual.
If you notice any irregular operating condition, have your motorcycle
thoroughly checked at an authorized
Kawasaki dealer as soon as possible.
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. B efore you ride the
motorcycle, make sure it is not
overloaded and that you have
followed these in structions.
Maximum L oad
Weight of rider, passenger, baggage,
and accessories must not exceed 180 kg
(397 lb).
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
SAFETY INFORM ATION 15
or use of accessories, or motorcycle
modification, will void the motorcycle
warranty; can negatively affect performance, stability and safety; 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 othe r persons
involved.
NOTE
Kawasaki Parts and Accessories
○
have been specially designed for
use on Kawasaki motorcycles. We
strongly recommend that all parts
and a ccessories you add to your
motorcycle be genuine Kawasaki
components.
Because a moto rcyc le is sensitive to
changes in weight and aerodynamic
forces, you must take extreme care in
carrying cargo, passengers and/or in
fitting additional accessories. The following general guidelines have been
prepared to assist you in m aking your
determinations.
Passenger
1. Never carry more than one passenger.
2. The passenger should only sit on the
pillion.
3. 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 sits still
while the motorcycle is in motion
and not interfere with the operation
of the motorcycle. Do not carry animals on your motorcycle.
16 SAFETY INFORMATION
4. Do not carry passengers unless
passenger footpegs are installed.
Instruct any passenger before riding
to keep his or her 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 with
their feet.
Baggage and Luggage
1. All baggage should be carried as
low as possible to reduce the effect
on the motorcycle’s 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.
2. 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.
3. Do not carry heavy or bulky items
on a luggage rack. It is designed
for light items, and overloading can
affect handling due to changes in
weight distribution and aerodynamic
forces.
Accessories
1. Do not install accessories or carry
baggage that impairs the performance of the motorcycle. Make
sure that you have not adversely
affected any lighting components,
road clearance, banking capability
(i.e., lean angle), control operation,
wheel travel, front fork movement,
SAFETY INFORM ATION 17
or any other aspects of the motorcycle’s operation.
2. Weight attached to the handlebar or
front fork will increase the mass of
the s teering assembly and can result in an unsafe riding condition.
3. Fairings, windshields, backrests,
and other large items have the capability of adversely affecting stability and handling of t he motorcycle,
not only due to their weight, but
also due to the aerodynamic force
acting on these surfaces while the
motorcycle is in operation. Poorly
designed or installed items can result in an unsafe riding condition.
Other Load
1. This motorcycle is not intended to
be equipped with a sidecar or to be
used to tow any trailers or other vehicles. 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
thattheeffectscanbeadverseand
that Kawasaki cannot assume responsibility for the results of such
unintended use of the motorcycle.
2. Furthermore, any adverse effects on
motorcycle components caused by
the use of such accessories will not
be remedied under warranty.
If You are Involved in an Accident
Make sure of your own safety first.
Determine the severity of any injuries
and call for emergency assistance if
needed. Always follow applicable laws
18 SAFETY INFORMATION
and regulations if any other person, vehicle or property is involved.
Do not attempt to continue riding
without first evaluating your motorcycle’s condition. Inspect for fluid leaks,
check critical nuts and bolts, and check
the handlebars, control levers, brakes,
and wheels for damage and proper
function. Ride slowly and cautiously
- your motorcycle may have suffered
damage that is not immediately apparent. Have your motorcycle thoroughly
checked at a Kawasaki dealer as soon
as possible.
Safe Operation
The following should be carefully observed for safe and effective vehicle
operation.
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
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.
SAFETY INFORM ATION 19
Fueling
WARNING
Gasoline is extreme ly flammable
and can be explosive under certain conditions.
To avoid a possible fire or explosion, turn the ignition switch to
“OFF.” Do not smoke. Make sure
theareaiswellventilatedand
free from any source of flame or
sparks; this includes any appliance with a pilot light.
Never Ride with Drugs or Alcohol
Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and reaction time. Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while
riding motorcycles.
