great video chris, i was asked if i would like to replace a clutch for a man i met in a bar so i said id google it up to see whats involved. youre the first info i found and after seeing that bike with its ass in a sling ive decided to load up my kawasaki and head for the hills of northern thailand instead. thanks!
While very, very rare this can happen to the older Oilheads. Only one here at the shop and it was a 50,000+/- mile R1100RT-P that I had installed a rebuilt transmission onto less than 3000 miles earlier. Sometimes they just fail. There is no modified disc for these older bikes as the splines are engaged almost completely. Just replace the input shaft and bearings, use a Siebenrock clutch from Beemer Boneyard and you'll be back on the road with no problems. Good luck, Chris
You can plan on rebuilding the rear drive once, installing the modified clutch disc once and then eliminating the goofy servo (if equipped w/ EVO brakes) from the brake system. Thanks for your kind words and question, Chris
The measurement at the handlebar between the knurled rings is 12 mm. This is never to change. All free-play adjustment is made at the back of the transmission. Thank you & good luck, Chris
You will access the adjuster from the left side of the motorcycle. Remove the triangular black plastic panel that surrounds the lift handle for the centerstand. Remove the rear bolt from the dual outlet accessory plug bracket if equipped and rotate the bracket up to allow your hand to reach the back of the transmission. Good luck, Chris
thanks chris. i been readding up on FD bearings, piviot bearings, clutch issues, you said in this video about U joints at 40k. it is turning me away from wanting one. i don't know how many special.tools you need to work on these, but i try to do as much as i can up to rebuilding engines.
I have done 150,000 miles on BMW bikes,and my K100RS have been good to me. But the R259 oilheads can and will be painful down the road. I'm looking for a R1100GS to ride and it's the most simple set-ups of the type.(I hope)?! I sold BMW's bikes for 2.5 years and still like them very much.I have to say,"Thank you for you videos..!
The driveshaft is generally OK for longer mileage except on the GS due to its much longer suspension travel. However, I would suggest having Bruno Sax rebuild your driveshaft at 40,000 miles before it causes any damage. Bruno uses u-joints that can be replaced and greased providing longer life at a much lower price.
My reply via Facebook: I have never had an Oilhead in the shop with a leaking rear main seal. However, I did have a customer who told me that the local BMW dealer had installed 5 seals and finally gave up and told him that he needed to replace the 8,000 mile engine. My guess was that the crankcase breather hose was pinched closed creating excessive crankcase pressure. That is what I would look at first (top right of engine under the battery box). Let me know please, Chris
I'm going through a 1996 rt11rt trans replacement. I was anxious about the spline lube issue. The splines were fine at 65,000 miles. Didn't need me poking around in there. I certainly worry about the splines at 34,000 miles, especially if there's no reason to.
R850R & R1100R, RT, RS, GS = Spline lube every 40,000 ~ 60,000 miles. These do not fail like the hydraulically controlled / 6 speed transmission equipped bikes do. Thanks, Chris
Does the 2000 R1100S have the clutch slave problem as the R1150 ? I'm looking at buying, and would like to know what to look out for... Thanks for your video/help
Got a R1100RS two years ago with 26.000 miles. Rode only 5000 miles and now I have a nice clutch slippage and a very noisy gearbox. A lot of work for my bike-mechanic (BMW-expert) and a melting bank account. Here in Germany we say BMW = Bring Mich Werkstatt = bring me (to) workshop. Fortunately I still have my old beemer (800cc, 50HP) to ride with. A 4-valve BMW for me? Never again!
Chris, hoping you’ll see this. I removed my starter on my 2000 R1150GS and discovered through the hole that the bolts seen at 4:40 visible through the assess hole were loose! He last person to do work on the bike was the local BMW shop and that was 15,000miles ago. I can’t figure what these bolts are called to determine their torque settin. Any idea? I should be ok to simply torque them down and ride? Thanks Richard
Chris, What would be the criteria for input shaft replacement (play btw. disc and shaft or any wear pattern). Maybe you have some pics what is acceptable to you. Do you change input shaft seal with clutch friction disc replacement? Comment? Finally I would like to thank you for all you videos. 2 yrs ago I have moved to Balkans (ex-Yugoslavia) which is hot spot for bikers from Europe. Local bike shops told me to buy japanese bike! The only chance is BMW dealer - which is to several hours away. Following mainly your videos I have solved issues on my R1150R '03 starting with stick coils through TB sync etc. As I am working with large 2T/4T diesel engine I found it very relaxing to work on my R1150. You should deffinitely set some donate button in the comments that we - youtube followers - can offer you a beer. Cheers
Input shaft to be replaced when the splines strip unless you caught them before they strip. Seals would be replaced at the same time. Rotational play is normal for these gearboxes. "Local bike shops told me to buy japanese bike! " They've offered you sound advice. Good luck.
EVO brakes are the goofy power / electrically assisted brakes. If your brakes whine & squeal like R2D2 from Star Wars you indeed have servo brakes. The servo unit can be removed and used as a boat anchor, sidecar ballast or a door stop. YOu retain the EVO calipers and discs, master cylinders, etc. but you lose the power brake function and the anti-lock brake feature. You will also lose 12 pounds of dead weight!
Anchor, ballast, or door stop. Hahahaha. I’m still looking for a video of you removing that ABS module. My fingers are crossed while riding my ‘04 1150R. 😊
thanks, i saw. i will open and see. do you have expereince in the rear cranck shaft seals? i changed two time both, but still have oil leaking there. i used the BMW seals, with OEM tools to push, made some oil before, and shape some by hand. ..
Hi Chris, I'm going to by a 1150R and your videos are really helpful in understanding how to maintain BMW. In this video I see a big yellow-brown stain on the gearbox. Bike I'm going to buy has same stain on gearbox and also smaller on right cylinder. Seller tells me that is is from leaked gasoline and that it is OK, but I doubth about that. What are these stains from and can they indicate any technical problem? Many thanks for your answer.
Your stereotype "f*** BMW" comments are really fine! If BMW are so nasty, why don't you care for better bikes??? Your "good breeding" is indeed very worth of imitation! Hope, your children learnt a lot of you, Chris Harris!!!
Hi Chris loving your videos, my '97 RT11 has around 65K on it and had a new clutch at around 25K (previous owner) I noticed I'm getting short on freeplay,should I be adjusting the free play at the gearbox end or on the lever adjuster? ken
How stupid a design to have a slave cylinder able to leak into the flywheel houseing, what type fuckwits are they at BMW,? I was thinging about buying a 1200GS Adventure new. Having looked at all the service problems that occur on these Newish BMW Boxers, brake pads every 5000miles, internal fuel filters and the list goes on, I shall give BMW a rather wide berth. I own three Motorcycles all of which are low maintainance, The Kwaker GT550 the main hack goes on forever on it's yearly oil change and carb balance. Owned from new 80,000mls now on the clock, the only expensive parts replaced were the front discs the rest is oridginal, oh plus three three sets of tyres. Total cost new in '99 £4.375.00. These Bemmes cost over £14,000, for this price they should be effin bomb-proof. Thanks for the heads up on BMWs..
Chris , Tnx for the clip. do you know what broken part is the lagh lagh lagh sound at clutch area? when the clutch lever take, that sound is not any more.
Hi Chris. Thanks for the videos. Do you do much work on the GS line? I will be in the market soon for a nearly new 1200GS, maybe the Adventure model. Anything I should keep my eyes peeled for besides the usual? Thanks.
Hi Chris, Any advice on buying a R1100? If they make it past a certain mileage are they good, or was the problem fixed after certain model years? I am looking for a RT and I don't know if I some are better then others. Thanks, Mike
I have a 1999 r1100s with 34,000 miles that i'm planning on doing a spline lube this winter (with fingers crossed hoping splines are find), would your method of separating the complete transmission back like your video shows work on my bike or would you suggest different? thanks pv
Hello Chris, I would like your advice please,I install in my Bmw r1150gs 2001 new Clutch set', with friction plate Turatech Sinter, and after about 8000 Mile, it start to slip.there is no oil leak,it start slip on 4000 RPM 6th gear, and when I press hardly on the throttle on 3rd gear.Do you have any idea what can be the problem? it is the second Clutch set that I have replace after about 8000 to 10000 Mile. Appreciate your advice, Sincerely yours, Aaron. Israel.
