Can someone confirm the steering stem head nut is 34mm? I've found the torque specs for it in the manual but not sure of the size of socket I need to get for it. I read somewhere awhile back that it was 34mm?

That nut is a 25 MM.(...........WRONG-I'm wrong on this)!

* Last updated by: blue07 on 1/29/2010 @ 12:03 AM *

No, its either 34 or 35. I tried a 37 and it is just slightly too loose.

(now I'm not sure WHAT it is-34 or 35)Guess I didn't know before either!!!!(I used a LARGE cresent on mine(no,didn't round it off). I went to the Hardware store to try and get that right socket-made like three trips tryin to fit the socket to it-no go.NOBODY sells that Kawasaki Socket!I remember now WHY I bought the cresent.Worked fine though.It's a big bastard!Just gotta watch the paint and plastics right there.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 1/29/2010 @ 12:02 AM *

It will torque me if its a 36 and not a 35.

Anyway, I went to Sears last night after work, and Craftsman has a stick pack with 6 sockets in it, that run 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37. I'm going to buy it so I know I'll have the right socket. They don't sell singles that size in the store, but I guess I could order it and wait.

Not getting my LSL until mid-February anyway.

Why did you take yours off, Blue? I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread? :)

* Last updated by: privateer on 1/29/2010 @ 4:01 AM *

privateer you can get single sockets that size at the Napa store

Yo Privateer-it is a great mod-very cool.You'll really like it I'm sure.I do.I just wanted a change for a while.See how she feels setup as I had er before.Was a lot easier reinstalling the setup I had than before.I'll ride er like this for a while-probably change up again in the future.Also went back to stock gearing again.Been a LONG TIME since she was stock.Want to (maybe)get in some high speed runs this year-any more radical gearing and she just wasn't gonna top out like I'd want to have er.I've got those new Pirelli Angel ST's on there now-kinda wanted to run through em with the stock gearing setup as well-see just how long they will last.If ya need any help on yer install,just let me know.

My Advance Auto store rents their metric axle nut sockets fot $45. it has the right size socket -- whatever it is. You bring it back and they give you your $45 back. Maybe they all have the same set for rent.

I found a single 35mm 1/2" drive so all good now.

So it IS 35mm.Great-I'll write that down in my manual.I swear,the diagram shows the stem nut-and in the parts fiche that stem nut is labeled 25mm.???????

Actually, a 35mm 6pt won't go on the stem clamp nut, unless they made this socket wrong.

I have a 35mm 12pt standard socket coming, the store will call me when they get it. Maybe the 12pt will fit it.

If it doesn't, I'm going to have to actually measure it and find out exactly what it is.

* Last updated by: privateer on 2/4/2010 @ 4:34 AM *

I used a metric axle nut socket from my Advance Auto store. I don't recall the size but there were 4 sockets in the set. $40 and they give it all back when you return the sockets.

Ya-that stem socket is a real pain to find-did like you Privateer-measured that puppy several times-Nothing worked!!!!Crescent finally got mine-but ROOK's got the shizit there.

I tried a 35mm 12pt and it won't fit either. My 36mm fits well enough, I think.

The stem nut is 36mm. I bought mine from Sears. It's sold separately but I forgot the price at the moment. Seems it was about $25.
Fits like it should.
Brings up a related question...without a centerstand, how do you know how much to torque the adjuster nut for the bearings? I've got the special Kaw' hook tool for the nut.
On my old GS (centerstand) you just tighten until you feel a slight drag when moving the bars side to side and you're good.

* Last updated by: KAK on 2/5/2010 @ 5:06 PM *

^^Could try removing tank and running a strap under the airbox. The straps could hang from ceiling joists. Lift bike on front stand and rear stand, tighten strap, take out front stand, front floats in the air.

* Last updated by: Rook on 2/5/2010 @ 6:30 PM *

I believe my shop guy puts my bike on a lift and raises the front under the oil pan.Guess you could do that-maybe a nice flat 2X6 block of wood on the jack(round pad car jack)and slowly,carefully lift it just enough to move yer bars back and forth freely?Certainly wouldn't do it alone-that's for sure.I think somehow you'll have to get the bike sitting vertical-somethin you couldn't do by yourself and stabilize the bike during the lift also.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 2/5/2010 @ 9:22 PM *