It's all about the gears

[subconscious]

My R 75/6 feels and sounds cluncky when downshifting. At first, I thought it might just be because it is, well, old - but I thought I would ask if that was accurate.

Do the older engines grind and clunk into gears? Should I adjust the clutch? Is it that the clutch is not completely disengaging the engine? By the way, the clutch is tough (compared to newer bikes I have ridden, which started me thinking along these lines) and has a miniscule friction zone.

So, overall, I am not worried, but I thought I could get some feedback about the scenario.

Thanks.

[R100RS]

It shouldn't be grinding, but clunkiness is completely normal for airheads. Synthetic tranny oil will reduce the clunkiness. Do you have sufficient transmission oil?

Don't know about the clutch, mine has always felt like I thought it should (obviously, not as nice as a new bike). Are you comparing it to a newer BMW (or other brand with a single-plate clutch) or other brand (with a multi-plate clutch)? The single plate clutch on a BMW will feel harder to operate than a multi-plate clutch on other bikes.

[subconscious]

I will check the tranny today. I was comparing to a new bike with a multi-plate clutch. So, I guess, that in, and of, itself would make a huge difference.

So, good to hear that the clunk is not a worry.

Thanks for the feedback.

[solarbean]

I have a 92 R100RT. It definitely clunks when I shift. I think it is normal.

[subconscious]

Okay, after I wrote that I would check the tranny level, I went home to do just that. However, I don't know where or how to do this. I looked at the manual (the original owners) and it did not explain the steps. In fact it does not even refer to the fluid being checked.

So, how can I cehck this?

Thanks.

[R100RS]

If it's a five speed transmission...

There is an allen head (hex keyed) plug/bolt above the shifter, that an 8mm (I believe) allen wrench (hex key) fits. The oil level should be about 1/16" below the bottom of the hole.

Put the bike on centerstand, remove the plug, and stick a finger in the hole (or look w/ flashlight) to see where the oil level is. If it's low, fill it to about 1/16" below the bottom of the hole (with 80/90 weight gear oil).

I'm not sure about the four speed transmissions, but I'd look in the same place.

[subconscious]

Thanks, I will take care of the ordeal this evening.