Kawasaki 900-1100 Ninja 1984-1993 [Paperback]

Another nice feature are the areas that warn the reader about possibly dangerous repair procedures and how to avoid potential injury to mechanic or motorcycle. The book also lists any problems previous models have had and what the owner can do about them. For instance, upon first reading the book there was a warning in a side bar in the chapter on valves and valve adjustments. It informed the reader that certain ZX-900 Ninja owners could have bikes that had a factory recall. Specifically, certain bikes had valve spring retainers that could fail at high engine speeds, causing what the book termed 'catastrophic engine failure.' The book listed the serial numbers on the motor of the bikes that were affected. Unfortunately, mine was included and I'll have to pay for new retainers when the valves are adjusted. But, it's a small price to pay for something I had not known about that could of caused a loss of my life or someone elses. It was another perfect example of just how valuable this book is to those that buy, read and use it.

Overall, I don't see much that can be improved upon in this book. The text is easy to read, the pictures and diagrams are perfectly executed and the tips, how-to hints and reader warnings offer a wealth of assistance. There is a complex index and even a section in the back of the book with blank pages headed 'notes' at the top of each page. For those owners that want to perform their own service, repair and maintenance on their older Ninjas, this book is as important as any other accessory you could buy and was worth every penny. It earns five stars from me.

Another nice feature are the areas that warn the reader about possibly dangerous repair procedures and how to avoid potential injury to mechanic or motorcycle. The book also lists any problems previous models have had and what the owner can do about them. For instance, upon first reading the book there was a warning in a side bar in the chapter on valves and valve adjustments. It informed the reader that certain ZX-900 Ninja owners could have bikes that had a factory recall. Specifically, certin bikes had valve spring retainers that could fail at high engine speeds, causing what the book termed, 'catastrophic engine failure.' The book listed the serial numbers on the motor of the bikes that were affected. Unfortunately, mine was included and I'll have to pay for new retainers when the valves are adjusted. But, it's a small price to pay for something I had not know about that could of caused a loss of my life or someone elses. It was another perfect example of just how valuable this book is to those that buy, read and use it.

Overall, I don't see much that can be improved upon in this book. The text is easy to read, the pictures and diagrams are perfectly executed and the tips, how-to hints and reader warnings offer a wealth of assistance. There is a complex index and even a section in the back of the book with blank pages headed 'notes' at the top of each page. For those owners that want to perform their own service, repair and maintenance on their older Ninjas, this book is damn near as important as any other accessory you could buy and was worth every penny. It earns five stars from me.

Jonathan Gerhard