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:

Intake Air Pressure Sensor #2 Removal
NOTICE Never drop the intake air pressure sensor #2 especially on a hard surface. Such a shock to the sensor can damage it. Remove: Air Cleaner Housing (see Air Cleaner Housing Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter) Intake Air Pressure Sensor #2 Connector [A] Remove the intake air ...

Tachometer
The tachometer shows the engine speed in revolutions per minute (r/min, rpm). On the right side of the tachometer face is a portion called the “red zone”. Engine r/min (rpm) in the red zone is above maximum recommended engine speed and is also above the range for good performance. ...

Tie-Rod Removal
Squeeze the brake lever slowly and hold it with a band [A]. Remove the front footpeg bracket bolts [A]. Raise the rear wheel off the ground with the jack (see Rear Shock Absorber Removal). Special Tools - Jack: 57001-1238 Jack Attachment: 57001-1608 Remove: Upper ...