MOTOBRICK.COM
MOTOBRICK.COM => Welcome To Motobrick.Com => Topic started by: BexarWolf on August 11, 2012, 04:26:33 AM
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I haven't even gotten a brick yet but wanted to say thank you for the wealth of information here. I'm contemplating a trade of my '01 F650gs to a fella who has a '94 K1100RS with 38k miles on it. The pictures he's sent show a VERY nice bike with a Corbin seat, Throttlemeister cruise control, recently powder coated wheels. He's replaced the front wheel bearings, had a full service done at 36k miles, replaced the tach (it was acting erratic), new EBC pads front and back and Michelin Pilot Road 3 tires.
From what I'm reading here..........I don't think I'll be able to pass up the deal. I'll let you know when/if the deal happens.
I look forward to HOURS of reading so I'll know my K-bike better.
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In case you haven't come across this one -here's a good article for anyone contemplating a used K bike. http://www.verrill.com/moto/kbikebuyingguide.shtml (http://www.verrill.com/moto/kbikebuyingguide.shtml)
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Ahhhh, one of the websites I missed. Thank you much. Now if I can just get through it without the boss catching me. Oh wait, I'm the boss today. :2thumbup:
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So, it looks like I may have 2 choices. I'm leaning more towards the K11RS. Bigger motor means faster, right? :eek:
1) 1994 BMW K1100RS with 38,000 miles
(http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3320/img0998qq.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/502/img0998qq.jpg/)
2) 1992 K75S with 32,000 miles
(http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/4199/img2800x.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/442/img2800x.jpg/)
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Welcome to K bike land.
I know that you are not asking, but I vote for the K75 unless you plan to ride two up. Frankenduck would be a good person to contact if you need help making the choice.
So, Brickheads, what do you think, the 1100 or 75?
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Buy the 1100.
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Welcome to K bike land.
I know that you are not asking, but I vote for the K75 unless you plan to ride two up. Frankenduck would be a good person to contact if you need help making the choice.
So, Brickheads, what do you think, the 1100 or 75?
Ohhhh, I'm definitely asking. My HOPES are to get my wife back into riding with me but the chances of doing any long distance riding are extremely slim unless the pillion seat is like a pillow.
What are your reasons for recommending the K75? I've delved deep into this forum for info on the K11 but haven't had a chance to check a lot into the K75.
Here are the details as received from the current owners of both bikes. I haven't actually laid eyes on either of them yet.
K1100RS:
It's in stock condition with the exception of a Corbin seat and a Throttlemeister cruise control. There was a BMW alarm system that was previously installed but removed. I've got all the stock take-off parts as well as a spare set of mirror/turn signal units and a Clymer manual. The bike had a full service at 36,000 miles along with having the tachometer replaced since it was becoming erratic. The bike is mechanically sound an I have service notes from the previous owner going back to 2000 and 17,000 miles that you can look over. It did have a major service at 24,000 miles and the rear splines lubed around 26,000 miles.
In the last 500 miles I powder coated the wheels after sending them to Woody's Wheel Works to check for straightness after I found a small flat spot on the front wheel. While doing that I used new bearings in the front wheel and installed EBC brake pads front and rear and put on Michelin Pilot Road 3 tires. I also put some reflective material on the back of the saddlebags. It looks clear on the daylight but at night as soon as the headlights hit it it really gets the attention on the drivers behind you. There's some light scratches and scuffs in the bodywork but for an 18 year old bike it's in very nice condition
K75S
Service and maintenance performed includes:
Brake Fluid
-Oil + Filter
-Replace Belly Pan Screws
-Replace Fuel Filter
-Replace Fuses
-Replace Final Drive Oil
-Repair Headlight Switch
-Replace Transmission Oil
-Replace Air Filter
-Replace Spark Plugs
-Rear Drive Splines Lubed
-Coolant System Flush
-Replace Vacuum Port Caps and Hose
-Replace Fuel Lines
-Relocated Fuel Pressure Regulator
-Replace Fuel Pump Boot
-Replace Internal Fuel Lines
-Replace Internal Vent Hose
-Replace Fuel Filter
-Replace Radiator Fan
-Replace Fuel Pump Filter
-Replace Taillight Bulb
-Seal Gas Tank Internally
-New Tires - Bridgestone Spitfires
-Fork Boots Installed
-Clean and Inspect all electrical connections
Bike also has some very nice touring upgrades
Dual Aftermarket horns - much louder and safer
K75 "C" handlebars - slightly more ergonomic and comfortable
Heated Grips
Flashing LED Brake Light System
Bike Com
Passenger Back Rest on Corbin Seat
Hazard Lights
Road Cases
Luggage Rack
Also comes with original owners manual, service records, and original tool kit.
