Checked my clutch disc, just about wish I hadn't

[macx]

Swapping to an RT-P trans, so gathered my courage and disassembled the clutch "while I'm in there".

Only 32k on the bike, I bought it in 08 with 25k miles. First BMW so had a little bit of a learning curve
with that goshawful high 1st gear esp in the hilly country I'm in (one reason for the trans swap) but being
an old hand with manual trans (all the way up to 18 wheelers), I was able to avoid abusing it at least,
but of course have no idea how good the previous owner(s) was with it.

Well, double darn, down to 0.5mm left to the rivets on one side and 1.0mm on the other. No sense in
going thru the agony of reassembling with that disc and then having to go thru the whole mess again
in a short time.

Sooo - found info on this forum about the rsr spring hub clutches so took a look. Ouch! But IMHO
worth it considering what it takes to change and if it could reduce chances for spline damage. My
splines in the clutch and on my existing trans are in really good condition, as are the ones on my
replacement RT-P trans, so at least it isn't an immediate problem, but anything I can do to continue
to avoid spline problems I will do - even ordered some extreme pressure Krytox from McM Carr.

I've read they're sloooooow, but have to get my bike back together with a minimum of delay cuz I'm
expecting a job offer any time, might be within a week or so, and I'll have maybe only a week's notice
before I have to leave. I work power plant construction projects away from home, so want to take
the bike with me and won't have time to work on it after I resume work. Do not want to leave it in
pieces for a year or so either.

I emailed rsr to ask for a realistic projection of when they could ship one. If they can't within a week
to 10 days, I'll have no choice but to install a stock disc.

At least the other contact surfaces look good, no significant discoloration or scoring or anything.
Apparently caught it just in time.

Can anyone recommend one of those dealers that discount BMW parts, I think there's one in
Chicago if I recall correctly?

Thanks so much!

EDIT: Big surprise - checked Chicago BMW price, listed at $182 plus core. A&S listed at $164.
I thought Chicago had a discount ?

[CNorris]

Max BMW in NY got me for $164 on the stock clutch. I think that's about the best you're going to do.

[boxermania]

macx

The RSR spring hub clutch disc is been in the making for some time now and don't know of any one delivered yet. You indicated that the input shaft splines are OK as well as those in the clutch disc, I recomend you stay with the stock clutch disc.

Being and old hot rodder don't you have anyone in the immediate vcinity that can replace the friction material in the old disc, I use to do that many, many moons ago.

BTW, Chicago BMW is supposed to discount parts 10% to 20%....Good luck

[macx]

Actually, I've thought of having it relined, maybe even with a better material (Kevlar or ?) and maybe a mm or 2
thicker on ea side so it lasts longer. RSR uses Kevlar on their street disc, altho I can't quite tell from the picture
how it's "arranged" as it doesn't appear to be a full circumference disc but rather pads, and advertise it to be 60% thicker which, if I have the correct info, would make ea side about 6mm thick rather than the 4mm that a new stocker is -
I've read 9mm "new" which would put ea side at about 4 mm thick. RSR claims it works with the rest of the stock setup
so the extra (up to 4 at least) mm thickness must not be a problem. Even if just a good quality organic lining, it would
last longer at least.

I've inquired with an outfit that advertises relining of all types of brakes & clutches, incl automotive, so maybe they'd
be able and willing to do something. I was even wondering if there's be a market for such an improved and relined
clutch on a core exchange basis - would have to come out at a little less than a new oem unit of course. I'm hoping
to hear back shortly. If I don't, I'll look around St Louis and KC and Memphis, maybe even Chicago, where there are
bound to be good relining outfits. The problem might be to find one that will be willing to take on something different,
altho it's a very straightforward simple clutch disc.

I'll post if I have any success in that direction.

[boxermania]

macx

Let me caution you on increasing the clutch disc thickness before you check if there is enough travel available on the release bearing and pressure plate otherwise there is a risk that the clutch will not release fully, but I think you know that already.

Kevlar is typically applied in segments and the material is "grabby" during initial engagement, this IMO, will be an invitation to disaster on a non-spring loaded clutch disc.

[REFFI]

I just brought my bike home from the dealer after a transmission rebuild, clutch replacement and 24K service. My invoice shows the clutch plate for $139, on which I received a 10% discount (due, most probably, to the immensity of the job and price). Bike shifts really smoothly now.

Ralph

[macx]

Orange County, hey?

Worked in Anaheim for a dab over a year a few years ago, lived in Yorba Linda.
ANYWAY -

Unfortunately no response from the clutch relining guy yet.

Don't imagine now I'll hear anthing before Monday.