If the shims between the swingarm and crankcases are missing the swingarm will have side to side play,which could be what he means. If the pivot pin or roller bearings in the crankcases are worn there will be up and down play.
If you can support the bike other than by the swingarm so the rear wheel is off the ground you should be able to tell what you have. A good way of supporting the bike is to remove the riders footpegs and turn them upside down so they dont fold upwards. Then lower the bike onto a pair of axle stands under the pegs and lo and behold the bike is upbut there is no weight on the rear suspension. Any play in either swingarm or wheel bearings or even shock mounting should be apparent, but don't go too mad shaking the thing or you could shake it off the stands.......
Voice of experience there......
HTH, Paul
Paul
15th year in DD #68 and getting slower by the year
1199, SS800 & 620SSie DD racer 
paynep
Threaded Mode