1150GS Clutch problem

[StooL]

I have a hydraulic problem with my clutch. I stalled my bike today at a set of lights as the clutch gripped right back at the handlebar and took me by surprise. I couldn't restart the bike with the clutch in as it was trying to start with the bike in gear. The clutch was obviously unable to disengage the gear. I found neutral and started the bike, kicked it into first and got going again ok. I stopped in a more convenient location and did a few stop/starts. The clutch was fine so I carried on my way to work. After another couple of dodgy take offs I can say that the clutch seems to be ok most of the time but is intermitently gripping right back at the handlebars.

Is this a simple air or dirt in the clutch fluid problem, or something more sinister? Anyone else experienced a problem like this?

 

[Charles Hehl]

I had a similar problem on my 2002 1150GS about a year ago. It turned out to be the little clutch slave cylinder was failing. It eventually failed entirely resulting in clutch fluid spraying the clutch disk and plate...resulting in a need to replace clutch disk and pressure plate.

I would have it checked by a good mechanic...perhaps replace the slave cylinder before major problems.

In hindsight, I think my slave cylinder had been failing for some time but the symptoms would go away for a while. I had noticed prior to the total failure that the clutch fluid looked kind of dirty gray when flushed from the system...

 

[StooL]

That makes sense as I have just been out to have a look over the bike and I think I have a leak. There is what appears to be clutch/brake fluid dripping onto the top of the cat. I assume this is clutch fluid leaking from the slave cylinder or the pipe. I assume the cylinder and pipe are buried deep inside the bike somewhere? I'll try and limp home and start investigating tonight.

 

[Mouse]

I had a similar problem on my 1200, but in my case it was the master cylinder at fault. Same symptoms though.

But if you can see fluid leaking then in your case it sounds like it'll be the slave cylinder.

 

[carbold]

Got the same problem about 2 years ago, but in my case there was no leak. I simply changed the clutch fluid and everything has been ok ever since

 

[Steptoe]

Give this a check - the clutch fluid pipe gets badly corroded, and can leak.

As can the slave cylinder.

Also the aluminum washers on the slave cylinder banjo bolts corrode away and cause leaks.

 

[StooL]

Spot on Steptoe!

I stripped my bike down last night with a lot of help from my father. After much effin and blindin we eventually found the problem - one of the banjo bolt washers was corroded and letting some fluid leak out.

Who the heck decided to hide the pipe and slave cylinder in there?!! It took a good couple of hours to get to the banjo bolt and get it out. My bike is now lying in a thousand pieces but I'll get it back together at the weekend.

I hate to think what a dealer would charge for this work....10p for parts and £??? for labour. Thank feck my dads a mechanic, saves me a bl##dy fortune he does...top bloke.