1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R Manual

The 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 1000R is a high-performance sport motorcycle featuring a 997cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine, 6-speed transmission, dual front disc brakes, and advanced aerodynamic fairing. This manual covers maintenance procedures, specifications, troubleshooting, and operational guidelines for proper care and optimal performance of your Ninja 1000R.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Instruments 5. Engine Maintenance 6. Electrical System 7. Brake System 8. Suspension and Chassis 9. Troubleshooting 10. Safety Information

Features at a Glance

Key components: 997cc DOHC inline-4 engine, Aerodynamic full fairing, Digital instrumentation, Anti-dive front forks, Uni-Trak rear suspension.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	997cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC inline-4
Power Output	125 hp @ 9,500 rpm
Transmission	6-speed constant mesh
Front Brakes	Dual hydraulic disc with 2-piston calipers
Rear Brake	Single hydraulic disc
Suspension Front	Air-assisted telescopic fork with anti-dive
Suspension Rear	Uni-Trak system with adjustable preload
Fuel Capacity	5.8 gallons (22 liters)
Weight	529 lbs (240 kg) wet
Seat Height	30.7 inches (780 mm)

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Engine Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 6 months
Oil Filter Replacement: Every other oil change
Air Filter Cleaning: Every 6,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement: Every 7,500 miles
Brake Fluid Change: Every 2 years or 12,000 miles
Chain Adjustment: Every 500 miles
Valve Clearance Check: Every 15,000 miles

WARNING! Always use genuine Kawasaki parts for replacement. Improper maintenance can lead to component failure.

Specifications

Engine: 997cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC inline-4
Bore x Stroke: 74.0 x 58.0 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.8:1
Fuel System: (4) 34mm Mikuni CV carburetors
Ignition: Transistorized electronic
Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh
Final Drive: #530 chain
Frame Type: Double cradle steel
Wheelbase: 59.1 inches (1500 mm)
Fuel Capacity: 5.8 gallons (22 liters)

Controls and Instruments

Handlebar controls: Clutch lever, front brake lever, throttle, choke, horn, turn signals, headlight switch, starter button.

Instrument Cluster: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, odometer, tripmeter, neutral indicator, high beam indicator, turn signal indicators.

Right Handlebar: Engine stop switch, starter button, throttle grip. Left Handlebar: Clutch lever, choke lever, turn signal switch, horn button, headlight dimmer switch.

Engine Maintenance

Regular engine maintenance is crucial for performance and reliability.

Oil Change: Drain old oil, replace filter, refill with 3.7 quarts of 10W-40 motorcycle oil
Valve Adjustment: Check clearance when engine is cold (IN: 0.10-0.15mm, EX: 0.15-0.20mm)
Carburetor Sync: Balance carburetors using vacuum gauges
Cooling System: Check coolant level, replace every 2 years
Spark Plugs: NGK D8EA, gap 0.7-0.8mm

Tip: Always warm up engine before adjusting valves or carburetors.

Electrical System

12V DC system with alternator and maintenance-free battery.

Battery: 12V 14Ah, check electrolyte level monthly
Charging System: Three-phase alternator, 280W output
Fuses: Main fuse 30A, sub fuses 10A/15A
Bulbs: Headlight 60/55W, turn signals 21W, brake light 21/5W

WARNING! Disconnect battery before performing electrical work to prevent shorts.

Brake System

Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear with dual-piston calipers.

Front Brakes: Dual 280mm discs, check pad wear every 3,000 miles
Rear Brake: Single 250mm disc, check pad wear every 5,000 miles
Brake Fluid: DOT 4, change every 2 years
Brake Lines: Inspect for cracks or leaks regularly

CAUTION! Never mix different types of brake fluid. Use only DOT 4.

Suspension and Chassis

Advanced suspension system for sport riding performance.

Front Suspension: Air-assisted telescopic forks with anti-dive, adjust air pressure to rider weight. Rear Suspension: Uni-Trak system with adjustable preload and rebound damping. Tire Pressures: Front 32 psi, Rear 36 psi (cold). Chain Adjustment: 0.8-1.2 inches (20-30mm) free play.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard starting	Weak battery, dirty carbs	Charge battery, clean carburetors, check choke operation
Poor idle	Carb sync, vacuum leaks	Synchronize carburetors, check intake boots
Overheating	Low coolant, clogged radiator	Check coolant level, clean radiator fins
Brake fade	Old fluid, worn pads	Replace brake fluid, install new brake pads
Electrical issues	Bad connections, weak battery	Check ground connections, test charging system

Emergency: Always carry basic tools and spare fuses when riding.

Service: Contact authorized Kawasaki dealer for complex repairs.