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:

Cylinder Head Removal
Remove: Thermostat Housing (see Thermostat Removal in the Cooling System chapter) Exhaust Pipe (see Exhaust Pipe Removal) Camshafts (see Camshaft Removal) Heat Insulation Plate [A] (see Engine Removal in the Engine Removal/Installation chapter) Place a container under the coolant dr ...

Oil Cooler Removal
Remove: Coolant (Drain, see Coolant Change in the Periodic Maintenance chapter) Engine Oil (Drain, see Engine Oil Change in the Periodic Maintenance chapter) Lower Fairings (see Lower Fairing Removal in the Frame chapter) Water Hose Ends [A] (Disconnect) Remove: Oil Cool ...

Relay Box Removal
Remove the left fuel tank cover (see Fuel Tank Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter). Disconnect the connectors [A]. Pull out the relay box [B] from the rubber protector [C]. NOTE The relay box has relays and diodes. The relays and diodes can not be removed. Relay Box Installa ...