Maintenance and adjustment

Clutch

~2min read

Due to friction plate wear and clutch cable stretch over a long period of use, the clutch operation should be checked each day before riding the motorcycle, and must be adjusted in accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart.

Inspection

  • Check that the clutch lever operates properly and that the inner cable slides smoothly. If there is any irregularity, have the clutch cable checked by an authorized Kawasaki dealer.
  • Check the clutch lever play as shown in the figure.
Inspection

A. Adjuster

B. Clutch Lever Play

Clutch Lever Play


If the play is incorrect, adjust the lever play as follows.

Adjustment

  • Turn the adjuster so that the clutch lever will have the proper play.
WARNING

Excess clutch cable play could prevent clutch disengagement and cause a crash resulting in serious injury or death. When adjusting the clutch cable, be sure the upper end of the outer cable is fully seated in its fitting so that it doesn’t slip into place later and create excessive cable play.

  • If it cannot be done, have the clutch cable adjusted by an authorized Kawasaki dealer.
WARNING

The engine and exhaust system get extremely hot during normal operation and can cause serious burns. Never touch a hot engine or an exhaust pipe during clutch adjustment.

NOTE

  • After the adjustment is made, start the engine and check that the clutch does not slip and releases properly.
  • For minor corrections, use the adjuster at the clutch lever.

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.

Test yourself

A quick Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.