TEXAS TITLE in hand, and in MY name.
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If you plan on 2 up touring then most definately the K1100. Its not that the K75 is a bummer, they are a very good bike but the k1100 has a heap more grunt. 2 up on a K75 well I have done it and on a K1100 and I am much happier on a K1100. On a K75 you are always working it, not that the bike is unhappy with that but I am not happy I would much rather not be thinking which gear for overtaking etc. I am more at ease on a K1100.
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Yeah, the K11 was the first one I found and fell in love after researching. I'm coming off a 650 Thumper so more power = more smiles. I just don't want to discount the K75 because its a local bike and I'm more likely able to make an even trade. The K11 is about 4 hours away and the current owner is apparently a stickler for perfection and although my Thumper isn't a trash bike, it ain't a garage queen. The owner of the K11 even told me how one of the bulbs in the instrument cluster isn't the right color (when they changed the tach) and he has the replacement, correct bulb on hand. That's something I wouldn't have even looked twice at! :laugh
I'm a guy more about function than form. I don't need the purtiest farkle to make me smile. I just want reliability. :2thumbup:
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Take note that I said unless you plan to ride two up.
If you were buying this as your wife's bike, the baby brick still wins.
Many people feel that the K75 is the best bike BMW has ever produced. Period. (I would take a monoshock R80 over it)
The 75 is a super smooth ride and requires little in the way of maintenance.
For a single rider, it is hard to beat. However because you want to take your wife, I think the K1100 should win out.
People are telling me that the 1100 has better brakes and there is no question that it has more power. I think the suspension is a cut above the smaller K. If the seat is a concern, look at the pictures. Do you want to have your wife sitting on back of the K75 seat? Once again the bigger brick wins out.
They are both great machines. Maybe let your wife pick?
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Take note that I said unless you plan to ride two up.
If you were buying this as your wife's bike, the baby brick still wins.
Many people feel that the K75 is the best bike BMW has ever produced. Period. (I would take a monoshock R80 over it)
The 75 is a super smooth ride and requires little in the way of maintenance.
For a single rider, it is hard to beat. However because you want to take your wife, I think the K1100 should win out.
People are telling me that the 1100 has better brakes and there is no question that it has more power. I think the suspension is a cut above the smaller K. If the seat is a concern, look at the pictures. Do you want to have your wife sitting on back of the K75 seat? Once again the bigger brick wins out.
They are both great machines. Maybe let your wife pick?
Noooooooooooooooooooooo, the wife ain't riding her own. She'd be my pillion. She says there's too many things you have to do to ride a bike (pull in the clutch; left hand, put it in gear; left foot, twist the throttle but not too much; right hand, pick your feet up and you twist the throttle...........) :yow
And this is a gal with a Master's Degree in Engineering. :laugh She's happy to leave the driving to me.
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Maybe the question should be, How Much 2up riding might you do.
If the bike is going to me a daily commuter and weekend 2up jaunts, then I think the 75 would be a good choice.
Yea it may be a little small for LONG 2up trips, but hey, these bikes like to run hard. Don't baby them.
You can always find a different seat that fits her better......
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That's kinda the open-ended question. She might climb on the back of the K11, hate it and never get back on Or should could get on the back of the K75 and be so comfortable she'll fall asleep. The reality is, we both work, I work weekends and our time for the moment is going to prevent any kind of "touring". AND, even if we were off weekends, "long" rides probably aren't going to happen.