Protective Gear and Clothing
Helmet
Kawasaki strongly recommends both
the operator and passenger wear a
DOT-approved helmet even if this is
not a legal requirement.
- Make sure that your helmet fits cor-
rectly and is p roperly fastened.
- Choose a motorcycle helmet that
meets DOT safety standards. Ask
your motorcycle dealer to advise
you if necessary.
20 SAFETY INFORMATION
Eye Protection
Always use eye protection. If your
helmet does not have a visor installed,
wear goggles.
Gloves
Wear gloves which have suitable
protection for your hands, especially
against abrasion .
Clothing
Wear protective clothing.
- Wear bright, highly visible clothing
that allows freedom of movement
to suit your riding style.
- Always wear a long- s lee ve d jacket
and long trousers which are abrasion resistant and keep you warm.
- Avoid wearing clothes which have
loose cuffs or other fastenings
which could interfere with the controls of your motorcycle.
Boots
Wear proper protective boots that fit
properly and do not interfere with gear
shifting or braking.
Safe Riding Techniques
Keep Hands on Handlebars
When riding always keep both hands
on the handlebars and both feet on the
footpegs. Removing your hands from
the handlebars or feet from the footpegs while riding can be hazardous. If
you remove even one hand or foot, you
reduce your ability to control the motorcycle.
Look Over Your Shoulder
Before changing lanes, look over
your shoulder to make sure the way
is clear. Do not rely so lely on the rear
SAFETY INFORM ATION 21
view mirror; you may misjudge a vehicle’s distance and speed, or you may
not see it at all.
Accelerate and Brake Smoothly
In general your actions should be
smooth as sudden acceleration, braking or turning may cause loss of control,
especially when riding in wet conditions
or on loose road surfaces, when the
ability to maneuver will be reduced.
Select Correct Gear Speeds
When going up steep slopes, shift to
a lower gear so that there is power to
spare rather than overloading the engine.
Use Both Front and Rear Brakes
When applying the brakes, use both
the front and rear brakes. Applying
only one brake for sudden braking may
cause the motorcycle to skid and lose
control.
Use Eng ine Brake
When going down long slopes, help
control vehicle speed by closing the
throttle so that the eng ine can act as an
auxiliary brake. Use the front and rear
brakes for primary braking.
Riding in Wet Conditions
Rely more on the throttle to control
vehicle speed and less on the front and
rear brakes. The throttle should also be
used judiciously to avoid skidding the
rear wheel from too rapid acceleration
or deceleration.
Braking performance is also reduced
in wet conditions. Carefully ride at a
slow speed and apply the brakes several times to help dry and restores them
to normal operating performance.
Lubricate the drive chain after wet
-weather riding to prevent rust and corrosion.
22 SAFETY INFORMATION
Ride Prudently
Riding at the proper speed and avoiding unnecessarily fast acceleration are
important not only for safety and low
fuel consumption but also for long vehicle life and quieter operation.
Riding on Rough Roads
Exercise caution, slow down, and
grip the fuel tank with the knees for
better stability.
Acceleration
When quick acceleration is necessary to pass another vehicle, shift to
a lower gear to obtain the necessary
power.
Downshifting
To avoid engine damage and rear
-wheel lock-up do not downshift at high
rpm.
Avoid Unnecessary Weaving
Unnecessary weaving jeopardizes
the safety of both the rider and other
motorists.
Additional Considerations for
High Speed Operation
WARNING
Handling characteristics of a
motorcycleathighspeedsmay
vary from those you are fam iliar
with at legal highway speeds.
Do not attempt high speed oper-
ation unless you have received
sufficient training and have the
required skills.
Do not operate at high speeds on
public roads.
SAFETY INFORM ATION 23
Brakes
The importance of the brakes, especially during high speed operation,
cannot be overemphasized. Check to
see that they are correctly adjusted and
functioning properly.
Steering
Looseness in the steering can cause
loss of control. Check to see that the
handlebar turns freely but has no play.
