Kawasaki Z1000SX - Owner's Manual > Wheels

Tubeless tires are installed on the wheels of this motorcycle. The indications of TUBELESS on the tire side wall and the rim show that the tire and rim are specially designed for tubeless use.

1. TUBELESS Mark

The tire and rim form a leakproof unit by making airtight contacts at the tire chamfers and the rim flanges instead of using an inner tube.

WARNING Installing a tube inside a tubeless- type tire can create excessive heat build up that can damage the tube and cause rapid deflation. The tires, rims, and air valves on this motorcycle are designed only for tubeless type wheels. The recommended standard tires, rims, and air valves must be used for replacement.

Do not install tube-type tires on tubeless rims. The beads may not seat properly on the rim causing tire deflation. Do not install a tube inside a tubeless tire.

Excessive heat build-up may damage the tube causing tire deflation.

Tires

Payload and Tire Pressure

Failure to maintain proper inflation pressures or observe payload limits for your tires may adversely affect handling and performance of your motorcycle and can result in loss of control.

The maximum recommended load in addition to vehicle weight is 195 kg (430 lb), including rider, passenger, baggage, and accessories.

• Remove the air valve cap.
• Check the tire pressure often, using an accurate gauge.
• Make sure to install the air valve cap securely.

NOTE

• Measure the tire pressure when the tires are cold (that is, when the motorcycle has not been ridden more than a mile during the past 3 hours).
• Tire pressure is affected by changes in ambient temperature and altitude, and so the tire pressure should be checked and adjusted when your riding involves wide variations in temperature or altitude.

1. Tire Pressure Gauge

Tire Air Pressure (when cold)

Tire Wear, Damage

As the tire tread wears down, the tire becomes more susceptible to puncture and failure. An accepted estimate is that 90% of all tire failures occur during the last 10% of tread life (90% worn).

So it is false economy and unsafe to use the tires until they are bald.

• In accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart, measure the depth of the tread with a depth gauge, and replace any tire that has worn down to the minimum allowable tread depth.

1. Tire Depth Gauge

Minimum Tread Depth

• Visually inspect the tire for cracks and cuts, replacing the tire in case of bad damage. Swelling or high spots indicate internal damage, requiring tire replacement.
• Remove any imbedded stones or other foreign particles from the tread.

NOTE

• Have the wheel balance inspected whenever a new tire is installed.

WARNING Tires that have been punctured and repaired do not have the same capabilities as undamaged tires and can suddenly fail, causing an accident resulting in serious injury or death. Replace damaged tires as soon as possible.

To ensure safe handling and stability, use only the recommended standard tires for replacement, inflated to the standard pressure. If it is necessary to ride on a repaired tire, do not exceed 100 km/h (60 mph) until the tire is replaced.

NOTE

• Most countries may have their own regulations requiring a minimum tire tread depth; be sure to follow them.
• When operating on public roadways, keep maximum speed under traffic law limits.

Standard Tire (Tubeless)

WARNING Some replacement tires may adversely affect handling and cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death. To ensure proper handling and stability, use only the recommended standard tires for replacement, inflated to the standard pressure.

WARNING New tires are slippery and may cause loss of control and injury.

A break-in period of 160 km (100 miles) is necessary to establish normal tire traction. During break-in, avoid sudden and maximum braking and acceleration, and hard cornering.

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