OK to unscrew top of clutch fluid resevoir?

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seb

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Was checking my fluid levels today and thought I had completely run out of clutch fluid. So I pulled the top of for a better look and it was full. Having now read the manual it says that the clutch fluid does not need to be changed and that only trained BMW Motorrad techs should look at any problem. So now I am paranoid, are these supposed to be sealed and not opened, is it ok to open the top of the resevoir to check the level...and yes i did screw it back on again :confused:
 
seb said:
Was checking my fluid levels today and thought I had completely run out of clutch fluid. So I pulled the top of for a better look and it was full. Having now read the manual it says that the clutch fluid does not need to be changed and that only trained BMW Motorrad techs should look at any problem. So now I am paranoid, are these supposed to be sealed and not opened, is it ok to open the top of the resevoir to check the level...and yes i did screw it back on again :confused:
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your not paranoid they are, out to get you you you :thumb :thumb :thumb

but no the bike will not fall to bits. not this week. :D :D :D
 
Cheers. Was praying on my mind. Can now rest assured that my bike will not fall to pieces this week. :thumb
 
It's fine to remove the cover, just don't get water in there or anything :)

You should note that, if the clutch reservoir is too full, which can happen due to normal clutch wear, it will cause the clutch to slip. You can remove some fluid if required using a syringe or turkey baster or similar.

If you have to top up the fluid for whatever reason, don't use brake fluid, it's not the same stuff. In fact I'm not sure where you'd get the right stuff, I'm sure BMW would sell you some ... I used hydraulic jack oil in the clutch on my KTM, but not sure if that's also suitable for the GS.
 
Cheers. Although now I'm thinking maybe it was too full and I should have another look. Then again, bit too early for clutch wear, only 295 miles to 1st service. Good idea with the syringe, wouldn't have thought of that :thumb
 
seb said:
Cheers. Although now I'm thinking maybe it was too full and I should have another look. Then again, bit too early for clutch wear, only 295 miles to 1st service. Good idea with the syringe, wouldn't have thought of that :thumb
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Just dont turn the bike upside down to drain it!! :D :beerjug: :D
 
Mouse said:
It's fine to remove the cover, just don't get water in there or anything :)

You should note that, if the clutch reservoir is too full, which can happen due to normal clutch wear, it will cause the clutch to slip. You can remove some fluid if required using a syringe or turkey baster .....
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and it gives a lovely flavour on Christmas day :mmmm

when I asked the dealer about this they seemed to think I'd taken leave of my senses and the clutch fluid would only go down, not sure I trust them to know very much :eek:
I thought an overfull reservoir might coause clutch drag rather than slip as the clutch can't disengage fully, but I don't know- maybe someone can advise.
 
It specifically says in the manual that clutch fluid will rise as the clutch wears.

As the clutch plate wears, it moves closer to the slave cylinder, hence fluid is pushed back up into the reservoir. If the reservoir can't accomodate the excess, the slave cylinder will be partially operated by the pressure in the system.
 
JayGee said:
and it gives a lovely flavour on Christmas day :mmmm

when I asked the dealer about this they seemed to think I'd taken leave of my senses and the clutch fluid would only go down, not sure I trust them to know very much :eek:
I thought an overfull reservoir might coause clutch drag rather than slip as the clutch can't disengage fully, but I don't know- maybe someone can advise.
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Put it this way:

When you disengage the clutch you are moving the plates apart. Squeezing the clutch lever presurisses the system and fluid level falls a little.

With clutch wear the opposite happens, the clutch plates move closer together (slightly) so the fluid level rises (slightly).

Well, it makes sense to me............................................

Andres
 
The fluid used in the 1200 clutch is called Vitamol. Dunno where else you might get it apart from a BMW dealer, unless you want to call around to my house :D
 
If you take off the clutch reservoir cover on a 1200 without checking with the dealer it eventually leads to final drive failure.

Dealers are your friend, and only they can help you.
 
motomartin said:
If you take off the clutch reservoir cover on a 1200 without checking with the dealer it eventually leads to final drive failure.
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My god, that's what causes it? :rolleyes: mine's staying on then (till I get 'permission') :confused:
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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