Gear shift linkage

[stbrown]

On my '83 R65, the exquisitely designed fastener that connects the two parts of the gear change mechanism decided to pop off.  Has anyone else solved this problem.  I didn't realize I was so heavy footed when I changed gear.   Thanks.

Steve

[Bob_Roller]

If you're talking about the sheet metal spring, it doesn't look like it's available anymore, but there is an OEM retrofit part that has 2 Heim joints, BMW part number :23412301391, price is about $45 from a dealer, Chicago BMW price is $35.20 , but be prepared to wait at least a month if you do business with them. In the interim, I don't know if it is feasible to drill a small hole in the shift linkage rod, it's pretty small, and install a washer and a cotter pin. Only other thing I can think of , would be to thread the ends of the rod and put a nut on it, again not a whole of material to work with there.

[Justin B.]

I hate blowing my own horn but I solved it with the following part and have a large number of happy customers using it.  The BMW replacement part uses light-weight ball and socket joints, not heim joints.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260108497065&rd=1,1

My piece has no ball and socket joint to wear out, uses industrial quality heim-joint rod-ends, and will probably outlast you, me, and several bikes!  It is way overengineered, beefier, and costs less than the stock unit.

As an aside, I think Sue has actually worn out one of the stock BMW ball-and-socket linkages...

[Bob_Roller]

Great solution to the problem, I'll keep that in mind when my linkage goes bad.

[stbrown]

I just ordered it from your site.  It looks like a great solution.  Thanks.

[thrang]

The linkage is pretty eay to bodge if it fails on a trip. I managed to cobble something to see me home from a tent peg in the past. Another a mate of mine used was the outer casing from fold up set of Hex keys.

Tony

[jhebass01]

I hate the old coat-hanger piece of crap linkage. Failed twice on me...once I had to duct tape. Nothing stiff...just duct tape.

Bought the new one, but it's too flexible at the joints for me...would like to buy one yours...

[nhmaf]

I may also put in an order for Justin's creation - the spacer/washers on mine are mostly gone
and the linkage has alot more slop than I prefer..  got a few other parts to order first, though !

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

The only reason I have not bought one of Justin's, is because my original coathanger linkage still works fine.

I remember taking it apart for the first time, as a young, impressionable neophyte, and thinking how clever were those wire clips holding the "stout round stock U link" in place.  A puzzle for me to figure out.  
And that was after getting the rubber boot pulled back...without tearing it!  (the first time...)

And a few years back, I picked up a complete peg/linkage/boot/shift-shaft for nuthin', but who knows.  I do have an affinity for neat stuff, after all...

[Justin B.]

The REAL reason Rob hasn't replaced his coathanger wire linkage is because he'a a bigger TIGHTWAD than I am!  

[Justin B.]

jhebass01, I have listed another linkage or you may PayPal me directly...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260109461408&rd=1,1

[Ed Miller]

The REAL reason Rob hasn't replaced his coathanger wire linkage is because he'a a bigger TIGHTWAD than I am!  

So what's MY excuse:  I already have one of yours!  It seems I'm always doing something else.  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Justin is right, I am VERY tight with money.  It is a natural result of not controlling it well.  I can see the light, though!