Slipping clutch at higher speeds

[bellyurchin]

Hi - I have an 2004 1200GS, bike done 32k miles, I have done the last 27k since getting it. Like to ride on fast A roads with lots of twists and turns. Added Hexacone exaust, Power Commander, K&N filter & Air charger last year to get somemore punch, done 5k miles since. When I accelerate from zero going through the gears all is fine. However, I have noted a problem developing where at the higher speeds when in 3, 4, 5 when I twist to accelerate such as overtake or power along a straight there is clutch slip. The problem is getting worse. I ride only the GS, I am no expert on bikes/riding, any input of what could be the cause will be most appreciated. Thanks.

[marc]

Some (many?) of the '04/'05 bikes had seal issues. If you have/had a leaky transmission input seal it is possible that the transmission fluid has contaminated the clutch, causing it to slip.

My transmission seals were replaced under warranty with about 27K miles.

If you see an oily film at the intersection of transmission and engine case then you likely have that issue. If you don't see an oily film there you may still have that issue... mine was found by adding a fluorescent die to the tranny fluid then checking under the bike for the presence of the die a few thousand miles later.

You can also burn out a GS clutch if you treat it like a wet clutch, slip it at medium to high RPM, do burn outs, etc. If you smell your clutch often when riding you may be mistreating it.

[bellyurchin]

Hi Marc. Thanks, I will look at the intersection closer, not noted anything but maybe it could be a fine weep or may not be showing. I now have a lead on a possible cause to investigate, thanks for your input, thanks. Nige

Originally Posted by marc

Some (many?) of the '04/'05 bikes had seal issues. If you have/had a leaky transmission input seal it is possible that the transmission fluid has contaminated the clutch, causing it to slip.

My transmission seals were replaced under warranty with about 27K miles.

If you see an oily film at the intersection of transmission and engine case then you likely have that issue. If you don't see an oily film there you may still have that issue... mine was found by adding a fluorescent die to the tranny fluid then checking under the bike for the presence of the die a few thousand miles later.

You can also burn out a GS clutch if you treat it like a wet clutch, slip it at medium to high RPM, do burn outs, etc. If you smell your clutch often when riding you may be mistreating it.

[Fudmucker]

My previous GS ('05 model) had to have the clutch changed at 33000 kilometers - just six months out of warranty! The symptoms were the same as yours - slippage under power in higher gears. It got so obvious that the rev counter would climb 2000-3000 rpm with no increase in speed. This happened during a 6700 km road trip and I had to nurse the clutch home, never using more than 1/3 throttle and changing down to 5th for the slightest hill.
Sadly, I think you are in for a $1000 repair bill...!

[bellyurchin]

Thanks for the input, not what I wanted to hear but I have to take it on board as likely. Here in UK the BMW dealer charges £73 / 114$US per hour for labour, hence why I want to get some ideas before I put it in with them as I am not happy with the "dunno mate, never had that problem before, we will look when we open her up - your credit good?". I have now the idea it could be a seal or it could be the worn clutch. A guy from work put forward getting an uprated clutch from what is standard after I put the "go faster" kit on, he races cars and thinks I should consider this but I have no idea where to look for something like that! - thanks for your input.

Originally Posted by Fudmucker

My previous GS ('05 model) had to have the clutch changed at 33000 kilometers - just six months out of warranty! The symptoms were the same as yours - slippage under power in higher gears. It got so obvious that the rev counter would climb 2000-3000 rpm with no increase in speed. This happened during a 6700 km road trip and I had to nurse the clutch home, never using more than 1/3 throttle and changing down to 5th for the slightest hill.
Sadly, I think you are in for a $1000 repair bill...!