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:

Shifting Gears
Close the throttle while pulling in the clutch lever. Shift into the next higher or lower gear. Open the throttle part way, while releasing the clutch lever. For smooth riding, each gear position should cover the proper rate of speed shown in the table. WARNINGDownshifti ...

Idle Speed
The idle speed inspection should be performed in accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart. This motorcycle is equipped with the Idle Speed Control valve. If the idle speed is disturbed, inspection of the idle speed control should be done by an authorized Kawasaki dealer. NOTE While ...

Balancer Installation
Position the crankshaft at #2, 3 positions TDC or at #1, 4 positions TDC. Install the balancer assembly as follows. Align the punch mark [A] on the weight and the projection [B] on the crankcase. Engage the balancer gear and the crankshaft gear. Insert the balancer shaft until it is bot ...