A guy is selling his 03 1150rt with 118k miles and says it may be time for a new clutch disk.. also the bike doesnt start.. idk i feel it may be a good deal still 😅 he only wants 1k for it
Hello Chris! I have a problem . When replacing the clutch plate , I did not put colored marks on the basket clutch discs . Motorcycle is vibrating. How to put the correct clutch parts ?
Disassemble, find the factory marks (if there are any) and reassemble with the marks 120 degrees apart from each other (3 components). I have installed new parts with no markings at all so I suspect that it is now a gamble if the new parts have no marks. Good luck!
I did not find the color marks,maybe I'm blind. I found the colored marks only clutch housing. Pressure plate and housing cover not color marks. I reassemble with the only place hole drilling of 120 degrees apart from each other, Instead of a color mark. I do not know if this is correct? Vibrations bike has a 4.5 rpm and Close to 6 RPM the bike wants to make out on the studs and nuts and parts. As vibration chair. On new parts have drilling holes? Sorry for my English, I am not a native speaker.
I caught the slave cylinder just when it started to leak on my 2002 r1150r with 19,500 miles . However I have clutch slippage in higher gears at around 3500 rpms. My mechanic changed the slave and thinks with any luck the clutch fluid will burn off the disc. has anyone had this happen ?
Hi Stephan, I doubt that the fluid will 'burn off' and render you with a non-slipping clutch. You'll need to replace it unfortunately. Happy New Year, Chris
Great video minus the rediculous use of foul language. I never knew that a clutch job could be so involved. As for those who would say "don't watch if you don't like" you can take one of those "f" words and use it on yourself. It's totally unnecessary for an instructional video.
Why do you work on BMW bikes, if you assess them all the time as "fuck... fucking...shit" etc.??? Drive Japaneses, Mister Wellknown! I think your parents will be very proud on you, hearing you talking like that. Welcome in Trumps kindergarden!! You are "simply the best"!!!
Hi the paulv330, The R1100S and R1200C are very different from the R1150 models in regards to transmission removal. Go to my website AffordableBeemerServices . com and send me an e-mail. I will reply with more information since I am unable to include a link in this reply. Thanks, Chris
How can a manufacturer go from making the greatest touring motorcycle(r1100rt) to making the worst(r1150rt)? clutch slave, servo abs, weak clutch splines, over complicated expensive ignition. Did I miss anything? This bike will leave you stranded in a corn field.
That's a smart move without having to dismantle the whole drive shaft to get into the clutch compartment. Thanks for sharing Chris.
Was thinking of getting a bmw 1100r now i won’t bother, glad i saw this video thanks .
Just doing my job H F, showing others what is involved with these beasts. Take care, Chris
you are missing out , these are awesome bikes
great video chris, i was asked if i would like to replace a clutch for a man i met in a bar so i said id google it up to see whats involved. youre the first info i found and after seeing that bike with its ass in a sling ive decided to load up my kawasaki and head for the hills of northern thailand instead. thanks!
best part of this video is "Girls just wanna have fun" in the background
While very, very rare this can happen to the older Oilheads. Only one here at the shop and it was a 50,000+/- mile R1100RT-P that I had installed a rebuilt transmission onto less than 3000 miles earlier. Sometimes they just fail. There is no modified disc for these older bikes as the splines are engaged almost completely. Just replace the input shaft and bearings, use a Siebenrock clutch from Beemer Boneyard and you'll be back on the road with no problems. Good luck, Chris
You can plan on rebuilding the rear drive once, installing the modified clutch disc once and then eliminating the goofy servo (if equipped w/ EVO brakes) from the brake system. Thanks for your kind words and question, Chris
The measurement at the handlebar between the knurled rings is 12 mm. This is never to change. All free-play adjustment is made at the back of the transmission. Thank you & good luck, Chris
Fuel is the only thing that stains these silver parts yellow. The seller is correct! Good luck with your purchase.
