Clutch

[Redbmwman]

On average how long would a clutch last on a 2002 r1150r if taken care of?

[omg1010]

Depends on the riding style. But the clutch is designed to last over 100 000 kms.

Brgds
Oliver

[drPete]

Yes, riding style and failure type. A dry-plate automotive style clutch will last for quite a while if treated properly - that is, don't do tire burnouts at Harley rallies. Particularly difficult with ABS.

My 2004 R1150R clutch slave leaked and was replaced at 28,000 miles. Replace the fluid every year. It currently has 102,000 miles with no hint of slipping. Riding style is highway commuter, 100 mile round trips.

Pete

[gregor]

The problem is not just of wear to the friction material (100,000 k sounds reasonable for a sympathetic rider) but the dreaded splines stripping at an uncertain moment.

[rickmbmw]

My bike is meticuously maintained and I'm not an aggressive rider at all. However, my clutch slave leaked @ 36,000 miles and I had to replace the clutch. It's the only major issue I have had with any BMW but I wasn't at all happy about this. I still have my '02 R1150R but I added a '12 R1200R Classic...fingers crossed.

Rick

[omg1010]

Well a leaking slave cylinder can ruin your clutch if not detected and repaired quickly. But that ain't no clutch problem. Under normal circumstances the clutch lasts well over 100 000 kms.

Brgds
Oliver

[rickmbmw]

It may not be a clutch problem but the reality is the clutch had to be replaced. I'm not concerned what part is the culprit, I'm concerned that I have to pay unnecessarily for parts BMW knows are a problem. I've been a HUGE BMW fan but their record on recalls and not acknowledging problems is questionable.

Bottom line, the clutch had to be replaced regardless of where the problem originated. It's like a cancer that migrates through the body, what difference does it make where it orignates, the end result is not desirable?

[omg1010]

Rick,

although I am a BMW fan I doubt that BMW had more recalls than other manufacturers. Moreover parts can fail - anywhere and everywhere. This is not something typical for BMW. Communication is another issue. You have suffered some damage due to a small part going south - sad. But remember a 100% fault-proof technology does not exist on this planet.

Brgds
Oliver

[rickmbmw]

Oliver,

I completely agree with your position and assessment. I suppose my expecation for BMW is a little higher than other manufacturers. Overall, the years and 10's of thousands of pleasurable miles have more than made up for this one unusual circumstance. I continue to be a big fan of BMW motorcycles.

Respectfully,

Rick

[omg1010]

... as well as I understand your position. I would certainly also be upset if a small part (leaking slave cylinder) ruined my clutch and as a consequence would have to spend big $$$ at the stealer for the repair (or spend over a day for a DIY repair). But again, other manufacturers have similar problems which are just not being spoken about in a BMW forum ...

Brgds
Oliver

[tx650]

From reading the entries above I will consider myself lucky that I found and fixed my clutch slave before it ruined my clutch.
I returned from an 800 mile weekend trip with a friend two weeks ago and everything seemed fine when I put the bike away that night. We rode through heavy rain and on some dirt roads but again, everything seemed fine. The next day I washed her down and was going to go for a quick ride but the bike was creeping forward with the clutch pulled all the way in. I took it for a test drive anyway but it only got worse. Long story short I ordered a new clutch slave unit from BeemerBoneyard and replaced it this past weekend. All is well and while I was at it replaced the air filter, the fuel filter and swapped out the plastic fuel quick-disconnects with the brass ones. It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend here in NE and I'm ready to roll.

[kirby]

1830

[rickmbmw]

I still have a lot of confidence in my '02 R1150R. I'm leaving at 4:00 a.m.tomorrow morning to ride from Boston to Asheville, NC (approximately 900 miles). Monday I plan to ride the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. Depending on traffic. I may have to complete it on Tuesday.

Rick