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Clutch Squak, What's the Skinny?

13K views 22 replies 14 participants last post by  PerfectSwitch 
#1 ·
A few weeks ago I purchased a "new to me" 2007 K1200GT with 18K. The previous owner didn't disclose any issues with however I now find I have "clutch squak".

I have scoured the forums and read what I could. What exactly is the cause? If I replace the clutch does that fix the problem?

I checked Max's BMW parts fisch and find the plates listed separatly from the basket making the total parts about $1600.00, is this right? Is it possible to know which parts I need before opening the bike or is there a cluth package which incldes everything? I found aftermarket plates but not aftermarket basket?

This bike squaks when first letting the clutch out, it is not smooth on take off but rather "takes off" quickly and I can't seem to shift it smoothly. If I romp on it doesn't seem to be slipping though. Seems to me that might indicate an issue with the basket more than the plates?

I had the dealer do the service tickets, cam chain tensioner, jump guard and something with the lower brake lines. Also did the valves, spark plugs, coolant, oil (some metal shavings stuck to the magnetic drain plug), filter and final drive plus changed out the tires. I do need to re-charge the K&N air filter. Did I miss anything?

It is not possibe to know what service this bike has had in the past so am trying to bring it all up to date. I am 3rd owner, the first on the east coast, the second on the west coast where I bought it. The second owner only put fifteen hundred mikes in the year and half he owned the bike and I don't think he knew all that much.

Any help or commements will be appreciated. "R" bikes I have done but doing "k" bike service is new to me as is a wet cluch that squaks... What's up with that?

Bruce H
 
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#2 ·
It's going to cost a lot to fix so if the noise isn't too bad you may want to consider just living with it. A narrow clutch engagement range is normal for these bikes as is the fact that they can be a bit of a challenge to shift smoothly so I wouldn't assume that there is anything seriously wrong with the clutch beyond the noise.
 
#3 ·
the squeal is normal ,the clunky shifting....normal but if the clutch actually shudders upon releasing .like mine did with a vibraition and all then replacement will solve this as it did with me but i still have a slight squeal...hope this helps
 
#4 ·
Well... I might feel just a bit better. It doesn't shutter, just noisy and does have a narrow engagement. WAY different than the "R" bikes I am used to or my LT (should have kept that one)

If I bucked up and bought a new clutch does that fix it? Or... will it come back (squak) because of a poor clutch design?

For now I'll just ride it.
 
#5 ·
There was a guy a few weeks back that posted a link to the Barnett Clutch plate kit said he had good results. :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Barnett-Clu...Parts_Accessories&hash=item51a6b89da9&vxp=mtr

Thread with his info here:

http://www.k-bikes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26057

I do not know of an aftermarket basket though. Maybe one of the wrenches around here does.

As for the noise...yeah...they all do that! ;) I too have the shudder but no real slipping and squeal. Last time I had mine apart the plates still had plenty of life at 45k or so. The basket had some minor wear in one spot. Not enough to replace.

I say ride it and don't worry.
 
#6 ·
Bruce,
I briefly owned a 2008 GT.
I was the second owner. First owner sold it to me @ ~1,500 miles. Said it wasn't his cup of tea. I sold @ ~3,500 miles. Safe to say, I generally did not get a good fuzzy feeling for the machine.

It had the squawk that you refer to, and a mild shudder. Also, very clunky shifting, although sometimes, when I worked at it, I could shift it quietly. I didn't come naturally to me though.

There were other things about the bike which I didn't care for as well, especially considering the price tag. Which all adds up as to why I sold so quickly. It wasn't all bad though, the bike had plenty of smooth power and was pretty nice once rolling at speed. Responsive handling and a decent ride too.

Spoke with a BMW tech recently. He was washing a newly serviced '08 GT. Remarked that for "all the noises these things make", they have been pretty good engine and trans wise. No cronic failure rates to report at all.

If you otherwise like the bike... enjoy it. Seemingly, they do "all do that".

Dmilan
 
#7 ·
Thanks, guess I will have to get used to it. I have had so many BMW's that I don't how they could screw up so badly. My 2000LT was a great bike with little problems. That was the only other four banger I have had. The rest have been "R" bikes. I'll keep it, get it set up comfortable and ride it.

I'd still consider replacing the clutch IF that would fix the problem? I have done my other R bikes and this one seems like it might be less to take apart.
 
