14 GENERAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

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 correct position.

NOTE

○

The sample warning labels in this section have part numbers to help you and your dealer obtain the correct replacement.

1. Brake Fluid (Front)

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GENERAL INFORMATION 15

2. Brake Fluid (Rear)

3. Radiator Cap Danger

4. Rear Shock Absorber Warning

16 GENERAL INFORMATION

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5. Important Information

6. Front Fork Warning

1)

2)

3)

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GENERAL INFORMATION 17

4)

18 GENERAL INFORMATION

5) 6)

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1. This vehicle is designed for the operator only, no passengers.

2. This vehicle is a competition model only and was not manufactured for use on public streets, roads or highways.

3. The use of this vehicle should be limited to participation in sanctioned competition events upon a closed course.This vehicle should not be used for general off-road recreational riding.

4. Read owner's manual

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GENERAL INFORMATION 19

Location of Parts

1. Clutch Lever

2. Engine Stop Button

3. Launch Control Mode Button

4. Orange Launch Control Mode/FI Warning Indicator Light

5. Fuel Tank Cap

6. Front Brake Fluid Reservoir

7. Front Brake Lever

8. Throttle Grip

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20 GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Front Fork

2. Radiator

3. Fuel Tank

4. Throttle Body Assy

5. Seat

6. Air Cleaner Element

7. Brake Disc

8. Brake Caliper

9. Shift Pedal

10. Footpeg

11. Rear Shock Absorber

12. Drive Chain

13. Chain Guide

14. Swingarm

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GENERAL INFORMATION 21

1. Muffler

2. Rear Brake Fluid Reservoir

3. Rear Shock Absorber Gas Reservoir

4. Kick Pedal

5. DFI Setting Data Selection Connector

6. Uni-Trak ® Tie-Rod and Rocker Arm

7. Rear Brake Pedal

8. Oil Level Inspection Window

9. Exhaust Pipe

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22 GENERAL INFORMATION

Side Stand

To install the side stand, insert its flat end into the rear axle as shown in the figure.

A. Side Stand

B. Rear Axle

WARNING

Riding with the side stand can cause a crash resulting in injury. Do not start the engine or attempt to ride the motorcycle when the side stand is installed.

NOTE

○

Support the motorcycle with a suitable stand to perform maintenance or adjustment procedures.

Fuel

Fuel Requirements:

Your Kawasaki engine is designed to use only unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating shown below. Never use gasoline with an octane rating lower than the minimum specified by Kawasaki to prevent severe engine damage.

The octane rating of a gasoline is a measure of its resistance to detonation or “ knocking ” . The term commonly used to describe a gasoline

’ s octane rating is the Research Octane Number (RON).

NOTICE

If engine

“ knocking

” or

“ pinging

” occurs, use a different brand of gasoline of a higher octane rating. If this condition is allowed to continue, it can lead to severe engine damage.

Gasoline quality is important. Fuels of low quality or not meeting standard industry specifications may result in unsatisfactory performance.

Fuel Type and Octane Rating

Use clean, fresh unleaded gasoline and an octane rating equal to or higher than that shown in the table.

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GENERAL INFORMATION 23

Fuel Type Unleaded Gasoline

Ethanol Content E10 or less

Minimum Octane

Rating

Research Octane Number

(RON)

95

NOTICE

Do not use any fuel that contains more ethanol or other oxygenates than specified for

E10 fuel* in this vehicle. Damage to the engine and fuel system, or engine starting and/or performance problems may result from the use of improper fuel.

*E10 means fuel containing up to 10% ethanol as specified by European directive.

Filling the Tank:

This Kawasaki KX has a 4-stroke engine that requires a gasoline.

The capacity of the fuel tank is 6.2 L (1.6 US gal).

To open the fuel tank cap, pull out the breather hose from the hole in the steering stem, and turn the tank cap counterclockwise.

A. Fuel Tank Cap

B. Breather Hose

Avoid filling the tank in the rain or where heavy dust is blowing so that the fuel does not get contaminated.

