2008 1200GS clutch problem

[Old Gregg]

Over the last week or so of daily use I've noticed that the clutch seems to be slipping slightly. When I change gear, (up or down), the revs rise and after a short wait the power picks up. When riding on the motorway at around 80 if I twist the throttle the revs rise but the bike doesn't accelerate. You actually get a slight 'torque reaction' causing a feeling like a slight tankslapper. It still bites in the same place and there is no 'stickiness' selecting gears. It's as though the clutch isn't releasing properly.
The bike is 18 months old with 10k on it and I'm a regular road rider who sadly can't wheelie or perform any other tricks so I'd be surprised if the clutch had given up the ghost already.

I'll be ringing Alan Jeffries tomorrow but in the meantime, any thoughts?

 

[littleredrooster]

It'll be the gearbox input seal leaking oil on to the clutch. Common problem.

 

[Old Gregg]

That sounds like a winner. The bike's booked in for it's 12k / 2 year service at Alan Jeffries on the 22nd (1st available slot), but I need to run it this week and next. Will I damage it if I keep riding?

 

[chablis]

Over the last week or so of daily use I've noticed that the clutch seems to be slipping slightly. When I change gear, (up or down), the revs rise and after a short wait the power picks up. When riding on the motorway at around 80 if I twist the throttle the revs rise but the bike doesn't accelerate. You actually get a slight 'torque reaction' causing a feeling like a slight tankslapper. It still bites in the same place and there is no 'stickiness' selecting gears. It's as though the clutch isn't releasing properly.
The bike is 18 months old with 10k on it and I'm a regular road rider who sadly can't wheelie or perform any other tricks so I'd be surprised if the clutch had given up the ghost already.

I'll be ringing Alan Jeffries tomorrow but in the meantime, any thoughts?

Have you checked that the clutch lever isn't touching the hand guard. If I remember rightly, when it rotates round it can cause the ever to not return fully.

 

[Old Gregg]

Have you checked that the clutch lever isn't touching the hand guard. If I remember rightly, when it rotates round it can cause the ever to not return fully.

I checked that and there is no interference from the handguard unfortunately.

I phoned Alan Jeffries this morning and they can't look at it before my pre-booked service date of 22nd June. They said that the bike can still be used without detriment to the mechanicals.

It may require a few days hospitalization when it goes to the dealer but I will get a loan bike so that's not a problem. What I am worried about is whether the problem will be covered under warranty. The bike is actually 20 months old, has 10.5k on it and has been serviced at the main dealer when it should have been.

I guess the clutch is classed as a consumable but if it is the clutch on it's own that's gone at this age/mileage I'd expect them to fork out for it. If it is the gearbox oil seal and it's a well known problem then surely they'll fix it under warranty, including the effects of the leak; i.e. a contaminated clutch. This would surely have to be replaced too?

I just don't want to be forking out for a £290 service AND £600 for a new gearbox oil seal and clutch on such a young bike.

 

[GSmonkey]

Have you checked the clutch fluid level. As the clutch wears the fluid level rises. If it gets too full, the clutch won't fully engage and you have to remove some fluid.

If it is the "big problem" ie gearbox input seal, they'll cover it under warranty and you'll get a new clutch out of it.