HELP, WHAT'S HAPPENING

[Shaunie]

'97 R1100GS - 11,000 MILES

The bike seems fine until you give it a big handful (for overtaking etc.)

The revs rise but the bike doesn't pull.

What's the problem?

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

sounds like a blocked air filter or air intake or fuel pipe kinked or silencer blocked.

what have you done to it recently ?

Phil

 

[adamski49]

Sounds like a slipping clutch, possibly due to oil contamination from one of the many potential leaking engine seals.

Not had it myself but it was described to me just as you have, ok normally but give it some welly and it slips.

Could be expensive

Hope it's something else.

Adam

 

[the celt]

Hi Shaunie,
Its does sound like your clutch is slipping but your mileage is very low, first check that your clutch cable is adjusted correctly if this is okay, then check drainage plug on air box if any oil coming out you may have over filled then remove starter motor you can have a look at your clutch from here, to see if any oil. If it does need replacing through oil you will need to fit a new engine oil seal when fitting new clutch. To fit a new clutch is already covered in this forum do a search on clutch and you'll find all you need to know. Hopefully its just your cable adjustment.
regards
jose

 

[Shaunie]

clutch adjustment

service manual says that there should be 7mm free play at the clutch lever.

where do you measure the 7mm ???

the lever passes through an arc when you pull it so the outer tip of the lever travels further than the centre of the lever which in turn travels further than the inside of the lever near the pivot.

help

 

[MikeO]

Shaunie,

the important thing is that there is some slack in the cable. If not, you're effectively slipping the clutch all the time. When the clutch lever is 'at rest' you should be able to pull the lever in a little before the cable starts being pulled - does that make sense? If the cable is slack at rest, the problem almost certainly lies with the clutch itself.

Mike

 

[Iain Hogg]

The free play is the gap that opens up between the lever and the fixed bit that holds the end on the cable on place.

Iain

 

[Iain Hogg]

PS - Why has a 6 year old 1100GS only done 11000 miles?

 

[the celt]

Hi Shaunie,
Sorry, I should of been a bit clearer, As Mike O says if there is some slack the in the cable, problem elsewhere. The lever in question is the lever you operate with your left hand you will have to remove hand guards to check gap, gentle pull your clutch to take up the slack now measure the gap between clutch lever and mounting body of lever(you will see cable in between). It should be 5mm-7mm. If there is no slack ie cable tight, then move to rear of bike the clutch arm lever is found between your rear shock and the air box, the nut and blot can be a bit of a bast*&d to get at. then simply follow your manual to adjust clutch.
regards
jose
ps also check cable adjustment screw at hand lever I think it should be 10mm check with manual.

 

[fritz]

If it's like the airheads I've had when a seal goes you will find it suddenly gets worse followed by loss of traction and oil everywhere. In case it's that, check under clutch (don't know the whizz bang oilheads) on the airhead there is a bit on top of gearbox that collects oil spills and gives a indication of blown seal. Hope it's something much simpler mate.

 

[Shaunie]

Why has a 6 year old 1100GS only done 11000 miles?

Import from Kenya.
Only had 6000 miles in January this year when I bought it.

Thanks for all your help.
I definitely suspect oil leaking onto the clutch plates.
After searching this site it would appear to be quite common around 12K
Anyway, bought the bike from Allan Jeffries who say they'll fix it under warranty.

However, first available slot in their service diary is 18 August

 

[beetle]

Sounds like you've got an OIL LEAK into the clutch case
EEK!!
Does your warranty from Jeffries cover it?

 

[Shaunie]

I've emptied some oil so that it is now bang on the dot.
Also adjusted the clutch 12mm between knurled adjusters and 7mm free play at the lever.

Rode around all Sat. morning without problem.
Went for a high speed roll on, got to 6000rpm and slipped/span up.
Backed off and tried again. Right to 7500rpm no problem.

Think I've been lucky and only had very small amount of oil leak onto clutch. Hopefully now burnt it off. Seal must have gone though so I'll let Jefferies take a look at it.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

there was a problem with 1100GS clutch seals leaking on models before 1998. This is a known problem and should be replaced under warranty by the dealer.
Mine did exactly the same 2 weeks after buying it from SPC - they fixed it instantly - no quibbling at all.

Phil