Front Fork Play

[NeovdW]

Hello friends, new here.
2018 Vitpilen 401 EU spec

I recently noticed that when loading the forks (braking and pumping front forks), i felt a wierd feeling almost like something shifts when doing that. First i thought my steering collar nut was loose but it turned out it wasnt and after closer inspection i noticed that when rocking the lower part of the forks back and forth it has some play between the lower fork and upper fork tubes. It is slightly visible too. How much play is too much play? And do I have to replace the fork bushings? My bike only has 23000km so it feels a bit wierd that the forks already need a rebuild...

I have done a couple small wheelies and a lot of backroad riding with this bike, but nothing so harsh that the forks would wear this prematurely. When rocking the lower fork you definitely feel that its moving front to back and a bit side to side aswell. Any advice is very appreciated

 

[irsh]

There are bushing between the upper and lower tubes that are a wear-item, these may be in need of replacement.

 

[NeovdW]

Yeah thats what i also figured. But is it normal for these bushings to wear out this quick? Even the bikes stock fork oil seals are still holding up. I feel this play with the front lifted so maybe its just the fact i have a bigger lever on the bushings with the lower fork tube all the way down.
Its hard to know without proper reference so im thinking if i should wait with the fork rebuild until the seals give in or just do it preliminary. Its not cheap at approximately 100€ in parts (Im a student). In any case will keep the thread updated.

 

[NeovdW]

I realized tonight that the wierd feeling when pumping my forks is from me having a floating brake disc, not from the forks moving. And therefore i will wait with fork maintenance until the seals leak