GS Specific Clutch FAQ
compiled & edited by Kristian #562 & NickJC #1085
Please read the Disclaimer before attempting any work in this FAQ.

For General Clutch Issues Refer the Classic Misc Probs Clutch FAQ
If you are looking for information about Clutch Adjustment see the Clutch Adjustment FAQ
For Replacement Clutch Levers (On Handlebar) refer
Aftermarket Levers FAQ
For Gear Change problems

For Cables & Cable Routing


GS Clutch stiffer than the Classic
by Kristian #562

As a Former Classic owner and now a GS owner, I noticed the GS Clutch was (and still is) considerably stiffer than the Classic.

The extra pull on the lever is likely do to the increase in the amount of plates and spacers in this clutch compared to the Classic. The clutch should slip less and last longer.

Looking in the parts CD the parts numbers for the clutch kits were not the same for the GS and Classic. If there are different part numbers for the clutch plates between the GS and Classic, there ~might~ have been considerable changes in some of the basic parts, and you can't depend on the BMW parts numbers to tell you, sometimes the same part can be listed under 2 different part numbers between models.

Plus there's at least 2, possibly 3 variations of replacement plates for the Classic Clutch, depending on serial number. (That's the kind of info covered by a factory TSB or SI.) So far no one knows if any parts of the GS kit would be possible to retrofit into a Classic clutch. The trick would be to go in to a dealer to look at the 2 different kits. One of the hi performance places (Pami or Wood) lists an F650 clutch pack with an extra plate or two.

More plates hopefully reduces slipping and the clutch lasts longer, but it's not necessarily true that a couple more plates necessarily require more hand pressure. That's a factor of too many variables, especially SPRINGS. Then there's external influences which might be different for GS vs. Classic, like lever mechanisms on both ends of the cables, the cables themselves, maybe an entirely redesigned or modified release bearing (rack and pinion). Then there's just weirdness - (greatly worn) identical bikes can have different clutch feel due to wear. Thanks again to HsN.

Update: The reason for was the Clutch Cable. I changed it and WOW! what a difference. If you have an early model GS, check the Cable. See "What is the Story with these Two Different Clutch Cable Part Numbers for the GS Clutch"

Alternative Solutions to Stiff Clutch

F650GS/Dakar Clutch Cover Removal
by Fitzy
North Queensland, Oz

This modification appears to be necessary for removal of the clutch cover on F650GS and Dakar models.

Incidentally, The Manual Says:
.....
-Remove Exhaust Manifold
-Remove Left Footrest (Peg)
.....
-Disconnect Oil Return Line from the Engine and the Oil Tank

So I guess those two above are what BMW say you need to remove to get the Oil Line Out. Not that I'd want to do that every time mind you. I like your tube better, though I'd take it off once BMW's way first to cut the darn thing.

Alternatively
by Raymo

After removing all the bolts for the left cover, slide the left cover outward about 3/8 inch. This will create a gap large enough for the oil pipe to drop into. Now the oil pipe can be rotated and removed. With the pipe removed, the left cover can be removed.

Changing the clutch cutout switch

NOTE:  If anyone can supply pictures to supplement  each of these steps please contact the FAQMaster.
by
Robin #790, '01 GSD Chicago

As it seems to be the week for all of my switches to go bad on my '01 Dakar (approx. 36K miles), my clutch cut-out switch decided to fail. This is the switch that allows you to start the bike in gear with the clutch pulled in.  Needless to say, it's inconvenient to have to look for neutral before you can restart. Installation of the switch is simple, but you have to remove a fair amount of stuff.

Remove

1)    All the faux tank panels.

Relocate

1)    Oil tank

2)    Coolant catch tank 

Remove

1)    Airbox

2)    Battery

3)    Cover from electrical panel (Photo showing switch location)

 

After that's all off, it's a pretty simple matter to:

 

A)    Slice the wire ties holding all the wires together

B)    Rremove the faulty switch and wire

C)    Replace with the new one.

 

NOTE:    The only tricky part is screwing the switch back into the clutch lever housing. As the threaded part does not move independent of the wire, just threading it in

would result in a twisted wire. Pre-twisting the wire in the opposite direction takes care of the problem.

 

D)    Button everything up in the reverse order, and you're ready to go.

NOTE:  I prefer to leave the battery in place until I get the oil tank and airbox off.

            It makes it easier (marginally) to access the terminals for disconnection and connection.

 

Slipping Clutch

 

Q.  Clutch slippage    -    Loner

My '01 650 GS has 20k on it and I just had the oil changed at the dealership. Now my clutch is slipping in 4th and 5th gears. I've had synthetic in there since about 10k and they put synthetic in so I'm not sure if that is the problem. I've looked at everything on the site and it looks as though my best bet is to change the oil again first. The clutch adjustment distances are good. It seems to happen most after the bike is warm, and I first noticed it on the way home from the dealership.

A's and Opinions.

