Clutch Life

[stokester]

With my '93 K75S quickly approaching 80K miles I'm continuing to replace items that are nearing the end of their life before I am left on the side of the road.

New Spiegler brake lines and a YSS shock (replaced a Progressive) along with a complete spline lube this winter has me ready to tour New England this summer after the RA rally.  After a throttle body synch I'll be ready to go.

So is there anecdotal evidence on an average service life of the clutch?  I will probably pull the transmission this next winter to replace the seal but should I have a clutch friction disc at the ready or just replace it because I'm there?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I can't speak for others, but I have been into the clutch on two of my bricks. 

The K75RT with 70,000+ miles showed hardly any wear, as did the clutch from my K100RS with 108,000 miles.  There was no indication either had been replaced before I got the bikes.

[Chaos]

I'm on my original clutch at 200k, usually it's an oil leak that ruins them.

[Martin]

140,000 K's very little wear. I only replaced it as it was a special order and I couldn't get a refund.
Regards Martin.

[CTDOM!]

I just changed mine on my 92 K1100RS with 82K.  O Ring went bad and when I mic'd it it was on the low side and almost level with the rivets.  Date stamped on it was 92.



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[The Mighty Gryphon]

I wonder how much clutch wear is caused by incorrect adjustment.  When I see well over 100,000 miles with almost no wear while another is worn out at 82,000 I have to wonder what could be the cause.  Riding style may have some effect, but how much stop and go does it take to wear out a clutch?  I suspect a previous owner who did't know how, or didn't bother checking for correct adjustment kills a lot of clutches.

[alabrew]

I think folks tend to slip it rather than planting it. MANY premature clutch failures on the K12LT where the bike is heavy and they want to slowly release as they give the gas. You might be able to get away with poor procedure with a wet clutch, but not a dry.

[beemuker]

I think folks tend to slip it rather than planting it. MANY premature clutch failures on the K12LT where the bike is heavy and they want to slowly release as they give the gas. You might be able to get away with poor procedure with a wet clutch, but not a dry.

don't you have to slip it a little? If I dump it my back tire starts smoking. :hehehe