Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Gen 1 and Gen 2 (2004-2007) Maintenance Schedule and Service Intervals
This is the maintenance schedule with associated service intervals for the first two generations of Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, sold between 2004 and 2007. They’re commonly referred to as the gen 1 Ninja ZX-10R and gen 2 Ninja ZX-10R. While they were different in specs, they have the same components and maintenance schedule.
The first generation of ZX-10R was a successor to the much more popular Ninja ZX-9R. They both have a 998cc inline four-cylinder engine that made 130 kW (175 hp) at 11,700 rpm.
- The 2004-2005 (Gen) 1 Ninja ZX-10R had digital gauges, weighed 170kg dry, and had exhausts out the sides. It didn’t do too well in racing nor in floor sales. The engine is great, but a bit too much for the chassis compared to other superbikes of the day.
- The 2006-2007 (Gen 2) Ninja ZX-10R got analogue gauges and became softer, and even 4 kg (10 lb) heavier. Kawasaki made the styling more “rounded”. They also gave it under-seat exhausts (all the rage at the time), an Öhlins steering damper, tweaked geometry, and a heavier crankshaft, plus different injectors (trying to tame the engine). Still, because it’s softer, this is the “least desirable” ZX-10R per forums. Analogue gauges.
In 2008, Kawasaki significantly revamped the engine for the 3rd gen ZX-10R, giving it 140-150 kW (188-200hp), increasing with ram air. They extended the wheelbase, the rake, and upgraded the braking. This was when Ninja ZX-10Rs became much more competitive. The rest is history — the 2010s saw them win a string of races.
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What you need to service your Gen 1 and Gen 2 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
Apart from basic motorcycle maintenance tools, here’s what you need to service your gen 1/gen 2 gixxer 10K.
| Part | 2004-2007 Gen 1/Gen 2 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R spec |
|---|---|
| Oil | Kawasaki recommends 10W-40 conventional oil, like their own Kawasaki 10W-40. But forum dwellers recommend Shell Rotella T6, Motul 7100, or another high-grade synthetic. |
| Oil filter | There are two oil filters, depending on your year. They fit on the same size nut but have slightly different length. * 2004-2005: Hiflofiltro HF204RC * 2006-2007: Hiflofiltro HF303RC |
| Air filter | Use a K&N air filter part number KA-1004. |
| Spark plug | Standard spark plug is an NGK part number CR9EIA-9. |
| Chain maintenance | Use Motul chain paste to service your chain. |
| Grease | Lithium soap-based grease for external lubrication (like the sidestand) |
| Brake pads | Sintered brake pads are best for sport bikes, providing the best braking and longest life. Use EBC brake pads FA369/4HH (two pairs) for the front and FA192HH for the rear. |
Maintenance Schedule for 2004-2007 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
Below is the maintenance schedule for the 2004-2007 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, Gen 1 and Gen 2. It’s the same as in the owner’s manual, but reformatted to fit this screen (this is best viewed on a tablet or a desktop computer).
The following is the list of maintenance operations and to be done on this motorcycle with a time or distance interval — whichever comes earlier.
Notes:
- For higher odometer readings, repeat at the frequency interval established here.
- K: Kawasaki recommends these “Should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer”
- #: Service more frequently when operating in severe conditions: dusty, wet, muddy, high speed, or frequent starting/stopping.
