Clutch Noise

[aieae]

I have a '95 R1100rsl. It has 61k on it and runs great. It's developed a noise. It sorta a whirring and light clunking noise when the bike is on the stand idling. The noise goes away completely when I pull in the clutch lever. It gets louder with the after a ride when it's warmed up. I've adjusted the clutch and it makes no difference. The dealer installed a new clutch 2 years and about 25k miles ago but I think there is something going on in there.

I'm afraid to ride it too far and even more afraid of what it will cost to take it back to the dealer. I have no experience with motorcycle dry clutches and looking for some guidance before I pull out the checkbook or the wrenches.

dave

[motorradmike]

Hi Dave:

I think your thread title should have been "Transmission noise".
When you pull the clutch in, the transmission stops rotating.

First I'd drain the oil and see what you can see in it as far as metal flakes go, on the magnetic drain plug too.

Next I'd go here and figure out which of the 3 possible transmissions you have. If yours is original it's possibly the M93.

Armed with that information, report back and/or email Anton Largiader and see what he has to say.

You can get the transmission out yourself so you're only faced with rebuild cost and shipping. Some guys dive right in and tear the trans apart too. I'm not sure I'd do that but...

Lastly, I could be wrong about this so lets see what the oil looks like.

[DARKCLOUD]

I'd put the heavy or summer weight oil in the transmission. The clunking only happens on the side stand?

n

[aieae]

Transmission...who'd a thunk.

I changed the transmission oil last night and it didn't look horrible. There was some "fuzz" on the magnetic drain plug but that's about it. I filled it back up with what I had, 80/90wt. Because it was late and beer was used during the oil change process I didn't take it for a test ride. I did fire it up and it had the same noise. A light tapping or clunking.

Otherwise the bike runs great. Do I keep riding it and pull the transmission in the fall, or should I park it so I don't do more damage?

I found lots of information here...
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/transmission.htm

thanks

dave

[DARKCLOUD]

Engine running, kickstand and center stand up, in neutral clutch out do you still have the thunking?

[Bmandiego]

Does the clunking change cadence with increased engine RPM?

[aieae]

The noise is all but nonexistent when the engine is cold but once it warms up it's always there. In neutral, no side stand or center stand it's still there unless you pull in the clutch. The frequency of the tapping increases and decreases with the engine rpm.

I never rode it after I changed the oil. I was hoping to do that today and discover the new oil fixed everything but could not. Tomorrow is ride your bike to work day. We'll see.

thanks

dave

[REDSLEDRIDER]

Just had what sounds like the same thing happen to mine. The m94 tranny used a tappered roller bearing on the input shaft. The roller bearing gets scalded (worn out) and makes noise.

I got mine replace before things came apart and made things worse. Anton changed out the roller for a sealed ball bearing unit which is the fix.

Happy for another 115k miles.

[aieae]

Well I rode it last night for about an hour and fresh oil and crossed fingers didn't help it. The noise is still there. This sucks on so many levels. I was looking forward to some long rides this season but now I'm afraid to ride too far...or at all. I'm not in the position where I can take it to the dealer and say fix it and I'm not confident I can rebuild a transmission. I found some info on how to check a tranny and will go through all that. See how it goes.

Thanks

Dave

[flars]

Although you MIGHT have a problem, you will probably find that you are hearing is normal. Many of the transmissions on these bikes are just noisy due to the way Getrag designed them. They went through several iterations (add parts, take parts away, add different parts) trying to make the transmissions quiet, and none of the efforts worked for long. My 98 RS and my 02 RT have periodically made noise. They both shift well (the 1150 shifts nicer when you 'get on it').
Anton hopefully will chime in soon and give you the info you need to allay your fears.

[PGlaves]

A scraping or grinding sound is not normal. A clicking or clacking sound at idle that goes away when the clutch is pulled or goes away at 1500 or 2000 rpm even with the clutch not pulled is normal. It will be worse with hot (thinner) oil, and better with cold (thick) oil. It will be lessened with perfectly synchronized throttle bodies.

[aieae]

The noise is not there when the engine is cold. A light tapping comes on as the bike warms up and it turns into a louder tapping when the engine is hot. I noticed it at the end of last season and it may be my imagination but it seems to be getting louder.

About 25k miles ago the dealer replaced the clutch because the rear seal went. They told me I should replace the seals on the transmission while it was out. I said ok and I assumed they took it apart to change the seals. When it was all back together and while I was crying writing the check they told me "everything in there looked good".

I love this bike. I've had it 4 years and except for the clutch it has given me zero problems. However I've looked at used, rebuilt and new transmissions and none of them fit in my budget. If it needs one it will be hard to justify the cost but it will be hard to live without it.

Thanks

dave

[BC1100S]

The noise is not there when the engine is cold. A light tapping comes on as the bike warms up and it turns into a louder tapping when the engine is hot.

I think Mr. Glaves' response should have eased your fears.