Clunky gearboxes - they all do that sir?....

[MattW]

Having put a thousand miles or so on my '94 1100 I must admit I still can't get used to the gearbox. I thought it was just me and my technique would evolve, but it ain't happened so far Every now and again it'll surprise me and shift without noise, but mostly it clunks like a bu**er in the lower gears. I've tried varying the revs I shift at and have tried sneaking up on it and changing fast or being slow and deliberate, but nothing seems to make much difference.

When cold, the first few changes are nice and smooth but when fully warmed up it doesn't half clunk (second to third being especially jarring). It's almost embarrassing clunking down the road and I can't think it's doing the gearbox much good. I know that older BMW gearboxes are pretty agricultural and if its normal then I'm happy to live with it as long as it's not damaging anything.

I'm currently using 80w90 gear oil - has anyone had any success with a heavier oil (75w140) to calm the gearbox down a bit?

I've also read about this 'pre-loading' thing, but wouldn't that wear the selector forks?

Anyone else been here and found any work-arounds or is it just one of those things you learn to love?

 

[DrFarkoff]

I think we used to put in 75w90 fully synth into the boxes at the dealers when folks complained about hard shifts? It seemed to work

I had thought of the heavier oil for mine when it was damaged to try and prevent further damage (skipping Gearbox Ogni now has it after I got a second one and built it for mine so it was an in and out swop

140 is usually used in truck axles and is for much more severe conditions than the Oilhead box should ever have to deal with plus in the winter it'll be like glue!

P.S. disconnect the wee linkage at the gearbox does your gearlever move freely? When disconnected? Any tightness there causes the box not to settle to the next change position correctly

 

[Twotter]

I've also read about this 'pre-loading' thing, but wouldn't that wear the selector forks?

Anyone else been here and found any work-arounds or is it just one of those things you learn to love?

Pre-loading worked for me on my two oilheads over 100k miles. Only problem I ever had was a sticky gear change linkage on my old R1150GS - easily fixed.

Otherwise I think it's called 'character'

 

[motobiker]

aside from the mechanics of the gear change there has been some good writeups on CASTROL SAF-XO fully synth 75w/90 - purely anecdotal of course.

Its recommended for the 1200 box I believe.


Though the usual 'clever dick' answer is wear earplugs. I know it used to irritate me on my previous GS and I never did find a cure so learnt to ignore it. (with ear plugs it's easier)

Perhaps Steptoe will have some pointers when he reappears.

 

[MattW]

Thanks Guys - I'll taker a look at the linkage and might have a go at this pre-loading malarkey.

It'd be nice if a different oil would help and as even 'top spec' oil is a fairly cheap experiment, I'll investigate the Castrol SAF-XO.

 

[John Armstrong]

I'll investigate the Castrol SAF-XO.

Spec here: http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-737-castrol-saf-xo-75w-90-synthetic-final-drive-lubricant.aspx says as it's GL5. So ok for airheads too?

 

[greggs]

Clunky changes

I used Valvoline 75W90 semi synthetic gear box oil in my 1100GS, instant improvement.
Check the external linkages for build-up of gunk too.

cheers
gregGS

 

[Stewart H]

I used to think that I was actually damaging it, it sounded bloody awful almost every change was accompanied by crunching banging noises, having had yours apart I will bet that you are even more sensitive to it, keep riding and it will just gel one day, earplugs and a louder pipe will help too. I recently found that different boots made the problem temporarily return

Stewart

 

[MattW]

I used to think that I was actually damaging it, it sounded bloody awful almost every change was accompanied by crunching banging noises, having had yours apart I will bet that you are even more sensitive to it, keep riding and it will just gel one day, earplugs and a louder pipe will help too. I recently found that different boots made the problem temporarily return

Thanks Stewart - good to know it's not just me who cringes with every gear change (and that it is possible to adapt your technique)

 

[street_moto]

Hi Matt, I felt exactly the same as yourself with regard to gear-changes and some of the other odd noises the GS makes. I don't particularly like riding wearing earplugs but find it does lessen the paranoia and help you get on with enjoying the ride. Recently changed to a stout pair of off-road style boots for riding and this has helped with positive gear-changes no end

Can't help but feel that just changing oil won't "transform" what is an agricultural gearbox. May help it feel a bit slicker, but isn't going to take up any play or such which essentially is what's causing the noises. I stand to be corrected though and if you do find a solution let us know!

Regards Dave

 

[jimbogs1200]

My 850 had a terribly noisy box; after the g'box oil was changed it was an amazing transformation...but only for about 2k miles...

Happy to say they have improved the box on the 1200 and you can even change up clutchless...

 

[Trullion]

I switched to Castrol 75/140 fully synthetic (see Opie oils site). This is no thicker (when cold) that the 80/90 stuff I used to use. Interestingly, Getrag (who made the 1100xx boxes) reckon you should only use 90, not 80/90 as recommended in the handbook. I did once buy some Millers 75/140, but this was like treacle when cold, so I didn't use it - this stuff was clearly for lorries, whereas I believe the Castrol 75/140 is for BMW car transmissions. I have found that since putting it in the gearboxes of my 1100 and 850 they are both much better when warm. As has been said, the change usually deteriorates as the gearbox warms up (which is why using thicker oil at the higher temperature end makes sense to me). I also find that the change is much better if you preload the gear lever and just dip the clutch a little, making a fast change, releasing the lever only after the clutch is fully home and you can be sure that the gear is fully engaged - more important on the pre-M97 boxes IMHO.

All that said, the boxes will never be 'knife through butter'. I've just bought a 1954 Triumph that has a much better gearchange than any BMW I've ever ridden...........at the end of the day an engine speed dry clutch on a big twin is never going to be brilliant.

Regards

 

[Stewart H]

Once you have selected the right oil
Correctly applied There really is a lot of knack with these boxes, I can go up the box quieter without the clutch if I want to
Stewart

 

[Vern]

Big boots and ear plugs do it for me.Quiet and slick box

 

[motobiker]

Changing the oil isn't a panacea... I only mentioned it because 'some' owners have reported an improvement. Its cheap and worth trying. and may or may not help... but will do no harm. (the important bit)

At the end of the day your 'They all do that sir' is pot on.

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

CAB'S

 

[MattW]

CAB'S

 

[Stewart H]

+1
Stewart

 

[mad-dawg]

Noise

Thanks Stewart - good to know it's not just me who cringes with every gear change (and that it is possible to adapt your technique)

I have only done 100 miles on mine and am appalled at the noises it makes, Its fine when cold but I feel like a total clown changing gear and clunking along. It serves me right for not wearing plugs I guess.

 

[MattW]

Well, I ordered some SAF-XJ 75w-140 fully synthetic from Opie oils today. I'm not expecting a miraculous change but if it smooths out hot gear changes a bit, it'll be worth while.

I'll chuck it in this weekend and see what gives. My pampered transmission will then have seen three oil changes in the last 500 miles - hope it doesn't expect it all the time