How to Adjust Your Controls: 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 / Z1000SX

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In this video, I'll show you how to adjust the hand and foot controls on the 2017/2018 Ninja 1000 / Z1000SX. This same process should also be applicable to many other bikes.

[@Nirvash24]

Great video. easy to understand and clear. Keep up the awesome work. Maybe do a video on how to keep the matte paint on the bike clean?

[@JonLong]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback! And I’ve got a special video planned just for that!

[@85waspnest]

Clear and well presented. I knew how to adjust the brake & clutch levers on my new Z1000SX but not the gear and rear brake until I saw this. I've enjoyed your other videos as well. Thanks.

[@NavySWO]

Makes sense, thank you. I’ll double check the cable today.

[@DaisyDesigner18]

Thank you For Sharing :) make more Videos for Z1000

[@NavySWO]

As always, excellent video Jonathan! I had a strange experience yesterday on my 2019 N1K while starting up and going for a ride. While in my driveway I put bike into 1st gear (let warm up for about 30 seconds), then slowly let out the clutch and the bike shot down my driveway and into the street....I barely had time to pull in the clutch and brake. How I didn't drop the bike is a mystery. I absolutely, positively did not dump the clutch! Not sure what the heck happened but now my bike makes a louder "clunking" sound when shifting into 1st, then up through 2nd into 3rd. I hope I didn't inadvertently damage the clutch itself. If it's still acting strangely then I'll take it to my mechanic. So strange....

[@JonLong]

Very strange! That’s great that you didn’t drop the bike, though. Not that it matters much, but it would be better to have damage to the clutch than something else, like the transmission gears, since the clutch is a wear item and is designed to be easily replaced. My first guess would be to check your clutch cable. If the cable slipped, the clutch could engage sooner than you expected. Also make sure nothing else is interfering with the clutch cable housing, such as having the handlebars turned.

[@NavySWO]

@@JonLong Hey Jon, I think I discovered the cause of my strange incident. Put the N1K on a stand, started him up and put into 1st gear…even with the clutch lever fully depressed the rear wheel was still turning! I adjusted the cable at the lever and it now properly disengages. Previous owner obviously had it set up incorrectly. Something I should have checked when I bought the bike!!! Lesson learned. Thanks again for your excellent videos, they really help us novices!!

[@johnnyt.sunami1825]

The new instrument cluster is beautiful...unfortunately I feel its difficult at times to read the guage in direct sun light, especially some of the smaller font while riding at speed... is there a contrast adjustment?

[@ShomitSarkar]

Nowadays i click like even before the video begins.. Just incase i dont forget to click like later :D

[@JonLong]

I appreciate it!!

[@junmomonagi2612]

Very Great ❗

[@cristian4963]

Very interesting and clear

[@spoonman73]

Awesome video! Now I can wear my boots...

[@Fastliner8]

Thanks for the torque settings!

[@larsm.4255]

Can you make a video about how to remove/change the fairing mirrors?

[@sachitanandkumar2737]

Grt video

[@JonLong]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Tenktory]

When adjusting the gearshift lever, I noticed that the front nut did not turn as a separate piece. It looked rather like fused to a bar. I figured it might be deformed by tightening too much by a previous owner of the bike. But looking at your video, I see exactly the same thing. In your case, can this nut be moved on the rod, or should it always be in this position and rotate with a bar in both directions?

[@liza3775]

Thank you for this video! Have you adjusted suspension?

[@JonLong]

I haven’t adjusted the front at all, but I’ve adjusted preload on the rear.

[@kfiji]

What bike did you learn to ride on

[@craftwanderer8802]

My 2011 z1000sx's clutch is quite stiff but not super hard. Does changing to a adjustable clutch helps?
Also, is adjusting the gear lever available for older models as well?

[@JonLong]

An adjustable clutch lever only adjusts the reach (distance) from the lever to the handlebar. If your clutch feels stiff to pull, you might want to make sure your clutch cable is properly lubricated. I’m not sure if the older model Z1000SX has an adjustable clutch, but it should be easy to check. I’ll have a video out shortly showing how to add aftermarket clutch/brake levers.

[@craftwanderer8802]

Jonathan Long No, my enquiry regarding the adjustability is the gear shifter.
As for my clutch, mine is the older type spinning adjuster that makes it nearer or further for the biting point. I have a wrist injury. Pretty tough for me...