has anyone else got fed up with the rear linkage bearings and bottom rose joint in the gas gas and made a set of bushes for it?

if so, what did you use? iv been told oilite is a good job?

I've gave my own bike two 'allballs' (load of balls!) kits in approx one year, its just too expensive for the kits plus the rose joint is ridiculously dear at £35 each.

I have no experience of allballs bearings, but there are some none OE bearings are not very good quality. Original Gasgas linkage bearings and shock spherical bearings are pretty good so long as they are greased regularly with correct grease and not abused with a pressure washer. Correctly looked after these bearings will last many many years.

Try simply bearings for quality replacements

Bronze or oilite bushes do work but are much higher friction than needle rollers and will spoil the suspension plushness.

The shock needs a bearing that allowed movement in several directions, a bush could damage the shock and / or make its action harsh.

I have used 660 bronze to replace dog bone bearings. On 02 Shercos and GGs you can also fit in grease fittings for regular greasing. If there is additional friction, it is not enough to notice.

Some rose joints come threaded for grease fittings but I have not found them in the small size required.