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:

Valve Seat Inspection
Remove the valve (see Valve Removal). Check the valve seating surface [A] between the valve [B] and valve seat [C]. Measure the outside diameter [D] of the seating pattern on the valve seat. If the outside diameter is too large or too small, repair the seat (see Valve Seat Repair). Val ...

Swingarm Bearing Removal
Remove: Swingarm (see Swingarm Removal) Collar [A] Oil Seals [B] Sleeve [C] Circlip [D] (Right Side) Special Tool - Inside Circlip Pliers: 57001-143 Remove the ball bearing and needle bearings. Special Tool - Oil Seal & Bearing Remover [A]: 57001-1058 ...

Exhaust Pipe Installation
Replace the exhaust pipe gaskets [A] and premuffler chamber gasket [B] with new ones. Install the premuffler chamber gasket to the premuffler chamber [C] until it is bottomed so that the chamfer side faces exhaust pipe [D]. Install the exhaust pipe clamp [E] as shown in the figure. I ...