Slop (free play)

Slop is informal mechanic talk for play or looseness in an assembly that should be tight or precise. Typical places are steering head bearings, swingarm and linkage bearings, wheel bearings, gear linkage, throttle and clutch cables, and worn chain and sprockets.

Some free play is designed in, for example in throttle and clutch cables, and the manual gives the correct amount. Excess play, however, makes controls imprecise and handling vague, and usually means wear that will get worse.

Check for slop by rocking the wheels sideways with the bike on a stand, pushing and pulling the fork with the front brake on, and moving levers and pedals. Replace worn parts before they cause larger damage.