Kawasaki Z1000SX - Owner's Manual > Front Fork

Maintenance and Adjustment / Front Fork

The front fork operation and oil leakage should be checked in accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart.

For various riding or load conditions the front fork can be adjusted for Spring preload, Rebound damping force and Compression damping force.

WARNING Improper fork leg adjustment can cause poor handling and loss of stability, which could lead to an accident. Always adjust the fork legs on the left and right side to the same setting.

Front Fork Inspection

  • Holding the brake lever, pump the front fork up and down several times to inspect smooth stroke.
  • Visually inspect the front fork for oil leakage, scoring or scratches on the outer surface of the inner tube.
  • If any doubt about the front fork, it should be checked by an authorized Kawasaki dealer.

Front Fork

  1. Inner Tube

Spring Preload Adjustment

The spring preload adjuster is located at the top end of each front fork leg and can be adjusted.

  • To increase spring preload and stiffen the suspension, turn the preload adjuster counterclockwise with the hexagon wrench.
  • To decrease preload and soften the suspension, turn the preload adjuster counterclockwise.

Front Fork

  1. Spring Preload Adjuster

Spring Preload Setting

Front Fork

*: This position is the fully seated position (turned fully counterclockwise).
**: In from the fully seated position (turned fully counterclockwise). This adjustment range may not exactly match the number shown in the table due to small tolerance of production.

Rebound Damping Force Adjuster Adjustment

The rebound damping force adjuster are located on top of each front fork leg.

  • Turn the adjuster clockwise with a screw driver to increase damping force.
  • Turn the adjuster counterclockwise to decrease damping force.

NOTICE Do not force to turn the rebound and compression damping force adjuster from the fully seated position, or the adjusting mechanism may be damaged.

Front Fork

  1. Rebound Damping Force Adjuster
  2. Screwdriver

Rebound Damping Force Setting

Rebound Damping Force Setting

*: This position is the fully seated position (turned fully clockwise).
**: Out from the fully seated position (turned fully clockwise). This adjustment range may not exactly match the number shown in the table due to small tolerance of production.

Compression Damping Force Adjuster

The compression damping force adjuster are located at the lower end of each front fork leg.

  • Turn the adjuster clockwise with a screw driver to increase damping force.
  • Turn the adjuster counterclockwise to decrease damping force.

NOTICE Do not force to turn the rebound and compression damping force adjuster from the fully seated position, or the adjusting mechanism may be damaged.

Rebound Damping Force Setting

  1. Compression Damping Force Adjuster
  2. Screwdriver

Compression Damping Force Setting

Compression Damping Force Setting

*: This position is the fully seated position (turned fully clockwise).
**: Out from the fully seated position (turned fully clockwise). This adjustment range may not exactly match the number shown in the table due to small tolerance of production.

The standard front fork setting positions are as follows:

Standard Setting Position (Front Fork)

Standard Setting Position (Front Fork)

*: In from the fully seated position (turned fully counterclockwise)
**: Out from the fully seated position (turned fully clockwise)

    See also:

     Kawasaki Z1000SX - Owner's Manual > Brakes

    Brake Wear Inspection Inspect the brakes for wear. For each front and rear disc brake caliper, if the thickness of either pad is less than 1 mm (0.04 in.), replace both pads in the caliper as a set. Pad replacement should be done by an authorized Kawasaki dealer. Lining Thickness 1 mm (0.04 in.)

     Kawasaki Z1000SX - Owner's Manual > Rear Shock Absorber

    The rear shock absorber should be checked for operation and oil leakage in accordance with the Periodic Maintenance Chart. For various riding or load conditions the rear shock absorber can be adjusted for Spring preload, Rebound damping force.

    Motorcycles: