Swing Arm, vertical play. KZ650 C2

I was cleaning my chain yesterday and noticed my swing arm moved about 1/8" horizontally in one direction, which I'm assuming is a bad thing. The PO used some crappy oil to lube the previous chain so the swing arm itself is filthy and I'm having some problems seeing what's going on.

Any ideas?

Probly a bad thing...

I would cleanup and dessasemble/inspect as required and figure out exactly whats happening.

Refer to your manual for tolerences... or someone will have them here.

I would clean it up really well, unbolt the shocks, and try twisting the axle end of the swingarm. If you can feel any play replace the swingarm bearings. If there is no play, but there is lateral movement of the swing arm on the swing arm pivot shaft you need to see if the previous owner removed the swing arm caps or if the swing arm pivot lock nut is not fully tightened. Ed

2X What Ed said. Play in the swing arm pivot can get really harry in a hi speed banking turn. That is a good way of getting thrown.

What do you folks use to cleanup seriously caked on oil and crud?

First wipe of with a rag and than I use engine cleaner (generic)You can also use Fuel oil.

Ok, finally got the swing arm cleaned up (took forever!) and it looks like the needle bearings are shot. I'll order up a set from Z1 as soon as they have them back in stock, but I was wondering if I should think about replacing anything else since I'll be pulling everything apart. Should I be checking anything else for wear while I'm in there? Are there better alternatives to the needle bearings?

Appreciate all the help. I don't know what I'd do without you guys.

Hi

I'm in the same boat. Bought new bearings from Z1.

But they did not have the seals or the piece that the bearings ride on.

I don't think I want to replace the bearings without the other items.

I think Bike bandit had them?

Johnbgood