[pcgolfer]

I have a 1999 that I purchased a few years back. It had a 46K miles on it, and the 48K service done up in Michigan. I have only put 3,800 miles on it.

I am thinking about putting some serious miles on this bike traveling back and forth from Indiana. After reading all of the threads on clutches, I decided it would be best to do the 5th gear test. I got it in 5th and "gunned" it. I had no slippage... or none that I recognized anyway. I also took a peak at the clutch fluid level, and it is right where it should be.

After reading the threads on clutches and their replacement, I actually think I might be over my head. I guess my questions are:

- Since it passed the 5th gear test, is there anything I should do or check
- In your opinion, would BMW's 48K service have uncovered clutch problems.
- Any thing I should look for regarding the final drive

The only known problem, is that my steering damper fluid started leaking. I have the parts to rebuild it, but I'm inclined to hold off on that until the winter.

My current plan, is to "go for it", but wanted opinions if there is anything I SHOULD DO before heading out.

 

[wrmoss]

Since you passed the test--I would say go for it. However, if you want some real peace of mind you might think about drilling a weep hole for your slave. Most clutches on this rig are taken out by the clutch slave leaking fluid and contaminating the dry clutch. I drilled the weep hole in my 99. There is a great video right on the top of the LT section if you have any questions. My 99 had about 56,000 when my clutch slave began leaking.

 

[deputy5211]

Opinion?

Ride it like you stole it!

 

[BecketMa]

Other than a tech noticing oil seeping from the bell housing, I can't remember anyone mentioning a tech knew there was a clutch problem.

You might consider asking CharlieVT if he has seen a mileage pattern for FD failures?

Last summer I installed a rebuilt FD in my 00. I decided to do that before riding from Maine back to AZ.

I bought a used 00 FD and had that rebuilt so that I wouldn't have to take mine out and send it away to be rebuilt.

My LT is my only transportation. So, if the FD failed coming home, in addition to the expense of getting my LT repaired, having to fly home or rent a truck and drive home, I would have to rent transportation until my LT was back here running again.

If all goes well, I'll be leaving here in 3-4 weeks for an other trip back east.

Best from tucson
Bob

 

[BecketMa]

Oh. And if you haven't discovered it yet you can run her up around 6-7K, in second, in twisties.

On my way home I ran one tank in 4th gear while riding an interstate and didn't see any difference in the gas mileage compared to 5th gear, lower rpm.

Bob

 

[pcgolfer]

Thanks, I do have two other bikes and a truck. So, if I have a repair, I can let it sit why I repair it. My main concern is being stranded miles away from home.

I will take a look at the weep hole video to see what it involves. Thanks everyone....

 

[pauleknight]

Opinion?

Ride it like you stole it!

No seriously, isn' t this coming from a former LEO?

Wouldn't it be better for a man of your former ahemmm. "stature" to say

"ride it like a scolded dog"
"ride it like a screaming baboon"

Or something more legal?

:yeah:

 

[deputy5211]

No seriously, isn' t this coming from a former LEO?

Wouldn't it be better for a man of your former ahemmm. "stature" to say

"ride it like a scolded dog"
"ride it like a screaming baboon"

Or something more legal?

:yeah:

Good laugh to start the day, thanks!

To be fair, I did say "like you stole it.". Not like I told him to steal one!