My '98 Banshee has a lot of vertical play in the steering. I have tried to tighten the lower nut on the end of the stem, but it is tight. Has anyone else had this happen? How did you fix it?

I bought it new and it has been ridden very little, so I doubt that it could be worn out.

 

I have a Warrior with a similar problem. I can move the handlebars slightly.. in a back and forth motion. I tightened the upper clamp that has a rubber bushing type thing in there and it helped a little. I checked another warrior same year and it also has a little play. Seems to be normal.

 

I'm not sure of the Banshee, but the Warrior's Upper Steering Stem Bearing is made of two plastic halves. If it's been on it's side or rolled over even once, it may have been enough to warp the plastic.

 

I also have the same problem on my 99 and have not found anyway to fix it. I have took it all apart and nothing seems worn. Let me know if you find something out.