24 GENERAL INFORMATION

A. Tank Cap

B. Fuel Tank

C. Top Level

D. Filler Neck

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WARNING

Gasoline is extremely flammable and can be explosive under certain conditions. Always stop the engine and 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 pilot light. Never fill the tank so the fuel level rises into the filler neck. If the tank is overfilled, heat may cause the fuel to expand and overflow through the vents in the tank cap. After refueling, make sure the fuel tank cap is closed securely. If gasoline is spilled on the fuel tank, wipe it off immediately.

NOTICE

Certain ingredients in gasoline may cause paint fading or damage. Be extra careful not to spill fuel during refueling.

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Kick Pedal

This motorcycle is equipped with a primary kick starting system. When the clutch lever is pulled, the motorcycle can be started with the transmission in any gear.

A. Kick Pedal

GENERAL INFORMATION 25

Starting the Engine

•

Shift the transmission into neutral.

WARNING

Riding with the side stand can cause a crash resulting in injury. Do not start the engine or attempt to ride the motorcycle when the side stand is installed.

NOTICE

This motorcycle is designed for competition use only. Therefore, the radiator does not incorporate a coolant reserve tank or cooling fan. Prolonged idling of the engine with no airflow through the radiator can cause coolant loss and engine overheating resulting in possible engine damage. Any riding conditions that increase engine temperature will further reduce idling time before coolant loss occurs. These conditions include high ambient temperature, sandy or muddy terrain, or other conditions causing high engine loads at low speeds. Furthermore, warming the engine up excessively before operation, or leaving idling with the hot engine temperature after operation results in the engine overheating, too.

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26 GENERAL INFORMATION

When engine is cold •

Pull out the idle adjusting screw/choke knob.

When engine is already warm or restarts •

Kick the engine over, leaving the throttle closed without using the idle adjusting screw/choke knob.

NOTE

○

If the engine fails starting, open the throttle fully and depress the kick pedal slowly about 4 ~ 5 times to clear too rich fuel mixtures in the engine.

Then, kick the engine over, leaving the throttle closed.

A. Idle Adjusting Screw/Choke Knob

•

Find the kick pedal position around the top so that the resistance to depress the kick pedal is fully felt by pushing down the kick pedal slowly.

•

Kick the engine over, leaving the throttle closed.

NOTE

○

When the clutch lever is pulled, the motorcycle can be started with the transmission in any gear.

•

Even after the engine has started, do not push back immediately the idle adjusting screw/choke knob until the engine is thoroughly warmed up.

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Launch Control Mode

The launch control mode can be used to adjust ignition timing to help riders get better starts on slippery terrain.

The system's effectiveness is dependent on rider skill, technique and terrain conditions.

Launch Control Mode Setting

•

The launch control mode can be set when the engine is running and in neutral, 1st or 2nd gear.

When activated, it only functions in 1st and 2nd gear.

•

When pushing the launch control mode button for over two seconds, the orange launch control mode indicator light will blink to indicate the system is operating.

GENERAL INFORMATION 27

•

When shifting into 3rd, the system is deactivated automatically.

A. Launch Control Mode Button

B. Orange Launch Control Mode/FI Warning Indicator Light

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28 GENERAL INFORMATION

DFI Setting Data Selection

Three DFI settings are available to suit various track conditions. They are easily activated by changing the wiring connector on the side of the frame when the engine is stopped.

Track Condition Connector Color

Soft

Standard

White

Green

Hard Black

•

Change the connector on the right front of the frame to suit the track condition with the engine stopped.

NOTE

○

If the connector is changed while the engine is running, the DFI setting does not change.

○

The ECU is set to the standard track condition when operated without a connector. However, always have one of the three connectors attached when riding to prevent dust and mud from accumulating in the connector harness.

○

The KX FI calibration kit (Part No.: 99999-0394 can be used for changing the DFI setting.

A. Connector

Shifting Gears

This motorcycle is equipped with a 5-speed

“ return shift

” transmission. The neutral is located halfway between 1st and 2nd gear.

“

Return shift

” means that when shifting up or down, each gear must be engaged before the next higher or lower gear may be selected.

•

To engage first gear from the neutral position, pull in the clutch lever and push down on the shift pedal, gently release the clutch lever, then release the shift pedal.

•

To shift up to the next gear, pull in the clutch lever, lift the shift pedal with your toes, gently release the clutch lever, and then release the shift pedal.

•

To shift down to the next gear, pull in the clutch lever, push the shift pedal down as far as it will go, gently release the clutch lever, then release the shift pedal.

