1976 BMW R75/6 Transmission Shifting Clunking

[ccolwell]

Brit bikes do not run dry in the clutch as they run in an oil bath.

I know, I've had a few. Your beemer has a dry clutch.

 

[b25bsaboy]

I know, I've had a few. Your beemer has a dry clutch.

This is true regarding the R75/6 having a dry clutch

 

[cseltz]

I started riding my '76 R75/6 about 2 years ago and I don't ride much. Maybe 1,000 miles a season. When I first started I was a bit alarmed by the amount of noise and "beating metal" involved in shifting from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. 3rd to 4th and on to 5th was never an issue. Also, when I first started (still the same) the shifting was smooth through all gears. The noise starts after a couple of minutes' riding. Now, I just "feather" the shifter in the lower gears and gently let it find its way in. It took some getting used to but I am convinced that I am never going to learn to judge the rpms just right to get it to shift quietly. Hopefully I'm not doing anything that will accelerate the demise of the transmission.

 

[SCBuckeye]

Sorry Kurt but I give your "post loading the shifter" idea a thumbs down.
It doesn't make any mechanic sense, the gear change is over, nor does it do anything except cause unneeded wear on the shifting mechanism.
Nick

I agree with Kurt. Don't see how it puts extra wear on the shifting mechanism. If the shifting dogs are similar to the Hondas I used to take apart (I personally have not had a BMW tranny apart), then Kurt's method is useful, in that it still keeps the gear dogs from "backing out" of the mating dogs until the driving pressure on the dogs to dogs actually "pulls" the gears together.

I have the same situation with my R100/7 as described by Kurt, and also have used his method with good success. Better than letting the gears pop apart, and cause more tranny damage or over revving due to the "false neutral."

My issue is more with the down shifting down to 1st gear, esp. if I don't get it down to 1st prior to stopping. Sometimes just sitting at a light will cause a slight shifting jam, going from 3rd to 2nd to 1st, before the light changes to green.

I have been using Lucas' trans/gear oil, 80w90 with their oil additive with very good success (it seems to me!).

 

[b25bsaboy]

Good evening,

Well it took five years from the time I started the strip down to getting the 76 R75/6 back on the road and I must say it has been an interesting journey. Before I get into my issue, I want to say that of all the machines (British) I've restored, this one is on top of the list for something that is beautiful to ride and handles like a dream. Once I figured out where the engine rpm sweet spot is, that is the range I try and ride at. This machine is smooth

View attachment 50888

The issue, or maybe this is not an issue, but when I shift gears whether shifting up or down the engagement is clunking and not smooth. Shifting into first get is smooth, and up to fourth gear it sounds and feels like its not engaging smoothly as it should. The clutch was adjusted as per specification between Clymer, Haynes and the BMW shop manual. Of course we have to mention our friend Chris ? who has a number of You Tube presentation both in pictures and colourful vocabulary.

What more can I do to get the shifting smoother than it is? Re adjust the clutch? Slow my throttle time down before engaging the clutch lever and then shift. Open to all suggestions.

Will try and find some pictures to post, and here are two.

View attachment 50889

Finally got a nice day to take the 75/6 out for a run and see if the clunking is still there after taking the BelRay 80/90 and replacing it with Red Line Heavy. Not as noisy as before, but then again I decided to change my riding shifting style as per some of the comments. Still some what noisy, but not like before. I find that shifting up, pull the clutch in and gently ease it into place - very nice. 4th and 5th are smooth and are not jumping out of gear. Guess I have to remember that this is a 39 year old machine and has to be treated with TLC and respect.

On another note, and I know Kurt may move this to another section, but does anyone know where I can purchase a 3XL 3/4 motorcycle helmet. Mine is getting on in age like me and needs replacing. Did realize how D*#n difficult it is to fine anything.

 

[jad01]

I have been using the Red Line Heavy ShockProof/V-Twin Transmission Oil with ShockProof in my /7 for several years now and like the the way it has smoothed out and somewhat quieted shifting. Time will tell if the transmission wear is better/same/worse than the specified 80w/90.

 

[20774]

In another note, and I know Kurt may move this to another section, but does anyone know where I can purchase a 3XL 3/4 motorcycle helmet. Mine is getting on in age like me and needs replacing. Did realize how D*#n difficult it is to fine anything.

I'd rather not move this but suggest that you post another thread in Gear and get some comments there. Good luck!

 

[FELAW]

Clunk

I find the clunk satisfying.