K11 Owners Group

Off the grid · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 4:02 pm Post subject:

Sometimes I am smoother than Rick James with my shifting, other times I fumble around like a teenager taking off a bra for the first time.

One thing that really gets my goat (and in some cases almost caused me to dump the bike) is popping out of 1st when taking off. Only rarely happens, but suddenly having no power when you expect some is really jarring, especially when you are starting out in a turn.
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Flying Duck · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 4:14 pm Post subject:

Off the grid · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 4:16 pm Post subject:

Had manboobs even then.

/cry
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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

BMGraeme · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 5:51 pm Post subject:

Because I have never owned or ridden another Beemer other than my K I have nothing to compare gearboxes with. I have had my bike since it had 7K on the clock and have always found the gearbox agricultural in operation. Upshifts are fine as long as I preload the gearlever with all but 4th to 5th changes being solid as long as enough time is taken over the change. 4th to 5th I find more of a "snick" than a solid selection but it has never jumped out. Downchanges I can only get smooth consistantly if I blip the throttle prior to the change. False neutrals are rare and always my own fault.

I lubed the splines including the clutch input about 8K miles ago ( I'm ashamed to say I only have 23K on the bike) after reading FD's posts over gearshifting problems just so I could see. The splines were like new all the way from clutch to rear bevel so I lubed them with Hondamoly 60 and put it back together again. I have noticed no difference whatsoever in gearbox performance. I'm thinking mine just does not enough miles on it and will get smoother over time but I'm going to try synthetic next time I change the oil.

The clutch operation on my 1980 CB900F is as smooth as silk so I guess I have been pampered in the past. Having said that, gearbox aside, my K is fantastic to ride and work on. I love showing sportsbike sunday riders how to go around corners when the mood takes me.
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1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

6899 · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 6:05 pm Post subject:

OK, now you'all are scaring me! Shocked

I bought my 1996 K at 61K, have 72K on it now. It shifts fine. The two mechanics in our club say you do not have to lube the later K's because they used a different metal treatment on the transmission splines.

Is that true? Shocked

I really don't want to tear apart my K to find it was not necessary. Sad

What's the story?

Martin
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1996 K1100LT, 73K (bought at 61K on 2006)
1977 R100/7, bought new, rode 97K in 29 yrs before parting out
1970 R50/5, bought used, rode 40K & sold

BMWMOA #6899 since 1976
Indy BMW Club since 1975

Das Boot · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:50 pm Post subject:

ironbuttwannabe · Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Sterling, OH

I think my splines are do for a lubing while I am getting into it with 90K miles. Is there anywhere to by the Nikisl coating or what is the best to use? I've heard of using Honda Moly on the drivshaft but never this Nikisl.
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"Far away, is far away... Only if you don't go!!!"

Jim · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 12:30 am Post subject: spline lube

Nikisil is a plating/coating that's factory applied - near as I can tell.

You want Honda Molylube 60 paste on your splines.
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Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repairing
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Don Sproule · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 12:57 am Post subject: Transmission Spline Lube

I had to replace the clutch disc on my '95 LT with 90,000Kms on it (55,000 miles) and the splines were perfect. Used the Honda moly lube (thanks Jim) and found no difference in shifting at all.
I think that 75/90 synthetic lube helps shifting a tiny bit, but the best way to improve the action is to use the 'pre load' technique. I believe someone has covered it here in detail in the past and, if done properly, makes it a whole different bike. Worked well on my Honda Hornet too.
I've never had a BMW trans jump out of gear. I'd suspect something worn in the gearbox to permit that. Yamaha Ventures were known for jumping out of 2nd when they got a little worn.

Don Sproule

Klinker · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 9:24 pm Post subject:

Flying Duck · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:59 am Post subject:

You know, I've never had much of a problem shifting any of the K bikes I've had.

Maybe you guys should go back to MSF BRC and learn how to ride a motorcycle. Razz

<Runs and hides.>
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abreeze · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 11:24 am Post subject:

every K ive ridden has shifted smooth.

Mileage is not the only factor in a Spline Lube, but humidity and time.

A worn or old clutch cable can also make shifting difficult. The clutch cable should be changed every few years, or when the Splines are serviced. And the clutch nipples should be cleaned and greased every 1 to 2K, as both are exposed to the elements.