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 Cover Removal
Remove: Air Suction Valves (see Air Suction Valve Removal) Throttle Body Assy (see Throttle Body Assy Removal in the Fuel System (DFI) chapter) Stick Coils (see Stick Coil Removal in the Electrical System chapter) Remove the clamps [A]. Turn up the front side of the heat insulation ...

Drive Chain Wear Inspection
Remove the chain cover (see Drive Chain Removal/Installation in the Final Drive chapter). Rotate the rear wheel to inspect the drive chain for damaged rollers, and loose pins and links If there is any irregularity, replace the drive chain. Lubricate the drive chain if it appears dry. ...

Exhaust Pipe Removal
Remove: Radiator (see Radiator and Radiator Fan Removal in the Cooling System chapter) Exhaust Pipe Clamp Bolt [A] (Loosen) Remove the exhaust pipe holder nuts [A], and pull out the exhaust pipe [B] forward from the premuffler chamber. ...