Clutch issue on r1150r - request for advice pls

theop

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Hi all,

I am on a 17k mile 1150r that I use for commuting. This morning while on my 20mile commute into Heathrow I lost the clutch. I.e. It would not engage to let the engine run free. I kicked up and down the box fairly easily without until I had to eventually stop by the parking where I stalled with no ability to disengage into neutral. I pumped the lever a few times and got enough leeway to be in neutral then I moved the bike the last 20yards on first as if normal.

I now think I want to nurse the bike back home in London and recover from there rather than leave in Heathrow. Thoughts?

It sounds like a slave cylinder going - it's definitely lever/hydraulic it feels and not the clutch itself...

is there a trick to (like pumping the lever as it seemed to work once already ) get a few more miles in without issue so I can self ride to the shop and avoid recovery or am I mad? Obviously I don't want to run out of clutch on a busy a4 in traffic as I won't be able to even freewheel the bike to the pavement...

Your prompt response v much appreciated.

Ps: I see no leaks anywhere...
 
Last edited:
Nope, I wouldn't risk riding with no clutch.
If you've got a safe spot already, I'd be calling for recovery….unless you live 2 miles away?

At best it sounds like your slave has gone. At worse Thrust bearing or pressure plate.

Certainly wouldn't risk riding like that in london traffic.:rob
 
Having recently gotten away with my slave cylinder giving up (unlike you, I had just enough movement to change gear and get home) I think Flatdog is right. No clutch in traffic might be more interesting than you were hoping
 
You could try renewing the clutch fluid. Easy road-side repair - if you have two pairs of hands. But if there is a leak on the pushrod you increase the risk of contaminating the clutch plate. Has the fluid level dropped? Get a torch and check for external leaks.
 
Nope, I wouldn't risk riding with no clutch.

Try it sometime. Once you've got the hang of it it's fairly easy, even through london traffic.

I once rode a Norton Rotary across London when the clutch cable broke... and it was one of the very first models, where they idled on a single rotor and an electric switch activated the second rotor just off idle.
Imagine that, from half engine power to full engine power at the suddeness of an electrical contact while clutchless at walking pace.. :D
 
If the slave is leaking you run the risk of pumping fluid down the middle of the input shaft then it will contaminate the clutch plate,
That is guaranteed to spoil your day
Kerchingggggg££££££:D

Spot-on - chances are it's the slave cylinder - often a tell-tale sign is the fluid in the clutch master cylinder turns black when the ball race in the slave cylinder fails, then the clutch push-rod spins the piston, making the seal fail. With quick action, you might just save the clutch plate if you're lucky.
 
Steptoe - Norton Rotary - ah, memories, memories.
Just another example of supremely innovative British engineering skill and expertise combined with a total inability to make the concept work commercially.
What wonderful vehicles the later models were. GLC Patrol Bike Cops used them, didn't they ?

https://s26.postimg.org/jktjq3w3t/Norton_Classic_Rotary.jpg

But as for that pesky BMW Hydraulically-Actuated Clutch Slave Cylinder, sourced on the cheap by BMW Berlin-Spandau from a Slowak firm that makes hardware for push-bikes, not heavy-duty motorcycles...words fail me....
Change the clutch fluid every thirty days, sorry - weeks, sorry - months, sorry, seconds.
AL in s.e. Spain
 
The Norton Rotarys didnt like the slow police escort work, but on the open road with plenty of air flow they are superb. I had two air cooled and one water cooled Commander - fab machines - really great owners club too !
 


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