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:

Parking
WARNINGOperating or parking the vehicle near flammable materials can cause a fire, and can result in property damage or severe personal injury. Do not idle or park your vehicle in an area where tall or dry vegetation, or other flammable materials could come into cont ...

Piston Ring Groove Width Inspection
Measure the piston ring groove width. Use a vernier caliper at several points around the piston. Piston Ring Groove Width Standard: Top [A] 0.82 0.84 mm (0.0323 0.0331 in.) Second [B] 0.82 0.84 mm (0.0323 0.0331 in.) Service Limit: 0.92 mm (0.036 in.) Second 0.92 mm (0.036 in.) ...

Front Fork
The front fork operation and oil leakage should be checked in accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart. For various riding or load conditions the front fork can be adjusted for: Spring preload Rebound damping force Compression damping force WARNINGImproper fork leg adju ...