 1Likes
 |
|
14 Jan 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
|
1150 GS, no clutch lever pressure
Hi,
just in the last 50 miles I have gone from a clutch I didn´t think about, to no pressure at the lever. the reservoir has plenty of fluid in it, and there are no signs of a leak. If I pump the lever I do get enough pressure in the system to change gear, but that´s about it.
So, I´m sort of stuck in Almeria now. Can´t believe it, rode back from Bamako without a front brake, only to now get stuck without a clutch!
any advice greatfully received.
thanks,
Doug
|
14 Jan 2009
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DougieB
Can´t believe it, rode back from Bamako without a front brake, only to now get stuck without a clutch!
|
Doug, its easy to ride with no clutch. Start it in gear and select neutral before stopping. You will soon get the knack of it. I once rode about for over a week with no clutch cable while waiting for a new one.
John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
|
14 Jan 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Bribie Island Australia
Posts: 678
|
|
|
Sounds like the seals on the master cylinder have failed. I have no clue as to whether BMW have an overhaul kit with new seals and a piston available, or its just a straight swap.
To get to BMW shop you might just have to read the road a bit more. Look for places to stop on down grades so that you can roll start into second gear. Have your finger hovering over the stop button in traffic.
You can up and down change without a clutch, its just a slightly slower action and you need to accurately match engine and road speeds more carefully than when you use a clutch.
It can be hard on the clutch plate centre until you get it perfected, so try and get it fixed asap.
|
14 Jan 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
|
|
|
Your in a place with internet acess .. they must have some brake fluid around .. buy it ..
Determine if it is the master cyclinder of slave that is at fault (sounds like the master) then take it apart - clean - new fluid and try it .. you might have some dirt in there .. some new seals would not hurt .. but if you can get it working so you can ride on while the new parts travel towards you so much the better...
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
|
16 Jan 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
|
I managed to get up to Barcelona, and to a BMW dealer. They want 771 euros to replace the clutch lever/master cylinder, and some other part in the gearbox. No seal kits seem to be available, and they are pretty much refusing to try and bleed any air out of it.
This bike seems almost impossible to get into neutral without the clutch. Up and down shifting are fine though, and I did 500 kms yesterday. I'm not sure starting the bike in first is good, as I may well bugger something else.
cheers,
Doug
|
16 Jan 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
|
|
|
You might want to check in ADVRider on this as well, I think I've seen there that this could be caused by air in the hydraulic line, so you might want to check before spending $$$.
|
16 Jan 2009
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
|
|
|
There is a maintenance-set for the master-cylinder (part# 32727665445).
I can’t find any maintenance-set for the slave-cylinder, the cylinder should be less then 100€. It’s a 24mm cylinder and it should be possible to find a fitting seal.
From what you describe it sounds like there is air in the hydraulic-system, I would have bled it before I did anything else. Top up the fluid to max and keep an eye on it.
The master-cylinder should be easy to open and clean, not sure about the slave-cylinder.
|
16 Jan 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
|
yeah, I think there's air in there too. At the very least it's a quick job for the dealer to check, before replacing every part.
this trip has been an eye-opener with regards to travelling by BM, and BM dealers.
cheers the the suggestions. stupid question, where does one find the bleed valve?
thanks
|
16 Jan 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
|
|
I have never bled the clutch on a R1150GS.
There is a description here: Clutch Bleed it’s based on that you have a “SpeedBleeder” but I’m sure it can be done with ordinary tools.
For some reason BMW changed the bleed-mechanism in 2003.
I seem to remember that someone else had the same symptoms and changed the slave-cylinder. It should be easy to spot, if you ca get it out…
|
17 Jan 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
|
hi,
thanks. I have been reading and there seems to be a grub screw type of thing, that most people replace with a standard bleed nipple. this bike has that grub screw still, which makes bleeding either very difficult or impossible with just the standard toolkit.
I tried moving the bike last night, closer to my hostel. And poked around for the bleeding options. It was while I was doing this that a pool of brake fluid fell out of the bottom of the bike. This seems a good thing, as it confirms the slave cylinder is the problem. I guess it started as a very small leak (no fluid seemed to be leaking initially), and has now gone completely. The BMW dealer has said they must order the part from Germany, taking a week.
thanks for your help. It seems if your bike has this grub screw, it is a very good idea to change it to a standard bleed nipple, so as not to leave yourself stranded and in need of special tools to bleed the clutch system.
cheers,
Doug
|
17 Jan 2009
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 55
|
|
The leaking fluid would suggest slave cylinder or flexible hose, it's common for them to rust out at the "banjo" fixing on the slave.
Re- Grub srew.
Is the grub screw you refere to set in the end of a hose tied to the frame?
If it is, you don't need any special tools in an emergency, all it does is cover a spring loaded ball bearing that your supposed to open by screwing a "special" bleed nipple into.
In fact pressing that ball bearing with anything "pointy" will open it, so you could "in emergency" probably bleed the clutch with nothing more than a ballpoint pen or toothpick!
Though I'd recomend a fine screwdriver, Simple (once the grub srew is out).
(edit- The above tells you how the valve works, I'm assuming you know the rest, i.e how to bleed it, if not find someone who does)
|
18 Jan 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
|
ok, cool. the bike is back on its way to the BMW dealer, unfortunately. I´m not too hopeful, as my experience so far is that they only wish to replace as many parts as they can. Rather than try and see which individual part is broken.
|
18 Jan 2009
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
|
|
|
If the slave-cylinder is leaking and you are at BMW-workshop I think it’s right to change it.
Even if there had been a maintenance-kit for the cylinder available it takes time to overhaul it (if it’s done properly it’s not just to change the seal). In the western world time is money so this doesn’t make sense as long as the cylinder is less then 100€.
On the other hand the whole system should be cleaned thoroughly to make sure there is no debris in the fluid. Do you change the fluids regularly?
Didn’t you have a problem with your brake? What happened?
|
18 Jan 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
|
|
|
You may have been better off with a small garage brake speciallist in Morocco .. they would try to find the cause and fix it using avalible bits they had ... might not have been a 'perfect' fix but at least you'd know what fails, where it is and how to fix it so you can carry on.
The bmw dealer should give you the parts they replace (tell them that before they do the work .. so they don't throw them in teh bin fiull of other old bits!) .. so later you can dissassemble them and find out what did go wrong and see if you can find parts .. at a speciallist 'seal shop' for instance.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
|
19 Jan 2009
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
|
The BMW/Honda dealer in Barcelona, called Control 94, are terrible and very unhelpful.
the bike is now at another BMW dealer here, called Cano Catallunya on Calle Numancia. They are quite helpful guys, and at least put the bike on a stand to try and see what was wrong. However, they are still (in my opinion) hugely over-quoting.
The slave cylinder is 110 euro. They are saying that they must split the engine to replace it (???), for 300 euros. They are also insisting that the clutch needs replaced. They want 500 euros more, and it takes 2 days.
I think the bike will need to go home by van. I don't have the tools or knowledge, but I think the BMW dealers here are taking the p*ss. Unless I'm just not used to BMW culture, which seems to be replacing parts before they fail.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-14
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