#9 ·
jerrya said:
i to have a 07 k1200gt w/31000 once you learn how to shift these bikes that noise is barely there or gone dont worry about it just drive you nutz :wtf:
this is true...noticed that today !!!gotta become one with the bike after awhile you'll find her sweet spot
 
#10 · (Edited)
I only have about 400 miles on the new clutch (Barnett) but so far so good. (I'm the guy who did the swap to a barnett pack for a k1200s, same part) I had one slight squak once while it was breaking in, but nothing after. The shifting difference was unbelievable. Almost all of the clunking gone except when its cold, its still somewhat prevalent but no worse than any other bike. I refused to pay 1600 bucks for a clutch pack that was no different than the one I took out that was completely worn at 23k. Some people say poor oiling, some say poor specs, poor material, whatever. I've never replaced a wet clutch on a bike in my entire life. My buddies 03 FJR with 156k on it had a perfect clutch in it.

The entire cost is a little more pricey because you have to go into the side cover again. Too bad the dealer didn't know you were having issues when they installed the jump guard because they were right in there. Another couple hour's labor and you would have had a new clutch. After speaking to the guys at Barnett for an hour, they said the material on the OEM pack is the standard organic material and they chose to put a carbon fiber friction material to make it last longer.

I didn't ride long on the old clutch but I can tell you there is a difference. I purchased the bike used as well. Currently, I'm trying Rotella in the bike. I like the BMW oils and they are usually exceptional, but I trust rotella products and they seem to be happy with my current clutch.

I'm with you on the BMW statement. I've had numerous BMW's, RT's, LT, R's, and I still have my '02 RS that I gave to my sister to ride and she's selling her VFR. BMW certainly went through some growing pains with this engine and clutch. I looked up the company who designed and made the basket and clutch pack. They seems to make everything and it doesn't look like motorcycle clutch packs is their specialty. :rotf: Oh well - I'd expect this kinda nonsense from an italian bike manufacturer, not a BMW but s%#t happens. :)

I think the other issue is that BMW parts prices have always been expensive - but talk about sticker shock when I purchased the 07 GT. Actually, prices are rude. the 07 and up BMW cars are no different either. It was enough for me to choose a Mercedes again over a BMW on the car side. Mercedes hasn't drank the 'kool aid' yet.

1600 dollars for a clutch pack is absolutely uncalled for and the unsung heroes as far as I'm concerned here is Barnett.
 
#11 ·
Good morning one and all. I am picking up my 07 K1200GT from dealer today. just had a new clutch installed after living with the issues for 5 yrs (50,000km) Dealer gave me parts for cost since I have been complaining since it was new. $ 600 with tax. They did the labor while doing the cam chain upgrade. No failures just the typical complaints. Also had the cam chain work done under warranty. Since it is -10 today and snow and salt on roads I will not be able to test and see if noises etc are resolved. I am hoping the new clutch (from the K1300) will be better.
 
#12 ·
PPlummer said:
I only have about 400 miles on the new clutch (Barnett) but so far so good. (I'm the guy who did the swap to a barnett pack for a k1200s, same part) I had one slight squak once while it was breaking in, but nothing after. The shifting difference was unbelievable. Almost all of the clunking gone except when its cold, its still somewhat prevalent but no worse than any other bike. I refused to pay 1600 bucks for a clutch pack that was no different than the one I took out that was completely worn at 23k. Some people say poor oiling, some say poor specs, poor material, whatever. I've never replaced a wet clutch on a bike in my entire life. My buddies 03 FJR with 156k on it had a perfect clutch in it.

The entire cost is a little more pricey because you have to go into the side cover again. Too bad the dealer didn't know you were having issues when they installed the jump guard because they were right in there. Another couple hour's labor and you would have had a new clutch. After speaking to the guys at Barnett for an hour, they said the material on the OEM pack is the standard organic material and they chose to put a carbon fiber friction material to make it last longer.

I didn't ride long on the old clutch but I can tell you there is a difference. I purchased the bike used as well. Currently, I'm trying Rotella in the bike. I like the BMW oils and they are usually exceptional, but I trust rotella products and they seem to be happy with my current clutch.

I'm with you on the BMW statement. I've had numerous BMW's, RT's, LT, R's, and I still have my '02 RS that I gave to my sister to ride and she's selling her VFR. BMW certainly went through some growing pains with this engine and clutch. I looked up the company who designed and made the basket and clutch pack. They seems to make everything and it doesn't look like motorcycle clutch packs is their specialty. :rotf: Oh well - I'd expect this kinda nonsense from an italian bike manufacturer, not a BMW but s%#t happens. :)

I think the other issue is that BMW parts prices have always been expensive - but talk about sticker shock when I purchased the 07 GT. Actually, prices are rude. the 07 and up BMW cars are no different either. It was enough for me to choose a Mercedes again over a BMW on the car side. Mercedes hasn't drank the 'kool aid' yet.

