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:

Clutch Cover Removal
Remove: Right Lower Fairing (see Lower Fairing Removal in the Frame chapter) Clutch Cable Lower End (see Cable Removal) Clutch Cover Bolts [A] Turn the release lever [A] counterclockwise as shown, and remove the clutch cover. About 90° [B] ...

Cable, Wire, and Hose Routing
1. Clamp (Hold the regulator/rectifier lead. Run the lead inside of the installation hole.) 2. Clamp (Bend down the clamp, and hold the main harness and the vacuum hose (equipped models).) 3. Clamp (Hold the air intake solenoid valve lead (equipped models).) 4. Run the vacuum hose under ...

Caliper Fluid Seal Damage
The fluid seal (piston seal) [A] is placed around the piston to maintain clearance between the pad and the disc. If the seal is in a poor condition, it could lead the pad to wear excessively or the brake to drag, which may cause the temperature of the discs or the brake fluid to increase. Re ...