Need to really stomp on shifter to downshift

[gohabsgo k75]

Not sure if this is normal or not.  When I am down shifting usally from 4 to 3, I REALLY need to stomp on the gear shifter to make it go.  I know my old Bandit never did this but maybe it is normal for BMW K bikes?  If it is not normal, what does this mean?

[Rick G]

Having to work hard to down shift can often mean that the trans inpit shaft needs some lube, it makes the clutch drag a bit.

[frankenduck]

Having to work hard to down shift can often mean that the trans inpit shaft needs some lube, it makes the clutch drag a bit.

+1

Spline lube should be on your to-do list.

[gohabsgo k75]

Having to work hard to down shift can often mean that the trans inpit shaft needs some lube, it makes the clutch drag a bit.

+1

Spline lube should be on your to-do list.

Is that a DIY job for an amateur?

Larry

[motodude]

Having to work hard to down shift can often mean that the trans inpit shaft needs some lube, it makes the clutch drag a bit.

+1

Spline lube should be on your to-do list.

Is that a DIY job for an amateur?

Larry

We're (almost) all amateurs of one sort or another. 

If you'd be comfortable removing the transmission from your bike (and re-installing it, of course), then it is probably something you could DIY.  For this job, you don't necessarily need to completely remove the transmission but you should probably be prepared to before you start.

There are instructions on this site and others.  They would probably be worthwhile reading before you make a decision.

Tom

[pallum]

It's not hard, just a lot of work. I did it with almost no mechanical experience at all and made it out alive. If you have the means and the time (maybe 12 hours total if you're taking your time), go for it!

[gohabsgo k75]

What tools would be required for this.  Can it be done from the center stand or do I need a motorbike work stand.  It does look pretty daunting at this point, though  :yow

[frankenduck]

And do not stomp on the shift lever.  Let it go to a "false neutral" between and then shift it.  If you stomp on the shift lever you will either break it($165) or possibly bend things inside of the transmission.

I use a saw horse for spline lubes:

[mjydrafter]

What tools would be required for this.  Can it be done from the center stand or do I need a motorbike work stand.  It does look pretty daunting at this point, though  :yow

Mainly the proper hex keys and a general assortment of "regular" tools.  No one can really answer if you can do this, but you :yes.  Having done it, there really isn't anything too outrageous.  Probably the most exotic tool you'll need is a torque wrench and of course the proper lube.

[gohabsgo k75]

And do not stomp on the shift lever.  Let it go to a "false neutral" between and then shift it.  If you stomp on the shift lever you will either break it($165) or possibly bend things inside of the transmission.

I use a saw horse for spline lubes:

So, at what point in dismantling do you get the saw horse in there?  I see that your center stand is also lying on the ground ...  and your tail pipe is off also.  Are these steps usually required?  And ... that is a nice looking sawhorse.  Where did you get it?

Larry

[frankenduck]

Saw horse time: Final drive and swing arm removed.  Battery removed. I usually also break free the two frame to transmission bolts and four center stand bolts before putting it on the sawhorse.

It's nice to have the exhaust out of the way.  For a K75 you may want to get a new exhaust gasket as many times they are a one-use item.  Part 18121457142.

I suppose you could do it with the center stand still attached but it would probably be awkward.

Saw horse: $30 at Lowe's: http://www.lowes.com/pd_162111-31596-60142_0__?productId=3488679&Ntt=saw+horse&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dsaw%2Bhorse&facetInfo=


Drain the final drive before you remove it.  Otherwise if you lay it on it's side then gear oil will come out of the breather on the top.

Drain the transmission after you remove the center stand. (Otherwise it likes to dribble down the center stand and make a mess on the floor.)

[WayneDW]

BTW, I used a ratchet strap up through my garage center beam instead.  Seemed to work just fine!

[gohabsgo k75]

It's nice to have the exhaust out of the way.  For a K75 you may want to get a new exhaust gasket as many times they are a one-use item.  Part 18121457142.

Thanks for the reply, frankenduck

Is it possible to do without removing exhaust and center stand?  Is the gasket for where the muffler attaches to the tailpipe? 

Larry

[mjydrafter]

You will want to remove the center stand, so you can get something under the transmission to slide it back out of the way.  It's only 4 bolts, just follow the manual and blue loctite the bolts when you put it back together.

I didn't have any luck with the gasket.  I ruined it and my bike didn't have it to begin with... :embarass:

[gohabsgo k75]

I picked up a gasket across the road at Wolf BMW  - $17.65 + tax.  Also walked over to Honda and bought the Moly 60 paste - $23.95 + tax.  That hurts.  Still need to
get a sawhorse, then cross my fingers and get dirty.

Wish me luck.

Larry

[frankenduck]

You will want to remove the center stand, so you can get something under the transmission to slide it back out of the way.  It's only 4 bolts, just follow the manual and blue loctite the bolts when you put it back together.

I didn't have any luck with the gasket.  I ruined it and my bike didn't have it to begin with... :embarass:

You don't really need anything under the transmission to get it off.  It only weighs a little under 35 pounds.

And there's no need to Loctite the center stand bolts.

[gohabsgo k75]

Are there any gaskets between the transmission and the block or any other components of the drive shaft assembly that need to be renewed?

Larry

[frankenduck]

The only part you'll need is the exhaust gasket.  Maybe a clutch rubber boot too. (23131338731)

[gohabsgo k75]

Thanks frankenduck

[Agerbundsen]

Having to work hard to down shift can often mean that the trans inpit shaft needs some lube, it makes the clutch drag a bit.

Technique??? Give a little gas while shifting usually helps smooth out the shifts. BMW tranny's are know for requiring a firm hand (or foot in this case), so you may have a quite normal situation.

[gohabsgo k75]

Having to work hard to down shift can often mean that the trans inpit shaft needs some lube, it makes the clutch drag a bit.

Technique??? Give a little gas while shifting usually helps smooth out the shifts. BMW tranny's are know for requiring a firm hand (or foot in this case), so you may have a quite normal situation.

No, I don't think that is the case here.  It is usually normal pressure shifting down from 5 to 4 but then to 3 is crazy hard at times and I have to slow down
the revs to be able to coax it into 3rd.  I am sure that this spline lube will at least help a little.

Larry

[2000rsv]

Also walked over to Honda and bought the Moly 60 paste - $23.95 + tax.  That hurts. 

Larry

Noob here with the K bike.  However, Moly60 is also used on my other bikes for splines, etc.  FYI - Honda sells the same Moly60 lube at their car dealerships.  In my experience, for much less.

J

[frankenduck]

Or buy it online by searching for the part number: 08734-0001

$11.47 shipped - Fleabay

[gohabsgo k75]

Well, I finally got around to getting a test ride in ... I just finished bolting things back together last Tuesday, late, then left early Wednesday for a canoe camping trip.  It was sure nice to get back on the road and I have to say that spline lube was definitely the issue with my shifting.  It is now shifting like a dream!  Not bad for a mechanical noob, eh?  Anyhow,  thanks to Rick G and Frankenduck for their diagnosis and help along the way.

Cheers,

Larry

[frankenduck]

:mbird :mbird :mbird :mbird :mbird