1600 dollars for a clutch pack is absolutely uncalled for and the unsung heroes as far as I'm concerned here is Barnett.
Curios...don't think you replaced the basket. Did you? And / or did you find an after market one?
 
#13 ·
Thans for the post. I did put Rotella in the bike and am now running it, only a few hundred miles so far. At last oil change (when I bought the bike) there was some metal stuck to the oil drain plug. Curious as to where that came from. My squak is more of a gtating sound when first letting the clutch out on take off. It might do other times but with the noise I don't hear it except on take off. I had no idea this bike had these issues or I might have gotten a RT instead. So much for hind sight. I didn't know I wanted a road bike again, should have kept my LT. (my current other rides are a GSA and Dakar)
 
#14 ·
I just dropped $2200 on my '07 for the clutch (no basket), hardware, 36K service and another set of PR3's... My clutch was toast, it started slipping at high RPM on the long way back to Vegas from the Long Beach motorcycle show... Well, I've only got about 500 miles on it since but I am happy to report that there is no more noise at take-off and the "take-up" of the lever is amazing! Feels like every other bike I've owned, finally!

Now I know it's probably not going to last (since the first one only made it to 38K) and I know a lot of other owners are reporting the honeymoon with a new clutch is short-lived but I have to say that right now the bike feels new again and is running like a top!

Fingers crossed it stays that way for a while... :D

I wish I'd known about the Barnett option but I suppose I'll give it a try next time around...

Cheers!

Vance
 
#15 ·
I've had 3 clutchs in my K in 6000 miles,the second was as bad as the first in that it needed two attempts to get the lever out without it snatching,the 3rd was put in and I was informed that this one will work and it has,all done on an extended warranty.

The bad news I've ridden 1300's with the same snatchy clutch although they are the exception rather than the rule.

The end of 2011 when the bike was serviced I was asked what viscosity oil I wanted putting in,which struck me as odd,in the end it was 5/40wt and have recently had a chat with Speacial K on here and I reckon it's why the new cam chain tensioners are still rattling at start up because the oil in e'm is so thin, it's drains out.
 
#16 ·
chriscanning said:
I've had 3 clutchs in my K in 6000 miles,the second was as bad as the first in that it needed two attempts to get the lever out without it snatching,the 3rd was put in and I was informed that this one will work and it has,all done on an extended warranty.

The bad news I've ridden 1300's with the same snatchy clutch although they are the exception rather than the rule.

The end of 2011 when the bike was serviced I was asked what viscosity oil I wanted putting in,which struck me as odd,in the end it was 5/40wt and have recently had a chat with Speacial K on here and I reckon it's why the new cam chain tensioners are still rattling at start up because the oil in e'm is so thin, it's drains out.
Simply Confidence Inspiring!
 
#18 ·
Clutch Squawk

Had the clutch assembly replaced in its entirety latest part number - from the K1300?. Since snow is melting and it was a balmy 3C today I took bike for a test run. (Spring cant arrive soon enough!) Squawk is gone, and slips into neutral better and shifts a little quieter. Only had it out for 20 min so not able to give long term observation but appears to be greatly improved. Lived with it for 5 yrs and 50K. Stupid me, should have insisted it be done under warranty several yrs ago. Only charged me dealer part cost $550 and no labor and did work while they were doing cam chain upgrade. :clap:
 
#19 ·
Robert_W said:
Curios...don't think you replaced the basket. Did you? And / or did you find an after market one?

My basket was perfect, so I just did Clutches and steels. I put in a Barnett clutch. 1100 miles so far and its perfect. They don't list one for the k1200gt, but it's the same clutch pack as the k1200s and they had a listing for one.

the clutch was 120 bucks or so and it went in perfect. Better material on the friction plates and it's waayyy smoother than stock. I'm hoping I get plenty of service out of this one and I suspect I will. I've been running Rotella with the new pack and it's engaging sweet. This is a fantastic machine and I'm hoping I now have all the little things sorted with the bike. It's the lightest sport tourer I've ever owned. It makes my 1200RS feel like a goldwing!
 
#21 ·
Clutch Squak

I now have 10,000km on the upgraded clutch. What a difference. No noise, no slip, no feathering the clutch when loaded. We did a 2 up 4,000km trip to NC on the Blue Ridge and could not be happier. Should have changed that sucker over years ago. Smooth is all I can say to describe the difference. Fell in love with my bike all over again.
 
#22 ·
My noise started over a year ago at around 38K and now I've got 45K without any change in sound or performance, although it is a frightening :yeow: sound when it occurs. I'm wanting to tear into it to see if anything is wrong and I like the article about putting in a Barnett Clutch. But after reading all of the blogs I think I will keep riding without changing the clutch, hope I'm doing the right thing, time will tell.
 
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