Separating the driveshaft from the trans output shaft?

azure · azure's Garage

HI,

I was recently given a 2001 r1100s with 49.7k miles. The bike had sat outside for at least one New England beach-side winter, hence the gifting, which was actually an exchange for a hopefully nice bottle of wine.

On commencing to dismantle the bike for restoration, I noted that the upper left sub frame stay was fractured, and removed the frame yesterday for repair.

My question today is concerning the removal of the driveshaft. There does not appear to be a circlip, or other retainer...is the fitting pressed on, and may I remove it with gentle persuasion?

Thanks for any help!

JimMoore · 06-16-2018, 02:30 PM

There s a circlip in the driveshaft. You can pry the driveshaft off with a big-ass screwdriver or a crowbar.

azure · azure's Garage

Thanks Jim!

Dana in Philly · Dana in Philly's Garage

You have the service manual? It's useful for this kinda stuff:

OK5BMW_R1100S_Repair_Manual

azure · azure's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dana in Philly

You have the service manual? It's useful for this kinda stuff:

OK5BMW_R1100S_Repair_Manual

Thanks, Brother! I did download the manual, but did not see the citation characterizing the circlip. For anyone else who has a similar question, these internal circlips are on the splined shaft, and are not removable until the coupling is separated. They simply add to the stability of the coupling by increasing the force necessary to separate the driveshaft.
Not sure that the fixed position of the rear drive isn't sufficient on it's own, but gotta love comprehensive engineering! Best to all!

BTW, anyone have a method for balancing the driveshaft? I am thinking of doing so similarly to static wheel balancing...letting gravity show where the heaviest aspect is longitudinally.

Dana in Philly · Dana in Philly's Garage

Sister -- but you're welcome!

azure · azure's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dana in Philly

Sister -- but you're welcome!

Sorry, glad to call you Sister, Dana!

BadToTheBown · BadToTheBown's Garage

Manual shows you can pry it off with 1 screw driver. I feel like I'm going to break the housing when I've tried this. 2 screw drivers opposite each other does it easy.

BMW balances these shafts and with their relatively small radius, not likely to be an issue. I would make sure you have the U-joints in phase when reassembling. Best of luck...

sykospain · sykospain's Garage

All you need do before setting about this massive job, is to watch this YouTube video :-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGf-tWobwEg&t=2189s

AL in s.e. Spain