Clutch wear....

[Gunboat Willy]

1150GS - approaching 20k miles.

On hols recently, two up with a reasonable luggage load. On some hill starts the clutch didn't seem to 'bite' until the last few mm of clutch lever travel...in fact it seemed to slip. On a couple of occasions I'm sure that I could smell clutchy/resin-ish smells too.

It seems to indicate that the clutch has had it/is worn out.

Reasonable diagnosis? If oil had got into the clutch would these also be the symptoms? If worn out - anyone else had a clutch that only lasted 20k?

Ta.

 

[Sea Lion]

Try adjusting it . As the friction plate wears the biting point will move to the end of the lever's travel. Re-adjust clutch lever play, biting point will then be in correct position. This should also stop it slipping. Should last more than 20k unless well abused

 

[Steptoe]

Try adjusting it .

it's an hydraulic clutch

 

[Sea Lion]

Oops..

 

[Gunboat Willy]

Try adjusting it . As the friction plate wears the biting point will move to the end of the lever's travel. Re-adjust clutch lever play, biting point will then be in correct position. This should also stop it slipping. Should last more than 20k unless well abused

It's had a vaguely hard life - not been really punished though. Did put 3000 miles on it earlier this month but haven't done anything unusual.

Oh well...I'll see if it lasts out to the next service.....

 

[Mouse]

Someone with a 1200 had the clutch wear out after 16k but that's unusual I think. Mine's done 20k with no problms.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Hydraulic or not, there has to be free play, so check that first.

I have found the LH hand guard on my 12GS rotated a bit and keeping load on the clutch lever - more than once. I must be moving the guard when I am parking the thing.

 

[Major Gadget]

Clutch Wear

I have a 2002 1150GS which I bought with 6K on the clock and the clutch started slipping at 12k. BMW park lane told me it was worn and needed replacing at my own cost. I ride the bike in London, and have an STX 1300 with twice the same sort of mileage, and no problems although I know It's a wet type. I had a clutch go on my previous R1100RS at 19K, although it was the normal seal that went and allowed oil down the actuating arm. Just your luck I suppose. With my clutch gone it made me look at my clutch control, and I do accelerate away from lights moderately until the lever is fully out and then twist the grip harder, so I'll be watching how long this clutch lasts very carefully.

 

[Gunboat Willy]

I have a 2002 1150GS which I bought with 6K on the clock and the clutch started slipping at 12k. BMW park lane told me it was worn and needed replacing at my own cost. I ride the bike in London, and have an STX 1300 with twice the same sort of mileage, and no problems although I know It's a wet type. I had a clutch go on my previous R1100RS at 19K, although it was the normal seal that went and allowed oil down the actuating arm. Just your luck I suppose. With my clutch gone it made me look at my clutch control, and I do accelerate away from lights moderately until the lever is fully out and then twist the grip harder, so I'll be watching how long this clutch lasts very carefully.

Hmm...I was wondering whether the oil seal was a bit iffy. Ah well...I'll keep riding and see what happens between now and the next service.

 

[turbine_2]

Mine (R1150GS 2003 model) went at 18k due to the clutch cylinder (IIRC) leaking, contaminating the plates and causing them to slip, from other postings I've seen it's not that uncommon. Luckily it was replaced under warrantee.