clutch slip help

[eire1400]

Over the last few weeks i've noticed some clutch slip in top gear under hard acceleration. bled clutch and workedfine the next morning, but over time it came back. I've no visible leaks at master or slave, no clutch fluid loss (that i can see) only 20k on a 00 r1150gs, (bought bike last may with 13k). Where do i start ladies and gents?

 

[Finbarr]

I had similar symptoms at around 45,000 miles on my 03 1150GS.
In trying to diagnose it, I was dipping the clutch in and out at about 60mph on the motorway when it seemed to grab suddenly and I haven't had a recurrence since. Now at 85,000 miles on the original clutch (mine from new).

It's fair to say that a lot of people seem to have probs with GS clutches, so it may be worth having a deeper look at it. It should last longer than 20K before giving up the ghost though - unless you've given it a particularly hard time?

 

[JayC]

This may help before you start going into clutch plates etc.?

http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/Clutch Flush.php.html

 

[eire1400]

my fluid looks clean , certainly not as murky as the link above. but one thing to add, when I let the clutch lever out, it doesn't release until the very last min. no matter how long i bleed it i can't get more pressure. (manually bleeding btw)

 

[JayC]

my fluid looks clean , certainly not as murky as the link above. but one thing to add, when I let the clutch lever out, it doesn't release until the very last min. no matter how long i bleed it i can't get more pressure. (manually bleeding btw)

Perhaps contaminated plates (sticking), knackered springs or if anything like a Guzzi set up loose clutch plate rivets.

 

[Green Boy]

FWIW mine did exactly the same at 35k ('04 1150gsa) with the occassional smell of burning.

I couldn't see any obvious leaks so took it to Steptoe to get it replaced. Turns out there was basically nothing left of the friction material.

I've not had it long but understand that it spent most of its life in central London traffic so it saw a lot of action and was basically knackered. If there's nothing obvioiusly leaking, it may be a case of looking at it to see how much it has worn.

Over the last few weeks i've noticed some clutch slip in top gear under hard acceleration. bled clutch and workedfine the next morning, but over time it came back. I've no visible leaks at master or slave, no clutch fluid loss (that i can see) only 20k on a 00 r1150gs, (bought bike last may with 13k). Where do i start ladies and gents?

 

[littleredrooster]

Perhaps contaminated plates (sticking),

It's only got one.

knackered springs

It's only got one.

or if anything like a Guzzi set up loose clutch plate rivets.

Very similar to a Guzzi. Got there eventually...

 

[littleredrooster]

Over the last few weeks i've noticed some clutch slip in top gear under hard acceleration. bled clutch and workedfine the next morning, but over time it came back. I've no visible leaks at master or slave, no clutch fluid loss (that i can see) only 20k on a 00 r1150gs, (bought bike last may with 13k). Where do i start ladies and gents?

Sounds like the clutch is at the end of its life, especially when you say that it 'bites' right at the end of its travel. Unusual (but not unheard of) in only 20k miles.

Only other possibility would be oil contamination from a leaky gearbox seal, but this does not fit with your description of the 'biting point'.

So - either a rather involved DIY job, or find a good indy to do the job. Are you anywhere near Steptoe?

Edit: Just seen your location. Doh!

 

[Steptoe]

A slipping clutch has nothing to do with the slave cylinder.
Even if the slave had failed completely the clutch wouldn't slip, you'd just have trouble changing or getting into gear, although once on the move you don't need the slave cylinder so you should make it home and never be stranded if it ever fails .
Unless it's leaking, but seeing as you haven't lost any clutch fluid it can't be that.

So it's either the plate/cover and pressure plates have worn (and once it starts slipping you'll well and truly bugger the pressure and cover plate), or a seal has failed letting oil contaminate the clutch.

Whatever it is you'll still have to remove the gearbox to cure it.

 

[eire1400]

Worst fears!!!
Where do i start to price a clutch? do they come in a complete kit or parts??

What am i looking at for labour? not from BMw of course!!

I'm waiting a call back for a handy lad here in Cork.

or steptoe ur not on Holidays in cork by any chance are ya?

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

You can get a complete clutch over here from Huddesfield for £215 and it should be quite easy to fit. Use the gearbox to centre it.

You have to get your bike like this but it's fairly straightforward...

...and remove the gearbox to see this...

It comes off very easily and will go on very easily, when Huddersfield reopens after the new year.

 

[Corporal Punishment]

You'll be practicing your stoppies so Shane. If you decide to do it yourseld, I'm sure a few of us can be persuded to help with lifting etc.

 

[eire1400]

F#ck that, i'm not doing it myself, I already have an xs1100 in 1100 bits around my shed. And use the gs daily so want a quick enough turn around. Now where to bring her?

 

[Corporal Punishment]

If it was me I'd bring it to Grumpy. You met him on the reci.