New Clutch

[njc]

I have an R1100GS 1998 with 33,000 miles. Was told by a BMW dealer that in his experience the clutch usually needs replacing on this model anywhere between 25,000 and 35,000 miles. While I have no problems at the moment this claim has left me uneasy about touring this summer. Should I go ahead and have a new clutch fitted ???. Can anyone throw some light on the life expectancy of a clutch on the R1100GS.


Regards
Niall

 

[Gecko]

I have a 99 1100 with 60,000 km on it and having just ridden to Lands End and back and having ridden on some extremely steep hills with lots of hairpins and having done one extreme hill start on a 25% gradient I would say that yer man is talking bollox. My clutch seems fine.....now that's given it the kiss of death !! Of course it depends how it's been ridden - if the owner likes dragging away from the lights and popping wheelies I guess life expectancy is a lot less. If it ain't broke - don't fix it

 

[richie]

45000 miles same clutch, as Gecko says don't break it till it works.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

he's talking utter bollox !

However - if he just sold it to you he might be trying to cover himself.

pre-1999 1100GS went through a batch of faulty or badly fitted crank seals - causing premature cluth plate failure due to oil ingress.

mind you - mine went at 6000 miles and was replaced free - as it bloody well should be.
If you 've got over 30K on it - i reckon you'll be fine for at least another 30K

Phil

 

[(RIP) maverick]

I had mine replaced at 46000 miles as the gearbox was out for repairs. The original clutch was still well in limits and could easily have done another 20k if I did not stuff it up the second time round not centralising the friction plate properly.

Your clutch needs replacement when the adjuster screw needs to be tigtened more and more.

If it ain't slipping don't go ripping!!

 

[Mick Fagan]

My 98 1100GS has 75,000 Klm's on the clock, right now I'm starting to prepare for an outback trip two-up.

In my wildest dreams I wouldn't have thought the clutch needs replacing!

My own personal experience with BMW clutches is that they last somewhere around 300,000 Klm's or more if treated well. I have also done a clutch on an 80 G/S in 4 months or slightly less, as it was being pushed to the limit.

Mick.