![background image](/i/kawasaki/160046/kawasaki-er5-2004/h/kawasaki-er5-2004-242.png)
13-6 STEERING
Steering
Steering Inspection
Steering Inspection
•
Check the steering.
○
Lift the front wheel off the ground using the jack.
Special Tool - Jack: 57001-1238
○
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.
•
Stand in front of the motorcycle and grasp the lower ends
of fork near the axle.
•
Feel for steering looseness by pushing [A] and pulling [B]
the forks.
If you feel looseness, the steering is too loose.
NOTE
○
The cables and wiring will have some effect on the mo-
tion of the fork which must be taken into account. Be
sure the wires and cables are properly routed.
○
The bearings must be in good condition and properly
lubricated in order for any test to be valid.
Steering Adjustment
Adjust the steering if necessary.
•
Remove:
Handlebar (see Handlebar Removal)
Side Cover (see Frame chapter)
•
The Fuel Tank is moved a little backward.
•
Loosen:
Both Fork Lower Clamp Bolts [A].
Stem Head Bolt [B].
•
Adjust the steering.
If the steering is too tight, loosen the stem nut [A] a fraction
of a turn.
If the steering is too loose, tighten the stem nut a fraction
of a turn.
Special Tool - Steering Stem Nut Wrench: 57001-1100 [B].
NOTE
○
Turn the stem nut 1/8 turn at a time maximum.
Torque - Steering Stem Nut: 4.9 N·m (0.50 kgf·m, 43 in·lb,
for reference)