K100 questions

[spacemonkey]

Hey there,
I'm looking at getting a touring bike and quite like the BMW's but am wondering if you folks have any tips on any particular things/problems to look for when looking at old K100's?

And yes I have tried using the search button but didn't find quite what I was looking for so how about it, got any tips for me. :confused:


Also I know there's a few Fj fan's on here, anything to look out for when inspecting an old FJ?

Thanks Heaps :D

[cs363]

Hey there,
I'm looking at getting a touring bike and quite like the BMW's but am wondering if you folks have any tips on any particular things/problems to look for when looking at old K100's?

And yes I have tried using the search button but didn't find quite what I was looking for so how about it, got any tips for me. :confused:


Also I know there's a few Fj fan's on here, anything to look out for when inspecting an old FJ?

Thanks Heaps :D


I used to sell them when they were new, great bikes for covering big mileage in comfort. Unfortunately about the only good tip I can remember is not to leave them sitting on the sidestand too much as it tends to make them smoke!
These might be helpful:
http://will.mylanders.com/mc/notes/read.pl?file=84
http://www.motorcycle.co.uk/Articles/Buyers-guide/Early-BMW-K-Series.aspx

The other thing is if you are buying in the Wellington area, call in and see Mike Dobson at Motorrad, he is the BMW guru in NZ and would probably know the bike if it's local.

FJ owners seem to swear by their bikes and I can't say I've ever heard anything bad about them apart from derogatory comments made by sportsbike riders (but you'll get that with the K100 too...) :)

failing any further advice on here, spend some time on google and also see if you can find some model/brand specific forums - they'll have the info you are looking for.

Good luck with whatever you end up buying!

[Ixion]

I have the K75 not the K100 , but they are very similar.

The first (and really, the only) question to ask is "How long since the splines were lubed ?" . If the response is "huh ?" or, anything that equates to 'more than 30000 km ago', walk away. More than 20000km ago, allow an extra $500 to have it done immediately.

Other than that , they are pretty bulletproof, superb for eating up mile after mile in comfort.

Early models had some problems with water entering the instrument cluster and causing water in the instrument cluster problems.

[FJRider]

Hey there,
I'm looking at getting a touring bike and quite like the BMW's but am wondering if you folks have any tips on any particular things/problems to look for when looking at old K100's?

And yes I have tried using the search button but didn't find quite what I was looking for so how about it, got any tips for me. :confused:


Also I know there's a few Fj fan's on here, anything to look out for when inspecting an old FJ?

Thanks Heaps :D

What ever you look at... The million miles/km's its/they have done is the first thing to look for... plenty of good K100's and FJ's out there with low milage.... AGE (as always) is underated...

[spacemonkey]

I used to sell them when they were new, great bikes for covering big mileage in comfort. Unfortunately about the only good tip I can remember is not to leave them sitting on the sidestand too much as it tends to make them smoke!
These might be helpful:
http://will.mylanders.com/mc/notes/read.pl?file=84
http://www.motorcycle.co.uk/Articles/Buyers-guide/Early-BMW-K-Series.aspx

The other thing is if you are buying in the Wellington area, call in and see Mike Dobson at Motorrad, he is the BMW guru in NZ and would probably know the bike if it's local.


Ah Cheers for that :)
That 2nd link was a goldmine of stuff to look for.


Ixon, does it usually cost that much to lube them???
How often is it needed?

[Ixion]

Ah Cheers for that :)
That 2nd link was a goldmine of stuff to look for.


Ixon, does it usually cost that much to lube them???
How often is it needed?


Dunno how much really, I've only ever done my own, so it only costs me maybe $10 for lube (NO ! Using some from the bedroom is NOT a cheap option). I guess it would prolly cost that from a bike shop. Simple enough but it takes a while.

As to how often. How long is a piece of string. I gues sthe answer is 100k before they strip! Received wisdom says about 30000km, once a year sort of number. Or, before a major trip. No real specific interval. BMW have vacillated between "They never need doing" to "every 10000 km" to "every 100000 km" . I don't really think 40 or 50 000 k would be a big deal, just that if the owner doesn't come back with a quick answer, it's likely they haven't been done since forever.

[spacemonkey]

heh ok thanks for that. :D

[YellowDog]

They are excellent touring bikes. The advice over mileage is always good. But like any vehicle, you can be lucky and get a good one or unlucky and get a bad one.

