2022 Kawasaki KX250 Rear Suspension (UNI TRAK) Owners Manual

2022 Kawasaki KX250 Rear Suspension (UNI TRAK)

Rear Suspension (UNI-TRAK®)

This motorcycle’s rear suspension system is called UNI-TRAK® and consists of a rear shock absorber unit, a swingarm, two lever rods and a lever. The operating characteristics of the UNI-TRAK® suspension are similar to those of the front fork. However, a linkage system is used to achieve progressive springing characteristics.

Rear Shock Absorber Inspection

NOTICE
Sticking muds or dusts on the sliding surface of the rear shock absorber could damage the oil seal, leading to an oil leak. Clean the slid- ing surface after each ride.

.Pump the seat down and up by 4 or 5 times, and inspect the smooth stroke.
If it does not stroke smoothly or noise is found, inspect the oil leak and rear shock absorber mounting.
Visually inspect the rear shock absorber for oil leakage.
If necessary, repair or replace by an authorized Kawasaki dealer.

Rear Shock Absorber Adjustment
The spring preload of the shock absorber can be adjusted or the spring can be replaced with an optional one to suit various riding conditions. In addition, the damping force can be adjusted easily, making it unnecessary to change the oil viscosity.

Rebound Damping Adjustment

To adjust the rear shock absorber rebound damping, turn the rebound damping adjuster at the bottom of the rear shock absorber with a flat tip screwdriver.

A. Rebound Damping Adjuster

A number of turns counterclockwise usable range 38 clicks or less. Although you can turn the adjuster beyond the adjustable range, effecting no changes to damping force, use it within the adjustable range. Standard Rebound Damping Adjuster Setting

15 clicks
Counterclockwise from the fully seated position

NOTICE
Do not force the rebound damping force adjuster beyond the fully seated position, or the adjusting mechanism may be damaged.

Adjustment of the rebound damping adjuster forthe rear suspension will slightly affect the compression damping force. Always make any damping adjustments in small steps and test their effects before using them in competition.

Damping Adjustment

• (Gas Compression Reservoir)
• There are two adjustments you can make to the rear shock absorber gas reservoir.
• To adjust the high-speed compression damping, turn the high-speed compression, damping adjuster.
• To adjust the low-speed compression damping, turn the low-speed compression damping adjuster with a flat-tip screwdriver.

A. Compression Damping Adjuster for High Speed
B. Compression Damping Adjuster for Low Speed

If the damping feels too soft or too stiff, adjust it in accordance with the following table.

High-Speed Compression Damping Adjuster Settings

A. Seated Position (Adjuster Turned Fully Clockwise)
B. Softer (Counterclockwise)
C. Harder (Clockwise)
D. Standard Setting

Number of turns counterclockwise usable range 2 1/4 turns or less. Although you can turn the adjuster beyond the adjustable range, effecting no changes to damping force, use it within the adjustable range.

Standard High Speed Compression Damping Adjuster Setting

1 1/2 turns out”

Counterclockwise from the fully seated position

Low Speed Compression Damping Adjuster Settings

A. Seated Position (Adjuster Turned Fully Clockwise)
B. Softer (Counterclockwise)
C. Harder (Clockwise)
D. Standard Setting (KX252C)
E. Standard Setting (KX252D)

Number of turns counterclockwise usable range 21 clicks or less. Although you can turn the adjuster beyond the adjustable range, effecting no changes to damping force, use it within the adjustable range.

Standard Low Speed Compression Damping Adjuster Setting

KX252C10 clicks
KX252D8 clicks

: Counterclockwise from the fully seated position

NOTICE

• Do not force the compression damping force adjuster beyond the fully seated position, or the adjusting mechanism may be damaged.
• Adjustment of the compression damping adjusterfor the rear suspension will slightly affect the re bound damping force. Always make any damping adjustments in small steps and test their effects before using them in competition.

Spring Preload Adjustment

• Remove the rear frame with air cleaner housing (see Throttle Body Assy section).
• Raise the rear wheel off the ground using a jack (special tool: 57001-1238) and attachment (special tool: 57001-1608).
• Using the hook wrenches (special tools: 570011101, 1539), loosen the locknut on the rear shock absorber.

A. Spring Preload Adjusting Nut
B. Locknut
C. Hook Wrenches (Special Tools: 57001-11011539)

.Using the hook wrench (special tool: 57001 1539), turn the spring preload adjusting nut as required. creases the spring preload. Turning the adjusting nut down in.

A. Hook Wrench (Special Tool: 57001-1539)
B. Spring Preload Adjusting Nut

The standard adjusting nut position from the cen- ter of the upper rear shock absorber pivot point is in the table below.

KX252C 125.6 mm (4.945 in.)
KX252D 123.1 mm (4.846 in.)

The adjustable range is in the table below.

Standard

A. Adjusting Nut Position
B. Center of Upper Rear Shock Absorber Pivot
C. Spring End

• Tighten the locknut securely.
• After making the adjustment, move the spring up and down to make sure that it is properly seated.
• Install the rear frame with air cleaner housing (see Throttle Body Assy section).
• Install the removed parts.

Optional Rear Shock Absorber Springs

• Various rear shock absorber springs are available to achieve suitable rear shock absorber action in ac- cordance with the rider’s weight and track condition.
• A harder spring stiffens the shock absorber action and accelerates the rebound damping.
• A softer spring softens the shock absorber action and slows down the rebound damping.

WARNING
Improper removal or installation of the rear shock absorber spring may cause the spring and/or related parts to be ejected at high ve locity. Always wear eye and face protection when working on the rear shock absorber. Removal and installation of the rear shock absorber spring should be performed by an authorized Kawasaki dealer.