Rear Wheel bearing play

[pen-pusher]

My bike passed its MOT today, but the MOT examiner noted that there was some play in the rear wheel bearing and issued an advisory.  This is the 3rd MOT in a row that he has issued the same advisory.  I couldn't feel any play when I got hold of the wheel and tried to wiggle it holding it side to side so I asked him about it - There is just the tiniest amount of play when gripping the wheel top to bottom.  He even said it was nothing to worry about but he had to issue an advisory if there was any play at all.  Anyone else experienced this?  Should I be having a new wheel bearing - or will it still be the same and this is just within acceptable Honda tolerances?  I'm a bit narked to keep getting this advisory on the MOT tbh, but I'm not really sure that it actually needs any attention...

[GA VFR]

What is MOT?

Thank you

[pen-pusher]

I'm not sure if you are teasing me?  It's the annual Ministry of Transport test to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy.  All UK vehicles over the age of 3 years have to have this MOT test every year in order to be used on the roads.

[andyrob]

For piece of mind I would just get new bearings especially after 3 "warnings"

[pen-pusher]

Thanks Andyrob.  I guess I’m kind of on the same page - I hate advisories and I want it to be right, but even the tester said it was a tiny amount and it hasn’t changed since last year.  He said it might just be how they are on this bike, but particularly on a single swingarm bike they are obliged to advise if they find any play at all.  I just wanted to see what everyone thought as I don’t want the expense of new bearings and fitting etc only to find it’s exactly the same?

[andyrob]

I always shoogle the rear wheel after GS and Superduke stories about their "accepted" play!

I would say there should be none in any direction.

[Jfro5867]

What's the mileage on your bike and have you done any off roady type riding at all? Some bearings have to have a tiny amount of movement to allow for heat build up and expansion when running.

[pen-pusher]

Mileage is 24500.  No off road work at all!  I'm strictly a road rider - especially on a big heavy beast like the CT. I'm not brave enough for off road! 😁.