Shift Linkage- May it never separate.

[BeamerT]

Any preventive maitennance that this BMW novice can perform to prevent the shift linkage from going kaput? :cool:

[jackd]

Any preventive maitennance that this BMW novice can perform to prevent the shift linkage from going kaput? :cool:

You need to take it apart and make sure the ball is not backed out of the screw socket. The main reason it breaks is because it backs out and the the screw part can't handle the torque applied by your foot during shifting. If you check the ball and it is not backed out don't make it tighter as you can over tighten it and fracture it. Same problem without the backout of the screw. The new parts from BMW have Loctite 'red' on the threads.

http://www.bmwlt.net/ubbthreads/downloadattachments.php?attach_id=7103?Cat=

This is a picture of one that I had break. A new part has screw threads about double of what this one has now. The flat spot just behind the ball is where your wrench fits. This allows you to screw in the ball. If the ball backs out... the raised section just behind the flat 'wrench spot' backs out past the hole sides and then the screw threads take a pounding and will eventually fracture. If the flat spot (when you wrench) touches so that the collar disappears into the hole you are good...

Lube the ball sockets with white lithium grease and you are golden...

[tomandmelanie]

After my linkage broke I took everything apart, cleaned all the parts and put K&N air filter sealer in all the sockets and reassembled. The K&N air filter sealer is a very thick, water proof grease that should hold out all foreign matter, not seep out and provide all the lubrication necessary.
I've also taken up carrying a replacement ball, easy out, drill bit and a small rechargable drill on long trips. It's probably over kill but one never knows. If your bike is a 99-04 you may want to consider replacing the throttle cables, and slide assembly, there is an upgrade to the 05 style that is a substantial improvement over stock. There's a lot of posts and part lists on line, however any dealer worth his salt knows what you need.

[zippy_gg]

Any preventive maitennance that this BMW novice can perform to prevent the shift linkage from going kaput? :cool:Yup! I used the kit made by Philjohn, a member of this forum, on my 99 after the original linkage broke, and I put one on my 03 as a preventive measure.
He can be reached at philjohn@invisimax.com and he takes Paypal.

[ez_rdr55]

I did all the PM on the Big Black Bitch when it was new and it still broke at 20K. Bought "industrial" rod ends from McMaster-Carr in Chicago and replaced all four. The bottom line is that the OEM is a POS.

[johnrehder]

I wonder how many linkage failures are because we stomp too hard on the shift lever? The ball studs take a lot of abuse when the foot/toe gets heavy.


Any preventive maitennance that this BMW novice can perform to prevent the shift linkage from going kaput? :cool:

[Hilton]

Quote "After my linkage broke I took everything apart, cleaned all the parts and put K&N air filter sealer in all the sockets and reassembled. The K&N air filter sealer is a very thick, water proof grease that should hold out all foreign matter, not seep out and provide all the lubrication necessary."

Lubrication is the key to longevity of the shift linkage. My thoughts are that it is fairly close to the exhaust area and so gets quite warm. I use a high temp molly lube grease, and use plenty in each ball socket when servicing. Not a big job once you're used to it; I schedule it every second oil (Engine) change.6000 Mls. Check the threads as well. The felt washer prevents debris from gumming up the socket. Oh, and I guess I'm gentle on the foot too, prefering to feel my way into gear rather that using brute force. :-)

[SeaMarshal]

I've an 05 LT and have thought of putting in the kit by Chip Minich (www.powergridinc.com). My buddy Patterson claims the linkage problems are pre 05 bikes. Any experience or opinions?

[jzeiler]

I've an 05 LT and have thought of putting in the kit by Chip Minich (www.powergridinc.com) (http://www.powergridinc.com)/). My buddy Patterson claims the linkage problems are pre 05 bikes. Any experience or opinions?

The only difference in the 05 is the threads of the ball stud on the shifter arm. Every thing else is identical to the pre 05. I say keep the ball studs tight, clean and lube it every 12K and you will never have any trouble.

[K1200LTryder]

Geeez...I really need to look at my shift linkage. Shifting seems kind of vague, and sometimes I 'miss' 3rd or 4rth. I've been blaming it on my boots, but I just cant bring it to bear that such a fine piece of machinery can overlook the importance of positive interaction between rider and transmission.

Sometimes, while the bike is warming up, I have to back the bike out of the garage, and cannot engage first gear..unless I really stomp on the shifter and slip the clutch a little before it engages. The clutch feels fine, it grips hard and true.
I've read about shift linkages falling apart...is this a sign ???

[Ted]

..unless I really stomp on the shifter and slip the clutch a little before it engages.

Don't stomp!!! Double-clutch and rock the bike forwards/backwards a few times and she'll drop right into 1st.