Shift lever connection broken?- 81 r65

[apaiva]

So Ive been riding my new bike around and occasionally I would feel like there was some difficulty shifting gears.  Tonight I pulled the bike out and went to shift out of neutral and it just felt totally loose so I took a look and the connection between the shift lever and the piece that goes into the transmission was very loose.  I moved the rubber piece to take a look and it seemed to have been completely disconnected.  Is this just something that disconnected somehow or is something broken? I'm not sure what this connection is supposed to look like?
Sorry if I'm using wrong terminology, I'm a noob, and I don't have the repair manual yet.
Here is a photo.

Obviously it seems that the rod goes through the hole of the foot lever, does it just hook around it, or does the end connect to something (maybe that metal piece seen hiding in the rubber boot in the photo)?
thanks guys.

[nhmaf]

These old wire "coathanger" style shift linkages are known for failing in this sort of manner - though usually is is at the front end and not the back end..

There are replacements available from BMW, and our forum moderator, Justin B, had been making some very robust and adjustable ones in his home machine shop and selling them to members here - I don't know if he has made any recently, but you could ask/private message him.   I -and a number of others here - are very pleased with these units and it definitely makes shifting a much more positive experience.

[tvrla]

That piece in the boot is a special sort of clip. It probably came loose - got bent or something. Take a look at it - it's pretty simple and it should be obvious what needs to happen.

After a few years, BMW upgraded that linkage to an adjustable shaft with heim joints on the ends. Plan to upgrade to that system -i it's a worthwhile improvement.

[apaiva]

Is this the later, improved version you refer to wirespokes?

[montmil]

I ain't 'spokes but, yes, that's it. Have one like it on my '83 R65. Dumped the coat hanger and rock Justin's link on the '81.

[tvrla]

Yep, that's it! You can even make your own, but it's easier to find a used one - most of the airheads took the same part. The GS may have been different.

[Bob_Roller]

I should have two of the OEM adjustable links in my spare parts collection.

Let me check when I get home .

If I still have one, I'll be more than happy to send you one, I have no use for it, as I have the link from Justin on all three of the R65's .

[apaiva]

Thanks Bob, that would be awesome. Feel free to send me a pm or email adam.paiva at gmail

[Bob_Roller]

Found the linkage and sent you a PM .

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

That piece in the boot is a special sort of clip. It probably came loose - got bent or something. Take a look at it - it's pretty simple and it should be obvious what needs to happen.  

Actually I found that clip (that apaiva is missing) to be pretty complicated.
I felt VERY proud of myself when I figured out how they worked!  That was a long time ago...

[tvrla]

I wouldn't say it's real complicated, but it's compex enough that I can't remember its configuration to describe it.

[apaiva]

Many thanks to Bob_Roller for sending me his spare linkage.  I had to drill out the holes a bit bigger to fit the threaded pieces but this is definitely a better system. Got it installed and took a ride last night.
Out of curiosity, what do the pieces made by Justin B. look like?  (didn't get a response to PM from him)

[Bob_Roller]

I don't know how well the linkage is adjusted, one of the lock nuts was loose when I took it off of the bike 2 years ago .

Don't know if you want to experiment with adjusting the threaded rod to get the linkage to where it works best for you .

[Bob_Roller]

I wouldn't say it's real complicated, but it's compex enough that I can't remember its configuration to describe it.

With the rubber boot covering it up, it's pretty difficult to figure out what you need to do .

All you have to do, is to pull the wire towards you and it comes out of the sheetmetal retainer, the retainer stays on the shift arm, or the shift lever, which ever one you are removing .

[Justin B.]

I have built you a linkage, this is what they look like.  This item will NEVER wear out and although the stock ball and socket adjustable link is a vast improvement over the wire several members have had one of the joints wear out in the socket.