Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual: Steering Play Inspection

Remove the lower fairings (see Lower Fairing Removal in the Frame chapter).

Raise the front wheel off the ground with the jack.

Special Tools - Jack: 57001-1238 Jack Attachment: 57001-1608

With the front wheel pointing straight ahead, alternately tap each end of the handlebar. The front wheel should swing fully left and right from the force of gravity until the fork hits the stop.

If the wheel binds or catches before the stop, the steering is too tight.

Feel for steering looseness by pushing and pulling [A] the forks.

If you feel looseness, the steering is too loose.

NOTE

The cables and wiring will have some effect on the motion of the fork which must be taken into account.

Be sure the leads and cables are properly routed.

The bearings must be in good condition and properly lubricated in order for any test to be valid.

Steering Play Adjustment

Remove: Steering Stem Head with Handlebars (see Handlebar Removal in the Steering chapter). Bend the claws [A] of the claw washer [B] straighten. Remove: Steering Stem Locknut [C] Claw ...

Other materials:

Coolant Filling
Remove the bolts and quick rivets. Detach the tabs and remove the right fairing and cover. A. Bolts B. Quick Rivet C. Large Quick Rivet D. Tabs E. Right Fairing and Cover NOTE The right fairing and cover uses the quick rivets and large quick rivet. The large quick rivet ca ...

Hub Bearing Inspection
Since the hub bearings are made to extremely close tolerances, the clearance can not normally be measured. NOTE Do not remove any bearings for inspection. If any bearings are removed, they will need to be replaced with new ones. Turn each bearing in the hub back and forth [A] while checki ...

Exploded View
AL: Tighten the two clamp bolts alternately two times to ensure even tightening torque. HG: Apply high-temperature grease. R: Replacement Parts WL: Apply soap and water solution or rubber lubricant. Specifications WARNINGSome replacement tires may adversely affect h ...