Should the Sherco suspension have zero free play? All of my bearings look like new and all bolts are tight yet there is still a little play in the suspension at full extension. Not much but a little more than a well maintained '97 Gas Gas. Is that normal?

If you mean movement in the bearings then I would say there is meant to be absolutely none. Mine has a tiny amount at the moment so will be due a bit of work very soon. Just check the bolts are all tight, it can make a bit of a mess if one comes loose.

If you mean a bit of sag (sorry if it's not the correct terminology) at the top of the suspension, then they don't have it when new. Mine developed a bit of sag after a while, sorted out by winding the suspension up a bit.

Can't think why it sagged with my spritely figure on it

If it is the needle rollers, quite possible, you can change the lot for less than

just replaced the bottom of the shock bearing , think it was about

I think the play is due to a loose bolt but can not identify which one. I bought the bike in almost new condition and immediately serviced all bearings including the top and bottom of the shock. Everything looked in great condition but I still had a little play. I periodically try tightening the bolts with no effect. Does one bolt need to be supertight? Is there one that is easy to over look? Is there a procedure to identify exactly where the play is? With all of the linkage interconnecting, I have tried placing my fingers on each joint as a I move the suspension but it is still not clear.

I had a similar problem for ages.

Eventually found out that the free play was in my elbow

Sorry...

No that's the way I've found it...get someone else to move the suspension while you put a finger over the bearings...no good doing it yourself if there is so little movement.

ooops double post

Edited November 18, 200421 yr by motopat

i had an XR600R supermoto which had 'play' in the rear end. Every MOT the tester pointed this out, but it never got worse.

I think the free play stemmed from the top shock mounting, which would be exagerated through all the linkages to a few mm of movement at the rear wheel.

I think it was just the design of the bike, but that's where I'd start to look if I were you (as I said any movement here will be amplified at the rear wheel). Could be 'normal' though

Edited November 18, 200421 yr by motopat

It only takes a couple thousandths of an inch to translate into what seems like considerable movement at the rear wheel.

All the bolts are right there to see, so there's nothing hidden.

You can get a small amount of play when the bolts themselves wear.

Just ride it.