Re: New to BMW and have a few questions please.

[Tom Cutter <tpcutter@xxxxxxx>]

Darryl-

The issue of "clunkiness" can be very subjective. If your clutch is 
properly adjusted, then you should be able to shift pretty quietly with 
some practice.

There have been some premature transmission failures on the 1993-2000 
model five-speed oilhead gearboxes. I repair a lot of these, like two 
to three a month.  BMW and their transmission supplier, Getrag, 
struggled to make reliable, quiet and easy-shifting gearboxes during 
that period. For an interestingly candid interview with a senior 
management person at Getrag on the issue, see: 
http://www.rubberchickenracinggarage.com/GETRAG.doc

First thing to do is drain the gear oil after a long run to get it to 
full operating temperature. Drain the oil into a clean pan, and take 
the pan out into the bright sunlight immediately after draining. Look 
for a metallic sheen on the surface of the drained oil, which is the 
first sign of an imminent failure. I a sheen is present, then it is 
just a matter of time and miles before you have a larger, more 
expensive repair on your hands. Certainly if there are any slivers or 
chunks of metal on the magnetic plug, I would seriously consider 
planning a repair.

One way to get smoother UPshifts is to preload the shifter, then roll 
off the throttle, holding upward pressure on the lever. the 
transmission will shift smoth as butter, then you roll back on the 
throttle. This is done WITHOUT disengaging the clutch, and works quite 
well when accelerating briskly. For "lazy," rolling shifts, you will 
still need to use the clutch.

Try all of the above and you will be able to determine whether you 
really have a problem. Welcome aboard.


Tom Cutter
Yardley, PA
www.RubberChickenRacingGarage.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Darryl <darryl@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: oilheads@xxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sun, 17 Jun 2007 2:31 am
Subject: New to BMW and have a few questions please.



Hi everyone,
                   i am an exprienced motorcyclist but have never had a 
BMW
before until yesterday.

I have bought a very nice 1999 R1100RT with 23000 miles on the clock and
although i have only ridden a few miles so far i have a few questions 
that
someone may be able to help with.

The gearbox.

This is far clunkier than any Japanese bike that i have ever owned and i
would best describe its action as rough and clumsy . There is also an
audible but not overly loud whine from some of the gears.
It does not jump out of any gear and appears to work okay but like i say
it's clumsy.

I have read that this may well be a "characteristic" of this bike and 
all is
probably well. I have also read that some, dependent on year,  have been
prone to premature failure . All i am after is a pointer as to whether 
i am
likely to have anything to worry about or if everything sounds pretty 
much
as it should to an experienced BMW owner.

Lastly is there a different technique to adopt when changing gear with 
these
bikes to help smooth things out. It really does not like being rushed 
at all
through to the next gear even though i am only changing at the speed 
that i
have always done on my previous bikes.

Anything other advise  that anyone on the list can offer this newbie 
will be
much appreciated.

Thanks Darryl
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