Tires
High speed operation is hard on tires,
and good tires are crucial for safe riding. Examine their overall condition, inflate them to the proper pressure, and
check the wheel balance.
Fuel
Have sufficient fuel for the high fuel
consumption during high speed operation.
Engine Oil
To avoid engine seizure and resulting
loss of control, make sure that the oil
level is at the upper level line.
Coolant
To avoid overheating, check that the
coolant level is at the upper level line.
Electrical Equipment
Make sure that the headlight,
tail/brake light, turn signals, horn, etc.,
all work properly.
Miscellaneous
Make sure that all nuts and bolts are
tight and that all safety related parts are
in good condition.
24 GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Specifications
PERFORMAN
Minimum Turning Radius
DIMENSIO
Overall L
Overall W
Overall H
Wheelbase
Road Cle
Curb Mass
ENGINE
Type
Displacement
Bore × S
CE
NS
ength
idth
eight
arance
troke
3.4 m (134 i
2085mm(8
705 mm (27
1115mm(4
1395mm(
130 mm (5
(ZX636E)192 kg (4
(ZX636F)194 kg (4
DOHC, 4
636 cm³
67.0 × 4
n.)
2.09 in.)
.8 in.)
3.90 in.)
54.92 in.)
.12 in.)
23 lb)
28 lb)
-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled
(38.8cuin.)
5.1 mm (2.64 × 1.78 in.)
GENERAL INFORMATION 25
Compression Ratio 12.9 : 1
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)
nTiming
Ignitio
(Electronically advanced)
Spark Plug
Type
12.5° BTDC @1 300 r/min (rpm) ∼ 36.4° BTDC @4
800 r/min (rpm)
NGK CR9E
Gap 0.7 ∼ 0.8 mm (0.028 ∼ 0.031 in.)
Lubrication System Forced lubrication (wet sump)
Engine Oil:
Type
Viscosity
API SG, SH, SJ, SL, or SM with JASO MA, MA1 or MA2
SAE 10W-40
Capacity 3.6 L (3.8 US qt)
Coolant Capacity 2.5 L (2.6 US qt)
TRANSMISSION
Transmission Type
6-speed, return shift
26 GENERAL INFORMATION
Clutch Type Wet, multi disc
Driving System Chain drive
Primary Reduction Ratio 1.900 (76/40)
Final Reduction Ratio 2.688 (43/16)
Overall Drive Ratio 6.638 (Top gear)
Gear Ratio: 1st 2.846 (37/13)
2nd 2.200 (33/15)
3rd 1.850 (37/20)
4th 1.600 (32/20)
5th 1.421 (27/19)
6th 1.300 (26/20)
FRAME
Castor 23.5°
Trail 101 mm (3.98 in.)
Tire Size: Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)
GENERAL INFORMATION 27
Rim Size: Front J17M/C × MT3.50
Rear J17M/C × MT5.50
Fuel Tank Capacity 17 L (4.5 US gal)
Brake Fluid: Front DOT4
Rear DOT4
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Battery 12 V 8 Ah
Headlight: High Beam 12 V 55 W
Low Beam 12 V 55 W
Tail/Brake Light LED
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.
28 GENERAL INFORMATION
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 s erial 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.
A. Engine Number
Frame No.
A. Frame Number
Location of Labels
All warning labels which are on your
vehicle are repeated here. Read labels
on your vehicle and understand them
thoroughly. They contain information
which is important for your safety and
the safety of anyone else who may operate your vehicle. Therefore, it is very
important that all warning labels be on
your vehicle in the locations shown. If
any label is missing, damaged, or worn,
get a replacement from your Kawasaki
dealer and install it in the co rrect position.
NOTE
The sample warning labels in this
○
section have part numbers to help
GENERAL INFORMATION 29
you and your dealer obtain the correct replacement.
Refer to the actual vehicle label for
○
model specific d ata grayed out in the
illustration.
1. Brake Fluid (Front)
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