NOTE:    << You can use a flywheel from an old japanese enduro bike with the strong magnets to hold the plates >>  I personally would not do this.....I would be worried that the clutch plates could end up "slightly" magnetic, and attract metal stuff to them, sort of like the magnetic drain plug. Jack, F650GS, Rockhampton, Qld, Australia.

Work Actually done and data found

 

by Marty #436- Chicago-97 F650F

My clutch started slipping intermittently under high load when I went to a 17-tooth sprocket. It kept asking for more "free play" in the clutch cable (using up what was already there). Before the BMWMOA National, I moved the actuator lever on the clutch housing two teeth...and used up all that free play in the mountains at the National. Haven't pulled it apart (yet), but I'm expecting that the springs have "sprung" due to heat or age. Bad news is that I had to do my 1000 mile day and 4K (Mt. Evans) on my K75RT instead... :-(

 

Hopefully I will rip into this project tonight (so I might be able to get the clutch repair kit from one of the two "local" BMW dealers tomorrow, if needed). If not, definitely get into it for sure this weekend. I have in my possession 6 clutch springs for a 1980 Honda XL500 ($25 worth-see previous thread/translation from German website), and am hoping/expecting that that will be the problem. I WILL take a very close look at the rack and pinion actuator gears, and measure/ examine the clutch pack disks (and put REAL bolts back in). I did not see in the FAQ any information on service limits/dimensions for the clutch pack/disks/stack or the spring height (anybody have the BMW manual with those numbers?) I did find one reference to the Clymer numbers being wrong (I don't have one of those, either) and want to confirm. I also noted a lack of pics in this FAQ and will try to snap some as I go...(I see a revised FAQ in my future). I'll also report on those Honda springs vs. BMW (used). (BTW, the Honda only uses 4 clutch springs). I figure if I need the rack or pinion actuator, I'm done for a few days anyway. Bob's BMW catalog lists a washer (IIRC) that must be replaced when working on the clutch...is this the crush washer for the coolant drain bolt, or is there some type of locking tab gizmo like on the front sprocket (and can it be re-used?). To Flash...I'll try to continue on with the oil test (i.e. not drain anymore oil than I have to...)

 

OK, pulled the clutch tonight. Rack and pinion look OK. Clutch pack measures 33.5mm. According to one comment in the FAQ, that would be 1.5mm under the service limit, can anyone with the service manual confirm? Also, the springs currently measure 43.2mm. One source (thread) indicates original length is 44mm, can anyone confirm this, or provide the minimum service length? Looks like I'll check whether either Chicago BMW dealer stocks the clutch kit tomorrow.

 

Chicago BMW = no stock. Tag BMW had 2 in stock. I ended up with an open bag (that came from Laurel BMW, that closed a couple of years ago, so OLD stock). Clutch plates looked to be a match, so I dumped them in a pan of oil to start soaking prior to assembly. (Had to run my wife off to the airport). I had recently purchased some springs for a 1980 Honda XL500 (since when do Jap dealers stock parts this long??? Hmmm...), due to a comment from a previous thread. Good thing I did, because when I measured the old springs, they were roughly 1.7"/43.3 mm long. The NEW BMW springs in the clutch kit are 1.2"/30.4 mm. The spring wire thickness of the old are .102" vs. 0.166" for the new. OD of the old is 0.80" vs. 0.69" for the new. ID of the old is .59" vs. .35" for the new. 8 coils for the old vs. 6 coils on the new. The correct part number is on the bag, but needless to say, the correct parts are not IN the bag. It will be 3 weeks before I can get back to TAG BMW...teaching MSF class next weekend, rally the following weekend. As a result, I will be installing the Honda springs, as their specs are compared as follows...length 1.705" (used BMW) vs 1.731" (H); spring wire 0.102" (BMW) vs. 0.106" (H); OD 0.796" (BMW) vs. 0.804" (H); ID 0.586" (BMW) vs. 0.587" (H); coils 8 (BMW) vs. 8.25 (H). BTW, I tried to measure the spring rate by putting an old slide hammer weight on top of the spring and measuring the compression. Too little deflection to get a significant result. Assuming that they are made from the same metal/hardness/temper (a BIG assumption), the length is likely closer to what NEW BMW springs should be, the ID, OD, and # of coils are very close to OEM, and the slightly thicker spring wire should give SLIGHTLY more clutch pressure. I'm off to try and put this stuff together (and will check metal plates for flatness). To Nick...I'll send you a copy of the present spreadsheet with all my measurements. But I'll hold off until/if I get the new BMW springs to measure as well.

 

The Honda springs fit and work (at least for the first 50 miles or so). The BMW dealer mailed me the correct spring set (better service than I expected), which I will measure and add to the information I will put together for the FAQ. FWIW, the new springs feel SLIGHTLY stiffer than the old ones (the old ones may have been weakened?). The rack and gear actuator had no visible wear.