clutch control failure

[Mark Rivera <marr@xxxxxxxx>]

Definitely having a problem with the clutch system.. 02/97 R1100R..

If you follow the clutch cable from the handgrip, down along the side of 
the engine, you get to a lever where the cable attaches. Its item 6 
here, shown vertical instead of horizontal as on the bike:

http://ascycles.com/Illustrated_catalog/r1100r(95-99)/images/r1100r(95-99)61.gif

The rubber boot (number 5) was completely torn circumferentially at the 
lever-side. I'm not sure how long it has been that way but I assume it 
has to have been no earlier than mid-February (7k mi ago) when I had the 
clutch plate etc replaced.

The problem I'm having is *like* the rod (number 1) isn't pushing back 
on the lever. The small spring (number 3) in there doesn't seem to be 
broken.

There were some small (1" long, 1/8" thin) shredded and disfigured 
shards bound up in the area between the spring and piston. They feel 
like plastic. (Is the piston plastic? Did it shred in the absence of a 
grease-filled boot and jam? I wonder...)

The engine runs. The bike drives/rides/whatever. I was about a block 
from where I was going when the clutch lever went soft - had just 
completed a 40mi ride on the highway. I downshifted while slowing to a 
stop, so I can shift, but as far as I can tell the clutch isn't disengaging.

That's about all I have to go on at this point. Just kind of looking for 
"oh yeah that might be X, Y, or Z problem" or any thoughts before I take 
it in to have the dealership look at it.

Thanks,
Mark

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End of oilheads-digest V3 #81
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