Rear wheel 'free play' ?

[ferguscawley]

I have a question that I cannot find an answer for in either the Haynes manual or BMW workshop manual -

With the bike on the centre-stand and the transmission in first gear, what is the acceptable level of free play when turning the rear wheel ? i.e. the rear wheel will turn a few degress forward or backwards by hand before the slack in the drive is taken up.

I noticed that mine has a considerable amount of slack here - maybe 25 degress or so. Is this normal or is there something I should be aware of , such as u-joint wear etc ?

Thanks in advance

Ferg

 

[leigh]

Don't think I'd worry Fergus.There's quite a bit of lost motion from the gearbox right back to the rear wheel. I would suggest that if you had a uj problem ie worn - you would probably feel it by rotating the wheel by hand very slowly& listening for any audible clicking

 

[ferguscawley]

Thanks Leigh

What I have noticed is that when letting out the clutch, say moving the bike around in the garage (with no helmet or earplugs on) that I hear a 'click' as the drive is being taken up. Is this normal ? - I have never paid much attention to it before but now I am listening for it - maybe being too paranoid ?

Ferg

 

[leigh]

Not heard that one Fergus. No pun intended.Try what i have suggested. If nothing transpires it maybe worth poppin the swingarm off just to double check the uj. Will give u an oppertunity to lube the driveshaft spines. Had a couple of cases recently where the rear axle part of the driveshaft has seized into the main section with what looks like black loctite.Nightmare to get apart

 

[Spanish Bob]

Thanks Leigh

What I have noticed is that when letting out the clutch, say moving the bike around in the garage (with no helmet or earplugs on) that I hear a 'click' as the drive is being taken up. Is this normal ? - I have never paid much attention to it before but now I am listening for it - maybe being too paranoid ?

Ferg

mine does that.... from day 1. I imagine its just a clunky uptake. But dont take that to mean you arent paranoid.

bob

 

[Rob Farmer]

Fergus,

Has your bike had the gearbox modded? There is a mod to convert the early boxes from taper roller bearings to standard bearings (£140 for the kit). The surface of the taper bearings gives up the ghost and starts to wear rapidly ending up with the layshaft clunking. Mine started as a minor 'clunk' which Pidcocks told me was nothing to worry about but Mick Barr, out local independent, identified it as early signs of bearing failure, unfortunatly, I chose to listen to Pidcocks so it got much worse before I took it to Mick for repairing. The whole gearbox rebuild including the mod and a new clutch plate came to £280.

Most of the early boxes go between 20k and 30k apparently.

Do you have any extra vibes or does the gearbox make a noise if you roll it round in gear with the clutch pulled in? noise from the box at tickover is another sign, especially if it stops when you pull the clutch in.

This is the post I started in June 2002 when I first noticed a noise http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=920

 

[ferguscawley]

Hi Rob

To my knowledge, the gearbox has not been modded. Mine is a 94 1100GS with over 57000 miles on it. The gearbox behaves perfectly (smooth clutchless upchanges are no problem) and doesn't seem to make any other noises when rolling the bike around with the clutch pulled in.
I think I'll pull the rear drive-train apart this weekend anyway just to check the whole system out. (I'm a curious type of chap y'see ).

Thanks for all the replies so far.


By the way, Spanish Bob, how come you give everyone a hug at the bottom of your posts ?

Ferg

 

[Spanish Bob]

Not so Fergus Ill give em a hug anywhere!

Its something you say in Spanish.

 

[ferguscawley]

Spanish colloquialisms etc

Bob

I worked in Sth America for 6 years while in my 20's. Learned Spanish there, purely by ear. Cool language. Worked in Peru, Argentina, Venezuela, Equador, Dominican Republic and Colombia. While they all spoke spanish (or castillano) there was a huge variety in terms or sayings, swear words etc. Must admit I never heard the term 'Un Abrazo' being used there. I live and learn
How long you been based in Barcelona then ?

Ferg

 

[Spanish Bob]

Cool!

Ive only spent 3months working in Mexico and that was great!

Spanish is like English wherever you go its completely different. I sort of learn´t grammar but I basically did the same as you

Un abrazo is something typically from Madrid I would say.

Ive been here for about seven years - horrible every one!

bob