Clutch Adjustment

[lukasgrech]

I have more or less the same problem. I had the arm assembly off to do a spline lube recently, and I noticed upon taking the bolt out, that it had been screwed all the way in,

On re-assembly, and trying to get the adjustment correct, the only way I could get close to it was to screw the bolt all the way in. I found that the tip has begun to mushroom somewhat so a longer bolt might be needed.

Two newb questions:

1. When I have the adjustment correct, the clutch engages and disengages very suddenly. This is my first and only bike, so I don't know if that is correct. Up till this point, I've had much less sudden clutch engagement, but also more slack adjustment in the cable. Could someone tell me what I should expect in terms of feel of a correct adjustment?

2. To get a less sudden clutch engagement, I screwed the bolt out somewhat, which kept me close to a 'textbook' lever and arm adjustment, however, upon pulling in the clutch lever completely, there is a significant whirring/rotating noise coming from the engine. Is this the clutch not disengaging completely, due to the shortness of the bolt?

Thanks for any help

[Barry]

When I have the adjustment correct, the clutch engages and disengages very suddenly. This is my first and only bike, so I don't know if that is correct. Up till this point, I've had much less sudden clutch engagement, but also more slack adjustment in the cable. Could someone tell me what I should expect in terms of feel of a correct adjustment?

Our bikes use a single plate dry clutch which does have a relatively sudden engagement compared to the more typical multi-plate wet clutch fitted to most motorcycles. If the bike has been stood for any length of time corrosion will make it feel worse until it wears off.

So it may well feel abrupt at first but you'll get used to it in time and be able to control slippage if needed. It will always operate over a relatively short travel of the handle bar lever but should not not feel like an on off device.

A little more slack in the cable may well help as the clutch engagement tends to feel more abrupt when it occurs over the very last bit of handlebar lever travel. It's easier to control if engagement occurs more towards the middle of the lever travel. One thing for sure is that you get used to the engagement at a particular lever position and any significant change in adjustment will feel odd for a while.

[lukasgrech]

Cheers Barry.

That is indeed the feel, somewhat abrupt and over a short travel of the lever. Just a matter of getting used to something different!

[montmil]

The dry clutch, when disengaged with the engine is running, will often provide a bit of a 'rattle'; nothing to be overly concerned about. Just as with the tappity-tap of the rocker arms, both are frequently referred to as "BMW music".

Sing along. Enjoy the ride.

[Ed Miller]

It's not as bad as a Ducati.

[arvo92]

To get a less sudden clutch engagement, I screwed the bolt out somewhat

I think by turning the bolt in and out one controls the exact place of the clutch engagement at the handlebar not the engagement length. I tried the same as my clutch engagement was in the very beginning of the clutch lever travel, I would release the handlebar ever so slightly and the bike was already off. So I adjusted it more to the middle of the handlebar.

[jeffcoatfilms]

Problem Solved!  

I had a fried come over to help walk me through taking apart the clutch adjustment arm and slowly pulling things out.  What we found was that there were bearings missing from when the clutch was repaired.

#4 in the fiche attached was nowhere to be found.  So #3 and #5 were right up against each other rubbing away.  Lucky we caught it in time.

Once I get the bearings in there, I should have the distance I need to make a proper clutch adjustment.

Thanks again for everyone's advice.  Parts are on their way and I hope to be on the road again this week.

[montmil]

Have you yet considered locating a different mechanic for future needs?

[jeffcoatfilms]

Ha!  Yes I have. Good thing is, I got to know a neighbor on the island who knows BMW's inside and out and me through the process.  As long as I've got some cold beer in the fridge I think I can temp him over.  

Braided brake lines are next...

[Luca]

Glad you got it sorted out, however unexpected the problem was.

I imagine you'll enjoy tearing into the mechanicals on your bike with your neighbor in the future.  I've found airheads to be pretty simple and straightforward machines.  Won't be long before you fridge is filling up with somebody else's cold beer  

[Luca]

As an afterthought, another point to check when clutch problems arise is the nylon bushing in the lever itself.  As that wears you will lose range of motion on the clutch arm.