LS Stainless Mufflers

[plc]

Hi All,

I am replacing the clutch on my R65LS, I found I could not exceed 100 km/h (not that I am supposed to) last weekend. The tacho went up but the speed did not.

On removal of the black chrome mufflers I found the right one (which already has a rust ridge appearing) has a big crack at the mounting point. It is time for a Staintune stainless set. I can't see the point in buying another BMW muffler that will just rust out again.

The advice I need may sound silly, but in classic car circles keeping the machine original is all important. How important is it with bikes? Bikes seem much more open to customisation. Will my LS plummet in value because it no longer has black mufflers or is it a non-issue.

Also has anyone else fitted Staintune mufflers to an LS?

Best wishes,
Paul

[steve hawkins]

You have two different issues here.

1.  Is the clutch worn out or is it contaminated.  It takes a lot of use/abuse to wear out a clutch.  If it is contaminated you need to find the source of the contamination.  Could be gearbox input seal?  with the oil working its way along clutch actuation rod and then onto the carrier/flywheel. You do not want to be putting it back together without fixing the issue, as will only be replacing it again next month.

2.  I personally would never recomend anyone to buy another set of original BMW mufflers unless they are showing the bike and not riding it - then I would probably not be interested in giving advise anyway.  They are notorious for rotting.  Coming from the UK with a damp climate, it make no sense whatsoever to buy the BMW mufflers.

However the R65 LS is a special case as you might find it difficult (but not necessarily impossible) to get a set of black pipes from an after market supplier.  The vast majority of owners will view the change in exhaust to a stainless steel set, as a sensible modification and will be pleased that it has been done and they have not had to pay to do it.

Cheers

[plc]

Hi Steve,

With the time it has taken me I am tempted to replace all clutch parts.  On many people's advice I also intend to replace the rear main seal and the transmission input seal.

Haven't got to the clutch yet but I think the clutch was killed doing the motorcycle test to get my full licence.  Worked fine the week before that, and seemed fine after it until I hit high speeds.  The poor clutch had to deal with slow speed manoeuvring and lots of clutch slipping. Fine on a wet plate clutch bike but I winced through lots of the test as I thought of my clutch plate disappearing.

Thanks for the advice about the exhaust.

Paul

[Bob_Roller]

Have you checked the adjustment of the clutch cable ?


You can always have the the chrome or stainless exhaust parts painted with flat black paint, or possibly powder coated .

[nhmaf]

It is becoming increasingly rare to find an LS with original black pipes/mufflers - the originals are-unfortunately- even MORE prone to rusting and corrosion than the chromed BMW ones.   On the plus side, they can be easily made to look newish with a but of sanding and some hi-temp flat black paint, but once rusted through, you gotta find an alternative.

MAC exhaust used to sell a black ceramic coated exhaust set that was 2-1 and which fit the LS.  They claimed no jetting changes were require but I suspect some tweaking may be in order with them.  They don't seem to sell this anymore, but do have chrome sets, and you also have options from EMGO or BUB also.  Like Steve said, if you're planning to enter it in concours show competition, it wouldn't fly with non OEM pipes & mufflers, but if you're going to ride it, a good stainless exhaust system is a good investment and many of these bikes on the street now wear shiny pipes.

Does the clutch "slip" seem to occur when you are driving on level/flat roads or going downhill?

[clouseau]

I have a set of OEM LS mufflers for sale.  They have been in California the whole time so are not rotted. They have a few dings and one of them sounds like there is a couple of pebbles of sand in it but otherwise great shape. Make me an offer.  If you want pics, let me know.  Cheers.