Clutch not disengaging fully

[Wraithwrider]

Hello all
I’m looking for anyone who may have experienced a similar problem to mine and has solved it.
I’ve late 2015 R1200RS. It’s post the longer clutch pushrod fitment number.
I usually reverse out of the garage down a slope into the road and keep it in 1st with the clutch in to be able to stop the bike if someone comes by a bit quick.
I’ve noticed recently that it been hard to roll. I tried turning the rear wheel in the same circumstances and that is the same. Clutch is dragging, definitely.
This morning I removed the starter motor and flushed/bled through the hydraulics. Nothing has changed. I checked the lever end to and all is good there. The lever feels good with little free play and I have the span set to the highest.
Next step is going to be taking a look at the clutch itself I guess.
The bike has done 44,000+ miles and the clutch hasn’t had a hard life.
If anyone has had something similar or any ideas it’d be appreciated.

Peter

 

[GB.]

Mine went at 42000miles, no help to you but I imagine it’s on its way out

 

[Wraithwrider]

Mine went at 42000miles, no help to you but I imagine it’s on its way out

Thank you. When you say 'went' I guess you mean slipping? Did it drag too?

Were the plates worn to their limit?

I'm about to take the bike out and see if I can get it to slip.

Peter

 

[GB.]

Started to drag first then slipped, centre plate very worn indeed, junked the lot and fitted a Reklus, problem solved

 

[bosnjo]

Had that problem once on one of my previous bikes. After a lot, trying to discover the problem, the solution was easy. Somehow, air got into the clutch hydraulic system. Bleeded the system just once and the problem was solved, never to return again. Couldn't understand how the air got in.
I don't say your problem is the same but I think it's wirth a try before spending money on new clutch.

 

[Wraithwrider]

Had that problem once on one of my previous bikes. After a lot, trying to discover the problem, the solution was easy. Somehow, air got into the clutch hydraulic system. Bleeded the system just once and the problem was solved, never to return again. Couldn't understand how the air got in.
I don't say your problem is the same but I think it's wirth a try before spending money on new clutch.

That’s exactly what I’ve been doing this morning. I bled/ flushed through with new fluid. No change. I’ve just been out and given the bike wide throttle in 2nd and 3rd. It’s not slipping.
Peter

 

[GB.]

Mine slipped in the higher gears under load up hill, was fine in lower gears

 

[Wraithwrider]

Mine slipped in the higher gears under load up hill, was fine in lower gears

That is interesting, I'd have expected the other way. I'll try it again. I think I'm going to have a look at the clutch anyway.

Thank you.

 

[R_otor]

Drop the clutch at the lights with some revs. That's how i knew mine was on its way for sure

 

[Schtum]

That’s exactly what I’ve been doing this morning. I bled/ flushed through with new fluid. No change. I’ve just been out and given the bike wide throttle in 2nd and 3rd. It’s not slipping.
Peter

You can adjust the clutch pushrod throw with the grubscrew in the clutch lever. Be very careful though. It only takes a very small adjustment to induce clutch slip.

 

[Wraithwrider]

You can adjust the clutch pushrod throw with the grubscrew in the clutch lever. Be very careful though. It only takes a very small adjustment to induce clutch slip.

Cheers Schtum. You keeping well?

I’ve already done that and had to turn it back most of the way I set it

The clutch definitely isn’t slipping but, on operating it with the reservoir cover off I can see a cloud of emulsion coming up through the hole on releasing the lever. It dissipates quickly. I think the master cylinder seals are shot. I’ve a lower mileage 1250 one to hand that I’ll fit when I have a moment.

Since flushing through new oil it has been better. I suspect it’ll deteriorate as air gathers in the system.

I’ve been busy tinkering with a new to me 1150RS.

Peter

 

[Schtum]

Cheers Schtum. You keeping well?

Thanks Peter. I'm afraid not. Long Covid it seems....

 

[Wraithwrider]

Thanks Peter. I'm afraid not. Long Covid it seems....

Saddened to hear that.It really can be a bugger.

 

[Wraithwrider]

I’ve changed the master cylinder. I checked the slave cylinder and gave the system a thorough bleed through including back flushing by operating the slave cylinder by hand.

All is now as it should be.

Peter

 

[Wraithwrider]

I was out for my first ride since changing the clutch master cylinder yesterday. I good 150 mile route through a variety of Cumbrian roads and weather. It was down to 9 Celsius coming over Shap summit!

Not only has the clutch dragging problem gone, I'm left wondering if a problem I've had with the bike from new is also resolved.

Gear changing is now much cleaner, less 'notchy'. These issues often deteriorate slowly and it become apparent how much so when the fix is both complete and instant.

I rarely use Gear Shift Assist, in part because it is mechanically better the conventional way. I was playing around in town using it from third down to first a few times and it was perfect! I was particularly impressed with 2nd to 1st. Going up 1st to 2nd in low load situations was the usual lurch.

From new I've had an issue with the gearbox that I've learnt to live with. 2nd to 3rd, clutched change, it baulks in 2nd and needs some extra force to move the lever. Others have had this issue and it usually happens about every 10th change as a guess. Yesterday, 150 miles and it didn't occur once.

So I'm very pleased. Bike is going well and I also had a new Metzeler Roadtec 02 on the front (Roadtec 01SE on the rear). It was excellent as I've come to expect from Metzelers in mixed conditions.

Peter