Transient Tranny...

djwaudio · Post by **djwaudio** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 12:15 am

The R11R transmission gave way this afternoon in the twisties high up in the hills. javascript:emoticon(':shock:')

I was riding along, just getting into the ride and feeling loose. Then it happened. During a shift (up or down?), I thought I hit a false neutral. After fishing through the gears, none of them would move the bike. Running the engine just give an odd whirring sound. Something has disconnected or been sheared in there.

The bike is headed for the mechanic's for sure. Just wondering if anyone has ever experienced this? Do I need to be sitting down with nitro-glycerin pills when I get the repair quote?

What is with the gear boxes on these bikes anywa? I rode a K1100LT recently an it's transmission was smooth. I wish I could have that tranny on my R!

...Oh the humanity. A BMW on a trailer, broken down, two hours form home. The good news is my riding budy had a trailer handy at his house nearby!

Paul Mihalka · Post by **Paul Mihalka** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 5:27 am

Your description of the problem sounds typical gearbox to clutch splines giving up their ghost. The bike will need a new clutch and a new input shaft installed in the gearbox. How many miles on the bike? With gearbox open you might as well replace all the bearings.
Start shopping for the nitro-glycerin pills

bmerchant · Post by **bmerchant** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 5:54 am

Dana

Ouch - sounds expensive.

What is it with these gearboxes? I've had 4 oildheads now, an 850R, 1100RS, 1150RT and now this 02 R. The first three had real clunky boxes. You know the sort - the ones that frighten animals and children. This one is super slick. Doesn't matter what revs/speed, or how much clutch I use (or don't) it silently snicks in. The only time I get a noise is going into first as I approach a stop. I just have to learn to wait till I stop and it's quiet.

Enough rambling.

I hope that your problem isn't going to be too much. Do you have any BMW non-franchise specialists ovet there that can do the work cheaper than the main dealers?

Capt. Blackadder · Post by **Capt. Blackadder** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 9:50 am

Yup, sounds like splines allright. Any way you slice it, it's going to take a few Benjamins to get roadworthy again. You could minimize the financial damage by shopping for a used low-mileage transmission, say from Beemerboneyard.com. Then find someone in your area who has done this swap before and is willing to help a fellow rider in exchange for a case of beer or some such. If nobody can help on this board, try BMWSportTouring.com or ADVRider.com.

Good luck!

djwaudio · Post by **djwaudio** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 10:40 am

Yes, fortuantely I do have a non-dealer nearby who is an Ace mecanic. He is not cheap however.

If we have to go deep into this thing and replace all those parts, I'm going to ask if we can put in a more modern transmission. The beemer boneyard has a six speed R1100S tranny. Anyone know if that would be a potential even swap for the 98 R1100R?

>>>
What is it with these gearboxes? I've had 4 oildheads now, an 850R, 1100RS, 1150RT and now this 02 R. The first three had real clunky boxes. You know the sort - the ones that frighten animals and children. This one is super slick. Doesn't matter what revs/speed, or how much clutch I use (or don't) it silently snicks in. The only time I get a noise is going into first as I approach a stop. I just have to learn to wait till I stop and it's quiet.

Enough rambling.

I hope that your problem isn't going to be too much. Do you have any BMW non-franchise specialists ovet there that can do the work cheaper than the main dealers?[/quote]

Post by **wncbmw** » Fri Apr 14, 2006 7:37 pm

Sounds like what happened when my K75 clutch splines gave up the ghost. It ain't cheap.

djwaudio · Post by **djwaudio** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 3:34 pm

>>>Your description of the problem sounds typical gearbox to clutch splines giving up their ghost. The bike will need a new clutch and a new input shaft installed in the gearbox.

I got the same diagnosis from the mechanic. Cost to rebuild (clutch shaft & berings) and install is $2700. The paralever bearing will be replaced at the same time.

"Lizabeth I'm coming to join you honey!" - a la Red Fox/Fred Sanford clentching heart, looking toward the sky...

>>>How many miles on the bike?
30k...I'm doubting BMW quality at this moment. Enjoy a nice twisty road for me. I'll be walking for the next three weeks!