I have a 1999 Yamaha bear tracker and there is a lot of play in the handlebars, is this normal? If not i would like to know how i can fix it.

 

Likely time for tie rod ends, and maybe a steering shaft bushings. Have someone wiggle the bars back and forth and take a look under there to see where the play is.
Ken

 

When you are saying play are you talking that you turn the bars, but the wheels don't turn or are you talking that the bars shake around like they are loose in the bushing under the plastic? Looks like good advice above...on my big bear I also had to replace the bearing at the base of the steering stem. Let us know what is going on and someone will point you in the right direction!

 

When i turn the handlebars the wheels wont turn. there is about a half inch of play

 

I would look at the tie rod ends...very affordable and nice to have peace of mind too that they won't fly completely apart at 40 mph!