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:

Water Pump Housing Disassembly
NOTICE Do not damage the hole wall of the water pump housing. Insert a bar [A] into the pump housing [B], and hammer evenly around the circumference of the mechanical seal bottom [C]. Take the oil seal [A] out of the housing [B] with a hook [C]. ...

License Plate Light Bulb Replacement
Remove: Screws [A] License Plate Light Cover [B] Pull the bulb [A] out of the socket [B]. NOTICE Do not turn the bulb. Pull the bulb out to prevent damage to the bulb. Do not use bulb rated for greater wattage than the specified value. Replace the bulb with a new one. In ...

Washing Your Motorcycle
Rinse your bike with cold water from a garden hose to remove any loose dirt. Mix a mild neutral detergent (designed for motorcycles or automobiles) and water in a bucket. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wash your motorcycle. If needed, use a mild degreaser to remove any oil or greas ...