Page 173 of Kawasaki Motorcycles by Kawasaki USA

Semi-dry sump lubrication system uses twin oil pumps (one scavenge and one pressure) to ensure proper oil scavenging and lubrication for optimum engine response. A high flow scavenge pump stores the majority of oil in the transmission room to keep excess oil away from the crankshaft, preventing power-robbing windage loss. The semi-dry sump requires only a shallow oil chamber at the bottom of the crankcase where the scavenge pump collects oil and moves into the transmission room. This allows for the crank to be located as low as possible to help lower the center of gravity. Unique centrifugal crankcase breather system breathes through the spinning engine balancer shaft located at the front of the engine. Locating the breather in the crankshaft room allows the engine to rev more freely and centrifugal force prevents oil from exiting through the breather. The crankcase breather hose exits at the left engine cover and loops over the lower coolant line to help prevent dirt entry into the system.

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