You will access the adjuster from the left side of the motorcycle. Remove the triangular black plastic panel that surrounds the lift handle for the centerstand. Remove the rear bolt from the dual outlet accessory plug bracket if equipped and rotate the bracket up to allow your hand to reach the back of the transmission. Good luck, Chris
thanks chris. i been readding up on FD bearings, piviot bearings, clutch issues, you said in this video about U joints at 40k. it is turning me away from wanting one. i don't know how many special.tools you need to work on these, but i try to do as much as i can up to rebuilding engines.
All years of R1100RT were very reliable.
I have done 150,000 miles on BMW bikes,and my K100RS have been good to me.
But the R259 oilheads can and will be painful down the road. I'm looking for a R1100GS to ride and it's the most simple set-ups of the type.(I hope)?! I sold BMW's bikes for 2.5 years and still like them very much.I have to say,"Thank you for you videos..!
You're welcome & Happy New Year, Chris
The driveshaft is generally OK for longer mileage except on the GS due to its much longer suspension travel. However, I would suggest having Bruno Sax rebuild your driveshaft at 40,000 miles before it causes any damage. Bruno uses u-joints that can be replaced and greased providing longer life at a much lower price.
My reply via Facebook: I have never had an Oilhead in the shop with a leaking rear main seal. However, I did have a customer who told me that the local BMW dealer had installed 5 seals and finally gave up and told him that he needed to replace the 8,000 mile engine. My guess was that the crankcase breather hose was pinched closed creating excessive crankcase pressure. That is what I would look at first (top right of engine under the battery box). Let me know please, Chris
I'm going through a 1996 rt11rt trans replacement. I was anxious about the spline lube issue. The splines were fine at 65,000 miles. Didn't need me poking around in there. I certainly worry about the splines at 34,000 miles, especially if there's no reason to.
R850R & R1100R, RT, RS, GS = Spline lube every 40,000 ~ 60,000 miles. These do not fail like the hydraulically controlled / 6 speed transmission equipped bikes do. Thanks, Chris
Does the 2000 R1100S have the clutch slave problem as the R1150 ? I'm looking at buying, and would like to know what to look out for... Thanks for your video/help
I have worked with quite a few customers to further their abilities in wrenching their own bikes.
Got a R1100RS two years ago with 26.000 miles. Rode only 5000 miles and now I have a nice clutch slippage and a very noisy gearbox. A lot of work for my bike-mechanic (BMW-expert) and a melting bank account.
Here in Germany we say BMW = Bring Mich Werkstatt = bring me (to) workshop.
Fortunately I still have my old beemer (800cc, 50HP) to ride with.
A 4-valve BMW for me? Never again!
hahaha, thats a funny saying!
Chris, hoping you’ll see this.
I removed my starter on my 2000 R1150GS and discovered through the hole that the bolts seen at 4:40 visible through the assess hole were loose! He last person to do work on the bike was the local BMW shop and that was 15,000miles ago.
I can’t figure what these bolts are called to determine their torque settin. Any idea?
I should be ok to simply torque them down and ride?
Thanks
Richard
Chris, What would be the criteria for input shaft replacement (play btw. disc and shaft or any wear pattern). Maybe you have some pics what is acceptable to you.
Do you change input shaft seal with clutch friction disc replacement? Comment?
Finally I would like to thank you for all you videos. 2 yrs ago I have moved to Balkans (ex-Yugoslavia) which is hot spot for bikers from Europe. Local bike shops told me to buy japanese bike! The only chance is BMW dealer - which is to several hours away. Following mainly your videos I have solved issues on my R1150R '03 starting with stick coils through TB sync etc. As I am working with large 2T/4T diesel engine I found it very relaxing to work on my R1150.
You should deffinitely set some donate button in the comments that we - youtube followers - can offer you a beer. Cheers
Input shaft to be replaced when the splines strip unless you caught them before they strip. Seals would be replaced at the same time. Rotational play is normal for these gearboxes. "Local bike shops told me to buy japanese bike! " They've offered you sound advice. Good luck.
wow! thanks for the quick reply! looks like I'm going crawling under the bike this weekend :D
EVO brakes are the goofy power / electrically assisted brakes. If your brakes whine & squeal like R2D2 from Star Wars you indeed have servo brakes. The servo unit can be removed and used as a boat anchor, sidecar ballast or a door stop. YOu retain the EVO calipers and discs, master cylinders, etc. but you lose the power brake function and the anti-lock brake feature. You will also lose 12 pounds of dead weight!
