Late Grabby Clutch Engagement

[Marcus]

Thanks for reading.

Recently purchased a 1978 R60/7 42k miles.

Despite good clutch adjustment (202mm gearbox to cable barrel & 2mm free play at lever), the clutch engages very near the end of travel (almost completely released). When it does engage it feels sudden and hard.

Is this a familiar symptom to anyone?

Any and all input/ ideas/ comments are greatly appreciated.

Take care,
-Marcus

[Duane Ausherman]

What do you get when you put "bmw motorcycle grabby clutch" into Google?

[Kurt in S.A.]

From my notes, it's not 202mm but 201...probably wouldn't make that much difference. 2mm of free play seems a bit small...I'd increase that 4mm...although that might make things worse.

If nothing else helps, I'd try a new cable. After that, could be the PO burned the disk up due to poor shifting. Could also be that the transmission input splines need cleaning and new lubricant.

Kurt in S.A.

[barryh]

The late engagement is normal and easily adjusted with a little more free play but it will always be late-ish. Has the bike been stored ? The hard engagement can result from a bike that has been stored and will improve with use plus you will get used to it. It's a good clutch just different from other bikes and you should eventually be happy with it.

[ME 109]

What do you get when you put "bmw motorcycle grabby clutch" into Google?

A Google with a grabby clutch?

[Marcus]

Thanks for all the replies folks, much appreciated.
Think I'll give it a bit more free play to see if that helps.
The transmission input splines I'm sure could use attention, I'll do that either way.
Yes, the bike has been stored for some time; that'd be awesome if things improved with more use!

Cheers,
-Marcus

[Steve in Golden]

What do you get when you put "bmw motorcycle grabby clutch" into Google?

Amazing, Duane's site is the first result.

http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/clutch/grabby/index.htm

But, what fun is Googling something when one can just come to Boxerworks and be advised to Google it?

[ME 109]

I googled it and found Gabby Clutch's late engagement notice.

[Airbear]

Well done, Jeff. Very bloody good.

To Marcus, welcome aboard. You have probably already noticed that thread drift is a feature here. Enjoy.

[Marcus]

Thanks for the welcome Airbear, cheers

...increased free play has indeed helped

...and yes google has also advised on transmission input splines. But Lord of the Bings has actually hit on my real motivation for joining up here...It is in truth to ask questions and be told to google it...nothing is finer

cheers all
-marcus