Clutch Fluid Level

[GeorgeK]

I just bought a 2008 R1200GS with 7 000km on the clock. After checking all the fluid levels I noticed that when the bike is cold, there was no fluid in the clutch fluid reservoir. When does one measure the fluid level in the clutch reservoir, when the bike is cooled down or warm? I have read all the comments about the clutch fluid level that should be rising as the clutch wears down. Is it normal for the reservoir to be empty when the bike is cold?

Thanks for any help!

[marc]

Empty? If it's empty you've got a problem, possibly a leaky slave cylinder. There should be little to no change in level, hot or cold.

Are you looking through the reservoir, or did you remove the cap to check?

[GeorgeK]

I removed the cap and actually looked. Should I fill this up to minimum and see if it drops again?

[marc]

No. At least not without checking where the fluid went. The place where it might be leaking is at the slave cylinder. If it leaks there it can get onto your clutch disk. Replacing the clutch is very labor intensive.

Look for the leak. I think there was an update to the slave cylinder due to leaking slaves two or three years ago. Maybe a google of "r1200gs clutch slave" will get you more info.