Clutch Issue

[Redbaron]

1980 BMW R65 40k miles. When I pull clutch lever in the clutch barely engages.  I adjusted the lever all the way and also the linkage at the rear of the transmission.  Does this mean the clutch is bad or should I first try to replace the clutch cable?  What would you do?  Thanks for any responses Red

[georgesgiralt]

Hello,
There is a special procedure to follow to adjust the clutch on the BMW. It is different from the other bikes.
I urge you to search for it and follow it in order to ascertain the clutch is working properly.... Or not.

[Barry]

The procedure from the manual for a 1980 model is to adjust the cable at the handlebar so that when the handle bar lever is at half travel the clutch operating arm at the back of the gearbox is parallel with the gearbox end casing.  Then use the adjuster at the gearbox end to set 3mm free play at the handle bar lever.  In other words the correct method is the exact opposite of what you might expect but it works.

Clutches are very robust and don't easily wear out so if you still have a problem after correct adjustment suspect the release mechanism which incorporates a radial roller bearing.

[dogshome]

Mine had a dry mix of red and black rust/cement, instead of a needle bearing 

[Tiedie]

Any updates on this?
Just had my Custom Vintage guy put in a new clutch kit in my 84 LS at 42 years old and 45000 miles, it was almost down to the rivets. Just my $.02 might just be time to replace it. We also had to do the rear main seal which is what prompted this because he saw oil behind the clutch while lubing the splines.