Clutch Failure

[plandrews]

Yesterday my always reliable 02 RT clutch failed (bike’s 24,000 mi service is scheduled in 2 weeks). It has always been serviced regularly and there were no issues leading up to the failure. Toward the end of the days ride, I first noticed the point the clutch interacted on the pull of the lever changed and within 10 miles, no clutch. Pull on lever feels the same – but no disengaging the motor. Went from 5th gear to 1st with no clutch; towed in from there. Fluid in reservoir is fine.

Two questions: One – I haven’t seen any threads of RT’s having clutch issues – have others experienced this type of immediate failure?; Two – Any other concerns I need to be aware of from going down through the gears with no clutch?

All suggestions or insights are appreciated. I will start tearing it down and looking for the issue this week.

[norton]

Can you say slave cylinder? If you have caught it in time then that's all you'll have to replace. Look at your fluid and you'll probably see a chocolate colored mess. If it has been a slow leaker (no fault on your part) the clutch plate may be fouled and you'll have to replace that too.

Going through the gears without the clutch is probably not going to be a problem but don't ride it until you assess the situation.

[jm1515]

....

Two questions: One – I haven’t seen any threads of RT’s having clutch issues – have others experienced this type of immediate failure?; Two – Any other concerns I need to be aware of from going down through the gears with no clutch?

All suggestions or insights are appreciated. I will start tearing it down and looking for the issue this week.

These guys will help you.....
http://bmwsporttouring.com/

[awagnon]

+1 on what Norton said. Sounds like a clutch slave cylinder, but could also be rusting through of the clutch hose where the outer "protective rubber sheath" traps water and causes the metal to rust through on the lower banjo fitting. ( my '02 RT had this found at time of clutch spline failure ). However, I would have expected the fluid level in the reservoir to be low. Probably slave cylinder which isn't too hard to replace if the clutch isn't fouled.

[screwtop]

The Slave cylinder on my 02 GS took a dump on me. When it happened, the clutch would not disengage unless I "pumped" the lever and then was engaging and disengaging within a 2 mm travel very close to the handlebar (which made for an interesting trip home). Inspection of the reservoir did not reveal any loss of fluid. I had the slave cylinder replaced for about $350 and so far no issues. I am careful to bleed the system every year to prevent any contamination.

Good luck.

[OfficerImpersonator]

Some part of my 2002 RT's tranny failed this morning. I'm waiting for the tow truck as I type this.

Four blocks from home on my way to work. Pull away from a stop sign in 1st gear and my power instantly drops to nothing and all sorts of unpleasant grinding noises emanate from what I perceive to be the clutch/tranny. Engage the clutch and the noise changes but does not go away. Stop the engine. Re-start the engine with tranny in neutral and all appears fine. Engage the clutch and the horrible noises come back - in any gear and neutral. Stop the engine. Re-start the engine and the above scenario repeats itself.

Clutch fluid level looks fine.

Push it four blocks uphill back home and now I'm waiting for the tow truck to take me to my local dealer (Ride West BMW).

It was nice to discover that our Better World Club roadside assistance program includes motorcycle towing coverage!

Update: The first tow truck dispatched could not accommodate a motorcycle - so now I'm waiting for tow truck #2...

[GSAddict]

Some part of my 2002 RT's tranny failed this morning. I'm waiting for the tow truck as I type this.

Four blocks from home on my way to work. Pull away from a stop sign in 1st gear and my power instantly drops to nothing and all sorts of unpleasant grinding noises emanate from what I perceive to be the clutch/tranny. Engage the clutch and the noise changes but does not go away. Stop the engine. Re-start the engine with tranny in neutral and all appears fine. Engage the clutch and the horrible noises come back - in any gear and neutral. Stop the engine. Re-start the engine and the above scenario repeats itself.

Clutch fluid level looks fine.

Push it four blocks uphill back home and now I'm waiting for the tow truck to take me to my local dealer (Ride West BMW).

It was nice to discover that our Better World Club roadside assistance program includes motorcycle towing coverage!

Update: The first tow truck dispatched could not accommodate a motorcycle - so now I'm waiting for tow truck #2...

Sounds like the input shaft/clutch hub. Lot's written on this subject.

[OfficerImpersonator]

Sounds like the input shaft/clutch hub. Lot's written on this subject.

Oh yeah. Now I get to find out how much a new one costs. Fun times.

At least (theoretically) I'll get 30,000 miles out of a new one.

Sad photo of the bike on the back of the flatbed, on it's way to the shop.

[jasonTDI]

brilliant tie down job.....