R80GS Endfloat question

[Dave Ross]

#2211

Let's hope there are some airhead gurus left on this forum. I am in the process of adjusting the valves on my R80. I've just measured the end float and it's out by .05. Is it worth worrying about it? Otherwise I'll have to get the shims out, measure them and then work out which shim size I need. The trouble is the BMW NZ doesn't have any in stock. I want to ride the bike next week.Your advice would be appreciated.Alex

[dave.valma]

#8484

.05 mm is nothing to worry about, put the cover back on and keep riding.Steve.

[Dave Ross]

#8485

That's a word. Thanks Steve. I've ordered some shims anyway. The next job will be a spline lube. The bike is seeping a little bit of oil on the paralever rubber sleeve. I've got the seal to fix it. Should those two jobs be done at the same time? There is still so much to learn about my airhead, but it's a lot of fun working on it. Cheers,Alex

[dave.valma]

#8486

I gather that the spline lube means the gearbox/ clutch plate, it would make sense to do them both at the same time, you may need some special tools to do the seal and a socket with the OD reduced to allow it to penetrate far enough to engage the hex on the lock nut, it's a while since I did one but funnily enough I have one on the bench right now awaiting replacement. I just re-read your first post and wondered when you say the endfloat is out .05 do you mean that is on top of the allowable end float or is it the total end float? Saying that, if it is the former I still wouldn't feel in any rush to correct it. 

[Dave Ross]

#8487

Hi Steve,I have done a bit of research on the topic, and now I am thinking that I can probably handle the spline lube, but changing the seal is beyond me. It seems the locknut you are talking about is torqued to 210nm and I can see myself doing all sorts of damage. At this stage there is only a dusting of oil coming from the final drive boot area, probably looking worse than it is, due to the dust that has settled there. I am tempted to leave it alone for now, until it starts to at least drip.Then I thought, I'd take the gearbox out and take it to someone who knows what they're doing and let them deal with the seal.I have measured the end float gap on three of the rocker arms it's about .08. One of them seem to be fine. I have ordered some shims, they are cheap enough, and will have a go at reducing the gap at the next valve adjustment.I have absolutely no reference when it comes to Airheads. Chances are I am over cautious. I just don't like having to do things twice, if it can be avoided. Haven't had all that much luck avoiding it in the past :-).Thank you for your input.Cheers,Alex

[dave.valma]

#8488

I'm sure that Neil would see you right with the fitting of the seal if you take in the rear end, it would have to be under an hours work and they would have the correct tools. you could leave it, but with the diff out you are more than 1/2 way there. Dont forget to check the bearings on the paralever points and the swinging arm while you are in there. The end float would be OK as is but if you don't mind adjusting them i'm sure the bike aint going to complain. Just make sure that you put the rocker shafts back in their correct position otherwise you will starve the rocker of oil. Note punch marks on the end of the shafts for orientation.You could alternately move the engine forward to take out the gearbox rather than taking the back end out, but if you have a decent bench to put the bike on it there isn't a lot of difference in the time it takes.

[Dave Ross]

#8489

Someone suggested I should also have the gearbox bearings replaced at the same time, as it is only a little bit more work. The bike has 108000km on the clock. It's an ex-rental bike, so the transmission may have had a hard live. On the other hand, it's more likely that an enthusiast has chosen to ride a bike like the R80GS and has taken the required care. I have no idea how long one would expect the bearings to last, but even another 20000kms probably means four years of riding for me on this bike. Just because I found a little loose end, I don't want to unravel the whole weave.

[dave.valma]

#8490

IF the gearbox sounds and works fine dont worry about it, check the drain bung for metal contamination when you change the oil. I have seen them give problems after 50,000 to a couple of bikes that must have at least 300.000 on them and not a sign of a problem.  Some folks have what I call sexy fingers they just cant leave things alone. IF it aint broke don't fix it!

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