This tutorial details the method to testing steering play. Steering play is the tightness of the movement of the steering. Basically, there should be no movement forward or backward but the steering should pivot freely from lock to lock. It is not possible to test steering play while the steering stem is supporting any weight at all. The usual method for keeping the steering stem unloaded is to jack under the engine wit a special bracket. The bracket (from Kawasaki) is not readily available so I devised the method of hanging the bike by a strap that is placed under the air box.
This tutorial does not address the procedures for adjusting the steering play.
Remove Foremans, ram air covers, lowers, side fairngs and fuel tank cover.
Tools
front and rear stands (I prefer a swing arm pivot stand over a spool stand for doing this job)
1000 lb or stronger nylon tie down strap with ratchet tensioner (Harbor Freight ~$6)
Two 24” high strength chains (1000 lb or more) (a few dollars at Home Depot)
2 chain link connectors (under $2 /each, Home Depot or Ace)
1. Place the bike on the front and rear stands centered under ceiling joists or another structure that is able to support 500 lbs. Because of the floor space required for the front stand, it will be necessary to position the front tire at least 2 or 3 feet from the wall. Stay as close to the wall as possible when using standard sized ceiling joists. The joists may not be strong enough closer to the center of the room.
UPDATE: Be very careful about supporting the bike's weight from rafters. Just heard a report that rafters was broken exactly in that manner.
Spool stands are much more common but they transfer more weight to the front of the motorcycle than swing arm pivot stands. Spool stands also cause much more counterproductive leverage against the overhead structures that support the front of the bike.
I feel much safer hanging the front when using a pivot stand like the one shown in the pic below. A pivot stand will support the motorcycle at its center. The front half will be light enough that it can safely be hung from one ceiling joist. If only one joist is used, it will be possible to hang the motorcycle much closer to the wall which supports the ceiling joist.
Strap support setup with swing arm pivot stand and front stand.
Strap support with swing arm pivot stand and front stand removed
2. Put a chain on either overhead support so that it hangs directly above the front of the air box. Connect each end of the chain with a chain link connector so that it forms a loop. Hang the hook on the end of the strap over the chain loop. Hang the hook of the ratchet over the other chain loop.
3. Put the strap under the air box. Position the strap so that it does not interfere with the the clean air hose or the clean air hose passage into the bottom of the airbox. Connect the free end of the strap to the ratchet tensioner.
4. Tighten the ratchet tensioner until the strap becomes tight. Be sure that the straps
are quite straight up and down. If they are slanted forward, they will drag the bike ahead when the front stand is removed. If the straps are slanted backward, they may pull the bike backward.
5. Slowly Remove the front stand so that the front is supported by the straps alone.
6. With the front suspended, test that the steering floats freely from lock to lock.
From the Zx-14 Service Manual: “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.”
7. Grasp the forks near the ends. Push and pull forward and back. If there is any play, the steering is too loose.
* Last updated by: Rook on 2/19/2014 @ 7:45 PM *