Is this surging?

[Mitch1352]

Coming across Texas yesterday, my '00 R11RT was acting funny. If I rolled on the throttle quickly, the rpm's would increase WITHOUT a corresponding increase in MPH. I rolled off then rolled on again at a slower rate and she sped up just fine, meaning as the rpm's increased, so did the MPH. She just had a 48k service done a little early with the additional inspection that comes with it: no problems.

Any ideas?

[Mitch1352]

BTW, Junior and I made it to Phoenix in 2 days from home: Ft Worth before sunset on Monday and just after sunset to Phoenix on Tuesday. He and his F800ST did great.

[tdshepard]

Clutch slipping?

[David R]

Clutch slipping?

 

Sure sounds like it to me.

 

DAVID

[flars]

Clutch slipping would be the correct answer.

Surging occurs on steady throttle. It feels like you are cutting off the gas for just a quarter second, then returning to your normal speed - like a hiccup in the fueling.

[AndyS]

... the rpm's would increase WITHOUT a corresponding increase in MPH. ...Any ideas?

Yep, It's not surging. 98% sure your clutch is slipping.

What is the clutch lever free play and how does the clutch feel?

 

Andy

[philbytx]

I agree, sounds like clutch slipping. As Andy S. stated, before going mental about a new clutch being needed, first try adjusting your clutch free play . You will need to do this at both ends, as per the manual, to ensure proper adjustment.

 

[AndyS]

And talking of the correct proceedure - is this any good to you.

 

Andy

[Mitch1352]

I am due for 2 new tires tomorrow at Victory BMW in Chandler...I will have them look at it. Any idea why this would happen? It did not occur before the service, so I wonder if the wrench at the shop didn't adjust something properly after the tune up. No big deal because the guys at the shop are great and mistakes happen. I am very conservative in my riding style, so I want to be sure it isn't me. I luv my RT and treat her with the respect she deserves. My wife came out into the garage Saturday while I was loading her up and heard me explaining the schedule to her. She just shook her head and went back inside. Damn cage driver...

[Mitch1352]

The shop just called and said it sounds like the clutch is slipping. Said the tech adjusted it to spec before it left the shop. Just damn.

[tomk99r11]

Couple of years ago my clutch was just fine. Took it to a local dealer for some work and they adjusted the clutch even though I told them to NOT touch the clutch. The thing slipped like crazy so I adjusted it myself and it has been fine for the last 30K. Last year I took it Bentonville BMW where the service mgr said he bets one of the plates was warped at time of mfgr and that likely the whole clutch would not need to be replaced. Still riding it with no problem and when I do decide to have it worked on Bentonville will get the job instead of my local dealer. I will go with the replacement since the job is such a PITA to get to. LOTS of shops have no business messing with clutch adjustments IMO.

[philbytx]

I would still advise you to try adjusting it yourself, using the manual, THEN see if it slips

[Mitch1352]

Ok...just got the RT from Victory BMW in Chandler. Said that some seals had gone out, causing fluid to go where it wasn't supposed to go, and making the clutch slip. Changed out some other seals while they had it apart, just to be safe, saving me some serious $$$. The tech checked the whole bike stem to stern and found a couple of things that the shop had turned around during my last service. Said that the little things weren't harmful at all, but just weren't supposed to be like they were. Also noticed a little brake fluid coming out of the rear caliper vent/drain plug. Cleaned it, test rode it and saw that it was just leftover from the service. The whole crew was simply great to deal with, especially with a 10 hour repair and no appointment. Jim the service manager cleared the deck for my job and now I am G2G for my trip. My hat is off to that bunch for their kind treatment.