Is there supposed to be lateral movement of the back wheel?

[slimyxylofone]

I've been wondering about my ZXRs back wheel recently. I can move it sideways quite a bit when it's stationary (maybe a cm or so?) - is this normal? I expect the wheel should have a little bit of play, but this worries me.

The back does feel a bit shakey sometimes while cornering.

Any help is really appreciated.

[WRT]

Ya what???

No wonder the back feels shakey . . . sounds like you need new wheel bearings there buddy. Get it checked asap, that isnt very safe.

[imdying]

Ummm, I suspect not.

[bobsmith]

Uhhhh what he said..... I don't pretend to know a lot about motorbikes, but you definately don't want much/(if any) lateral freeplay of wheels (as you describe them) in any vehicle....

[WRT]

Ummm, I suspect not.

What? You suspect its not normal, or that its not naffed wheel bearings?

[Motu]

That's pretty good for an XS650,about as good as they got - but for any other bike...that's a no....

[WRT]

Maybe its just got "passive steering" in the back?

[Wasp]

bwahaha, the welly crew always claim that my rear slides - i just l;aughed it off till i felt it myself then thought about it for awhile and now alas tis time for a new rear anyway...

[Lou Girardin]

Could be swing arm bearings too.

[merv]

Yep Lou's onto it. If the swingarm moves too then that's your problem, otherwise can only be wheel bearings or a spacer missing or something.

[imdying]

What? You suspect its not normal, or that its not naffed wheel bearings?

Heh, posted at the same time. I'd be looking at wheel bearings first, they're cheapest and easiest

[Swoop]

Where's the smilie for "shit scared"!!!!
*cringe*

[eliot-ness]

Test wheel bearings by holding tyre top and bottom and trying to rock it. If there's movement the bearings are stuffed.
Check spacers by holding wheel front and back and pushing/ pulling. Should be no side play. If there is a spacer may be missing
Check swing arm bushes by pulling/ pushing sideways on swing arm. Side play should be minimal, about a millimetre.
Check that wheel nuts are tight and spindle doesn't slide when you move the wheel
Definitely should not be a centimetre play anywhere. That much could be enough to throw off the chain with drastic and maybe painful results.

[terbang]

More than likely swingarm but if it is wheel bearings then dont ride anymore as it is very bad. When the wheel is moving side to side, where is the pivot or centre of the movement.? The hub or the swingarm pivot..? You should be able to see it.

[ferretface]

I had exactly the same query a few weeks back - but not 1cm play! - more like a few mill. Anyway - got the bearings changed and it corners like it always should have done! well worth getting it sorted.