Clutch problems?

[Fireman Lee]

Hi all, does anyone know of a common fault with clutches on 1200 GSAs, I have smelt the clutch burning a couple of times recently, i'm not that heavy on the clutch or should I say no heavier than I have always been on my past bikes, although i'm sure that bike clutches are designed to ride. Anyway, I have now got it in my head that the clutch is on it's way out, the bike has done 13,000 of which 2,000 are mine since picking the bike up from Williams in Manchester. I don't know how I go on about warranty with a clutch problem but thought I would ask about, I'm sure I remember reading somewhere on here that someone had a faulty clutch and managed to get the dealership to sort it under warranty Or does anyone think i'm just being paranoid

Cheers,
Lee.

 

[Geordie Steve]

I don't think there's anything to worry about. Mine always stinks whenever I have to slip the clutch, it's always done it and it's done 26,000 miles now. No sign of clutch problems yet.

I think it's just the friction material they use, stinks like rotten fish when it gets warmed up.

 

[Neil the Courier]

You will now get various replies as to the high mileage each tosser has with the original clutch.
To start off, i have a 2008 model with 68,000 miles absolutly no problem.

 

[autogs]

check your handguard is letting the lever go all the way out

 

[RickG]

There's no 'common' problem with the clutches, not unless you count the occasional failure due to oil contamination from failed engine or gearbox oil seals. The life of the clutch is impossible to predict but if you do a lot of stop-start riding and habitually ride it/slip it like it's a 70's racing two stroke it will wear faster than someone who doesn't. They ought nornally (whatever that is) to do close to 100k without wearing out. Unless it's slipping or badly grabbing it is probably OK

 

[Myke Rocks]

Possibly not a problem, more a design feature.

Wnen BMW launched the 1200 Range, they raised the first gear ratio to where second was on the 1100.
They lowered top gear to a point where the bikes rev their nuts off.
In short, they fitted a close ratio 5 and a half speed speed gearbox.
(6th is the 5 and a half)
If you are circuit racing or drag racing, it is superb.
If however, you are just using the bike for normal, everyday use, it is a pain in the arse.
Bike has no overdrive for long distance work, forever needing gearchanging because of the close ratios, and, worst of all, a first gear so high that the clutch smokes if you have to take off on a hill with a passenger.
Police bikes have a lower first gear, because the police would not accept the crazy first ratio provided as standard, and some bikes (Adventures?) may now be ordered with the same lower ratio.
Now: does all this fit with your "problem"?
Myke

 

[Fireman Lee]

Cheers for that guys, you have all put my mind at ease I suppose I was just used to riding Enduros/ Moto X and replacing clutches like I change my socks!Don't know what I was thinking, I should have known that BMW were made of stearner stuff and not throw up faults willy nilly!
Once again cheers fellas
Lee.

 

[Deleted account 240901001]

..., I should have known that BMW were made of stearner stuff and not throw up faults willy nilly!.

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