Segment:
Sport-Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Touring riders seeking performance, comfort, and long-distance capability
Key Competitors:
BMW R 1200 RT, Honda ST1300, Yamaha FJR1300
Engine Base:
Derived from the Ninja ZX-14R platform
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive for low maintenance touring
Ergonomics:
Comfortable riding position, adjustable windscreen, integrated luggage system capability
Electronics:
ABS, K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Traction Control) in later models, linked braking system
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, ECU diagnosis, sensors, and actuators
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, coolant flow, and pressure testing
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil passages, and oil pressure checks
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gear shift mechanism, internal transmission components, and final drive (shaft drive)
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and evaporative emissions control
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, mufflers, and emissions control components
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator/stator), starting system, lighting, indicators, and horn
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU control, and timing
Chassis Suspension:
Front forks (telescopic, cartridge), rear shock absorber, swingarm, and suspension adjustments
Braking System:
Hydraulic system, brake calipers, master cylinders, brake pads, brake discs, ABS system (if equipped), and fluid replacement
Steering System:
Handlebars, steering stem bearings, and steering lock mechanism
Wheels Tires:
Wheel bearing inspection and replacement, tire pressure recommendations, and wheel balancing
Bodywork Fairings:
Removal and installation of fairings, body panels, and aerodynamic components
Lighting Instruments:
Headlight, taillight, turn signals, instrument cluster, and wiring harness
Accessories Luggage:
Installation and servicing of factory or optional luggage systems (e.g., saddlebags, top case mounts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, fluid checks, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), electrical system troubleshooting
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair, replacement, and rebuilding
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed procedures for removing and reinstalling all major components and sub-assemblies
Adjustments:
Clutch adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, suspension preload adjustment, idle speed adjustment
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, measurement specifications (e.g., clearances, pressures), tolerances
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair operations
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds
Diagnostic Capability:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Visual Aids:
Extensive use of detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, drawings, and photographs
Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve Inline-Four
Displacement:
1352 cc (82.5 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 x 61.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Approx:
Approx. 155 hp @ 8,800 rpm (claimed, may vary by region/spec)
Torque Approx:
Approx. 100 lb-ft @ 6,200 rpm (claimed, may vary by region/spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection with Dual 38mm throttle bodies (IDX)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Capacity:
6.1 US gal (23 L)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,700 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, refer to manual for exact mileage
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40, API SG or SH, JASO MA certified motorcycle oil
Oil Capacity W Filter:
Approx. 3.4 US qt (3.2 L)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically around 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Coolant Type:
High-quality ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Final Drive Oil Type:
Hypoid gear oil, API GL-4 or GL-5 (refer to manual for specific viscosity and type)
Common Concerns:
Some owners report minor electrical gremlins, clutch slave cylinder issues (rare), or fuel sender unit accuracy. Many of these are addressed by revisions or documented in this manual.
Tire Wear:
Due to performance, sport-touring tires may wear faster than expected in aggressive riding.