Segment:
Adventure Touring / Dual-Sport Motorcycle
Competitors:
Suzuki V-Strom DL1000, BMW R1150GS/R1200GS, Honda Africa Twin (earlier models), Yamaha TDM900.
Engine Type:
Share a common engine platform with Suzuki models (DL1000 V-Strom), known for its torque and reliability.
Design Philosophy:
Designed for long-distance touring and light off-road capability, emphasizing comfort and versatility.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, including cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, valve timing, lubrication system, cooling system.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch operation and adjustment, shift drum and fork inspection.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system diagnostics, injector servicing, fuel pump operation, throttle body cleaning and adjustment.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, ECU diagnostics, wiring diagrams.
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork service (oil change, seal replacement), rear shock absorber inspection, steering head bearing adjustment.
Brakes:
Brake system overhaul (master cylinder, calipers, lines), bleeding procedures, pad and rotor replacement.
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat mounting, luggage system integration.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, chain adjustment, brake fluid replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, error code interpretation (if applicable), fault finding techniques.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive (covers routine maintenance to full engine rebuilds and electrical diagnostics).
๐ Manual Specifications
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Readability:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.
Physical Format:
Not applicable for digital format, but if printed would typically be spiral-bound for lay-flat use.
Physical Format:
Not applicable for digital format.
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Type:
90-degree V-twin, four-stroke
Displacement:
996 cc (cubic centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
98.0 mm x 66.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.3:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approximately 98 PS (97 bhp, 72 kW) at 8,000 rpm (claimed)
Torque:
Approximately 10.1 kgfยทm (99 Nยทm, 73 lbยทft) at 6,500 rpm (claimed)
Induction:
Fuel Injection (Suzuki system adapted), Digital Fuel Injection (DFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 95 RON recommended
Length:
Approx. 2,255 mm (88.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 865 mm (34.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,390 mm (54.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1,535 mm (60.4 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 205 kg (452 lbs)
Wet Weight:
Approx. 230 kg (507 lbs) (curb weight, estimated)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
21 Liters (5.5 US gal)
Crash Test Data:
Not applicable for motorcycles in the same way as cars; focus is on rider safety features and handling.
Braking System:
Dual 310mm front discs with 4-piston calipers, Single 260mm rear disc with 2-piston caliper. ABS was an optional feature on some markets.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, multi-reflector tail lamp and indicators.
Frame Construction:
Semi-double cradle frame designed for stability and rigidity.
Ergonomics:
Comfortable riding position for long distances, adjustable windshield.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, digital speedometer, fuel gauge, clock, odometer, trip meters, coolant temperature warning light.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on certain models/markets.
Usb Charging:
Not standard from factory; aftermarket solutions are common.
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) managing fuel injection and ignition timing.
Oil Change:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Change:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Check:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 24,000 km (15,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-40 API SG, SH, SJ or higher; JASO MA certified.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 Liters (3.2 US qt) without filter change; Approx. 3.4 Liters (3.6 US qt) with filter change.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based coolant with distilled water (50/50 mix), freezing point -36ยฐC (-33ยฐF).
Fork Oil:
Show Motorcycle Fork Oil SAE 10W (or equivalent).
Stator Reliability:
Some owners have reported premature stator failure, a common issue on some Suzuki models of this era which Kawasaki also used.
Fuel Pump Issues:
Occasional reports of fuel pump degradation over time.
Engine Vibration:
While generally smooth, some riders note a characteristic V-twin vibration at certain RPM ranges.
Manufacturer:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Motorcycle & Engine division.
Development Origin:
Kawasaki repurposed Suzuki's 996cc V-twin engine, sharing significant componentry with the Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom, to create their own adventure touring offering.
Production Years:
2004-2007
Manufacturing Location:
Likely Japan, leveraging Suzuki's production facilities.
๐ Awards & Recognition
Reviews:
Generally well-received for its touring capability and value proposition compared to European competitors, despite its shared platform with Suzuki.
Performance Reviews:
Praised for its tractable engine and comfortable chassis, making it suitable for long rides.