In all honesty, 90% of it is going to be commuting and solo pleasure rides for me around Central Texas. There might be a 250 mile one-way run every now and then to visit family and such but long distance stuff just isn't in the near future. HOWEVER, if these bikes are as durable and long-lasting as I'm reading, I wouldn't mind having a bike that IS capable of two-up riding so that if I hit the lottery in the next 10 years, then we can two-up. I figure if I can get the K11 as a straight trade just like the K75, wouldn't being able to two-up and not need it be better than wanting to comfortably two-up and not being able to? :hmm:
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I just finished a two-up, 4k mile trip on a K75 that included several over 10k foot passes. The K75 will be down on power at the higher altitudes and does not have the power of the four-banger to begin with. But, it is quite capable of doing just about anything.
For my money, I'd take the K75, if for no other reason, than the one pictured has C bars. I have a K100RS and I much prefer the riding position of my K75RT. More riding, less stopping.
Tom
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I just finished a two-up, 4k mile trip on a K75 that included several over 10k foot passes. The K75 will be down on power at the higher altitudes and does not have the power of the four-banger to begin with. But, it is quite capable of doing just about anything.
For my money, I'd take the K75, if for no other reason, than the one pictured has C bars. I have a K100RS and I much prefer the riding position of my K75RT. More riding, less stopping.
Tom
"C" bars? Educate an ignert man here. One of the REALLY nice things I see in the pictures is the seat. That flip up backrest on the Corbin intrigues me. :drool:
I'm a chunky boy but my wife is a petite (I keep trying to convince her). Combined passenger weight would be about 400# if that makes any difference. Again, the chances of me taking any long two-up trips will be few and far between any time soon.
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The K75 had 3 versions of ergonomics. The 75c bars are set back a bit from what the 75s bars were, and I believe, they were a bit wider. They will be one of my winter purchases.
FYI, I love my K75 for its versatility. I commute daily, and the speeds vary from 80mph to stop and go traffic in Chicago. It's a good size. And my wife and I went on an overnight to WI last weekend with no issues now that I put a back rest on for her to relax a bit.
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That's good info and good to know. A backrest is imperative and something I'd have to add to the K11 but it has a Corbin seat and I believe I could find a backrest that plugs into a slot in the back........for about $200. :yow
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Don't kid yourself. If you hit the lottery, you will buy a new bike.
How is your wife's attitude on motorcycles to begin with? Maybe you should not worry about her and get the bike that you want for yourself.
It sounds like you are trying to plan for something that may not happen. If she wants to come along, great. If not, well that's OK too. You may have to buy a different seat for her no matter what bike you purchase.
When I bought my k75, I was looking for features. If I had to do it again, I would look more at what bike fits me and what needs to be fixed.
As I was looking for my brick, I considered one with a fairing and regular seat. The bike was just a fraction too tall and my knees hit the fairing when I sat on it. That stopped me right there. The 1100 has the fairing. Have you ever sat on a 1100? A fairing is nice but I have been told there is a lot of heat build up with a full size fairing. The K75s would be a good compromise. You, yourself said the 75 would be an even trade for your current bike. It's local, go ride the K75. See what you think. Like I said before, lots of people feel the K75 is the best bike BMW has ever made. Many of those people think the "S" is the best of the best.
The more I read your feedback to our comments, the more I lean towards the K75s. Straight trade for your bike and it has a back rest if needed. Should make a great every day bike. Go try it.
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K1100 has marginally more modern handling abd certainly more modern tires. For trips out for me the k1100, for commuting the k75.
I have a k11lt and an r850r (which I'd gladly replace with a k75 if I could find a nice one)
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What is a r850r? How about a picture? that is a R bike that is have never heard of.
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The 1100 looks ridiculously clean.
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Agreed.
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My wife's been on many day trips with me back when I had a Virago so she knows the ins and outs of two up riding. I guess I AM planning for something that may not happen but I figured it was better to be ready in case it does. I haven't sat on either bike yet so all of this may be a moot point. I'm meeting the gent with the K75S tomorrow. I'm meeting the fella with the K11 next week.
