1987 Kawasaki Ninja 750R Manual

The 1987 Kawasaki Ninja 750R is a high-performance sport motorcycle featuring a 738cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, inline-four engine with DOHC and 16 valves. It produces 100 horsepower at 10,500 RPM and 54 lb-ft of torque at 8,500 RPM. The bike includes a 6-speed transmission, Uni-Trak rear suspension with adjustable preload and rebound damping, and anti-dive front forks. Below are key sections for safety, specifications, maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: 738cc inline-four engine, 6-speed transmission, Uni-Trak rear suspension, anti-dive front forks, digital instrumentation.

Feature	Description
Engine Type	738cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve inline-four
Power Output	100 hp @ 10,500 RPM
Torque	54 lb-ft @ 8,500 RPM
Transmission	6-speed constant mesh
Front Suspension	Anti-dive telescopic forks
Rear Suspension	Uni-Trak with adjustable preload and rebound
Brakes	Dual disc front, single disc rear
Fuel Capacity	5.8 gallons (22 liters)
Weight	514 lbs (233 kg) wet
Instrumentation	Digital speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temp gauge

Safety Information

Always wear proper protective gear and follow local traffic laws.

Pre-ride inspection: Check tires, brakes, lights, fluid levels before each ride.
Protective gear: Always wear helmet, eye protection, gloves, jacket, and boots.
Riding position: Maintain proper riding posture for optimal control.
Braking technique: Use both brakes simultaneously for maximum stopping power.

WARNING! This motorcycle has high performance capabilities. Ride within your skill level and always obey traffic laws.

Specifications

Engine: 738cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 16-valve inline-four
Bore x Stroke: 68.0 x 50.9 mm
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Fuel System: (4) 34mm Keihin CV carburetors
Ignition: Digital CDI
Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
Final Drive: #530 O-ring chain
Frame: Diamond-type, pressed steel
Wheelbase: 58.3 inches (1480 mm)
Seat Height: 30.7 inches (780 mm)
Fuel Capacity: 5.8 gallons (22 liters)

Controls and Instruments

Left handlebar: Clutch lever, turn signals, horn, high/low beam switch. Right handlebar: Front brake lever, engine kill switch, starter button.

Instrument Cluster: Digital speedometer, analog tachometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, odometer, tripmeter, indicator lights for neutral, high beam, turn signals, oil pressure.

Adjustable controls: Clutch and brake lever positions can be adjusted to rider preference. Suspension settings: Rear preload adjustable via wrench; rebound damping adjustable.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance and safety.

Every 600 miles/1000 km: Check chain tension, tire pressure, brake pads
Every 3,000 miles/5000 km: Change engine oil and filter
Every 6,000 miles/10000 km: Check valve clearances, sync carburetors
Every 12,000 miles/20000 km: Replace spark plugs, air filter, brake fluid
Every 2 years: Replace coolant regardless of mileage

Tip: Keep detailed maintenance records for warranty and resale value.

Engine Service

Proper engine maintenance ensures longevity and performance.

Oil change: Use 10W-40 motorcycle oil, capacity 3.7 quarts with filter change
Valve adjustment: Check clearances every 6,000 miles, intake: 0.10-0.15mm, exhaust: 0.15-0.20mm
Carburetor sync: Use vacuum gauges to balance all four carburetors
Cooling system: Check coolant level regularly, replace every 2 years
Spark plugs: NGK CR8E, gap 0.7-0.8mm

WARNING! Engine components become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine to cool before performing maintenance.

Electrical System

12-volt DC system with maintenance-free battery.

Battery: 12V 10Ah, keep terminals clean and tight
Charging system: Three-phase alternator, output 280W @ 5000 RPM
Fuses: Main fuse 30A, additional fuses for circuits in fuse box
Bulbs: Headlight 60/55W, turn signals 21W, brake light 21/5W

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

Brake System

Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear.

Front brakes: Dual 280mm discs with twin-piston calipers
Rear brake: Single 250mm disc with single-piston caliper
Brake fluid: DOT 4, change every 2 years or 12,000 miles
Pad wear: Replace when thickness reaches 1mm

WARNING! Brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over time, reducing braking performance. Replace regularly.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, fuel, spark	Check battery voltage, fuel level, spark plugs, kill switch position
Poor idle	Carburetor sync, air filter	Sync carburetors, clean/replace air filter, check for vacuum leaks
Hard shifting	Clutch adjustment, oil	Adjust clutch cable, change oil, check shift linkage
Brakes feel spongy	Air in lines, fluid level	Bleed brake system, check fluid level, inspect for leaks
Overheating	Coolant, thermostat	Check coolant level, radiator fins, thermostat operation

Service: Contact authorized Kawasaki dealer for complex repairs.

Parts: Use genuine Kawasaki parts for optimal performance and reliability.