I would only consider an older BMW if it had been maintained by a BMW garage. BMW would then be able to give you the full history of the bike and also tell you if it was a dog or a lemon.

[cs363]

Not sure if it's your cup of tea but this would be an interesting purchase:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-208255126.htm

As they only produced less than 7000 of them (as far as I know) and given how radical the bike was at time of release, something like this could well become collectible. Of course you'd probably need to hold onto it for a while and not do too many km's! :)

[FJRider]

FJ owners seem to swear by their bikes and I can't say I've ever heard anything bad about them apart from derogatory comments made by sportsbike riders (but you'll get that with the K100 too...) :)



Good luck with whatever you end up buying!

Owning an FJ... means never having to swear... :laugh:

Derogatory comments are made by those that have never ridden one... :msn-wink:

[cs363]

Owning an FJ... means never having to swear... :laugh:

Derogatory comments are made by those that have never ridden one... :msn-wink:


Never say never.... but let's hope not mate! :)

Regarding derogatory comments, agreed - those that make those comments in all seriousness (as opposed to a friendly wind-up) would never ride eminently sensible bikes like the FJ, K series, RF900 and so on as they don't fit the image they have of themselves. Of course I'm guessing that image would differ somewhat in our eyes... :rofl:

Luckily I can take the piss out out of almost everything seeing as I've ridden or owned most of them! :laugh:

[FJRider]

Never say never.... but let's hope not mate! :)

those that make those comments in all seriousness (as opposed to a friendly wind-up) would never ride eminently sensible bikes like the FJ, K series, RF900 and so on as they don't fit the image they have of themselves. Of course I'm guessing that image would differ somewhat in our eyes... :rofl:

Riding an FJ is not about image... more ... lifestyle...


Luckily I can take the piss out out of almost everything seeing as I've ridden or owned most of them! :laugh:

already noted.... lol

[cs363]

Riding an FJ is not about image... more ... lifestyle...


Couldn't agree more :)

[geoffm]

I had a K100RS-16v for years, and would probably have it still if it wasn't for Mr Chen's car door...
fantastic long distance blasters, down on power against the comeptition but very forgiving and easy to ride. They can go quite fast in the right hands, despite being so heavy.
IMO, the 16v or K1100 is better than the early ones - wider rims, marginally more power and better brakes.
Look on www.ibmwor.org for some info.

Known problems are the clutch splines if they have never been lubed, and the exhaust headers crack at the collector in their od age.

They are really easy to work on. They don't need to go to the BMW agents for work - any good independent mechanic can work on them.
Parts are expensive - get them from the UK or Germany, where you can land them for 2/3 the price of NZ, and in less time...

[Dodgyiti]

Both the FJ and K100 are great bikes for the money right now.
There was a nice K100RS on TradeMe for 5 grand no reserve that no one bid on, wait and it will be relisted and it had less that 50,000 on it.
I took my K100RS from 45,000km to 127,000 with no issues.
Try and get one with the bags as well, they are great for carrying stuff and clip on and off real easy.
BMW as mentioned have expensive parts and that is the only real draw back, but saying that, they are so reliable that unless you crash it you really need not worry too much.

My FJ shat 1st gear at 70,000kms and I was told it was a fairly common thing. It cost a bundle to fix. Other than that it was a really fantastic bike with so much power in any situation. So much power that I didn't need first gear for the 4 weeks it took me to save up and get it fixed!

Oh yeah, I nearly forgot. Don't cane the BMW past 240km for too long. The electronic speedo shits its self.... now that will set you back some big $$$:whistle:

[xgnr]

Hey there,
I'm looking at getting a touring bike and quite like the BMW's but am wondering if you folks have any tips on any particular things/problems to look for when looking at old K100's?


IMHO get a K75 over the K100... much smoother and fantastic to do heaps of K's on. Ideal for touring general use. Can keep up with the bigger bikes no problem.

I did my own maintenance and splines were not too hard at all. earlier models of the K bikes did not have hardened splines I believe (not sure when they changed them but do some google searches and you will find heaps of resources on the k bikes)

Experience BMW in Auckland have my old K75 which is a beauty esp as they have now repaired after I got backed into.

Good luck

Stu

[MIXONE]

I've had a K75 for some time and it hasn't given me any major problems.
Nice,smooth all day tourer that can eat miles at a rapid pace with no dramas.

