play in rear wheel

[coffee]

Hi, While adjusting my chain I noticed a fair bit of play in the rear wheel when in gear,probably 2 to 3 inches is this the norm? the bike rides ok with some snatch in the first 2/3 gears but nothing you would think was a problem,thanks for any comments. The bike is a 2010 fz1n.

[Dudeofrude]

What do you mean by play?, horizontal, vertical or lateral movement?
Doesn't sound good either way 🤔

[coffee]

Just turning the wheel back and forth in gear,you can move the wheel a couple of inches between stops.

[Trebus]

Worn cush drive rubbers? A bit of old inner tube to pack it out works wonders if that’s the case.

[coffee]

I thought of that but it's only done 5,700 miles then again I don't know how the other owners rode  it so it could be that. They're not that hard to do are they?

[unfazed]

2 to 3 inches sounds a lot  even for worn Cush drives.
Remove the rear wheel, pull the sprocket and its hub from the wheel.
The rubbers inside are what you need to replace they will probably fall out.

Usually about 6 of them and probably around £10 to £12

[coffee]

Just talking to a mate of mine and he said you have to have some play and I wondered if tomorrow any of you with a centre stand could just put it in 1st gear and see how much "rock" you have mine may not be as excessive as I think,thanks.

[Hugh Mungus]

There will be some play when rolling the wheel back and forth. I'm not sure about 2 to 3 inches, maybe 1 to 2 inches. This is normal.
Only get worried when you can roll your bike in gear for several hundred yards as someone has probably nicked your chain 

[celticbiker]

This is normal, all bikes are different but this is nothing more than back lash in the gearbox and drive train.

[Dudeofrude]

I checked my 07 gen 2 and I'd say I have about 1/2 inch movement.

[coffee]

Thanks for all your replies I'm going to leave it for now as it rides ok especially as a few of you have a fair bit of play aswell ,once again thanks,Phil