5 1150 RT clutch problem

[Blane Howell]

Any ideas on why the hydrolic fluid in the clutch assembly is being contaminated with water, making the clutch inoperative? This has happened twice, on the road. Great care is taken to ensure no water is near clutch assembly while cleaning the motorcycle.

[Blane Howell]

The solution appears to be this: a new clutch master cylinder and slave. Clutch went out 6000 miles ago - dirty hydraulic found in clutch reservoir at dealer, ascribed to water contamination. Yesterday clutch went out - again dirty hydraulic fluid found, along with a stripped bolt on clutch fluid reservoir - this was thought to be source of water infiltratiion, again by dealer. Today 60 miles kater, ckutch went out again. Dealer called, who called rep, who told him BMW "aware of this problem with RTs" and said fix was to replaced master and slave. As i pushed my bike up to the Portland, OR dealers shop, met another 1150 RT owner, from Wisconsin, whose clutch had gone out. He was apparently the third case of this presenting to that shop, and also reported it was a well-know problem on the East Coast. Glad to know the cause, and get it fixed. Portland dealer did a marvelous job of taking care of us, and getting the necessary parts ship for next day (tomorrow) delivery.

[BMWRich58]

Curious as to what year(s) bike this problem is occurring to.

I'm currently riding an early '02 with 46K on the clock and haven't had this problem.

[Blane Howell]

Mine is a 2003, with 49,900 miles. The fellow I talked with at the Portland shop who was getting the same problem fixed, and who was aware of this happening to several others, had 3 days left on his warranty.