( Bike fully assembled) When lifting up the bike by the exhaust, it goes up then stops as that's the end of the spring travel. However you can then pull it up a bit more and then there's this space of free play when the shock is fully extended. I then found that this little free play was because the top bolt has space to move when through the top of the shock. So it clicks when you lift the bike up and down only when you lift it past the point where the spring is complete extended. Its not the shock its self or the linkage i tested for that. Is it normal to have this free play?

Thanks!

Mine is the same. I replaced the linkage bearings and sleeves etc which eliminated the free play at the swinging arm end but left the top shock bolt with small amount of movement. One day I might replace it or try and sleeve it somehow.

There is a rose joint in there plus more as I recall. But firstly, the nut and bolt must be tight enough to squeeze the bushes tight to hold them. If goot-n-tight, then likely the rose joint is worn. Here is a pic of the kit from splatshop.

I think all i need to get is this, the one bearing at the top as that's the only bit with movement?

http://www.splatshop.co.uk/rose-joint-bearing-ge15.html

Link to exploded view : http://www.splatshop.co.uk/Parts-Finder/Sherco/2009/290/Rear-Shock-Swingarm/