Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual: Steering Play Adjustment

Kawasaki Ninja Service Manual / Periodic Maintenance / Periodic Maintenance Procedures / Steering / 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 Washer

Steering Play Adjustment

Adjust the steering using the steering stem nut wrench [A].

Special Tool - Steering Stem Nut Wrench: 57001-1100

If the steering is too tight, loosen the steering stem nut [B] a fraction of a turn.

If the steering is too loose, tighten the steering stem nut a fraction of a turn.

Steering Play Adjustment

NOTE

Turn the steering stem nut 1/8 turn at time maximum.

Install the claw washer [A] so that its bent side [B] faces upward, and engage the bent claws with the grooves of steering stem locknut [C].
Hand tighten the steering stem locknut until it touches the claw washer.
Hand tighten the steering stem locknut clockwise until the claws are aligned with the grooves (ranging from 2nd to 4th) of steering stem nut [D], and bend the 2 claws downward [E].

Steering Play Adjustment

Install the steering stem head.
Install the washer, and temporary tighten the steering stem head nut.

NOTE

Tighten the stem head nut first, then the upper front fork clamp bolts.

Torque - Steering Stem Head Nut: 78 N·m (8.0 kgf·m, 58 ft·lb) Front Fork Clamp Bolts (Upper): 20 N·m (2.0 kgf·m, 15 ft·lb)

WARNING

If the handlebar does not turn to the steering stop it may cause an accident resulting in injury or death.

Be sure the cables, harnesses and hoses are routed properly and do not interfere with handlebar movement (see Cable, Wire, and Hose Routing section in the Appendix chapter).

Check the steering again.

If the steering is still too tight or too loose, repeat the adjustment.

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 ...

Steering Stem Bearing Lubrication

Remove the steering stem (see Stem, Stem Bearing Removal in the Steering chapter). Using a high flash-point solvent, wash the upper and lower ball bearings [A] in the cages. Wipe the upper ...

Other materials:

Spring Preload Adjustment
Remove the rear shock absorber from the frame (see Rear Shock Absorber Removal). Loosen the locknut and turn out the adjusting nut to free the spring. Special Tools - Hook Wrench T=3.2 R37: 57001-1539 Hook Wrench R=35: 57001-1580 To adjust the spring preload, turn in the adjusting n ...

Release Shaft Installation
Apply grease to the oil seal lips on the upper ridge of the clutch cover. Apply engine oil to the needle bearings in the hole of the clutch cover. Applymolybdenum disulfide grease to the pusher-holding portion [A] on the release shaft. Install the washer [B] and spring [C]. ...

KIBS Hydraulic Unit Removal
NOTICE The KIBS hydraulic unit [A] has been adjusted and set with precision at the factory. Therefore, it should be handled carefully, never struck sharply, as with a hammer, or allowed to fall on a hard surface. Be careful not to get water or mud on the KIBS hydraulic unit. Drain the b ...