Kawasaki KRX 1000 Steering Racks: What Actually Causes the clunk?

Let’s talk Kawasaki KRX 1000 steering racks.

When we first started racing the KRX 1000 in 2020, we noticed the steering racks were developing play/clunk pretty quickly, so we machined our own bushings to fix the issue. 

Our design was developed specifically to address the movement we were seeing in the rack, and after years of racing and testing, it has proven to be the solution we were looking for.

Is the Factory KRX 1000 Steering Rack the Problem?

Here’s something that might surprise you: the factory Kawasaki steering rack itself is actually built extremely tough.

In our experience, it’s the bushings inside the rack that wear and allow unwanted movement—not the rack housing itself.

Over six years of racing KRXs and thousands of race miles, we’ve only seen two OEM steering racks suffer significant damage. In both cases, the steering shaft bent while the factory rack housing survived.

One of those racks was equipped with our upgraded bushings and had more than 2,000 race miles on it. When we inspected it, the bushings still looked like new.

That says a lot about just how tough the factory KRX steering rack is—and how well our bushings hold up in some of the harshest off-road conditions out there.

We get asked all the time what steering rack we recommend as a replacement. Our answer is simple:

Stick with the OEM Kawasaki steering rack and upgrade the bushings.

Instead of replacing a strong factory rack with an expensive aftermarket assembly, address the part that is actually causing the problem.

How Our KRX Steering Rack Bushings Are Different

Our steering rack bushing setup replaces the factory components with materials selected specifically for this application.

For the KRX steering rack, our bushing design provides:

• Increased rigidity

• Reduced steering rack movement and deflection

• Excellent wear resistance

• Improved dimensional stability

• A tighter, more consistent steering feel

• A long-term solution for unwanted steering rack play

Most importantly, this isn't a part we developed based on theory. We developed it because we were experiencing the problem ourselves while racing the KRX.

Don't Want to Rebuild Your Steering Rack Yourself?

If you want a solid OEM steering rack but don't have the tools or don't want to swap the bushings yourself, we also offer rebuilt OEM Kawasaki KRX 1000 steering racks with our upgraded bushings already installed.

It's a way to get the durability of the factory Kawasaki rack with our upgraded bushing system already installed—for a fraction of the cost of many new replacement racks.

Every rebuilt rack is thoroughly inspected. We replace worn bearings as needed and install our upgraded bushings before it leaves our shop.

Shop our rebuilt KRX 1000 steering racks here.

We currently offer racks for:

2020–2022 KRX 1000
Original-style steering rack.

2023+ KRX 1000
Updated Kawasaki steering rack design.

If you have a 2020–2022 steering rack, we also offer the updated shaft that allows you to upgrade your existing rack to the newer design. Contact us for more information about that option.

Already Have a Good Steering Rack? Send It to Us.

You don't necessarily need to buy another rack.

If your current OEM rack is still in good condition, we offer a steering rack rebuild service for $200, including our upgraded bushings and free return shipping.

Send us your rack and we'll inspect it, install our upgraded bushing system, and get it ready to go back into your KRX.

Not Sure Which Option You Need?

Give us a call, text, or email.

Whether you need bushings, want us to rebuild your existing rack, or need a complete rebuilt OEM steering rack, we're happy to help you figure out which option makes the most sense for your KRX.

Don't replace a tough OEM steering rack just because it has developed clunking or play. Fix the part that's causing the problem.