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:

External Shift Mechanism Removal
Remove: Shift Lever (see Shift Pedal Removal) Oil Pump Drive Gear (see Oil Pump Drive Gear Removal/ Installation in the Engine Lubrication System chapter) Circlip [A] Washer [B] Special Tool - Outside Circlip Pliers: 57001-144 Remove: Shift Shaft Assembly [A] Washer [B] ...

Cable Removal
Remove: Air Cleaner Housing (see Air Cleaner Housing Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter) Right Lower Fairing (see Lower Fairing Removal in the Frame chapter) Loosen the nuts [A], and slide the lower end of the clutch cable to give the cable plenty of play. Screw in the ...

Coolant Filling
Remove the bolts and quick rivets. Detach the tabs and remove the right fairing and cover. A. Bolts B. Quick Rivet C. Large Quick Rivet D. Tabs E. Right Fairing and Cover NOTE The right fairing and cover uses the quick rivets and large quick rivet. The large quick rivet ca ...