[spacemonkey]

Yeah I'd love a K75.

But they are rather thin on the ground and the few that I've found so far are well above my budget. :no:

Just had a quick look at Experience BMW's website and the bikes not listed on there?

[BMWST?]

after a short period of readjustment(after a ducati 900 s2) my k100 rs was the best bike i had.

[Pogo2]

I do miss my K100RS 16v ABS. Was a great bike. A bit tractor like when cold but that disappeared in minutes. Had the occaisional problem with moisture in the instrument cluster. Some say they were heavy, but as you would expect with a big bike. Always nervous moving it about the garage but above 10 kph - bliss to ride.

Hope you find one to enjoy!

[xgnr]

Yeah I'd love a K75.

But they are rather thin on the ground and the few that I've found so far are well above my budget. :no:

Just had a quick look at Experience BMW's website and the bikes not listed on there?

Might not be on it as yet as the repairs have just been finished (as in last week). If you give them a call and talk to Henry he will know the one.

I wouldn't be surprised if its selling for $4-6k tho' so not sure if that's in your budget.

Good luck in the hunt.

Cheers

Stu

(ps if you get one in the end I have a Haynes Manual for all of the K Bikes pm me if you would like to buy as I am going to put it on trademe one day soon)

Cheers
Stu

[spacemonkey]

Well Sunday was a wasted effort.
I drove up to Palmy to have a look at this bike
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=213797039
Utter utter pile of crap!
I recon the guy must be mates with whom ever put the WOF on it.
Wof dated the 7th of last month, Bald rear tyre, indicators don't work, Rev counter broken, speedo broken, seat flapping around loose, center stand corroded thru to the point I doubt it could hold the weight of the bike.

Found all this as I sat on the side of the road as the motor died 3km into the test ride. Has a fuel feed problem and the starter motor was cranking over without turning the motor.



The next bike I looked at
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=213205851
This one was quite nice but was very smokey (had not run for a week the guy said) and an oil leak from the gearbox that dripped onto the exhaust so that smoked once it wamed up.
Also missing the side panels below the seat but that's not a biggy to me.
Fella had only owned this one since December.

While siting on the roadside with the broken one waiting for the owner to get there a guy pulled over to check if I needed help, got talking and it turns out he's a BMW fan and part of a BMW owners group so had a good yak about them and places to look for ones for sale. He's a top bloke :niceone:

[geoffm]

The next bike I looked at
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=213205851
This one was quite nice but was very smokey (had not run for a week the guy said) and an oil leak from the gearbox that dripped onto the exhaust so that smoked once it wamed up.
Also missing the side panels below the seat but that's not a biggy to me.
Fella had only owned this one since December.



That oil leak will be the clutch shaft seal from either the gearbox or engine side. Cost a bit to fix if you have to pay someone else for labour, since you have to remove the gearbox and clutch. The oil can also bugger the dry clutch plates - more money.
The do blow smoke when started if they have been sitting on the side stand for a few days. The older ones are worse, but they should clear within a few mins use.
IMO, you should get a RS - the fairing is brilliant. I have some panniers if anyone needum.

[Ixion]

Both those should have a whole bunch more fairing than is showing. I'd be very dubious of a BMW with missing fairing panels - especially the LT, it's supposed to be a Luxury Tourer not a streetfighter.

+1 what Mr G says about the oil leak. They should be totally oiltight.

[BMWST?]

+1 on the side stand smoke...being a flat engine a little bit of oill can run into the bores and past the rings if the bike is on the side stand

[Highlander]

Sorry Spacemonkey but this thread appears to have stalled.

On a similar line but veering off somewhat (though not quite a tangent), if one was to be considering a BMW of the R series, specifically the R1100s, what should one keep in mind when looking / test riding?

[xgnr]

Sorry Spacemonkey but this thread appears to have stalled.

On a similar line but veering off somewhat (though not quite a tangent), if one was to be considering a BMW of the R series, specifically the R1100s, what should one keep in mind when looking / test riding?

I rode the R1100 a while ago when I was considering changing bikes (now have the 1150 as you can see lol)

Some of the problems with the earlier ones (if I recall) is the really bad surging at 3-4000RPM) , leaking clutch master cylinder and some gearbox issues. I would assume that these would have been taken care of by now tho' in any models available. I had heard of some of the final drives shitting themselves early on but might be confusing the R1150?

