Steering
Handlebar and the steering stem & bearings: the settle-and-retorque bearing procedure (39 N·m seat → 4.9 N·m final), stem-head nut 108 N·m, handlebar fitment, stem removal and warp check.
Chapters· Steering
Source: Service Manual — pp. 14-1 … 14-12src: Kawasaki VN2000-A1 Service Manual — Periodic Maintenance (Torque & Locking Agent / Specifications tables, pp. 2-7…2-13)
Stem-head and handlebar torques plus the two-step stem-nut bearing-settle figures.
Steering fasteners
| Fastener | Torque | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Handlebar clamp bolts | 34 N·m | O, S |
| Handlebar holder nuts | 34 N·m | — |
| Steering-stem head nut | 108 N·m | — |
| Upper front-fork clamp bolts | 20 N·m | — |
| Lower front-fork clamp bolts | 34 N·m | AL |
| Steering-stem nut — final | 4.9 N·m | after seating (see below) |
O = apply 2-stroke oil to the threads · S = follow the tightening sequence · AL = tighten clamp bolts alternately twice.
The steering-stem nut is a two-step torque, not a single value: first seat the bearings at 39 N·m, then back off and set the final 4.9 N·m. Skipping the seating step leaves the bearings loose (head shake) or, if you simply torque to 39 N·m and leave it, notchy steering. Use Steering-Stem Nut Wrench 57001-1100.src: Kawasaki VN2000-A1 Service Manual — Periodic Maintenance (Torque & Locking Agent / Specifications tables, pp. 2-7…2-13)
Switch housings, master cylinder and grips off; refit with the clamp bolts oiled and torqued.
Handlebar
- 1
Remove the headlight upper cover, then the clutch-lever assembly and left switch housing, and the front-brake master cylinder, right switch housing and throttle grip.
- 2
Unscrew the clamp bolts and lift the handlebar off the stem head.
- 3
On installation, apply 2-stroke oil to the clamp-bolt threads and torque the clamp bolts (follow the sequence).
Torque34 N·m - 4
Fit the right switch housing so its locating projection enters the small hole in the bar; set the left switch housing and clutch-lever assembly to the bar’s punch mark; refit the master cylinder (see Brakes).
The full stem job, centred on the 39 N·m seat → 4.9 N·m final bearing-settle sequence.
Removal
Remove the front wheel first.
- 1
With the front wheel off, keep the rear wheel on the ground.
WarningBe sure the rear wheel is on the ground when removing the steering — otherwise the motorcycle may fall, causing an accident and injury.
- 2
Remove the headlight unit & cover, front turn signals, the brake hose clamp and the stem cover; remove the handlebar clamp & assembly, the stem-head nut & washer, and the forks (see Suspension).
- 3
Remove the O-ring and stem head, the claw washer, then the steering-stem nut (wrench 57001-1100), the oil seal and the lower O-ring, and pull the stem out from the bottom.
Installation & bearing settle
Grease the needle bearings; fit the stem, bearing, a NEW O-ring (I.D. 34.5 × 2 mm), stem cap and stem nut.
- 1
Seat the bearings: tighten the stem nut to 39 N·m (hook the wrench and pull 218 N at the 180 mm hole), then loosen it.
Torqueseat 39 N·m - 2
Retighten the stem nut to the final torque (pull 27 N at the 180 mm hole).
Torquefinal 4.9 N·m - 3
Fit the claw washer, push the fork legs up tight against the stem bottom and temporarily tighten the lower clamp bolts; fit the stem head, O-ring, washer and head nut and temporarily tighten the upper clamp bolts.
- 4
Check the inner-tube top is flush with the stem-head upper surface, then tighten the upper fork clamp bolts, the stem-head nut, and finally the lower fork clamp bolts (AL).
Torqueupper 20 · head 108 · lower 34 N·m - 5
Adjust steering, throttle cables and headlight aim, then check front-brake effectiveness before riding.
WarningDo not ride until a firm lever is obtained by pumping the brake until the pads contact the disc.
Whenever the stem is out — or if the steering cannot be adjusted to turn smoothly — check the stem for straightness and replace it if bent. If either stem bearing is damaged, replace both upper and lower bearings with their outer races as a set, grease them on installation, and check afterwards that the stem turns smoothly with no play or rattle. Replace the stem cap if its grease seal is damaged.src: Kawasaki VN2000-A1 Service Manual — Periodic Maintenance (Torque & Locking Agent / Specifications tables, pp. 2-7…2-13)