crappy clutch

[black1100]

The story so far:
A few months back the clutch cable appeared to start sticking on my 1100GS, ordered a new one and had hell of a job fitting due to lack of clearence. From this i deduced the whole clutch was worn and with a big trip on the horizon i ordered a clutch kit and fit it myself. All seemed well, proper tolerences restored on the new cable, ran a treat etc.

Just before my european trip the cable started to stick again! although knowing the cable was fine it now seems obvious that the shaft from gearbox to clutch is sticking. The trip went OK. 4K miles in 3 weeks fully (over)loaded, although whenever the bike had a rest day i would get bad clutch slip for the first half hours riding

Now i am back and the bike is on short commuting duties the situation is not good. especialy after a weekend layup. This morning i had to operate the sticky arm into the gear box by hand for a few mins to get it working OK, then the dam thing slipped the clutch all the way in even though the lever was releasing all the way out so i assume i have 2 problems. 1...an oil leak contaminating the clutch, small enough at the moment to be able to burn it off in half an hour, and 2....something sticking on that gearbox shaft.

The bike is getting dangerous to ride at times so looks like its coming off road for a while and the old Bandit 1200 will be getting an MOT and a reprieve from being sold.

Anyone had the same or similar with an 1100? Is this just a bad run on an old bike, and what are the probable costs for me to fix it myself (apart from another weekend lost in the garage )

 

[Steptoe]

Sounds like the clutch pushrod seal is giving you some grief.

Causing the pushrod to stick, and perhaps letting some oil get past onto the clutch unit .

 

[black1100]

Sounds like the clutch pushrod seal is giving you some grief.

Causing the pushrod to stick, and perhaps letting some oil get past onto the clutch unit .

Sounds logical, i take it once the box is off the motor thats a straight forward job then?

 

[Steptoe]

No need to remove the box - getable from the rear , ooh err missus

 

[black1100]

No need to remove the box - getable from the rear , ooh err missus

?????? looks like i need to spend some time with the haynes manual

Are we talking a quick easy job then, if so is it something i can positivly diagnose fairly quickly......might not need to MOT the old Bandit after all (although it did actualy fire up last night and sounded sweeeeet )

 

[black1100]

No need to remove the box - getable from the rear , ooh err missus

Bugger...this one has come back and bit me on the bum

Problem became less of a problem with daily use so i left it. Just returned from 2 weeks away and the first time i pull the clutch the 6 month old cable snaps. Another new cable fitted a few hours back and the clutch release lever on the Gbox is sticking big time.

Can some one confirm if i realy can change this seal without removing the box on an 1100GS. Someone suggested somewhere you can only do that on an 1150, and the box has to come off on the 1100

 

[Brian V]

Had a similar problem on my 1100 at 100K, in my case the needle roller bearings in the clutch release arm were shot.

 

[Steptoe]

Can some one confirm if i realy can change this seal without removing the box on an 1100GS. Someone suggested somewhere you can only do that on an 1150, and the box has to come off on the 1100

Yes, i can confirm (and already said so earlier ) you don't need to remove the box. . Noddy has also done the same job without removing the box.

PM him, i think he found an easier way, or less fiddly method .

 

[black1100]

Nice one

 

[black1100]

OK, having trawled through a few catalogues and spoken to Clarkes in Brum, the only Seal that seems to be mentioned on this rod is a rather cheap "Felt" one. I this right?

Sorry, i only usualy deal with rubber

 

[Steptoe]

OK, having trawled through a few catalogues and spoken to Clarkes in Brum, the only Seal that seems to be mentioned on this rod is a rather cheap "Felt" one. I this right?

Sorry, i only usualy deal with rubber

You want the clutch thrust piston. Can't think why i called it a seal. Sorry.

 

[black1100]

Now that makes more sense.....Thanks

 

[black1100]

Had a similar problem on my 1100 at 100K, in my case the needle roller bearings in the clutch release arm were shot.

cock on Brian, managed to get a spanner on the bolt and loosen it 1/8 of a turn... bit of a snap and the clutch has never felt so good. Quick test ride up and down the road just to be sure and bike returned to garage whilst i order new bearings

Happy now because i know

Thanks for all the help people