Personally i was put off by the 1100 due to the vibration and only 5 speed box. (compared to the K bike it was really bad but probably ok against other twins) other than that they are a nice bike to do lots of K's on in comfort and economy.

They get smoother as they get more Kms and the oil consumption reduces as they run in (over 80,000kms apparently can be considered just run in!)

Handle pretty well with the Telelever and Paralever suspension.

Cheers

Stu

[BMWST?]

Sorry Spacemonkey but this thread appears to have stalled.

On a similar line but veering off somewhat (though not quite a tangent), if one was to be considering a BMW of the R series, specifically the R1100s, what should one keep in mind when looking / test riding?

look at he internet,but i beleive a lot of the hype is overstated.Get it checked by the local BMW (service)shop if you can.

[Bren]

Oh well, this post has answered my questions....looking at getting an older K100 soon....

...Bren (-:

[Pedrostt500]

I had a 1984 K100 RT , mount motorcycles in Tauranga are good for older Beemer parts, The only major problem i had with mine was the return fuel valve on the fuel injection packed up, about the size of a kids baked beans can, about $300, other than that it was a fairly faultless bike, Tourque for Africa.

[spacemonkey]

Good luck to ya. :2thumbsup

I given up on the K110/75 idea, there are just bugger all around the welly region especially in in budget of under 4k.
All the ones I looked at were seriously dodgy, next nearest ones would mean a trip to the south Island and all that eats into the buying budget so I canned the plan and have gone onto looking at stuff like FJ's and Bandits. :(

[robinm]

if you look long enough. I found this one in Palmerston North a few months ago, a nice example of a K100RS. I do not use it much, but I do enjoy riding it whenever I do.

[spacemonkey]

Ok my bike hunt is over....
Just brought this after a bit of haggling.......

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=219111483


:cool: :2thumbsup: :ride:

[xgnr]

Ok my bike hunt is over....
Just brought this after a bit of haggling.......

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=219111483


:cool: :2thumbsup: :ride:

Good on ya...

no shaft drive but.... :mellow:

[Conquiztador]

Well Sunday was a wasted effort.
I drove up to Palmy to have a look at this bike
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=213797039
Utter utter pile of crap!
I recon the guy must be mates with whom ever put the WOF on it.
Wof dated the 7th of last month, Bald rear tyre, indicators don't work, Rev counter broken, speedo broken, seat flapping around loose, center stand corroded thru to the point I doubt it could hold the weight of the bike.

Found all this as I sat on the side of the road as the motor died 3km into the test ride. Has a fuel feed problem and the starter motor was cranking over without turning the motor

The classified has now expired, but from the description I recon it is the one I now own. A green one with an ugly muffler. They were keen to sell, so I got her for a much reduced price.
- I dismatled speedo and repaired the faults. Now works well. Also the connectors to the speedo had bent pins. All sorted.
- The stalling was easily fixed by using some of that injector snake oil that I poured in to the tank. Idles and runs sweet. Also starts straight away.
- Indicators do work, but flashed very fast: wrong wattage bulbs at the back. Swap and problem solved.
- Seat lock had been taken off. I refitted and sorted a pin that was missing. Now works well.
- Yep, rear tyre bald. Need a new one.
- Centre stand has seen better days. But still works. I can easily fix/strengten it. But will most probably take it off anyhow as I find them of no use. Just in the way. Have stuff in workshop that I rather use.

She also needs suspension upgraded. And the cooling fan has stopped. None that is a problem to sort. I have now done approx 2K with her and relatively happy. But will do some major "upgrades" and do the splines etc at same time.

The positives are:
- Price!
- No smoke from motor!
- No oil leaks
- No water leaks
- No dings in radiator
- Runs well and is a rocket in straight line!
- Straight frame and no damage to motor or tank.
- Has WOF and Rego. (I have lost count of how many bikes I have bought that needed the whole Certification and VIN shabang done!)

You will find the progress reports here:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=442

[Motu]

And that's just a classic example of the old glass half full crap.Someone sees just a load of problems,thinks he's being ripped off and wants to blame someone for it.And another person sees potential,gets it for a bargain....a little real work,and he has a good bike.I've done the same thing many times myself.Actually to have someone else run it down for you and tell the owner what a peice of crap it is a real advantage.