clutch noise 81 bmw r100rs

**Enn** · 14th March 2005, 03:07

Hi y'all, my bike's has developed a clattering noise in the clutch more noticable when it's warm, dissapears when i pull in the clutch lever any idears? no movement in the flywheel that i can see thru timing hole when clutch is operated. It's muh baby! apprecate any advice or ney comments on this type of bike. ta enn.

**Ixion** · 14th March 2005, 09:19

Could be the dreaded clutch splines ? How long since they were lubed ? (Should be every 10000 K I believe with the super duper special lube stuff - that's the early K-bike figure anyway and I think the airheads are the same)

Or maybe the clutch output bearing starting to fail, a notorious weak point on BMW gearboxes.

Suggest take it into a BMW shop and let them have a listen.

With Beammers you critically need to regularly lube the final drive splines and clutch splines or they crap out.

It's a real pity they put such a total crap gearbox on what are otherwise real nice bikes.

**Enn** · 14th March 2005, 22:34

it's funny how you hear nothing bad about some bikes till you own one!
Still relationships are like that eh.... cheers enn.

**Ixion** · 14th March 2005, 22:49

Don't get me wrong, they're good bikes.

Every bike has some sort of weakness , an Achille'es heel.

With BMW's it's the transmission (not the shaft drive, that's very good).

I just tend to compare the gearbox with, say, a Suzuki. I guess it annoys me more just because everything (almost everything) else about them is good.

The spline thing isn't that big a job - an afternoon, maybe a day the first time.

And the motors just go on forever without needing anything at all,, which is a big big plus over most bikes.

**Posh Tourer :P** · 15th March 2005, 02:33

Agree, BMW have bad gearboxes. The change is always rough and long throw compared to jappers that you can change clutchless.

Is this rattle only in Neutral? or all gears? Have you changed the gearbox oil recently? If the rattle is only in neutral or some gears, it could be a bearing getting loose. Worth looking at. Give it an oil change and see what happens. If not, then it would be worth trying to get another gearbox or get it fixed. Be warned though, it can cost 1000 bucks for a second hand gearbox. See Walter de Beurs (ask any long term bimmer rider or a shop) or perhaps someone like Nick Ploeg if you end up wanting a 'new' gearbox

**Enn** · 15th March 2005, 08:36

Hi , yes i checked gearbox oil, drained and checked magnetic bung slight coating of grey metal particles on it smooth tho no lumpy bits oil looked clean as, left in overnight to settle so put it back in,the bike has only 65,oook" on the clock. havent tryed to listen to it in the gears will check that out but i dont think so, Still id rather get it checked out than ignorantly bugger something $$$$$ up!!, hoping to get a tour in before the season leaves us, just hope that i can keep up with the wifey on her new gsxr.... .

**Posh Tourer :P** · 15th March 2005, 22:34

Originally Posted by Enn

Hi , yes i checked gearbox oil, drained and checked magnetic bung slight coating of grey metal particles on it smooth tho no lumpy bits oil looked clean as, left in overnight to settle so put it back in,the bike has only 65,oook" on the clock. havent tryed to listen to it in the gears will check that out but i dont think so, Still id rather get it checked out than ignorantly bugger something $$$$$ up!!, hoping to get a tour in before the season leaves us, just hope that i can keep up with the wifey on her new gsxr.... .

Sounds like it isnt all bad then. I'd get it checked out by someone if you are still worried, though I know on my MZ (from a while ago, but similar standard of gearbox (!)) some noises came and went. If it is like this, then nothing to worry about. If it is consistent then it probablly ought to be fixed. How loud is it? Does it stop as you change gear?
Are you sure the 65k is genuine? if it is you should have no worries unless someone has been really silly or didnt believe in clutches. I reckon you ought to be ok, but I havent heard it so dont quote me on it.....

**Enn** · 20th March 2005, 16:36

Hi y'all, off to see the doctor for a check and sharpen up, i will see how it gos eh, enn.

**Enn** · 21st May 2005, 18:18

Well got a tune up mechanic rekeons that it is a possible tooth chipped on 4th gear as its constantly in mesh... keep a ear on it tho.. so in riding along tonight and its hard to hear the bike noise due to wind so visor up and duck down behind the faring, listen worked the clutch a few times definitely a rattle louder and intermittent..... bugger there is no one round here that i know thats into beemers, closest shop thunder bikes nelson, dont know if they are any good or not, so a ear a eye and a bit of asking around i guess... thanks for the idears y'all.. en