The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Session101 on April 23, 2013, 08:37:45 PM

Title: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Session101 on April 23, 2013, 08:37:45 PM
http://imgur.com/9s85bbI

^i inserted the picture originally but it was way too big, so here's just an easy link

Of course...

So im open to suggestions on a new clutch cable for the bike, im looking for a direct replacement without rigging something up. Also some fast shipping would be nice as well. Anyone can suggest a nice replacement that its easy on the wallet and can be shipped rather quickly?
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Bob_Roller on April 23, 2013, 08:55:27 PM
Have a BMW dealer in SLC ?

Probably take a week or so to get the cable through a dealer, if you have one locally .

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0363&mospid=51897&btnr=32_0744&hg=32&fg=73

Price is not accurate, but it's one of the few sites that you can link to .
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Session101 on April 23, 2013, 09:07:49 PM
i saw that bowden cable on A&S bmw (http://www.ascycles.com/Illustrated_catalog2/32731237694/bmw/51897/R65/32/Steering/Bowden_cable/32_0744?gclid=CLOuoLec4rYCFWXZQgodDR0A8g) for the same price but it is listed as bmw r65 85+

i saw this on amazon, not exactly the best source but are all r65 clutch cables the same?

http://www.amazon.com/BMW-Clutch-Cable-R100RS-R65LS/dp/B007UT0EVO
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Bob_Roller on April 23, 2013, 09:21:16 PM
No, there are at least two different clutch cables for the twin shock R65 .

The R65LS, uses a shorter cable, due to the shorter handlebars .

There are a lot of differences between the '79-'80 model year bikes, sometimes referred to as the 'first generation' R65 .

There's an important production start date, 09/80, this is the start of the 'second generation' R65 .

You'll see notes about this in the parts catalogs, so be mindful when ordering parts .
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Session101 on April 23, 2013, 10:43:24 PM
ah yes! i see the length difference

first gen: L-1495
second gen: L-1386

now to locate
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: nhmaf on April 23, 2013, 10:46:24 PM
It really would be best in this case to use a BMW cable of the correct part number, taking into account if you are using the stock handlebars for your bike or not.

Since your clutch cable is breaking at that point, it tends to indicate that the cable has been bending/flexing at the barrel end instead of pivoting in the circular pivot point in the end of the clutch lever. Sooooooo-> I'd also check that area of the lever to make sure it isn't worn out oblong or have nicks or dents that are preventing the pivoting.   If it just needs a little cleanup/dressing with some sandpaper that is fine to do.   Then when installing the replacement cable, put some good sticky grease on that barrel that goes into the lever's pivot arm and periodically check it to make sure that it is free to rotate in there and the cable is not bending/flexing instead.
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Session101 on April 23, 2013, 10:51:53 PM
yeah i will be sure to grease the new one, i think the manual it stated that all cables including the clutch cable needed to be greased regularly. Im assuming this cable is the life of the bike so 33 years old, i think its due for a new one..
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: montmil on April 24, 2013, 11:03:50 AM
Grease the barrel terminal where it fits into the lever cavity after checking for any odd burr or obstruction.

Your new clutch cable will most likely be nylon lined and eliminates the need and mess of dribbling oil through the cable sheath.

Do apply a small amount of grease to the barrel on the transmission end, too.
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Matt Chapter on April 24, 2013, 11:58:09 AM
Quote
Sooooooo-> I'd also check that area of the lever to make sure it isn't worn out oblong or have nicks or dents that are preventing the pivoting.  

This is *extremely* important.  I've been through a few clutch cables because of this.  Eventually I just replaced the lever, and the original is on my desk.
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: tvrla on April 24, 2013, 08:55:25 PM
A much cheaper alternative to the expensive BMW stuff is Flanders in the Los Angeles area. Good quality stuff too.  

