Anybody got the spec on the swingarm link bearings? Im hoping to get some from a bearing shop as Yamaha NZ doesnt stock them so they have to be imported.

The existing bearings should have numbers on the inner or outer race that will identify them for a bearing supplier.

Having just looked at the parts fiche... mine only shows bushings, no bearings.

Yes they are bushings! Which is why it is important to grease them often. The center bushing in the link has the most load on it, and wears faster. I have replaced mine as it was real loose. That was at about 25,000 miles.

This bike just turned over 10,000 miles. Yes they are bushings. Got it apart now so will measure them up and see if I can get local.

The XT225 has all bushings in the suspension links/joints. Higher end bikes will have needle bearings. In addition to the bushings wearing so will the long through bolt that has grease fittings at either end. We had to replace all of these wearing parts at around 6k miles. Bad scene in our situation.

Always used synthetic grease every 500 miles too.

For the record they are,
16x18x12 x 2
18x20x15 x 4
20x23x20 x2
DU bushes. Real common, cost me $20 for the lot.

Has anyone tried replacing the bushings with needle bearings?

Bikes that have needle bearings in the swing arm, still also require bushings.

My VStrom only has bearings.

My KLR has all needle bearings. I installed grease zerks soon after I got it, keep it well greased, and still had a bearing go bad! One bearing after 35k miles so I can't complain.