Originally in response to Giles4060 - 'Whats wrong with my
shaft drive?'

Sounds like you're having a right nightmare! But also sounds familiar! My
K100RS (1989) did exactly the same to me last Tuesday, in London, in the rain
and with no recovery service (only road side assistance). Ended up leaving the
bike in London for two days (unlocked), then hired a trailer (£30!) and went
and got it on the Friday evening (got home at 03:30hrs). Made some enquiries
regarding cost the next day, and the figures were ridiculous, so I took it apart myself to
search for clues. I thought it was the clutch, then I thought the final drive,
but turned out to be the shaft. I rang motorworks (very helpfull), but were too
expensive - £75 cheapest, plus carriage. I then rang Gerry in Lutterworth. I
knew he was/is breaking a K75 (1986) and knew the shafts (etc) were the same.
Bingo! he still had the shaft, so off I went and took it (and the swing arm) off
what remians of his K75. Gerry only wanted a tenner, but I gave him twenty
quid, and still felt like I was robbing him. Back home, I fiited the shaft and
swing arm (with only minimal fuss), and put the whole thing back together. On Monday I went back to London (right in the city) to make another delivery
(I'm a courier). I collected at 15:45 in the midlands, went into the city, and
back out again, then called in at London Gateway Services to use el boggo, I
arrived at the services at 17:50! Though I was a bit worried my bike might fall
to bits (I did all the work remember, and I aint no mechanic man!), the bike
was fine - any worries left me as I weaved my way in and out of the city. That
was on Monday. On Tuesday I went to Sandy in Bedfordshire for a collection
going to Birmingham. I made the collection, and made my way out of the car
park.......BANG! the clutch cable snapped $%&^! Eventually I got the RAC
out and they managed a temporary fix at the road side (as expected - I tried to
do it but couldn't get any tension in the cable). I managed to get the bike
home only using the clutch to set off and come down the gear box. They said the
clutch was very heavy (which caused the problem). When I got home I couldn't
get the bike out of gear! The clutch has now given up! And so have I!! The K is
going! It is just costing me money (like over a grand in earnings just
this week!). So, who wants a 1989 BMW K100RS in very good condition, with
3 months tax and 8 months MOT, two brand new tyres (Pirelli Sports Demon) and a
newly replaced shaft, but with a dodgy clutch? 500 quid and it's yours! Failing this, I will take it to pieces and sell it in bits.

Thanks

Terry

Gerry can be contacted on 07977850040

That's a damn shame Terry - you were getting on so well with the spannering! If I was closer I'd be around with a fistful of dollars! Are you not tempted to keep working on it while using something else for the job? I you can do the shaft you can do the clutch.

88

I am actually. In fact thats what I have decided to do. Depending on what's on offer, and what sort of deal I can get. I will either let the bike go in part ex, or keep it and have a look at the clutch over a couple of week ends. I still may end up beaking it though, to try and get a bit of money for all the other bills around the house - bummer!

After reading Rick G and your comments in Giles' thread I've just moved this reply (dont want to hijack it).

With low mileage machines the enemy is sitting around. Greases dry out, seals perish, contacts get damp and corrode. All very manageable with a k bike but a good work through from head to toe is required to lube inspect clean and replace where necessary. Keep going Terry!
88KE

Thanks 88. Had a few conversations with a few friends about it over the last couple of days, and this same subject (sitting around) came up. Not sure exactly what I am going to be doing with it at the mo, but if I do decide to keep it, then I will do everything suggested (push rod etc) and give it a good lube! (oo er mrs!)

Terry.

It was/is probably the clutch pivot arm which sits at the back of the engine/gearbox and if you have not got a rear mudguard extension all the water, salt and filth drops on to it and works into the bearings causing rust and seizing a regular quirt each end with chain lube helps keep the gremlins at bay once you have fixed it.
Regards,
K-BIKE

Moto Bins got a clutch arm with a grease nippel fitted for lubricating the needle bearings.

Could be a good investement, if using the bike in harsh riding conditions all year.........
it was/is kind of expensive.

Don`t know if it`s still is available, tho.