2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE Safe Operation Owner’s Manual

2022 Kawasaki KLX230 SE Safe Operation

Safe Operation

The following should be carefully observed for safe and effective vehicle operation.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

DANGER

Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless poisonous gas. Inhaling carbon monoxide can cause serious brain injury or death. DO NOT run the engine in enclosed areas. Operate only in a well-ventilated area.

Fueling

WARNING

Gasoline is extremely flammable and can be explosive under certain conditions. To avoid possible fire or explosion, turn the ignition switch off. Do not smoke. Make sure the area is well ventilated and free from any source of flame or sparks; this includes any appliance with a pilot light.

Never Ride with Drugs or Alcohol

Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and reaction time. Never coon- sume alcohol or drugs before or while riding motorcycles.

Protective Gear and Clothing

Helmet

• Kawasaki strongly recommends both the operator and passenger wear a DOT-approved helmet even if this is not a legal requirement.
• Make sure that your helmet fits correctly and is properly fastened.
• Choose a motorcycle helmet that meets DOT safety standards. Ask your motorcycle dealer to advise you if necessary.

Eye Protection

Always use eye protection. If your helmet does not have a visor installed, wear goggles.

Gloves

Wear gloves that have suitable protection for your hands, especially against abrasion.

Clothing

• Wear the riding wear which has protectors for each part of the body (chest, shoulders, back, elbows and knees, etc.) as much as possible, or wear protectors for them.
  • Always wear a long-sleeved jacket and long trousers which are abrasion resistant and keep you warm.
  • Wear clothing that allows freedom of movement.
  • Avoid wearing clothes that have loose cuffs or other fastenings which could interfere with the controls of your motorcycle.
  • Wear bright, highly visible clothing.

Boots

• Wear proper protective boots that fit properly and do not interfere with gear shifting or braking.

Safe Riding Techniques

Keep Hands on Handlebars

When riding always keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the footpegs. Removing your hands from the handlebars or feet from the foot pegs while riding can be hazardous. If you remove even one hand or foot, you reduce your ability to control the motorcycle.

Look Over Your Shoulder

• Before changing lanes, look over your shoulder to make sure the way is clear. Do not rely solely on the rear view mirror; you may misjudge a vehicle’s distance and speed, or you may not see it at all.
• Accelerate and Brake Smoothly In general your actions should be smooth as sudden acceleration, braking, or turning may cause loss of control, especially when riding in wet conditions or on loose road surfaces when the ability to maneuver will be reduced.

Select Correct Gear Speeds

When going up steep slopes, shift to a lower gear so that there is the power to spare rather than overloading the engine.

Use Both Front and Rear Brakes

When applying the brakes, use both the front and rear brakes. Applying only one brake for sudden braking may cause the motorcycle to skid and lose control.

Use Engine Brake

When going down long slopes, help control vehicle speed by closing the throttle so that the engine can act as an auxiliary brake. Use the front and rear brakes for primary braking.

Riding in Wet Conditions

• Rely more on the throttle to control vehicle speed and less on the front and rear brakes. The throttle should also be used judiciously to avoid skidding the rear wheel from too rapid acceleration or deceleration.
• Braking performance is also reduced in wet conditions. Carefully ride at a slow speed and apply the brakes several times to help dry and restores them to normal operating performance.
• Lubricate the drive chain after wet weather riding to prevent rust and corrosion.

Ride Prudently

• Riding at the proper speed and avoiding unnecessarily fast acceleration is important not only for safety and low fuel consumption but also for long vehicle life and quieter operation.

Riding on Rough Roads

• Exercise caution, slow down, and grip the fuel tank with the knees for better stability.

Acceleration

• When quick acceleration is necessary to pass another vehicle, shift to a lower gear to obtain the necessary power.

Downshifting

To avoid engine damage and rear wheel lock-up do not downshift at high rpm.

Avoid Unnecessary Weaving

Unnecessary weaving jeopardizes the safety of both the rider and other motorists.

Additional Considerations for Off-Road Operation

Brakes

The importance of reliable brakes is obvious. Check to see that they are correctly adjusted and functioning properly.

Steering

Looseness in the steering can cause a loss of control. Check to see that the handlebar turns freely but has no play.

Tires

Due to the extra stress on the tires on rough roads, be sure to examine their overall condition, and inflate to the proper pressure.

Drive Chain

When not adjusted properly, the severe stress on rough roads can cause damage to the sprockets and cause the chain to be thrown. Examine the chain slack and alignment, and lubricate if necessary.

Fuel

Have sufficient fuel for the high fuel consumption on rough roads.

Engine Oil

To avoid seizure and the resulting loss of control, make certain the oil level is at the upper-level line.

Coolant

To avoid overheating, check that the coolant level is at the upper-level line.

Miscellaneous

Check to see that the electrical equipment is functioning properly, all nuts and bolts are tight, and all safety-related parts are in good condition.