I've gone on about the grabby transmission take-up on my G5 before - and I've learned to ride the bike accordingly. I figured if that's how they're made, then so be it.
But now the matter still has me unsettled, and I'm seeking input from other owners.
Because I've just been in my neighbour's garage, where lurks a fine old Panther motorcycle of great vintage, with a good many miles on the clock, and two chain drives twixt engine and wheel. And on its centre stand, in first gear, there is, at most, half an inch of free play in the rear wheel.
This amazed me, because my brand new G5, carefully run-in and now with 2000 miles under its belt, has a full two to two-and-a-half inches of play in the rear wheel when on its stand and in first gear. And it's been like this from day one.
Now I'm the first to admit to very little experience with motorcycles - which is why I'm asking this here - but I use and tend machinery, always have, and I've looked after a lot of old cars, and all my instincts tell me this is excessive free play, particularly on a new machine.
I really would be grateful for some more opinions from other owners - and if you're willing to go out to the garage and measure this on your own G5, even better, and I'll owe you a beer. I just want to put this matter to rest once and for all - are these bikes just made sloppy - or do I have a warranty issue here?
Thanks in anticipation,
Will