While cleaning the bike, I noticed there was more than normal play and slack while lifting the gear shift lever. I figured it must be in the linkage adjustment. But I grabbed the main part that is on the spline from the transmission. I could move it in and out on the spline. I got a 5mm Hex/allen and checked if it was tight. It seemed so, but yet being able to move it in and out is not normal. So I tightened the bolt just a little more. NO MORE PLAY. and no play or slack while lifting the gear shift lever. Amazed that tightening that bolt just a little more took away all the up/down play in the gear shift lever.
Check yours.... bolt that pencil is pointing to.
Check yours.... bolt that pencil is pointing to.