Clonky Clutch?

[SVA]

Hey all.

Yesterday when I rode my R1100S in dense traffic on the freeway, I noted that when I am in 1st gear, driving very slowly and then use the clutch to reduce the forward motion, a silent clonk sounds. The clonk sounds again when I release the clutch.

(The clonk is like the one which sometimes sounds when you the bike in gear.)

The bike is running fine, and there have been no problems when shifting gear. I have just never experienced it the other bikes I have rode on, and I don't wanna ruin the gearbox. Hope that everybody can confirm that their R1100S behave the same way.

Kind regards

SVA

[SVA]

Just need to say that when I use the clutch "reduce" forward motion, I pull it all the way back, and it is only the last few milimeters the clonk sounds.

When releasing the clutch again, the clonk sounds the the last few milimeters from fully released.

Pardon my way of expressing myself, but english is not my primary language, and I have never needed to talk about clutches before


I don't know if it ONLY happens when in first gear, but when driving in second and above, I wouldn't be able to hear the sound, because of the wind.

[high_tower]

i do alot of miles scooting through traffic i get the clunk/clonk noise and feel all the time. i've had mine for about 4000 miles and not noticed any problems or deterioration in the gear change or drive.

the noise is only slight and the feel is really minor, not sure if the feel is because its obviously getting drive back from the engine.

i just presumed it was one of those 'crazy' quirks of bmw.

[Al]

mine is the same, this may be a case of "they all do that sir" some of the more experienced s owners on here may be able to confirm this, and on the same subject is this why synthetic g/box oil is recomended?

Al

[r550s]

mine has always done exactly what you describe. I'm happy that it's just a case of 'taking up' the freeplay in the drivetrain when you engage the clutch. It hasn't altered through 2 gearboxes and clutches, so I'd say don't worry - add it to the list of 'quirks'!

[Cobbster]

Yep, Mine does exactly the same and so does my cousins 1200GS.

Mobil 1 fully synth only smooths out the gear changes not the quirky clunk.

Cobbster.

[pastyman]

Yeah my R11S has done this since I had it, I put in a full synthetic oil in both gearbox and drive shaft. Redued knocking slightly, helps with gear changes.

[SVA]

I want to thank you all for saving me from being scared of ruining the gearbox on my R1100S. It calms me down to know that everybody are experiencing it, but I still wonder why the clonk sounds. But what the hell.. it runs like a dream.