Loud shifting, any ideas?
 

Hello, I inherited a 1971 R60/5 BMW from my dad. I was not an avid bike rider, but I commited myself to get my license and ride my dad's old bike to keep his memory alive and to pass it down through the family. I am enjoying 20-30 mile rides now and then. I cleaned up the bike that hasnt been ridden in 8 years and have been riding it for a few months now. It only has 30k on it and runs great, except for the shifting. When I shift gears the bike seems to "CLUNK" into gear most of the time. Is there some kind of transmission lubricant I should be using or is this normal in old bikes? I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thank you,

newrider

Hi, and welcome!

Yes, this is completely normal on the older Beemers like that one.

The recommended gearbox oil on the is just plain 80W-90 gear oil. You can also use synthetic 75W-140 or similar, but it MAY cause the old seals to leak. If so, just go back to the old oil. It may shift a little better with the synthetic.

Do check the rubber boot where th speedo cable enters the gearbox - right rear upper of the gearbox - behind the carbs - and make sure it's in perfect condition. If any damage replace it immediately. This boot is on of the biggest causes of BMW gearbox failure - water from rain or washing gets in past it and rusts the bearings, which then fail and take out the whole gearbox.

I'd also have a dealer check it out, they'll usually do a test ride and let you know if it needs anything for free. Best to have an expert check just in case the clunk is abnormally bad.

Enjoy the ride, that's a great old bike!

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

New rider - the best source of info for airheads is www.airheads.org. Join and access a great club. Ask Oak for technical info, what he doesn´t know, you certainly wont need to.

bob