Life expectancy of a clutch

[Jon451]

I would like to know how long my clutch is going to last. I've read posts where some people claim that they have lasted only 12000 miles. This worries me as I am just reaching this now. I commute every day, obviously changing gear alot, however I don't do wheelies and all that stuff.
If my clutch does need replacing then can someone answer the following questions:
Will it be covered by warranty (at least the labour)?
Should I fit one of those ceramic jobbies that are supposed to last for years?

 

[Bødkerman]

Clutch Life

Mine is just starting to change into a 'Variomatic' after 40,000 miles of heavy commuting which is not too bad.

Then again it is a 98 R1100 GS and was probably built properly to start with!

Cooperman

 

[Mick Fagan]

Basically the clutch in the 259 1100/1150 bikes is identical to all twins from about 1969 onwards. They've just gotten more rugged with each power increase and engine enlargement.

My belief from 14 high mileage BMW bikes, is that if treated reasonably, then 150,000 Klm's which is approximately 93,000 miles is about average.

What they don't like is clutch slipping! The clutch is a single plate dry clutch and in heavy start stop traffic they can get very hot and start to get grabby.

Fast takeoff from a standing start, where one slips the clutch for quite some time, is their Achilles heel.

Slamming into 3rd 4th or 5th gear with full throttle repeatedly, around winding roads will also strain the clutch.

The Japanese and most other makes, nearly all have wet multi plate clutch systems. These are designed to allow some slip depending on the oil and it's temperature, along with the amount of throttle used.

My curent 98 1100 has 62,000 Klm's (38,440 Ml's) and doesn't even look like wearing out in the near future.

In short, if you really push the machine or don't use the clutch to change gears you will considerably shorten the life of the clutch and gearbox, otherwise they should both last close to 300,000 Klm's (186,000 Ml's) with reasonable care and useage.

That has been my findings and two of my last 3 BMW's have both done over 300,000 Klm's on the original clutch and they weren't treated with kid gloves.

Mick.

 

[needlongerlegs]

where some people claim that they have lasted only 12000 miles. Will it be covered by warranty (at least the labour)?
Should I fit one of those ceramic jobbies that are supposed to last for years?

NOT A CLAIM MATE it did just got it back 11522 miles and it turned DAF on me but:~

3 years old so No Warranty as such but BMW knocked half off the price of the parts so I ended up paying just over 300 pounds BMW paying 90 ish

PS. it was a Oil Seal failure that killed the clutch and I've been told this is the common cause of early failure I have experienced this on earlier BMW's as well so can't really be avioded. Its to do with the ratio of swept piston volume to crankcase causing presure to blow the seal if not in perfect condition by all acounts.

G...