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Bob Sipp emergency gear change tool.

Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 8:37 am
by SteveD
I want to make one.
Other than the local hardware shop, where might I look for 3/16-1/4 inch rod to bend to make one.


http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/emergency ... g-tool.htm

From snowbum's site...

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Re: Bob Sipp emergency gear change tool.

Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 10:42 am
by enigmaT120
You would want to practice a lot, preferable at first with the back cover off like in the picture.

I can say for sure that turning your bike upside down will not allow you to shift once that spring is broken. No, I didn't turn my bike upside down, but after I pulled the tranny I turned it upside down and tried to shift it for a while. It doesn't work.

I finally have a spare working tranny, though of course I won't have it with me the next time that stupid spring breaks.

Re: Bob Sipp emergency gear change tool.

Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 11:07 am
by SteveD
Yep, and I have one to practice on. The photos are very helpful too.

Re: Bob Sipp emergency gear change tool.

Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 2:15 pm
by Major Softie
SteveD wrote:I want to make one.
Other than the local hardware shop, where might I look for 3/16-1/4 inch rod to bend to make one.
Hobby stores, especially the ones where you can by R/C cars and planes. They carry Music Wire (a nice strong steel) from a few thousandths up to 1/4". Brass rod too.

Re: Bob Sipp emergency gear change tool.

Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 10:29 pm
by SteveD
I'm guessing brass rod might be a lot easier to bend when hot. Would it be the best option d'ya think?

Re: Bob Sipp emergency gear change tool.

Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 11:04 pm
by Major Softie
SteveD wrote:I'm guessing brass rod might be a lot easier to bend when hot. Would it be the best option d'ya think?
Steel bends just fine when cherry red, so I don't think that's the issue. As long as the brass is strong enough, it's the one that won't scratch anything important in there. I imagine that's why the one in the photo is brass. If you make one out of steel, I'd make sure to soften any edges, but other than that, I think either could work fine.

Re: Bob Sipp emergency gear change tool.

Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2015 5:06 am
by Zombie Master
Makes me want to buy a Yamaha.

Re: Bob Sipp emergency gear change tool.

Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2015 7:30 am
by Sibbo
I can send you a length of high tensile No 8 fencing wire if you'd like, about 5mm and impossible to bend by hand. It should do the job.

Re: Bob Sipp emergency gear change tool.

Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2015 9:12 am
by SteveD
Thanks Sibbo.That'd be great. I have a lead on a place that may have what I'm after but I think they're closed over the weekend. I'll check Monday then get back to you. Cheers

Re: Bob Sipp emergency gear change tool.

Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2015 9:25 am
by robert
Zombie Master wrote:Makes me want to buy a Yamaha.

I had that spring break on a Yamaha in 4th gear. The Yamaha clutch will take
a lot more abuse than the BMW.