Panic! Told I need new clutch at 9,800 miles

[Optimus_1200]

Newbie with the same mechanical knowledge as my two year old nephew - apologies in advance.

07 GS12, Clutch was slipping, took to Park Lane (bought from them in May with 2,700 on clock & I've got her up to 9,800), they've just done an investigation & tell me its a worn clutch (not a faulty one) & as such its not a warranty job (!!!) I already feel the pain in my chest (wallet) as they said it's a £750ish fix...

Team Park Lane have already written to BM on my behalf to say "lets do a deal" but I really wouldn't expect a clutch to fail at 9,800??

I've read this thread:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127192&highlight=clutch

but noone seems to have had the same failure

I put 12,000 on my previous F650GS without problem, I always check the lever is moving freely in the guard, I don't sit in gear at lights but I do commute Wimbledon - Romford pretty much every day (50 miles round trip) straight through town = heavy traffic. Still don't think that should kill the clutch though?

Will do an update when I find out what I'm in for but wondered if anyone had an opinion??

Thanks in advance.

 

[GSmonkey]

As I said, I commuted round London for a good 20k on my 04 GS, stop start type of work and the friction plates were only about 60% worn when inspected after a stripdown to replace a seal.

Sounds like a manufacturing fault of some kind. Ring up BMW yourself and complain.

 

[bezzer]

Sale of goods act

 

[Slowdown]

Sounds like a manufacturing fault of some kind. Ring up BMW yourself and complain.

Or, a hamfisted former owner??? Being devils advocate here, it's impossible to tell....

If they won't do it on warranty or come to a deal then just get it done by a reputable private jobbie. Steptoe on here comes to mind - assuming he does 1200's....

 

[Tim Cullis]

'Team Park Lane' are having a laugh if they think they can get away with that.

You bought the bike with warranty. Clutch should be replaced FOC. End of story.

Tim

 

[GSmonkey]

Or, a hamfisted former owner???

...you'd have to be more hamfisted than me on my 04, slipping the clutch through the smoke for nearly 20k miles.

 

[Tomcat]

Newbie with the same mechanical knowledge as my two year old nephew - apologies in advance.

07 GS12, Clutch was slipping, took to Park Lane (bought from them in May with 2,700 on clock & I've got her up to 9,800), they've just done an investigation & tell me its a worn clutch (not a faulty one) & as such its not a warranty job (!!!) I already feel the pain in my chest (wallet) as they said it's a £750ish fix...

If you end up having to foot the bill talk to Brian Giles in Tunbridge. He's just replaced the pressure plate on my '04 GS12 for about half the cost that Park Lane have quoted you...

 

[mr badger]

We had a similar issue with Honda over Madame's CBR600F clutch giving up at 8000 miles while under warranty. Honda UK point blank denied the claim until we hatched up a suitable letter.

Result was total refund to us )and to our dealer for the discount they gave us to fix the clutch).

Can send you the letter if you want to use it as a template for moaning to BMW. PM me. You may need to change 'mature lady motorcyclist. etc but might be useful.

 

[cusi]

One of the BIKE mags managed to trash a R1200 clutch whilst measuring standing quarters, so could be down to previous misuse, was it a an ex-demo?

 

[Optimus_1200]

The result...

Firstly, many thanks for your responses - read first 5 before logging off last night & picked up on others now.

The upshot was...

BM agreed replacement clutch & all parts - their cost
BM agreed to pay 50% of labour
BM have given two year warranty on new clutch

Pain to me - £160 inc

By all means give me a kicking but I have to say I'm not feeling too bad about it.

Bike dropped off at 10am yesterday & ready including service wash by 5pm today.

Am annoyed it went in the first place but actually impressed with their response. As others have said, it could have been the previous owner or maybe I am a little left hand (as well as right hand) heavy

Sadly, I don't think the "I'm a careful lady rider" line would have worked too well - great idea though.

Have been lurking / watching without posting much for some time now so thank you all for your advice.

 

[MattW]

I'd say that's a decent result - well done to you and your dealer

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Sale of goods act

Oh yeah, a great help.....

Great result IMHO as a clutch is a very grey area with warranty claims because it`s mostly put down to the driver/rider unless it`s just collapsed. Most people, including me, would be more than happy with that

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

Optimus, I'd say you got a fair deal there, all things considered.