1 Clutch cables Sun Jun 01, 2014 2:39 am
k-wopper
Silver member
When I got my k-bike 2 months ago it had been sitting un-ridden for two years. I planned on replacing seals,rubbers and bushings anyway so when the clutch cable snapped on the test ride home it wasn't to be un-expected. I ordered an new cable (OEM) from the local independent dealer.
While waiting for the cable I had plenty of time to strip down the drive train up to and including the clutch. I was extremely pleased with the condition of all the parts and re-built my way out with as much new stuff as it needed.
The new cable arrived ($70.00 USD! seemed high compared to on-line but it was a genuine part) installation and adjusting was easy and right by the manual.
I was on the road with no complaints. 300km later about 5 miles from home I pulled the lever in and....no resistance! Cable snapped clean at the knob to the lever end.
S>O>B!!!! Push started it into 1st and limped home with the 4-way flashers on. Pretty easy on the straights even into second, but there were 6 stop lights and 4-way stop signs to negotiate (round-a-bouts rule) so this took a bit of finesse but I made it.
Off to the dealer in the car (oh yeah, beautiful riding day ruined) with a bad temper.
Walk in, show him the part and my reciept and say "looks like I got a bad one".
"Oh no" he says "this is a common problem and BMW does not warranty it even if you replace the round barrel insert. You did buy a new barrel and use lube when installing?
"Er, lube yes. The old barrel looked perfect".
Well it seems that you are required to replace the barrel with cable replacement, so WHY THE **** doesn't the new cable come with one!
I didn't lose my nut, which turned out to be a good thing but my blood pressure was quickly rising.
I now must order a new cable which isn't in stock "but we do have the barrels in stock for $8.00 USD."
Zen, calm, zen, oohm, any thing but destroy everything in sight!!!
It a turns out the store guy, who is the owner, was able to placate my ire by giving me a used cable (4" longer so I think it's for a RT) so I would not be deprived of my riding pleasure. This was a decent, and wise, offer on his part even though I had to dig through his junk bin for it.
So now the used cable is on and working with my new $8.00 barrel and when my "new" cable comes in he will only charge me cost ($50.00 USD)
So, what did we learn from this?
It seems that a new lever barrel is a good investment against a broke cable and potential break-down in a bad situation.
And it's better to stay calm as in "Don't Panic" even when you don't have a towel.
Push on,
Rob