Neck Question

My bike is riding super wired and i have to fight to keep it in a straight line. I have talked to a few other dudes about it and they said it sounds like my neck bearings are way to tight. Witch makes sense because I tightened the holy hell out of the little notched out neck stem nut. but the forks still moved freely so i thought it was ok. Upon further reading on forums i found your supposed to just tighten them "hand tight" So my question is, Is there supposed to be 2 of the thin notched out lock nuts on my neck stem, to lock each other from backing off? This is for a 78 kz1000c

The forums you read are way wrong about making the steering stem locknut "hand tight." Take a look in your FSM and you will see the torque spec for the steering stem locknut. That is the piece that determines how tight the steering stem bearings are. On my KZ650 the torque spec is 19.5 - 24 foot pounds - way more than hand tight.

There is only 1 steering stem locknut (the one with notches). After it has been properly torqued (the manual gives an alternative method without using a torque wrench - take a look) you tighten the steering stem head bolt and clamp bolt. You do not need a second locknut.

Having said that, I would recommend you replace the steering stem bearings with tapered roller bearings. They are WAY better than the original loose ball bearing that came stock and will eliminate any notchiness in the steering.

If you don't have a Kawasaki Service Manual (FSM) you really need to get one; no KZ owner should be without one as they are worth their weight in gold. Just be sure to get one for your exact year & model bike. You may be able to find an electronic version in the mean time; I think someone on here had a link to one. Ed

Well, i have replaced the neck bearings with tapered bearings. I just don't know how i'd get a torque reading off the notched nut... i'll look into it a little better and let you know how it turns out.

Either large Kaw four manual should provide info and pictures:

www.kzrider.com/filebase/doc_download/43...asaki-service-manual

www.kawiworld.com/index.php?option=com_c...icle&id=77&Itemid=99

The idea is to have the steering stem bearings tightened enough to eliminate any slop in the fitment.

With front wheel suspended, may grasp axle caps and pull and push the front wheel back and forth to detect any slop. May hear a slight clunk from the bearings, which indicates excessive looseness and need for further tightening.

The manual refers to stock ball bearing design, which I believe would also apply to aftermarket tapered roller bearing.

Good Fortune!

What year are these for? Don't want to download what I don't need. I have a Z1 and a76 KZ book but would like something for 77-78. Thanks
Wayne

Patton wrote: Either large Kaw four manual should provide info and pictures:

www.kzrider.com/filebase/doc_download/43...asaki-service-manual

www.kawiworld.com/index.php?option=com_c...icle&id=77&Itemid=99

The idea is to have the steering stem bearings tightened enough to eliminate any slop in the fitment.

With front wheel suspended, may grasp axle caps and pull and push the front wheel back and forth to detect any slop. May hear a slight clunk from the bearings, which indicates excessive looseness and need for further tightening.

The manual refers to stock ball bearing design, which I believe would also apply to aftermarket tapered roller bearing.

Good Fortune!

From KZr FILEBASE, Z1-KZ900 manual:
www.kzrider.com/filebase/doc_download/43...asaki-service-manual


81-83 KZ1000/1100 manual:
www.kawiworld.com/index.php?option=com_c...icle&id=77&Itemid=99




Good Fortune!