Measure the length of yours and order appropriately.
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Session101 on April 24, 2013, 11:28:57 PM
thanks, but i already "special ordered" the cable from the BMW dealership here, it was $34.95 plus tax, and about a week to get.
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Session101 on April 30, 2013, 08:52:01 PM
can either of you guys take a picture of the clutch cable routing? i have mine at least what i think was the way i took it off, but i feel that there is either too much slack or maybe im not routing it well. I have it zip-tied to the frame so it won't hit the exhaust

Im running mine along the frame, then up through the front of the forks behind the gauge mount to the clutch, and well there be cable stretch because i have the cable not even tightened and had to pull the clutch back a bit to get the cable on.

the more pictures the better, i tried doing a search with no pictures :(
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Air4Life on April 30, 2013, 09:18:49 PM
This is the best I can do for you:

http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1349461949/7#7

Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Session101 on May 01, 2013, 07:13:35 AM
seems legiit

so across the frame, then just behind the headlight, but not the headlight mount?

here are some pictures from an r100,

http://1978r1007restoration.shutterfly.com/pictures/454

http://1978r1007restoration.shutterfly.com/pictures/498
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Air4Life on May 01, 2013, 07:36:10 AM
I will go out later today and see if I can capture more.  But I think this image (included originally on other thread) shows it passing between the head lamp and the bucket:

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bmwr65.org%2Fhtdocs%2Fyabbfiles%2FAttachments%2FOct6_2012_clutchcable_A.jpg&hash=cdfb4349d169822783d75fa6c12825c522030089)
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on May 02, 2013, 02:21:17 AM
Quote
Grease the barrel terminal where it fits into the lever cavity after checking for any odd burr or obstruction.

This is critical because as you pull on the clutch lever, the barrel rotates in the lever housing.
If it cannot rotate, the cable continually binds until you end up with what you had.
Then you get to practice riding ride without a clutch!


(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbase.com%2Ftomfarr%2Fimage%2F93825172%2Flarge.jpg&hash=0f9208ee5724d148b740bd48e30204ee9f2b9034)
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: montmil on May 02, 2013, 07:48:06 AM
If I recall correctly, the clutch cable is secured to the chassis on the right-side down tube near the frame curvature to horizontal. Gurus say that location only -no other zips should be used on the clutch cable.
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Session101 on May 02, 2013, 04:47:45 PM
thanks rob, i will be sure to use some extra lube at that part, i believe the old cable there was gunked up, i cleaned off that piece when i installed it but i will make sure it flexes
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Session101 on May 02, 2013, 05:50:00 PM
I still feel like the cable is too long, ive tried re-routing it 3x but here is my results

http://i.imgur.com/KF1ugis.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Nc5j8Im.jpg

figure link would work better

i have no clue about euro bars, i figure the ones on the bike were the stock ones :(
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on May 03, 2013, 12:24:22 AM
Do you have low bars on that bike?

If you got the cable for the U.S. bars, and you have the Euro bars, that is the result you end up with.

(and either edit your pictures [make them smaller] or else use a lower resolution setting on your camera)
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: montmil on May 03, 2013, 07:51:41 AM
I'll bet if you shrink those "bed sheet" photos, the clutch cable will shrink, too. Pleeeezzzz size 'em then post 'em.
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Session101 on May 03, 2013, 02:07:48 PM
figure this was the better of the pictures to show the bars

http://i.imgur.com/l8vT3ws.jpg
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Dizerens5 on May 03, 2013, 02:29:12 PM
For our old non-sealed rear chains we used to have "Chainguard", solid grease which you melted (in its big flat can) on a stove and dunked the whole chain in it. Messy (and caused complaints from the lady) but it surely extended chain life. It's the best stuff in the world for clutch cable ends!  Being sticky and pretty rainproof when cold. Not sure if it still exists.
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Barry on May 03, 2013, 02:39:50 PM
Linklyfe was another  chain grease that's no longer available since O ring chains came along.

When you had cleaned a chain and boiled it in grease it felt like you'd done a proper job.
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on May 03, 2013, 10:36:39 PM
Quote
figure this was the better of the pictures to show the bars

http://i.imgur.com/l8vT3ws.jpg
You have the European handlebar.  You need the shorter clutch cable.
04      Clutch cable      L=1386MM      1                  32 73 2 324 959

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0353&mospid=51896&btnr=32_0744&hg=32&fg=73
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Session101 on May 04, 2013, 02:09:01 PM
thanks rob, i guess ill just live with this mess, i should have posted this earlier before i ordered it
Title: Re: Was on my way to work, when this happened...
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on May 04, 2013, 09:05:43 PM
You could buy a short one and sell the long one on eBay for twice what you paid for it!  ;)