Clutch

[Steveremf]

I need a bit of feed back, took my GS in last week for a new clutch. The final bill has come to twice the "over the phone" quote. this is the third clutch in 63000 miles, two of which I have had to pay for. I am not going to go into who has charged me or how much they charged but how much has everyone else paid.

This last clutch has lasted 37000 so I am not particulaly peeved about that but the first clutch at 6000 (under warranty)and the second at 26000 (I had to pay) was a bitter pill to swallow.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I've yet to replace mine but at 45,000 miles it feels like it has a way to go yet (judging by how little the fluid has risen in the reservoir).

Do you do a lot of commuting / drag racing

Andres

 

[Steveremf]

I am starting to wonder wether I am being told a load of flannel, hence the post. I don't consider myself heavy on the clutch and the majority of my riding is commuting up and down the motorway.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Well, something sounds not quite right..............why was it replaced at 6,000 miles?

andres

 

[Steveremf]

It was done under warranty so I never bothered to ask.
I did kick up a bit of stink over the 2nd one but was told it was wear and tear, how can you prove otherwise, I did get the bill down considerably that time but still felt mugged off.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Did they give you the old parts?

 

[st247]

What were the syptoms that led you to think the clutch was mullered?

 

[MKP]

I have changed a number of 1200GS and 1200Rt clutches and most have been changed between 20k to 30k. There are too any variables that come into play when trying to estimate the life of consumable components. What I can say is that it is a full days work approx 8/9 hours. You didn't give any indication as to why the final cost was twice that quoted. Did they replace additional parts not normally associated with just a clutch replacement? And the clutches are not cheap, from memory I think they are about £300 from motorworks, add that to about 9 hours labour..... not cheap.

 

[Steveremf]

Symptons - slipping in every gear on motorway

The reason for the huge hike was changing every part of the clutch (thrust bearing, housing etc) instead of replacing the plates which was originally quoted. They also replaced the gear box oil seals which I was told would be not much and no labour charge.
I had a service while it was there but that was done for the exact price quoted and has nothing to do with the doubling of price
My main problem is, if there is twice as much work or parts, surely they need to inform me instead of just hitting me with the bill at the end.
I wanted to get some comparison with others experience before I go in and see the make up of the bill. I am not sure how long I will keep the bike and may not have changed everything in favour of just doing enough to get back on the road.
The bike is six years old and has served well, it probably isn't even worth the money they have charged me.

 

[ebbo]

Motorworks, friction plate only £74 inc vat, it's a big job

 

[RickG]

I've done nearly 90k on the original and that's with 40 miles of town driving/filtering every day, it still seems fine.

If you were getting clutch slip and they have replaced your gearbox seals it is possible the latter may have been the main problem as the oil contamination is what's possibly causing the clutch to slip, not necessariliy because it's worn out the friction plates. Sounds like they've then changed everything while they were in there, either becuase it was necessary or because it seemed prudent as a precaution. If the latter you may have a case for arguing the size of the bill.

 

[Snoopy]

If it only lasted 20k before needing replacement due to wear and tear that would suggest you're not using your clutch properly.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I've done nearly 90k on the original and that's with 40 miles of town driving/filtering every day, it still seems fine.

If you were getting clutch slip and they have replaced your gearbox seals it is possible the latter may have been the main problem as the oil contamination is what's possibly causing the clutch to slip, not necessariliy because it's worn out the friction plates. Sounds like they've then changed everything while they were in there, either becuase it was necessary or because it seemed prudent as a precaution. If the latter you may have a case for arguing the size of the bill.

90k - wow, that's good going

I wondered about oil contamination, especially with the warranty replacement at 6,000 miles. Mines an 05 and had it's output shaft seal replaced under warranty early in it's life, not uncommon on the 12's at the time. Maybe there's an ongoing problem with the seal(s)

Andres

 

[skywalker]

Before everyone gets on their high horses over this one lets factor in a few variables.
1 - Has the bike got servo abs ? if the answers yes then the cost will be more as the rear brake control and wheel circuits have to be re-bled. If its non abs then the brake system doesn't need bleeding.
2- Has the bike got all the usual cobblers on like intercoms ,non std extra wiring,non std luggage fitted that needs removing etc. all takes extra time and is charged extra on top of the main job.Note that the quote will be for a totally std bike.
3- Dealing with seized bolts etc
4-Book time for the job is around 4hrs not 9!
5-Had it got an early spec clutch unit fitted,later bikes have a rounded end on the pushrod as opposed to the earlier ones which had a more conical chamfer on them.If its an early version then it should have the later bits fitted as in a new type flywheel and bolts as well as the newier pushrod.Clutches should be replaced as as unit not just the friction plate with new bolts etc
6- If extra work was reqd then they should at least have tried to contact you, did you leave a contact number?