Anchor, ballast, or door stop. Hahahaha. I’m still looking for a video of you removing that ABS module. My fingers are crossed while riding my ‘04 1150R. 😊
well it was a nice evening here so I gave it a go, spot on directions, I managed to adjust the gaps, even though my chubby hands barely fitted :D
Transmission input bearing! I've had 2 here now with sloppy input shaft bearings. Low mileage too (under 24,000)!!
I'm sorry for your bikes failure. I hope it is back on the road soon with minimal headaches. Best wishes, Chris
thanks, i saw. i will open and see. do you have expereince in the rear cranck shaft seals? i changed two time both, but still have oil leaking there. i used the BMW seals, with OEM tools to push, made some oil before, and shape some by hand. ..
Hi Chris, I'm going to by a 1150R and your videos are really helpful in understanding how to maintain BMW. In this video I see a big yellow-brown stain on the gearbox. Bike I'm going to buy has same stain on gearbox and also smaller on right cylinder. Seller tells me that is is from leaked gasoline and that it is OK, but I doubth about that. What are these stains from and can they indicate any technical problem? Many thanks for your answer.
I like how he's got "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" playing in the background.
Now I know what will eventually eat up my RT. Thanks for the videos. Do you need any volunteer trainees?
My pleasure.
Your stereotype "f*** BMW" comments are really fine! If BMW are so nasty, why don't you care for better bikes??? Your "good breeding" is indeed very worth of imitation! Hope, your children learnt a lot of you, Chris Harris!!!
I'd suspect the crankcase vent is plugged.
Hi Chris loving your videos, my '97 RT11 has around 65K on it and had a new clutch at around 25K (previous owner) I noticed I'm getting short on freeplay,should I be adjusting the free play at the gearbox end or on the lever adjuster? ken
How stupid a design to have a slave cylinder able to leak into the flywheel houseing, what type fuckwits are they at BMW,? I was thinging about buying a 1200GS Adventure new. Having looked at all the service problems that occur on these Newish BMW Boxers, brake pads every 5000miles, internal fuel filters and the list goes on, I shall give BMW a rather wide berth. I own three Motorcycles all of which are low maintainance, The Kwaker GT550 the main hack goes on forever on it's yearly oil change and carb balance. Owned from new 80,000mls now on the clock, the only expensive parts replaced were the front discs the rest is oridginal, oh plus three three sets of tyres. Total cost new in '99 £4.375.00. These Bemmes cost over £14,000, for this price they should be effin bomb-proof. Thanks for the heads up on BMWs..
Hay Chris would it have been better if BMW would have went with a wet clutch? Whats your true feelings on Dry or wet??
Chris , Tnx for the clip. do you know what broken part is the lagh lagh lagh sound at clutch area? when the clutch lever take, that sound is not any more.
Hi Chris. Thanks for the videos.
Do you do much work on the GS line?
I will be in the market soon for a nearly new 1200GS, maybe the Adventure model.
Anything I should keep my eyes peeled for besides the usual?
Thanks.
I'm negotiating a 2004 with a broken flywheel. It needs to be pushed to get it started. Do you have any idea what that repair may cost me?
Hi Chris, Any advice on buying a R1100? If they make it past a certain mileage are they good, or was the problem fixed after certain model years? I am looking for a RT and I don't know if I some are better then others.
Thanks,
Mike
I have a 1999 r1100s with 34,000 miles that i'm planning on doing a spline lube this winter (with fingers crossed hoping splines are find), would your method of separating the complete transmission back like your video shows work on my bike or would you suggest different? thanks pv
Hello Chris,
I would like your advice please,I install in my Bmw r1150gs 2001 new Clutch set', with friction plate Turatech Sinter, and after about 8000 Mile, it start to slip.there is no oil leak,it start slip on 4000 RPM 6th gear, and when I press hardly on the throttle on 3rd gear.Do you have any idea what can be the problem? it is the second Clutch set that I have replace after about 8000 to 10000 Mile.