Both bikes would be an even trade. I've made it clear to both current owners that I'm looking for an even, across the board title exchange. The final decision will be based on what fits me best. I guess more than anything I was looking to see what the opinion was on which bike would be the best deal. cool shades
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I'm biased but the 1100 gets my vote if it fits. I've gone 2 up on a 750 or two and the 1100, hands down, wins that argument. The 75 may be smoother but the 1100 will be smoother than expected.
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I just finished a two-up, 4k mile trip on a K75 that included several over 10k foot passes. The K75 will be down on power at the higher altitudes and does not have the power of the four-banger to begin with. But, it is quite capable of doing just about anything.
For my money, I'd take the K75, if for no other reason, than the one pictured has C bars. I have a K100RS and I much prefer the riding position of my K75RT. More riding, less stopping.
"C" bars? Educate an ignert man here. One of the REALLY nice things I see in the pictures is the seat. That flip up backrest on the Corbin intrigues me. :drool:
I'm a chunky boy but my wife is a petite (I keep trying to convince her). Combined passenger weight would be about 400# if that makes any difference. Again, the chances of me taking any long two-up trips will be few and far between any time soon.
You've been given much good advice from several points of view.
The C bars will be higher and wider than the S bars were on the K75 pictured. You will sit up much straighter with that bike than the 1100 (pictured). I don't know if that is a concern for you or not.
My son and I together are prolly 400 lbs too. The K75 is not a powerhouse, there were definitely times when I could not pass (on our recent trip) due to limited distance and loss of power due to high altitude (and not wanting to kill my son). But, I'm old enough and have been riding K75's long enough that I live w/o the additional power and get by just fine.
The 1100 will sound much better than the 750 too, that may be important to you as well.
Oh, seats are relatively easy to come by and replace.
Tom
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I just finished a two-up, 4k mile trip on a K75 that included several over 10k foot passes. The K75 will be down on power at the higher altitudes and does not have the power of the four-banger to begin with. But, it is quite capable of doing just about anything.
For my money, I'd take the K75, if for no other reason, than the one pictured has C bars. I have a K100RS and I much prefer the riding position of my K75RT. More riding, less stopping.
"C" bars? Educate an ignert man here. One of the REALLY nice things I see in the pictures is the seat. That flip up backrest on the Corbin intrigues me. :drool:
I'm a chunky boy but my wife is a petite (I keep trying to convince her). Combined passenger weight would be about 400# if that makes any difference. Again, the chances of me taking any long two-up trips will be few and far between any time soon.
You've been given much good advice from several points of view.
The C bars will be higher and wider than the S bars were on the K75 pictured. You will sit up much straighter with that bike than the 1100 (pictured). I don't know if that is a concern for you or not.
My son and I together are prolly 400 lbs too. The K75 is not a powerhouse, there were definitely times when I could not pass (on our recent trip) due to limited distance and loss of power due to high altitude (and not wanting to kill my son). But, I'm old enough and have been riding K75's long enough that I live w/o the additional power and get by just fine.
The 1100 will sound much better than the 750 too, that may be important to you as well.
Oh, seats are relatively easy to come by and replace.
Tom
I couldn't agree more that the information given has been extremely valuable and I appreciate it very, very much.
Until I get a chance to sit on both bikes and see them in person, my decision will be "pending" status. Tomorrow I get to see the K75 and next week I get to check out the K11. As for the sound of the bike.......extremely unimportant to me. I'm currently riding a bike that sounds like George Jetson's car. :giggles I'm 50 years old and subscribe to function over form theory. I'm not going to be the one you read about ripping through traffic, popping wheelies and splitting lanes (not legal in Texas).
