I have just got a set of 'new' (ie. unused) 2007 marzocchi xc700sl forks.

So far I'm quite impressed – need a bit of breaking in to loosen up the seals (much better after a couple of rides), but I'm enjoying the features + performance.

However, they have what seems to me to be quite a lot of play in the bushings, straight from the box.
I thought this was a bit odd (my previous 2 pairs of Marz forks didn't have any play) so I whipped the lowers off to have a look.
Everything looks fine, but the semi-bath oil that came out seemed quite dirty considering they had only had 2 or 3 hours of riding.

Is it possible that sitting around on the shelf for a couple of years has degraded the bushing surface somehow, such that they've worn very rapidly, or is noticeable play typical for '07 Marz forks/this model?

apparently this is normal if you read the Marzocchi site. mine are the same – but need to go back because they've developed the TST wind-down fault.

I thought that the 'deliberate play bushings' where introduced for 2008 though?

I has a set of 08 MX comps, i could move them with my hands, in the end they replaced them and those i have don't knock. Won't be buying any more of those, Marzocchi forks. Going to way of another form manufacturer that starts with M.

Mine had play in the bushings from new as well – it felt very odd at first but you don't notice it when riding.

They've proved faultless over 2 years use and the bushing play is no more than it was when new.

Hmmm, well at least it's not just mine (same model/year muffin man?).

Will have to see how they go…

same model/year muffin man?[/]

Yep, these ones…