So, just bought a '99 LT with 51,000 miles on it. I have worked on lots of bikes before, but never a BMW. I have lots of questions! First off, has anyone in my area done a clutch replacement? And is it worth it to do myself, I do have the space, tools and general knowledge. Is there any other problems with this year bike that I might look out for? Is there a reputable shop that is not a stealership?
Thanks in advance!
I also have a 99 LT, and i've done the clutch job myself. Did it back in 2016. Was about $1,200 in parts although I replaced everything I could hoping to not have to do it again. It was a pain but there are ton of resources available to help you out, not the least of which is all the super people here!.
Congrats on the new bike. If you are mechanically inclined, they are fantastic bikes.
As for dealers, I've used CalMoto in Livermore with decent success and I generally go on one of the monthly rides every couple months.
Ksnarf, I am in Pleasant Hill. Did you end up having to do the rear main seal as well? Are there any adjustments for this clutch? It only slips when I try to get on it hard. The monthly rides you speak of, what's the info there?
No adjustments. If it slips under high torque, it is either contaminated (most likely) or worn out (possible, but less likely). The only way to know for sure is to take it apart. You can drill a hole in the housing and see if oil leaks out, but even if nothing leaks out that doesn’t mean that some didn’t get on the clutch.
Did my clutch a few years back, then brake lines failed... ordered up some SS lines and just recently got around to starting the project...
Clutch is "easy enough" with a little patience and the correct tools. Only real issues I had were getting the swing arm bolts off and forgetting to unplug a couple of connections (which I broke and had to replace) when dropping the engine... I also replaced the clutch slave.
Stay away from the after-market clutches from eBay - they are too thick and won't work... so I essentially did it twice...
As others have stated with bikes this old - replace rubber stuff - fuel lines inside (and outside tank), brake lines with SS, coolant hoses, etc.
Dick Sullivan in oakland has a small shop, extremely experience has been around bmw's for 40 years if not more , super nice and fun guy and also very meticulous, don't get him talking about Diving or you never get out of there..
but I will say do it yourself, sure tons of bolts to get out before you get to it but the swap is actually not that difficult (if you can done a manual car, is pretty much the same thing, change the seals when you are at it..
Voyager is right on the money. My Clutch started slipping under hard load when going up bigger hills while 3,500 miles away from home. I managed to get it home by limiting my speed up hills and doing all I could to prevent slips.
Sounds like you need a new clutch.
In my case, my Rear Main Seal had failed which is what caused the clutch to fail, so yes I replaced it. I also replaced the clutch with a Oil Proof Clutch and the rest of the parts were from Calmoto in Livermore.
Here's a link to that clutch, looks out of stock here but might be able to find it elsewhere: https://www.beemerboneyard.com/2122455or.html
The job isn't terrible, just takes a lot of patience and time. It's far more like a automotive clutch than a traditional motorcycle clutch, the main difference being that that unlike a car, the entire rear end of the drivetrain has to be completely removed.
Are there any adjustments for this clutch? It only slips when I try to get on it hard. [/QUOTE said:
from your post sounds to me like you are riding it like a bike with a wet clutch, don't do that, if it is slipping in top gear under load then yes the clutch is stuffed, your fault description is a bit vague,
"It's hard for me just to get on my my before I ride it, what does that tell you?"
cheers and good luck I changed mine in the shed its not hard if you take your time.
I am very new at the K1200 (never work on it yet) but have a lot of experience with the older K75-K100.
Doing as clutch or output shaft job is very easy. Having the right tool will help a lot but when you don't have the tools, you find a cheap/efficient solution.
I don't know if this will work on the K12, but just have a look at this: http://www.k100-forum.com/t29-tips-to-reinstall-a-gear-box
Another question for you guys, is there a for sale section or thread on this forum? I have been on other forums for other types of bikes and most have a section for parts people are trying to sell, not just vendors.
I ask because, my first issue with the new bike is the suspension, when I ride with my wife, I scrape, (a lot!) I was wondering if there was anyone out there who has upgraded, was willing to sell their stock set up to me so I can see if it's any better, or maybe see if I can machine a spacer to take up some of the spring sag.
Thanks for all your help so far!
I too purchased a 99 (I've had many motorcycles but this is my first BMW) and was previously from the bay area. My l1200lt only had 24k but the suspension was wallowing and disassociated. I eventually found a set of aftermarket shocks and had them rebuilt, and I'll tell you good shocks really pull the old broad together! But there is a ton of stuff to update on this bike, so you better enjoy working on it because it's going to take some of your time, more of your patience and even more of your money. For a 30 year old bike!!!! But I think it's a good looking bike, and smooooottthhhhh!
Then you'll likely be directed to either Ted Porter's Beemer Shop West Coast or Klaus from EPM (Hyperpro) on the east coast.
both are outstanding.
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