Should I replace my '96 clutch assembly with updated '06+ bits?

[Bigtime]

Hi,

New to the forum and brand new to BMW motorcycles. Just picked up an R1100RT for a fun winter project. It needs a clutch. Some literature suggests upgrading the mech to the 06+ assembly. is this a no-brainer or should I be considering replacing like for like?

 

 

[dirtrider]

29 minutes ago, Bigtime said:

Hi,

New to the forum and brand new to BMW motorcycles. Just picked up an R1100RT for a fun winter project. It needs a clutch. Some literature suggests upgrading the mech to the 06+ assembly. is this a no-brainer or should I be considering replacing like for like?

 

 

Afternoon  Bigtime

 

Please explain the 06+ assembly, is that a part number or a year? The 2006 clutch assembly won't fit the 5 speed 1100 motorcycle.

 

But there was a clutch part(s) update for the 1100 sometime after 1995 that did require new clutch parts be installed to use the later clutch disk.   Is that what you are referring to?

[Bigtime]

On 9/19/2024 at 11:11 AM, dirtrider said:

Afternoon  Bigtime

 

Please explain the 06+ assembly, is that a part number or a year? The 2006 clutch assembly won't fit the 5 speed 1100 motorcycle.

 

But there was a clutch part(s) update for the 1100 sometime after 1995 that did require new clutch parts be installed to use the later clutch disk.   Is that what you are referring to?

yes, sorry, that's what I'm referring to. All good, ended up sorting this out. Staring at a dissassembled bike wondering whether I should take swing-arm and tranny out together or not...looks heavy.

[dirtrider]

1 hour ago, Bigtime said:

yes, sorry, that's what I'm referring to. All good, ended up sorting this out. Staring at a dissassembled bike wondering whether I should take swing-arm and tranny out together or not...looks heavy.

Morning Bigtime

 

You can remove the whole assembly as a unit but be sure to remove the push rod first as it is easy to bend the push rod removing it as an assembly with just one person. 

 

If the swing arm bearings haven't been looked at or serviced in recent history then might as well take it apart individually as those should probably be looked at & serviced while you have it that far apart. 

[Bigtime]

On 9/30/2024 at 9:51 AM, dirtrider said:

Morning Bigtime

 

You can remove the whole assembly as a unit but be sure to remove the push rod first as it is easy to bend the push rod removing it as an assembly with just one person. 

 

If the swing arm bearings haven't been looked at or serviced in recent history then might as well take it apart individually as those should probably be looked at & serviced while you have it that far apart. 

Thanks - ended up pulling it apart - was doing the work alone and didn't want to risk damaging any bits. Glad I did. Pretty straight forward. So it turns out that the clutch on this beast is just fine. Which I feel pretty good about because that's what I suspected given a) how it failed ( suddenly) and how long it had been since last clutch 20k kms. Turns out the throw bearing had disintegrated. Looks the the previous owner did a marvelous job of lubing the splines and putting a new clutch in. Just neglected to sub out this critical bearing with a new unti. Good to have inspected everything anyway as now I know exactly where I stand. 

[Randall Stone]

BMW guy on YouTube has a start to finish video. It's as easy as it looks. I did my 93 1100 rs. Email beemer boneyard and get the full assembly with bolts and lube for 450.00. it's a 12 hr project and use your torque wrench.