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:

Spring Preload Adjustment
The spring preload adjuster is located at the lower end of each front fork leg and can be adjusted. To increase spring preload and stiffen the suspension, turn the preload adjuster clockwise with a hexagon wrench. To decrease preload and soften the suspension, turn the preload adjust ...

Handlebar Removal
Remove: Steering Damper (see Steering Damper Removal) Clutch Lever Clamp Bolts [A] Clutch Lever Assembly [B] Left Switch Housing [C] Handlebar Weight [D] Left Handlebar Grip [E] Remove: Front Master Cylinder [A] (see Front Master Cylinder Removal in the Brakes chapter) ...

Nozzle Assy Assembly
Before assembling, blow away dirt or dust from the delivery pipes [A] by applying compressed air [B]. Replace the O-rings [A] of the joint pipe [B] with new ones. Apply engine oil to the new O-rings, and insert it to the delivery pipes [C] Insert the joint pipe so that the step ...