TOPIC:

this might be a dumb question, but my kz650 steers really loose and wobbly and feels unstable in the front end. its really bad at low speed, like when taking a slow corner. ive ridden many many bikes, but never a kawasaki. do kaws just have a really loose steering control/characteristic? it kinda worries me.

It shouldn't feel loose and wobbly. Have you had the steering head bearings checked?

Hi freebyrd24,

I've noticed something similar in my Z650. It feels kind of light and smooth. Mine has had new steering head bearings but still feels the same so not sure if its that.

I think I notice it more after riding the Zephyr 550 cos its a different riding position with more weight forward on the arms and then getting on the Z. So I've put it down to riding two bikes of different riding styles.

Its also strange that when I go from the Z650 to the Zephyr the Zephyr seems really heavy and stiff, even though the Z has several Kilos more weight!?!?!

Fourtoes

If all checks ok in front steering and wheel bearings, what about the handlebars you are used to. I had flat bars on my 650 but when I rode my bro's CB750 Custom with much higher and wider bars I found it wobbled and weaved. Took a lot less steering input on his bike with high leverage bars. To be sure check all wheel and steering bearings and all fasteners for tightness.

i had a cb750 for a while, and just this past week ive ridden a honda1100 shadow, and a 1200 sportster. This just feels very light and uneasy to me. how do i check the bearings in front?

the steering head bearings that is

i checked all the bolts and nuts, everything is tight, i check the air pressure, and as im checking i see the rotational tire is on backwards. that was dumb of me, could this be part of that problem>?

that shouldnt affect steering its more of a water displacement thing. did you put it on the centerstand and check to see if the steering head bearings are loose?

A light 'feel' is OK. SLOPPY is NOT OK. Head bearings, soft front OR rear tire, sloppy swing arm bushings, loose motor mounts. Bad spokes. Worn handle bar rubber bushings...Wait, this isn't an xs650.

-Duck

no difference with the tire. i was tryin to think of a way to describe it, its like the hand grips r really heavy. it steers and pivots well, but just seems real loose

if you were closer id try it and tell you if its normal