As a new owner of a used 2004 Ninja 500R, I am trying to do some basic maintenance to my bike. I already lubed the chain and changed the oil and oil filter.

I figure I could also change the brake fluid. The problem is I don't have the owner's manual and hence have no idea what type, grade, brand & quantity of brake fluid to use. Can someone help me here with the info ?

Also, are there any other easy maintenance items I can perform myself ? The advantage is two-fold. 1. saving money by not going to the dealer. 2. learning more about my bike and fixing things. The 2nd point is more important.

So, at this moment, while I wouldn't venture on changing the fork oil, say, or brake pads, I'd like to do some maintenance which have the same difficulty level as an oil change.

Besides brake fluid, can I change the coolant easily ? How about spark plugs ? Anything else ? If these things are easily done, would some members be kind enough to point me to instructions specific to the ninja 500 ?

I am already ordering a owner's manual. About repair manual, is the Haynes one good or should I get something directly from Kawasaki ?

Thanks.

 

Well - I have the Clymer manual, which I really like. Its easy to use.

I don't remember off hand the brake fluid (but I'll find out). To change the coolant, as far as I know, you have to remove the gas tank, which isn't really all that hard, but personally - I wouldn't want to do it.

I have not yet changed my plugs.

Let me check a couple things...............

 

Link to changing coolant (actually looks easier to do than what I recall the manual says!)

 

Thanks bluebird. Very useful link. I'm going to try it next weekend.

 

I couldn't find any info on the internet - so if I think of it (I can be quite absent minded at times!) I'll check my manual for the brake fluid info and I'll post it for you.

Let me know how well the coolant change works out!

 

Congrats on the 500 purchase...

You all ready have the chain covered sounds like.. I clean and lube mine every 500 miles or so.

Your resovoir cap should say what kind of brake fluid... But it should be DOT4...DO NOT USE dot3 fluid. It will say on the bottle DOT3 or DOT4. If you change the fluid, make sure you bleed the brakes really good. Just like the coolant, you do not want any air in there.

The Kawasaki manual is the best way to go, if you don't mind spending the extra money. You will gain a lot of extra info over the aftermarket manuals... But any manual is better than no manual.

Spark plugs are easy to change. The tank comes off. When you change the plugs, make sure you put back in the factory recomended plugs.. I know the aftermarket plugs are like a dollar cheaper. But the NGK's will be a lot better for the bike..

Make sure you keep the air pressure checked on her also... Check the valve stems. I have had those break and leak air before. I check my air pressure, coolant level, and fairing screws,and bulbs, once a week. The tires are the only thing holding you to the road. .... Do not use armor all on your tires...lol. Don't laugh, I have seen it happen. lol

Keep the battery terminals clean. The screws like to back of sometimes on the terminals, so just double check them while you are there. Keep the top of the battery cleaned off. When the residue builds up on top of the battery, it can discharge the battery prematurely.

Pretty much any part that touches the road, makes the bike go and stop, needs to be checked. Better safe than sorry...

Keep her safe, man.... Gear up.

Welcome to the forums if I haven't all ready!!

 

Like BigRig18Wheeler, and bluebird said, get a service manual of any type, whether a Kawasaki factory manual, or a clymer manual. A service manual will be your BEST FRIEND when working on your bike![sm=smiley20.gif] Followed by your friends at KF of course!

Welcome to the forums!

 

Definately DOT 4 brake fluid - I checked on mine last night before I put her to bed for the night all covered in bugs! Now I have to wash it

 

just a lil FYI with the brake fluid... take special care to NOT get it on any paint... it definitly WILL F it up... i use a Turkey baster to remove the majority of old brake fluid from the resivour. yeah yeah inno but it works...