BMW Motorcycle Shift Linkage Service

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A video created by Kirk's Motorrad Shop. Please work at your own risk. We are not responsible for any damage you do.

[@scottdrums2128]

Thank you for redoing this video. My wife and I had a nice tow truck ride home last night.🙄 I told her Kirk had a service video on this quite sometime ago. I'll be opening it up to see what the verdict is in a couple of days. 😮

[@josephwinkler4863]

Absolutely priceless info I’m here at midnight adjusting my shift linkage I rode this 42,000 mile motorcycle 5 1/2 hours home on Saturday jamming it into first gear thinking there was something wrong with the transmission ! And all it was was a loose ball socket.

[@edwinjames6283]

Thanks Kirk...My new to me LT will have this repair done in the next few weeks. After forty years of twisting wrenches on BMWs, I'm finally getting a lift and won't be lying on the floor. I'm just getting too old for that! Just sent a small donation to say "Thanks for the Video!"

[@kirksmotorrad]

It is very appreciated!

[@benkanobe7500]

Thanks. This is one we all can do and what a difference in riding quality to have tight gear linkage!

[@naifoz1]

Thank you for your effort and sharing your experience with the community

[@83226505]

Outstanding stuff indeed. Thanks so much for the finer points of gear linkage cleaning, lubing and refitting.

[@sfoda511]

Mine was a repair, the bike locked up, had to pull the shifter up by hand and rode 90Ks back home that way. Upon disassembly found a screw from the tupperware that I obviously lost during one of the tear downs managed to get caught in the linkage area. I couldn't reassemble as easy as you did, had to remove the lower tupperware to get my hands in there only to find out that if I had put the long rod on the shifter first then pushed it on to the housing it would have worked easier. Prior to that the linkage housing would not go back in despite saying if it comes out, it will go back... What worked for me was to remove the inner bushing and then the housing slipped in easy, then just push the bushing in, put in the screw, washer and nut. Simple. This may help others who struggle because nothing works like it should :) Thank you for the assist! Cal

[@dbulhelix]

This helped me service the shift lever on my 2018 G310R - did not lose clips - thanks!

[@toddtonis]

Thanks Kirk for sharing this video. I did find two of these ball joints had loosened up about two years ago when I was doing some other service. So, I tightened up just the loose ones maybe threw in some grease while I was there. After watching this video and hearing your comments on having due dilegence I'll add this to my spring chores when I get the K-pig out for riding. Also, just picked up one of your shirts from (tri-color graphic on grey shirt) and really like it; well done!

[@fmarjamaa]

Thank you for redoing this video. Never even known this might be an issue. There was a good amount of free play on my bikes shift lever and I found out that one of the ball joint was loose. Absolutely great info!

[@GRequinBlanc]

I have a K75 with a diff linkage but I still watched the entire video. you do good work.

[@jgarner1104]

Thanks Kirk, I'll be doing this next weekend.

[@ianwatkins6563]

Thanks - I had a gravitational issue and had to replace the shifter - this vid saved a LOT of stress. - ian

[@jackmarch2914]

Wow did mine on the 2000 LT dirty and both cover side and linkage side were loose. Bike shifts smooth and no free play. Keep those videos coming. Excellent job.

[@jimbyrne9071]

Thx for your hard work.

[@digger8180]

Fantastic, thank you for posting this 👍🏻

[@sdmackpictures]

I actually almost got stranded because of a break in the linkage. This is a video I will definitely use. I had to ride several blocks in 1st gear due to the break in the linkage. Thanks so much for this how to video. I'm going to order from your amazon store.

[@illiyakuryakin3092]

Thank you, Kirk. I checked my linkage and found one of the foam/plastic washers deteriorated. Cyclewerks had them in stock and I will replace it tomorrow. I sent you a donation.

[@rayfriedman9625]

Wow--buddy--you saved my bacon with this video! I was just trying to adjust the shift lever to add a little more height/clearance for my boot. While trying to turn the lock nuts on either end, I inadvertently popped one of those ball joints off the linkage. I was struggling to figure out how to get it back on (I don't even want to tell what I tried) but eventually saw the "hair clip" you pointed out and figured it must be there for a reason. I searched around for a few minutes and found your video. Once I saw how you removed the clip PROPERLY, I was able to remove mine, pop the joint back onto my linkage and then re-install the clip. Trouble is, I popped it off the first time (as I say, unintentionally) without removing the clip first. Everything went back together okay, but I suspect I might have stressed or damaged that particular joint. I'll have my dealer check it next service (assuming I don't have trouble between now and then). BTW, I was working on a '22 R1250 GSA, a MUCH less complicated job than the one you were working on--and I still screwed it up! Again, MUCH thanks for help and guidance. Hopefully KZbin doesn't take this video down--I may need it again!

[@MegaCamilo15]

Hi Kirk , i am watching your videos because i am driving an LT aswell.Got that starter problem , and i am trying to repair it buy myself.thank you so much to supporting me …! You are a nice and smart gut, your Know-how ist huge.I envy you for That . Cris from Bonn /West germany

[@SsgtHolland]

Great video, thanks for the advice man!

[@jackmarch2914]

Wow great advice thanks Dude. Excellent job. Thanks much.

[@justmyself1000]

Thank You!