| Maintenance item | km (mi)/Every | 1000 (600) | 6000 (400) | 12000 (7500) | 18000 (12000) | 24000 (15000) | 30000 (20000) | 36000 (34000) | 42000 (28000) | 48000 (30000) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change/Replacement items | |||||||||||
| Air cleaner element # – replace (KA-1004) | X | X | |||||||||
| K | Engine oil # (Kawasaki 10W-40, Motul 7100, Mobil 1 Synthetic) | year | X | X | X | X | X | ||||
| K | Oil filter (2004-2005: HF204RC, 2006-2007: HF303RC) | year | X | X | X | X | X | ||||
| K | Fuel hoses | 4 years | X | ||||||||
| K | Coolant (Zerex G05) | 3 years | X | ||||||||
| K | Radiator hoses and O-rings | 3 years | X | ||||||||
| K | Brake hoses | 4 years | X | ||||||||
| K | Brake fluid (front and rear) (Castrol DOT 4) | 2 years | X | X | |||||||
| K | Rubber parts of master cylinder and caliper | 4 years | X | ||||||||
| Spark plugs (NGK CR9EIA-9) | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| Engine related items | |||||||||||
| Check valve clearances | X | ||||||||||
| Throttle control system (play, smooth return, no drag) | year | X | X | X | X | X | |||||
| Engine vacuum synchronization | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| Idle speed | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| K | Fuel leak (fuel hose and pipe) | year | X | X | X | X | X | ||||
| K | Fuel hoses condition/damage | year | X | X | X | X | X | ||||
| Coolant level | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| Coolant leak | year | X | X | X | X | X | |||||
| Radiator hose damage | year | X | X | X | X | X | |||||
| Radiator hoses condition | year | X | X | X | X | X | |||||
| Evaporative emission system (CA only) — inspect | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Air suction system | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| Drivetrain | |||||||||||
| Clutch operation (play, engagement, disengagement) | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| Drive chain lubrication # (Motul chain paste) | 600 km (400 mile) | ||||||||||
| Drive chain slack # | 1000 km (600 mile) | ||||||||||
| Drive chain wear # | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| K | Drive chain guide wear | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| Wheels and tires: | |||||||||||
| Tire air pressure | year | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| Wheels/tires damage | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| Tire tread wear, abnormal wear | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| K | Wheel bearings damage | year | X | X | X | X | |||||
| Brake system: | |||||||||||
| Brake fluid leak | year | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Brake hoses damage | year | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Brake pad wear # (see above for brake pad recommendations) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |||
| Brake hose installation condition | year | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Brake fluid level | 6 months | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Brake operation (effectiveness, play, drag) | year | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Brake light switch operation | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Suspension & Steering | |||||||||||
| Front forks/rear shock absorber operation (damping, smooth stroke) | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| Front forks/rear shock absorber oil leak | year | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| K | Uni-trak rocker arm operation | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| K | Uni-trak tie rods operation | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| K | Steering play | year | X | X | X | X | X | ||||
| K | Steering stem bearings – lubricate (Lithium soap-based grease) | 2 years | X | ||||||||
| Electrical System: | |||||||||||
| Lights and switches operation | year | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| Headlight aiming | year | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| Side stand switch operation | year | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| Engine stop switch operation | year | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| Chassis: | |||||||||||
| Chassis parts – lubricate (lithium soap-based grease) | year | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| Bolts and nuts tightness | X | X | X | X | X |
Tyre size and tyre pressure for the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R has the following tyres and tyre sizes standard, as well as these recommended tyre pressures.
| Wheel | Size | Brand | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70 ZR17 M/C (58W) | DUNLOP “SPORT MAX D209J” | 250 kPa/36psi |
| Rear | 190/55 ZR17 M/C (75W) | DUNLOP “SPORT MAX D209FMTJ” | 290 kPa/42psi |
These days there are other tyres that owners prefer to use — modern sport or sport touring tyres are more capable than those Dunlops (if you can even find them).
General information about the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R (2004-2007)
The first generation ZX-10R replaced the ZX-9R. Its engine was great, but the chassis couldn’t quite keep up — so it didn’t do too well either on the showroom floor or on the racetrack.
The second-generation ZX-10R continues that domination, featuring a racetrack-focused chassis and more horsepower. With excellent mid-range power and a screaming top-end, the ZX-10R’s ability to accelerate out of corners is aided by its linear power delivery and enhanced traction provided by its long swingarm.
The ZX-10R shines in the upper-speed ranges, thanks to a fairing, seat cowl, and dual under-seat exhaust system which are designed for slippery aerodynamics. The ZX-10R offer impressive stopping power from its dual floating 300mm petal discs, radial-mount four-pad/four-piston calipers, and radial-pump master cylinder; it also provides precise modulation and a consistent feel at the brake lever.
The ZX-10R features an adjustable, race-spec, twin-tube, Öhlins steering damper with relief valve. The twin-tube damper uses the second tube like a reservoir tank to help ensure consistent performance under demanding race conditions.
Manual for the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
The above maintenance schedule comes directly from the user’s manual for the 2006-2007 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, which is available here. It’s the same basic content as for the earlier one, pictured below, though re-arranged.
