Clutch replacement difficulty level

[JakeF]

I finally got my non-op R90S running and road worthy. Took it out for its first real ride yesterday and I think the clutch may need work. When accelerating I can feel it slipping before it grabs fully. I am a lowly novice to bike mechanics and am learning as I go. On a scale of 1-10 with one being not knowing a Phillips from a regular screwdriver, to a 10 being a BMW certified mechanic, where does working on a clutch rate?

[schrader7032]

I'd say the difficulty is 6-7. It's a bit of a puzzle as you have to remove a whole bunch of stuff to get to removing the transmission. On the one hand, it's a lot of big pieces that have to come out. On the other hand, you'll need a few special tools like a socket remove the swingarm pins...you'll need a ft-lb and an in-lb torque wrench. You also need a set of nuts/bolts to let the pressure down on the clutch plate, but that can be bought at any hardware store. Centering the clutch pack on the flywheel can be tricky...they sell a clutch alignment tool for that, but I've managed to do it by eye.

It can be done but you should take your time.

[khittner]

It depends on whether you prefer to futz around, or have your bike work well soon. If I still owned a nice 90S that needed a clutch, and lived within a comfortable day's drive of Ted Porter's shop like you do, I'd take my bike there, pay the master, begin a warm customer relationship, listen, and learn.

[Twocams]

Jake, I think its about time you got your hands greasy. With 2 vintage bikes and one on the way you need to get a book or 2, some wrenches. Do some reading, use the net and ask questions. The net wasnt always around so I have 100+ books for working on cars and bikes. And still buy them when ever I need.The older bikes arent to bad. Its the newer ones with ABS, traction control,cruise control....... You can always take it some place for a engine rebuild or transmission work.

twocams

[brownbmw]

Jake, I see you are in So Cal. If you are near Pomona we can help. At Brown Motor Works we do lots of airhead work. We offer everything from parts, to free advice and "how to" assistance, to doing the job for you.

We've been doing this for over 50 years, so not just the latest shop to jump in on the airhead craze. We do service, repair, recondition and restoration. We don't do any bobber, chopper, etc.

We also offer a multi-point inspection (basically a report card on the bike's condition and needs) which is normally $75 but is free to anyone who mentions the VBMWO club or website.

[JakeF]

Pomona is not too far. I think I will take you up on the offer. I have bought a number of parts from Seavers which is closer to me but they are not as interested in working on the older bikes unless it is a major job. I have a solo trailer and may tow it to your place in case I want to leave it.

[JakeF]

Thanks for the advice. I have been working my up on the maintenance and repairs on all three of my bikes but I think a clutch overall is something I don't want to tackle just yet. On the R90S I replaced all the cables, overhauled the entire brake system, replaced the carbs, tuned it, and rebuilt the tattered seat. I think I will leave the clutch to a more qualified mechanic. I loved the way it rode this past weekend and I can tell I plan on riding it hard. This is not going to be a show bike. I want it mechanically in top shape and plan on leaving it a bit sweaty looking.

[JakeF]

Ted Porters is too far.

[khittner]

It's good to have an array of available options, and you have several.