Getting transmission rebuilt.....

[Rebel]

My 1988 RS has a bad rumble in the transmission, especially in 4th gear. I am going to be taking the bike in to have the transmission rebuilt at Morton's BMW in Fredericksburg, VA. I know they are very reputable, so hopefully soon, she will be back on the road and ready to ride. I have 120,000 on the bike, so I would say it's "due".

[enigmaT120]

Mine only made it to about 60,000 miles. Yours got some upgrades since '81 though.

It will cost you.

[ME 109]

My tranny is in exploded view at the moment. Waiting for an output shaft to arrive from the good old USA.

I've had to sue myself again for faulty workmanship. And I won!

[Kurt in S.A.]

Have them cut the groove and install the circlip on the output shaft:

http://www.largiader.com/articles/circlip/

Kurt in S.A.

[Rebel]

Thanks!! I am concerned about the circlip, and since mine is an '88, I am sure it is without a circlip. I spoke to the mechanic, and he said he could install the circlip, so I think that will be the best way to go. I am planning on dropping off the bike next weekend, so hopefully, I will get her back before long.

[Kurt in S.A.]

If you get the circlip done, you might consider some kind of external mark so as to indicate that it has been done. I don't think there is a universal standard on this, though, so 10 people might do 10 different things and no one is any wiser. I might contact Tom Cutter or Anton Largiader and see what they've been doing when they modify a transmission.

Kurt in S.A.

[Rebel]

Due to the continual snow every weekend I had to borrow a trailer to get the bike to the shop. Anyway, they have gone through the transmission and said everything looked great. They are replacing the shifter spring, and installing all new bearings as well as putting a groove in the end of the output shaft for the circlip. They are also spacing it to .1mm as factory spec. While there, they are installing a new rear main seal, and a new throw out bearing for the clutch. The clutch splines were in great shape, lubricated, and without rust. They also checked the oil pump and it is within specs as well. Little by little, "Edelweiss" is getting all better!! While there I also ordered a trunk. It is a Wunderlich TK-50 50 liter model that uses the K series mount like the 22 liter model they used to make. My wife will enjoy the backrest now on the road, and the extra storage capacity will be a blessing too. Hopefully I should have her back soon..........weather permitting.

[ME 109]

Did they find what was causing the 4th gear noise?

[Rebel]

The bearing on the rear side of the output shaft. The other bearings were not too bad, but they are being replaced as well. I just hope everything turns out correctly with the job. I plan on a lot of 2 up riding on the bike, and just want to make sure everything will be safe for a long time to come.

[ME 109]

The bearing on the rear side of the output shaft. The other bearings were not too bad, but they are being replaced as well. I just hope everything turns out correctly with the job. I plan on a lot of 2 up riding on the bike, and just want to make sure everything will be safe for a long time to come.

Rear output shaft bearing failure must be flavor of the month. Just replaced mine, as well as other bearings and a few other bits.