K11 Owners Group

BMGraeme · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 4:22 pm Post subject: Clutch pressure

After 14 years the clutch cable on my RS had become a little "notchy" so I thought I had better be safer than sorry and buy a new cable. Much cursing later I have the new cable installed which I bought from Motorworks in the UK - a reputable supplier. Try the clutch.

Now I'm not a feeble fellow - despite my age (49) I can still shock the occasional victim in an arm wrestle. However, this clutch is going to grow muscles I never knew existed. How can this be? The new cable is routed the same as the old one - there are no kinks and before I hooked it up the cable moved very freely in and out. So, thinking I need a full clutch adjustment off comes the exhaust. Put everything to the correct dimensions as per the BMW manual (and as it was before) but this is still a very heavy clutch operation.

I can only assume the new cable, now tensioned, has more internal friction than the old one but it is nylon lined so I'm surprised at this. I would guess it's twice as hard as before, but at least it's smooth in operation. Any ideas? Anyone have a "light" clutch operation?

I have finished for the night since I'm on my third Guinness but would appreciate comments from you guys as normal.
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1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

Tim (Midland Section) · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:05 pm Post subject:

If you think yours is heavy, try my Norton. Seriously, from apochrophal evidence, the lightest cable, is a genuine BMW one. Forget Venhill, featherlight etc.
BTW, I hope you Didn't lubricate, except the barrel nipple at the lever end.
I should give it a few hundred miles to settle in, mine got lighter, still heavier than the last, but then I have just replaced the diapragm as well.
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Regards Tim,

Grey haired riders don't get that way by pure luck
1996 Guzzi Cali3 LAPD
1972 750 Commando
G6HRN
#485

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:35 pm Post subject:

Have three more Guiness - then you'll be Superman and the clutch will be easy! Laughing

(But you'll be in no condition to ride.)

As noted, don't lube it aside from the ends. Make sure you've got the least :"tangly" route (although it sounds like you've done that.) Any possibility the tank is doing something to it when you install the tank? Impact of turning the steering?

Ride lots, break it in and build up your clutch pulling muscles. Very Happy

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93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

BMGraeme · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 3:55 am Post subject:

Thats the last time I'm going to wrench with a beer in one hand. On the fourth I decided to rip the front end apart to get at the instruments to replace one bulb. The garage floor is now littered with various parts - just hope I can find all the screws this morning and remember where they all came from.

Thanks Tim & Duck - I guess next time I will have to get the genuine Beemer cable. The tanks not back on yet, the steering is fine, and I didn't oil it.
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1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

doug · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 4:49 am Post subject:

I had mine replaced about 6 months ago and paid 'The Man Who Can' to do it along with a few more small jobs. Prior to replacing it I thought it seemed a bit stiff. Little did I realise how stiff. 'The Man Who Can' just laughed when he tried it - I guess that I had just got used to it as it was. The new one (OEM) is featherlight and moves as easily as any bike I've ever had, including hydraulic ones. Bliss.
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'95 K1100lt
'89 VFR750 (X2!)