vwdoctor wrote:I am only 37 so I haven't started punishing myself with fixing old Italian designs, I am still on the Germans
. I did check the bike out (LeMans) and it is a very simple machine (I like them simple). But I did notice you have 97 VFR. That is on my "will have" list. I am still a sucker for V4's. My Sabre is still in the running as my favorite bike, however BMW is gaining some ground, ever since I got it to run right.
While I have your ear I wanted to hear your opinion on the clutch splines issue, I am sure you are familiar, since with these bikes it is (surging, input splines, stick coils) as far as complaints go.
Without going into it too deep do you think that that there is any chance that longer input shaft or modified clutch plate (to fit the input shaft fully) can cause any negative effects?. Lets assume for a moment that doesn't do any good because of blah blah. But IMHO doing this mod can not be a bad thing.
Your opinion.
But at this point we are getting of the subject of the thread so you can PM me if you want to.
Esmir
That's a good subject and worth while.
When I pulled the trans on my rock it had about 110K miles. The reason was I had a weird whine coming from the area of the engine /trans mate and I was planning a long trip so...you get the idea.
Anyway the splines looked brand new and not much sign of grease although I could see some color indicating that it had came from the factory with grease. I had bought a new clutch plate also just in case but when I measured (micrometer) it was .300" and the new one was .310" so I did not replace.
The whine turned out to be the front bearing but it was not making metal, I took the trans down and checked everything and all was fine so replaced the front bearing, flushed and cleaned everything and all was well.
I have friends in Berlin some of which know people that work in the BMW factory and their theory on the spline ware is an alignment problem from the factory. If the surfaces are not all true (and I mean very close to spec) you have a good chance of abnormal ware.
Of course this is also tied to how the machine is operated, as in if you have a GS and do allot of adventure stuff (including lotsa water crossings) or you like to load you roadster like Jed Clampets truck(beverly hillbillies TV show to all you younguns) along with momma and hit the road it will hasten things a bit.
Their general opinion(guys in Germany) is that if your machine has no problems with the rear bearings (preload critical, typical German over engineering) or the splines do not ware unusually for the first 30K/35/K miles, your probably good for a bunch of care free miles.
Having said all that:
The longer input shaft...can't hurt but????If I had to replace I would do it. I wouldn't mess with spec. clearence!
Theory is the longer shaft reduces spline load!!! Good grief how much load can 80 HP produce..the shaft is not much bigger than some of the small block powered hot rods I have had with 400+ hp. pulling a 3000 lb car!!
After market clutch plate...here again can't hurt?
Carefully reassembly of the rear taking care to get the pre-load correct..essential.
Happy riding!!!!
mike
BTW I have had 4 VFR's. The '97 was the last of the real sporty ones..did not like the '98 "flexy" frame or electronic carbs or linked brakes, although its the less invasive linked system I have ever tried. Love the gear driven cam whine!!!
