R1150GS buyers guide - Clutch issues

[Wrigsby1]

The manual doesn't have a change interval for the clutch (probably no bike manual does). If you are a competent DIY mechanic then you will be able to do it and there are some good guides on this site.

The main thing is only change it if you have a reason to change it such as slipping clutch as you accellerate harder. It is usually down to wear or the gearbox seal leaking (clutch fluid leak also mentioned earlier?). The other reason is if it has limited life left and you have the gearbox off. A manual gives you plate min thikness and you can also get a good idea by a look at the plate itself.

Don't worry too much as you won't buy one! If you go through a few simple clutch checks on a test ride then you should get an idea. Also a notchy gearchange isn't usually the clutch... it's just a BM thing...

The change interval for the alternator belt is down as 36k miles.

 

[Ash]

And keep your old belt as a spare.
Rather than ditch it..............................

 

[Steptoe]

Beware, sometimes it's not the clutch slipping. A slipping clutch that came in yesterday. Not the clutch, it's the shaft that's fecked but both have the same symptoms.

Something more for you to worry about

 

[john_aero]

sp essentially take for run, if accl and clutch slsips (revs bit and loose bit power then gathers up again like manually slipping clutch in and out) or if clutch tried to engange when lever pulled in or clutch not fully engaging when fully out......

ah mech work i love, just always happens to me, if i buy a brand new bike i will have evry faul, just bad luck with bikes

 

[john_aero]

Don't worry too much as you won't buy one! If you go through a few simple clutch checks on a test ride then you should get an idea. Also a notchy gearchange isn't usually the clutch... it's just a BM thing...

this i know all too well, my little old f650 sounds like there is a small austrian mechanic inside my gearbox with a large hammer, so every time i say change gear he whack the living crap out of the lever and switch gear, aka the loud and mechanical clonk every time change up or down

 

[Ash]

John will be buying a chain drive Honda by the time he has digested all this and no doubt more to follow.

 

[john_aero]

John will be buying a chain drive Honda by the time he has digested all this and no doubt more to follow.

funny that an africa twin was my second choice hahahah

now onto that shaft drive failure ahahahahah

ah chatted lad there with the 45k bike, has had all gaskets etc doen by bmw so not sure what this means. but think also had alternator done as well but no belt kept. think meant the seal/gasket on shaft drive changed.

ah no matter what happens i still love the boxer look, nothing says i am a real bike that 2 big heads sticking out of each side

 

[monkeyboy]

Beware, sometimes it's not the clutch slipping. A slipping clutch that came in yesterday. Not the clutch, it's the shaft that's fecked but both have the same symptoms.

Something more for you to worry about

I've heard about this but never seen it. Do you think its anything to do with the way the bike has been ridden .... or do you get a lot of this? I would think that stinks when it happens

 

[Boxergs]

Bought my x reg 1150gs with 15k on it, now on 96k, original clutch, used daily

(probably kiss of death now

 

[Steptoe]

I've heard about this but never seen it. Do you think its anything to do with the way the bike has been ridden .... or do you get a lot of this? I would think that stinks when it happens

This is an extreme example. Most of the time you don't get the rubber insert falling to pieces, it just gets hot and loses grip and you may just get some powdered granules, but with all the symptoms of a slipping clutch.

This bike is riden gently and never been off road.
But this bike was used all through the snowy weather (and he only came off once ) and it was when the first symptoms showed.

 

[aaron2176]

My 1100 had a clutch at about 75k. As others have said, it's not a design issue it's down to the rider.

Buy and enjoy

Hi,
before you replace your old Clutch,did it cause any noise or just sleek ?
Thanks

 

[Slime Bomb]

2003 1150 gs adv 90,000mls all done by me and still on original clutch.

 

[Deleted account 220427001]

maybe out of faze prop shaft not lined up correctly etc

 

[Deleted account 220427001]

just done a clutch and gearbox replacement on my gs1150 so so quiet now !! original box was really loud , but no bearing play inside must strip it once I moved house then I have my very own garage for the first time ever I hope .

 

[davegs]

Using it for commuting is a bad move putting it in neutral when stopped at lights etc hewlps my 1150 hhas done 90,000 plus with no probs.
When buying a new belt take the old one, as it is possible to buy one slightly longer / shorter (don't ask me how I know!).