NOTICE

When changing gears, press firmly on the shift pedal to ensure proper shifting. Careless, incomplete shifting can cause the transmission to jump out of gear and lead to engine damage.

A. Shift Pedal

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GENERAL INFORMATION 29

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30 GENERAL INFORMATION

Stopping the Motorcycle

For maximum deceleration, close the throttle and apply both front and rear brakes. Pull in the clutch lever as the motorcycle comes to a stop. Independent use of the front or rear brake may be advantageous in certain circumstances.

Shift down progressively to ensure good engine response at all speeds.

Stopping the Engine

•

Shift the transmission into the neutral position.

•

Close the throttle completely and push the engine stop button.

A. Engine Stop Button

Break-In

A brief break-in procedure must be carried out to obtain the proper operating clearances in the engine and transmission, which are necessary for performance and reliability.

NOTICE

For the first hour or 20 km (12 mile) of operation, run the engine at low and moderate engine speeds. See details below.

Break in the engine as follows.

1. Start the engine and let it idle until it is thoroughly warmed up.

2. Ride the motorcycle for about 20 minutes within

1/2 throttle opening.

3. Stop and let the engine cool completely. Be sure to check the tightness of nuts and bolts, oil leakage, coolant leakage and any irregularities.

4. Start the engine and ride the motorcycle for about 40 minutes within 3/4 throttle opening.

5. Stop and let the engine cool completely. Be sure to fully check the tightness of nuts and bolts, oil leakage, and any irregularities, especially, each cable elongation, brake play, chain slack and spoke tightness.

6. Change the engine oil, oil filter and front fork/rear shock absorber oil to the new one.

7. After the break-in procedure has been properly carried out, the motorcycle is ready for regular operation. Using the proper riding skills and

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GENERAL INFORMATION 31 techniques and avoiding recklessly high engine speeds will keep the engine trouble-free.

NOTICE

When any following parts have been replaced, the same break-in procedure as the new motorcycle must be carried out for one hour or 20 km (12 mile):

Cylinder, Piston, Piston pin, Piston ring,

Valve, Valve lifter, Camshaft, Crankshaft, Mission gear, etc.

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32 GENERAL INFORMATION

Daily Pre-Ride Checks

Check the following items each day before you ride. The time required is minimal, and habitual performance of these checks will help ensure a safe, reliable ride.

If any irregularities are found during these checks, refer to the appropriate section and take the action required to return the motorcycle to a safe operating condition.

WARNING

Failure to perform these checks before operation may result in serious damage or an accident. Always perform daily checks before operation.

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.

Engine

Engine Oil ....................................

No leakage

Level correct

Coolant ........................................

No leakage

Level correct (engine cold)

Radiator Cap ...............................

Properly installed

Spark Plug ...................................

Correctly torqued

Cylinder Head Cover ...................

Correctly torqued

Clutch ..........................................

Functions properly

Air Cleaner ..................................

Clean

Apply oil to air cleaner element

Properly installed

Muffler .........................................

No damage

Properly installed

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Engine Sprocket ..........................

No wear or damage

Frame

Tires .............................................

Overall condition good

No wear or damage

Pressure correct

Air valve cap installed

Spokes ........................................

No looseness

Drive Chain .................................

Overall condition good

Chain slack correct

Oil if necessary

Front and Rear Brakes ................

Function properly

Lever and pedal play correct

No fluid leakage

Throttle ........................................

Functions properly

Throttle grip returns smoothly

Steering .......................................

Smooth but not loose from lock to lock

No binding due to control cables

Front Fork ....................................

Functions properly

No oil leakage

Air pressure correct

Rear Shock Absorber ..................

Functions properly

No oil leakage

Fuel Tank .....................................

Mounted securely

No fuel leakage

Rear Sprocket .............................

No wear or damage

Engine Stop Button .....................

Functions properly

Launch Control Mode Button ......

Functions properly

Nuts, Bolts, Fasteners .................

Properly tightened

GENERAL INFORMATION 33

34 GENERAL INFORMATION

After-Race Checks

After racing, first clean the motorcycle, then inspect the entire motorcycle with special attention to the air cleaner, brakes, etc.

Carry out the general lubrication and make necessary adjustments.

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