Just bought a slightly used ars/fx +2 stem, I put it on and noticed it has a little play in the upper bracket that holds it in place. The paint is wore off and I have the bolts tighten all the way. Is that plastic braket (bushing) what ever it is a common ware part??

Also does anyone else have a +2 stem and how do you like it, I ask because it seems really tall. Im 5'11'' and Im not sure yet if the +2 will feel comfortable. I might be trading for a +1 if it doesnt.

I bought the stem because I heard the geometry helps elimate some bump steer.

All yamaha bushings wear there and the stems will also, I usually don't worry about it, you don't notice it when riding, if it is the bottom bearing that is a problem. You could get a new bushing and it will help. I run the plus 2, but personly think the old plus 2 was better, more like 1 1/2 now, but I think the plus 1 might be short, I had to adjust my bars and controls a little then got use to it.

Yeah my upper stem bushings wear pretty fast. THey are like 18.00 from Yamaha. I usually buy new take-offs since they wear pretty fast anyway. XCBOB is right, when your riding you won't notice it. Part of the problem is the powdercoat wearing off the stem. What I usually do is run a set until it's to loose for my liking. Take them off and belt sand to them. Do a little at a time until you figure it out. Anyway if you sand the mating surfaces it will in turn bring them closer together thus tightening the stem in your upper clamp. Make sure you do the steel sleave ends as well, otherwise they will only let you tighten down to as long as the sleaves are. It doesn't take much...but more then handsanding.

Thanks fordfreak, I was thinking about grinding it down a little to make it tighter. I understand what saying about the sleaves, dont want to forget to cut them down a little too.