'07 Norge beyond 120,000

[Huzo]

Here's a serious question regarding preventative maintenance on my Norge. After next year's Europe, the bike will have around 120,000 k on the clock. Concerning the clutch and timing chain (or anything else). The bike has done a lot of easy touring and ALWAYS had good oil changed on schedule, at what point should I replace the timing chain and what check can I perform to ascertain it's condition ? Also the clutch, can I adequately check it's condition without removing it, in which case you'd replace it anyway, but I'd sooner not pull it out to find it only half gone. Also I'm lead to believe there are bonded or riveted versions that will go in, what's the real truth behind what's best and what else apart from the obvious expendables should be properly looked at for a bike of this mileage ?

[Wayne Orwig]

I wouldn't touch the clutch. If you do go in that far, then the replacement is cheap compared to the labor. If they don't crack or get oiled, they can go a long time.
Unless the cam chain or tensioners fail, they are good for over 120,000 miles (200,000 KM).

I would disassemble the driveshaft and lube the splines and the swingarm bearings.
 

[Huzo]

I wouldn't touch the clutch. If you do go in that far, then the replacement is cheap compared to the labor. If they don't crack or get oiled, they can go a long time.
Unless the cam chain or tensioners fail, they are good for over 120,000 miles (200,000 KM).

I would disassemble the driveshaft and lube the splines and the swingarm bearings.

Ok Wayne thank you. I've done the splines when I had the swingarm out and did the tapereds as well, I used molybdenum grease. Will the clutch give warning signs when due ? I don't want to put a mark on the pressure plate, and the camchain, clearly if it let go that's end of half the motor, you don't think a preventative replacement at around 160 k ? I'll be guided by informed opinion though. Thanks again. Huzo.

[ITSec]

My 2008 Norge has 118,000 miles (190,000 km) and the clutch is getting near time to replace - though it's still serviceable. No sign of cam chain issues at all. Things I have done are to replace the starter (with a Bosch, cheap on Amazon), the rear seal and bearing on the final drive (cheap, used BMW spec part for the bearing), and all the usual keep-it-looked-after stuff. No need for anything else...

[Huzo]

My 2008 Norge has 118,000 miles (190,000 km) and the clutch is getting near time to replace - though it's still serviceable. No sign of cam chain issues at all. Things I have done are to replace the starter (with a Bosch, cheap on Amazon), the rear seal and bearing on the final drive (cheap, used BMW spec part for the bearing), and all the usual keep-it-looked-after stuff. No need for anything else...

Ok thanks IT, I'll be guided by that also. How did you know the clutch was getting close to shagged ? Do they begin to slip or make rotten noises ?  and the camchain, what would you watch for as time in service goes on ?

[ITSec]

Ok thanks IT, I'll be guided by that also. How did you know the clutch was getting close to shagged ? Do they begin to slip or make rotten noises ?  and the camchain, what would you watch for as time in service goes on ?

I haven't done the clutch yet, but I'm starting to see a bit of slip when I am traveling at highway speed, then suddenly hit the throttle to pass (for example). For cam chain, I'd look for play in the valve train - i.e., the valves might behave like they're not in adjustment even when freshly set to correct clearance.

[Huzo]

Ok , all good stuff, thanks IT.