Appreciate your advice,
Sincerely yours,
Aaron.
Israel.
My 1998 r1100rt just spun the spline. Where can I get that new clutch you talked about that engages more of the spline?
what clutch would be suggested as a modified clutch.
A guy is selling his 03 1150rt with 118k miles and says it may be time for a new clutch disk.. also the bike doesnt start.. idk i feel it may be a good deal still 😅 he only wants 1k for it
Thanks Chris
Hello Chris!
I have a problem . When replacing the clutch plate , I did not put colored marks on the basket clutch discs . Motorcycle is vibrating. How to put the correct clutch parts ?
Disassemble, find the factory marks (if there are any) and reassemble with the marks 120 degrees apart from each other (3 components). I have installed new parts with no markings at all so I suspect that it is now a gamble if the new parts have no marks. Good luck!
I did not find the color marks,maybe I'm blind. I found the colored marks only clutch housing. Pressure plate and housing cover not color marks. I reassemble with the only place hole drilling of 120 degrees apart from each other, Instead of a color mark. I do not know if this is correct? Vibrations bike has a 4.5 rpm and Close to 6 RPM the bike wants to make out on the studs and nuts and parts. As vibration chair. On new parts have drilling holes? Sorry for my English, I am not a native speaker.
Take it apart and rotate the whole clutch assembly 120 degrees. Reassemble and see if the vibration is better or worse. I wish you luck.
Why did you strap down the clutch lever?
To keep air from being ingested.
thanks. but bearings normally has sound like... ooooooo, not lagh lagh lagh .....? no?
The usual source of music is Pandora.
Thank you.
Can you fix my bike? I have the same one.
I caught the slave cylinder just when it started to leak on my 2002 r1150r with 19,500 miles . However I have clutch slippage in higher gears at around 3500 rpms. My mechanic changed the slave and thinks with any luck the clutch fluid will burn off the disc. has anyone had this happen ?
Hi Stephan,
I doubt that the fluid will 'burn off' and render you with a non-slipping clutch. You'll need to replace it unfortunately. Happy New Year, Chris
There is not much room down there!
You love BMW.
UA-cam search this title please: BMW Service - R1150 Transmission noise
Its like they were trying to build a car on two wheels
hi
how can i conect citroen gearbox with 1200 gs bmw engine?
thank's
Wish the video was shot on a tripod. Would make it easier to watch...
chris gives you a free advice.
he does not make you watch it and you still complane. super.....
p.s. sory for the bad english
Saša Eršek I love Chris's advice and I'm thankful for his videos -- and when he has his camera on a tripod it's even better.
Great video minus the rediculous use of foul language.
I never knew that a clutch job could be so involved.
As for those who would say "don't watch if you don't like" you can take one of those "f" words and use it on yourself.
It's totally unnecessary for an instructional video.
You chose an appropriate user name.
Bonjour
Why do you work on BMW bikes, if you assess them all the time as "fuck... fucking...shit" etc.??? Drive Japaneses, Mister Wellknown!
I think your parents will be very proud on you, hearing you talking like that. Welcome in Trumps kindergarden!! You are "simply the best"!!!
These problems continue..yet it seems NO real action from BMW to sort the issues..and people STILL keep buying .. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
camera with Parkinson?
Hi the paulv330, The R1100S and R1200C are very different from the R1150 models in regards to transmission removal. Go to my website AffordableBeemerServices . com and send me an e-mail. I will reply with more information since I am unable to include a link in this reply. Thanks, Chris
How can a manufacturer go from making the greatest touring motorcycle(r1100rt) to making the worst(r1150rt)? clutch slave, servo abs, weak clutch splines, over complicated expensive ignition. Did I miss anything? This bike will leave you stranded in a corn field.
Someone doesn't know how to operate a clutch
L'intention est bonne mais j'ai rarement vu une vidéo aussi mal filmée...
Lose the foul language please.