[@wadefallat1418]

Thank you.

[@MarkReedman]

Hi Kirk. Had a fuel leak the other day adding to a puddle of fuel under the bike. Turned out to be the quick disconnects on the tank send and return had become brittle and had fractured. I cut them both out and replaced with 5/16 barb joiners job done. The hoses come off the tank barbs quick enough. Could have been nasty if it had caught fire while riding. Got lucky as I noticed it during a routine engine run in the shed. 2002 K1200. Thanks Kirk great video

[@martinschellhase7242]

dear kirk, the video is very helpful. Unfortunately, I had to remove the underbody protection from the other side in order to be able to loosen the screw. As shown in your video, it just didn't come loose!

[@ryanborder]

Little slices of 3/8" fuel hose seems to make a decent substitute for perished seals. Also- I'd (red) loctite the ball shafts in to keep them from moving.

[@wasiuadewaletemigbe3558]

Thanks for the video, pls can you make a video on how to replace leaking shift shaft seal of 2004 bmw r1150r

[@mariogauthier1957]

nice job

[@bvkpn]

I just replaced my O2 sensor and when I had the peg removed, I serviced the linkage. It's an easy fast job, but it makes a bit difference on the shifting. Now, it's smooth.

[@jumar360]

We would watch any video you make and/ or remake. Thanks

[@philhenwood]

Really glad you did a replacement vid, great as usual. Just a question, should my 2003 k1200lt heat up if I just leave it ideling?

[@robertanderson402]

I went right out and checked my linkage on the lift. I would like to see how you put down the center stand on a bike lift. I am having a hard time with this. THANKS

[@BradMosch_engineer]

Many thanks for the video. Just now getting ready to go out and replace a broken shift link ball after being stranded on the road with my '99 LT. I have the new part, but I wish I would have watched your video earlier so I would have known to order the rubber rings that are all missing on mine! I opted for the bigger 8mm thread ball (used on later models) to replace the original 6mm stock one. I'll drill and tap the shift lever to accept it while I wait on the rubber ring parts. Maybe it will stay tight and be less susceptible to breaking (that's my theory, anyway). I'll also use a removable thread-lock on it (unless there's a reason I shouldn't). After a certain number of miles, would it be just good practice to replace all balls and/or sockets on the linkage? Mine has 120k miles on it.

[@kirksmotorrad]

You will know when to change them if you inspect them every year or so

[@stephanestpierre2639]

Looking to install a strobe brake light can you help me figure it out thank’s

[@JoshPiper]

Do you have a part number for those bushings? Or a link to where BMW sells them? Took mine apart and that bushing is gone

[@chassisom8943]

Good instructional video. THanks. My linkage is worn and should be replaced. Any ideas where I can get some stout aftermarket linkage? I was told it's out there but I sure can't find it now. Thanks Chas

[@kirksmotorrad]

I am not sure either. I think I saw them on Bobs BMW or Wonderlich

[@edsyphan3425]

Very thorough as usual. You didn't mention the pivot where the lever passes through the chrome thingy. Does it get a dab?

[@kirksmotorrad]

no. That would be unnecessary unless it is sticking.

[@richdawson249]

Would you happen to have a set of injectors for the 1999 K1200LT? I am in a pinch and need some quickly.

[@rosscorindia9527]

Hi Kirk, not related to this video but to the service of my 2006 K..Where can I get my abs servo rebuilt? Seems like module masters by the look of the website is no longer supporting servo repairs?

[@BradMosch_engineer]

I just had them rebuild mine a few months ago for my '99 LT. Works great.

[@richfjr1300]

oh so this may explain my buddies 98 K1200RS, he says it was stuck in gear, had to get it towed, but the dealer then said there was nothing wrong? I'm not sure if its the same linkage setup, same motor so i would think so.

[@kirksmotorrad]

Its pretty close

[@mariogauthier1957]

on my K1200 LT 2007 265,000 kilometre bolt for the shifter M10X 50 part number 46517688871 broken on the road this bolt very short now y put bolt M10X 60

[@CaptainDave2010]

longtime fan - 4 LT's to date --- K - HOW DO YOU shift BIKE IN NEUTRAL if it has broke rod ?? - and in 1st gear ... thanks --- -ps- liked this VIDEO BETTER than 1st one ;) ;) - VaptDave- retired lifetime rider .......pls show in supporting vid ;)

[@kirksmotorrad]

You need to take the footpeg off and shift the lever on the trans.

[@stephanestpierre2639]

For a 2018 bagger 1600-k

[@ghebson5235]

Good video but apparently this is not a problem for those that only ride BMWs, is only for Harley riders on BMWs, “I can’t get it into gear” and they slam down the shifter, lol. Harley PTSD.

[@GRequinBlanc]

YT algorithm scrub down the music, even fait and the Copyright owners pay for YT to take down video (even if not moneytised)

[@shamoy1000]

You tube is run by idiots. I've been wondering if you could / would for a fee send a indexed file with all your videos. I really don't trust you tub to keep videos available and or remain free. With out your videos I could never have afforded to keep riding my LT. Much gratitude.

[@mwnahas]

you hurt someone's feelings and they reported your video to utoob as a violation of community standards. you probably called them a Harley rider lol.