K1300S Clutch Issue

[Popillius]

Hi all. I was riding back from a 6 mile journey on my 2010 K1300S and noticed that my clutch was slipping badly in 4th to 6th. Since then, pulling off in first is a very slow process and the clutch slips so badly that I can't really get the bike to move above 60mph as the revs just fly high without engagement. It's worse when warm, when it's cold I can just about use it in first to third gear without slippage but it's still unusable in 4th to 6th. I have changed the clutch mineral oil and have done a full oil change (including filter) using Motul 7100 and it is exactly the same. No difference in the awful clutch slippage.

Now, before I buy the Barnet clutch pack and get elbow deep, could it be anything else?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[husoi]

Maybe some seafoam added to the oil may solve the problem.

How many miles does the bike have?

 

[Popillius]

Thanks for the response. 31,000ish. What is seafoam? Excuse my ignorance!

 

[Simon Davey]

It's an additive.

You can put it in your fuel to clean and refresh your system. It's phenomenal, my bike is quite literally too fast now.

I also used it on my 14 year old car, and went from 19 Mpg around town to 25Mpg!

 

You can also put it in your oil to clean the engine, which might help freshen up the clutch system.

 

https://seafoam.co.uk/

[rob m]

I have a K1300S and owned two K1200S’ before that. If it’s slipping in all the gears then it’s likely to be the clutch plates. I’ve used Barnett clutch kits and they’re a good belt and braces approach.
 

Couple of things. I found that the biting point was close to the top of travel before my clutch went on the K1200s. Not sure if that was the case with yours. 

 

Also, BMW recommend 5/40w synthetic oil. I always use the official Advantec oil, it’s not the cheapest but BMW recommend it for a reason. These engines can be sensitive to different grade oils, might be worth thinking about. 

[RideWithStyles]

yep new clutch pack, check the basket case too.

[Phil1]

I'm guessing it's hydraulic on these bikes? Another option if someones been a bit ham-fisted and over adjusted the cable assuming it's cable actuated, even so it may have already done the damage. 

 

[rob m]

32 minutes ago, Phil1 said:

I'm guessing it's hydraulic on these bikes? Another option if someones been a bit ham-fisted and over adjusted the cable assuming it's cable actuated, even so it may have already done the damage. 

 

Yeah, it’s a hydraulic clutch so can’t be adjusted. Re-bleeding the line can sometimes help but when it’s slipping like described it usually means a new clutch pack is needed. I replaced mine at 28k on the K12. The K12 clutches could be problematic due to under lubrication and loose clutch baskets making them noisy, I had one modified by John Sykes and it was beautiful to use after that but it came at a cost.

 

Anyway, BMW had resolved the issues by the release of the K13. They’re a solid clutch overall but plates wear out, just like any other bike. 

 

 

[Popillius]

Thanks everyone, for the help and advice. Have ordered the kit and I am going to get on it this weekend. No idea how tough a job it is so, wish me luck!

[husoi]

I'm sure you will be fine

 

Don't forget to post the progress and some pics.

 

We all love them