'92 K1100LT Clutch-Modest Slipping

[98288]

I have recently notice that I get a slight slopping of the clutch in 5th and sometime in 4th when I twist the throttle significantly ie on a hill.

Shifting does not seem to be problematic and I do not getting any chattering when I start off. No problem at high rpm.

Cannot make it slip in other gears or when starting.

No oil around case connection and no oil dripping

I searched around for Forum notes and also to IBMWR and found references to clutch adjustment. Mine has had to be adjusted at the grip to a full in position so I am thinking that the new cable that I have already threaded through should be attached and adjusted.

So, the question is: could a stretched cable with a maxed adjustment create a slipping to occur or might leaking rear main seal be more likely? - Bob

[Ridealot]

Do you have any signs of oil around the hole on the bottom of the transmission? Thats where you would see evidence of oil if the rear main is leaking. It doesn't have to be dripping out it can just be a slight amount of oil with dirt stuck to it. If there is, it doesn't get any better over time.

I have had to replace the rear main on two K-bikes. The mileage on the bikes was far apart but they both started leaking when the bikes were 12 and 13 years old.

[98288]

Do you have any signs of oil around the hole on the bottom of the transmission? Thats where you would see evidence of oil if the rear main is leaking. It doesn't have to be dripping out it can just be a slight amount of oil with dirt stuck to it. If there is, it doesn't get any better over time.

I have had to replace the rear main on two K-bikes. The mileage on the bikes was far apart but they both started leaking when the bikes were 12 and 13 years old.

bike had a new rear main about 20,000 miles ago. New input shaft, clutch assembly $$$$$$

I just went out to check on your suggestion: moist with some oil. I knew that it was moist for a long time but all seemed well so I concluded that it might not be making its way onto the clutch. Wishful thinking I suppose. Plan is to go through this season (Penn is only long run) and then replace seal and spline lubes over the winter. BTW, after installing new cable and adjusting, according to the IBMWR Gospels, that assembly feels much better. Only played with it running in the shop but no road test yet. Gut feeling though is with the seal as source and not the cable. Has to come apart for the splines anyway. - Bob

[sugarhillctd]

Bob,

A rear seal leak would likely show quite a bit of oil at the bottom weep hole in order for it to produce clutch slippage.

My own experience (been there, done that) is that the clutch nut "O"ring is not doing its job. See # 11 below. (That is if what you see at the weep hole is engine oil. If it smells like trans oil then obviously the following is not for you.)



If the O ring is not sealing properly, even a slight leak will spread radially from the shaft out to the friction surface of the clutch.

Again- this has been my (unhappy) experience- all due to a $1.55 part. Your experience may vary....

Good luck.
John

[98288]

Clutch adjustment: perfect

Oil seeping: uh oh

Took for a run to check my clutch cable work and that's fine but that pesky seeping of oil from the weep hole is a very slow drip. 4th and 5th gear, with lots of throttle, will begin slipping.

Now I have a choice: I can attack a job that I have never done before (I'm not bad with a wrench but....), do what needs to be done and try and have the bike ready for our run to Bloomsburg. (and try to build a barn at the same time). We have no local BMW parts source 'round these parts so must order.

OR, we can ride the way it is and meet up with a friend in Conn. who has done this job many times before and has access to appropriate tools and parts.



I know that it won't just correct itself so it's and either or situation. I just came back from a solo 1,300 mile run and had no problem. Going to Conn. will be two up though. I lean toward the Conn run but not sure that's wise with the leak.

Is the gamble likely in my favor? - Bob

[98288]

Bob,

A rear seal leak would likely show quite a bit of oil at the bottom weep hole in order for it to produce clutch slippage.

My own experience (been there, done that) is that the clutch nut "O"ring is not doing its job. See # 11 below. (That is if what you see at the weep hole is engine oil. If it smells like trans oil then obviously the following is not for you.)

If the O ring is not sealing properly, even a slight leak will spread radially from the shaft out to the friction surface of the clutch.

Again- this has been my (unhappy) experience- all due to a $1.55 part. Your experience may vary....

Good luck.
John

thanks John. It is engine oil and now it leaves a very small puddle. I just may be learning more about seal replacement sooner than I planned. dang! - Bob

[sugarhillctd]

Bob,

We are in northern New Hampshire and can offer you help too. I have a Titan MC lift and have done this clutch work before.

So if you get into trouble, you could limp here and I can help you with whatever you need.

Or, worse comes to worse, I have a motorcycle trailer........


But if you have motor oil coming out the weep hole, I will STRONGLY bet that it isn't the rear seal- it is your O ring. I had the same thing happen- 4th or 5th gear slippage.

Good luck.
John

[98288]

Bob,

We are in northern New Hampshire and can offer you help too. I have a Titan MC lift and have done this clutch work before.

So if you get into trouble, you could limp here and I can help you with whatever you need.

Or, worse comes to worse, I have a motorcycle trailer........


But if you have motor oil coming out the weep hole, I will STRONGLY bet that it isn't the rear seal- it is your O ring. I had the same thing happen- 4th or 5th gear slippage.

Good luck.
John

Thanks very much John. I decided that I would do the job here. However, going it alone was my biggest concern. A friend in Conn suggested contacting someone he knew with the expertise here. I know him as well but I tend to be somewhat independent and don't like to 'bother' someone else. I was encouraged to go ahead and call. So, we have arranged to do the job on July 9th. A very kind offer. He also pointed to the same cause that you did and while in there we are going to do a little house cleaning as needed ie alternator brushes (starter is very recent).

Again, thanks for your generous offer and sage input John. - Bob