Question about clutch????

[Ghostryder]

I have a 1200 gs with about 2000 on it. Today while I was riding I noticed that when I would give it some gas, and let the clutch out it would wind up to about 5-6000 before it woould fully engage. It also didnt seem to have the power it usually does. Also when moving slowly I would have to let the clutch all the way out befor it would engage, normally it is about 1/2 way. My question is this....does it sound like the clutch is going already? I have had one or two go in a car, and it usually just stops engaging, or would just rev out totally. I know it is hard to diagnose by a post, but any info would be a great help. Thank you....:dunno :confused: :dunno

[rado360]

I had the clutch do the same thing on my RT at about 20k,turned out to be a leaking rear main seal on the motor,oil got on the clutch and made it slip--but you should make sure the adjustments are right at both ends of clutch cable. Also take out the rubber plug in the inspection window (the one for finding top dead center) ,maybe if it is leaking oil you could see some sign of it.

[BradfordBenn]

Also look for a trail of dirt from the final drive. It will accumulate if there is a leak and show the leak. It was one of those times where not cleaning my bike paid off.

[Ghostryder]

Just returned from the dealer, and it was just a simple adjustment that was needed. Thanks for the sugestions.:clap :clap :D

[Ghostryder]

Update!!!!! Clutch went KABLOOIE today on the way home from a trip. At least I was able to limp it into the dealer. Just turned over 3000 miles, The worst part of the whole thing is he said he has NO idea when there will be a clutch available. Nice!!!!!!!!!!! :cry :confused: :cry

[Mr. Frank]

Does the dealer have any idea what went wrong? What were the symptoms?

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by Ghostryder
...worst part of the whole thing is he said he has NO idea when there will be a clutch available. Nice!!!!!!!!!!! :cry :confused: :cry

I actually had a problem like this on my car (no, it is not a BMW), so the way I got the part quickly, overnighted actually, I called the 800 number of customer service and asked about the availabilty... and made sure that my problem had been logged. Then I called the credit portion of the company, and told them that I wanted to get a grace period on my payment and interest until the part was delivered.

Needless to say they were slightly flabbergasted. I calmly explained. The vehicle was new, less that 1,000 miles, and there was a failure with a delay in the repair. Since I would not be able to use my vehicle until it had been repaired, why should I be paying for something I could not use. After all they were all part of the same company. The customer service agent then passed me to a supervisor, I explained the whole thing. I then got a response of I understand your concern, but there is nothing that we can do about it. I explained how since it was a new vehicle from their company and it only seemed fair that if I could not use it why should I be paying for it. So then I got bumped up to the shift supervisor, who told me that she agreed with the logic, but she could not do anything about it. I asked if they (the finance group) could get the part expedited cause I was going to start deducting a day from the monthly payment for each day after the second day that I did not have my vehcile or a loaner vehicle.

I got a call back in thirty minutes from the dealership telling me they were sending over a loaner vehicle and that shipping was closed (it was about 5:30PM but that they would have the part in two days.

A little over the top, but hey for how much I am paying each month for the vehicle I figured it made sense to at least get transportation.

[Ghostryder]

Well about a week ago I noticed that the shifts were getting a bit "soft", and that when I went to pass someone I would shift, and it would tac out to about 6500 before engageing. Then when I would pull away from a stop light I would have to let the clutch ALL the way out, and give it more gas than usual to get it going. That is not to mention that funky smell I would get while at a stop light.
I brought it by the dealer last week and he said that all I needed was a adjustment on the clutch lever. So It felt a little better so off I went to Ashville. On the way up there it started acting up again....yikes.....So I would stop occasionally and adjust the clutch lever. MAde it there had a good time and started the ride back, which is another story, on the way back it started again. This time I would have to stop every 50 mile or so to adjust the clutch just to get it to engage.
I limped it into the dealer, and he looked at the lever, the fluid level, and tried it while sitting there. He said that It was fine. I asked him to take it for a spin, he did and came back, and had someone else try it. When the other service guy returned he said yep....It's slippin.:cry
Well then came the news.....Well its covered, seeing it has only 3000, but he dosent know when he will have a clutch. It seems that he has been waiting on a final drive for two weeks for someone else. Not exactly the best news. So here I am a beautiful week coming up, and no ride.
Bradford....Thanks for the advise on the 800 number I will give them a call. Where did you get the number from? As far as the credit goes I did not go with there credit dept. They offerd BMW gold credit at 7.5% ouch!!!!! Credit union....4.5% Im no math major but I figured that one out fast. So I really cant call and complain. I just wonder how long It will take them to get the stupid part in. 3000 and clutch that craps out....hmmmmmmm, well at least it's not the final drive.
:uhoh

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by Ghostryder
Bradford....Thanks for the advise on the 800 number I will give them a call. Where did you get the number from? As far as the credit goes I did not go with there credit dept. They offerd BMW gold credit at 7.5% ouch!!!!! Credit union....4.5% Im no math major but I figured that one out fast.

I got the 800 number in the Service manual that came with the bike. For me the financing option was 0.9% with BMW or 4.75% with my bank. Same thing, I figured that one out real fast.