Kawasaki J300 - Owner's Manual > Break-In

The first 1 600 km (1 000 mile) that the motorcycle is ridden is designated as the break-in period. If the motorcycle is not used carefully during this period, you may very well end up with a "broken down" instead of a "broken in" motorcycle after a few thousand kilometers.

The following rules should be observed during the break-in period.

• The table shows maximum recommended engine speed during the break-in period.

NOTE

• When operating on public roadways, keep maximum speed under traffic law limits.

 

• Do not start moving or race the engine immediately after starting it, even if the engine is already warm.

  Run the engine for two or three minutes at idle speed to give the oil a chance to work up into all the engine parts.

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.

In addition to the above, at 1 000 km (600 mile) it is extremely important that the owner has the initial maintenance service performed by an authorized Kawasaki dealer.

Starting the Engine

• Use the center stand to support the motorcycle, and put the side stand up.
• Check that the engine stop switch is in the position.

1. Engine Stop Switch
2. Starter Button

Turn the ignition key to the position.

1. Ignition Switch
2. Position

NOTE

• The motorcycle is equipped with a vehicle-down sensor which causes the engine to stop automatically if the motorcycle falls down. After righting the motorcycle, first turn the ignition key to the position and then back to the position before starting the engine.

 

• Without holding the throttle grip, squeeze the left (rear) brake lever and push the starter button to start the engine.

NOTICE

Do not operate the starter continuously for more than 5 seconds, or the starter will overheat and the battery power will drop temporarily.

Wait 15 seconds between each operation of the starter to let it cool and the battery power recover.

NOTE

• The motorcycle is equipped with a side stand switch. This switch is designed so that the engine does not start if the side stand is down.

NOTICE

Do not let the engine idle longer than five minutes, or engine overheating and damage may occur.

Jump Starting

If your motorcycle battery is "run down", it should be removed and charged. If this is not practical, a 12 volt booster battery and jumper cables may be used to start the engine.

DANGER

Battery acid generates hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive under certain conditions.

It is present within a battery at all times, even in a discharged condition.

Keep all flames and sparks away from the battery.

Wear eye protection when working with a battery. In the event of battery acid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing, wash the affected areas immediately with water for at least 5 minutes. Seek medical attention.

Connecting Jumper Cables

• Make sure the ignition key is turned off.
• Remove the battery cover. Refer to the Battery section in the MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT chapter.
• Slide the red cap from the positive (+) terminal.
• Connect a jumper cable from the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery to the positive (+) terminal of the motorcycle battery.

NOTICE

Be careful not to contact the jumper cable slip on the positive battery terminal to the frame, or it will cause a short circuit.

1. From Booster Battery Positive (+) Terminal
2. Motorcycle Battery Positive (+) Terminal
3. Passenger Footpeg
4. From Booster Battery Negative (-) Terminal

• Connect another jumper cable from the negative (-) terminal of the booster battery to your motorcycle passenger footpeg or other unpainted metal surface. Do not use the negative (-) terminal of the battery.

DANGER

Batteries contain sulfuric acid that can cause burns and produce hydrogen gas which is highly explosive.

• Do not make this last connection at the fuel system or battery.
• Take care not to touch the positive and negative cables together, and do not lean over the battery when making this last connection.
• Do not connect to a frozen battery.

  It could explode.

• Do not reverse polarity by connecting positive (+) to negative (-), or a battery explosion and serious damage to the electrical system may occur.

 

• Follow the standard engine starting procedure.

NOTICE

Do not operate the starter continuously for more than 5 seconds or the starter will overheat and the battery power will drop temporarily.

Wait 15 seconds between each operation of the starter to let it cool and the battery power recover.

• After the engine has started, disconnect the jumper cables. Disconnect the negative (-) cable from the motorcycle first.
• Install the removed parts.

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