I'm still researching and any opinions here are taken with respect and appreciation. More updates to come as I get to spend more time hands-on with each bike. :2thumbup:
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I got to check out the K75S today. Mechanically, I'd give it a 10. The guy has done TONS of work on this bike. He bought it after it had been sitting for "quite a while". Relined the tank, pulled every electrical connection and cleaned them, adding some dielectric grease to each connection, checked the splines..........just tons of work. Cosmetically, I'd give it an 8. The seat is pretty worn, fairing has some damage......again, I'm about function over farkles so it would definitely be a good bike. However, it looks like he's going to reject me before I can reject him (story of my life during high school). :laugh
He has some concerns with a slight surging my bike has. The single spark FI F650gs has been known to have issues with S&S (Surging and Stalling) and it's been well documented. Some bikes respond to different fixes, some don't. Some have the issues, some don't. Some have both issues, some only one. I've been blessed with one that has the surging between 3500 rpm and 4000 rpm. He's going to shop around and we'll get together next week to see if either of us are ready to trade.
I'm visiting with the owner of the K11 next week so I'm hoping that meeting will work out for both of us. Stay tuned. :yes
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Hello. Can't go wrong with either I would say. Quite the bonus to find one to trade for. Those deals aren't the easiest to come by I know. I used to ride a '94 K11RS and it was super smooth and so much fun. It would eat up highway miles like nothing. However, that machine was so hot to ride. I mean really hot, man. I felt like a rotisserie chicken on the hot days. That was the main reason I got rid of it. Currently riding a K75 and really love it. I just got it this past spring and I have yet to feel that it's underpowered in any way. Two up might be a different story, though. Good luck in your search.
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Yeah, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity for either bike. Both of them are strong contenders in their own way. I'm also fortunate to have found this forum which has provided me with oodles of information. The gent with the K75 has changed his mind and is now interested in trading. I go see the K11 on Monday and hope to be one one of the two big blue bikes by mid-week.
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More than one person has made a comment about the K11 and heat problems. Is this something that you should be concerned about because of where you live?
You know, it took me over twenty years to finally get a flying brick and I am very pleased with the bike. You will be happy with the 75 or the 1100. Like I said before, they are both fine machines.
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More than one person has made a comment about the K11 and heat problems. Is this something that you should be concerned about because of where you live?
You know, it took me over twenty years to finally get a flying brick and I am very pleased with the bike. You will be happy with the 75 or the 1100. Like I said before, they are both fine machines.
I've read tons about the heat and some of the solutions to alleviate or at least reduce it. If I go with the K11, I'll try the options posted. I'm not TOO concerned about the heat. As things stand right now, the vast majority of my riding will be to and from work which is 30 miles on way. Plus, I work night shift when it's "coolest". I also plan on talking to the current owner to see if he's done anything about the heat, his opinion (he's in North Texas so he gets the heat, too), etc. My F650gs put out a fair amount of heat on the right side of the tank when the fan's running so I'm a little bit acclimated to it.
The only time I'll get out in full heat is once a week or so for meetings, etc. Plus, I have a vehicle with a/c and if it's TOO hot, I'm not too proud to park the bike when it's dangerously hot. I've had a taste of the heat exhaustion and used to work in a warehouse with no a/c in the middle of Texas summer so I know what my level of tolerance is. :2thumbup:
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I know about heat issues. After years of being an army medic and nagging the troops to push fluids and take care of themselves, I finally started suffering from heat problems myself. Not very much. Just a little. At least, it was not till it was time for me to leave the service.
With my background, there is no reason to suffer from heat problems. You think I would know better.
FYI, My bike is a k75 standard with the 3 spoke wheels. I wanted a simple machine that I did not have to pull off a bunch of junk to service the bike. If I had to do it again, I would seriously consider a "S" bike. To me, it seems to be the best trade off. The full fairings hit my knees, so they are out of the running for me. In a way, I envy you because you get to choose between two great looking blue beemers. All of their modern bikes look good in the color blue. I have to admit, you have me sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what you end up with. I really have to get a life LOL. Well, time to finish installing a new battery in my silver brick and give it a test ride, plus some TLC:)
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Personally, I wish I were choosing between a K75/K11 or a KLR 650. The choice would be a lot easier. :laugh
The #1 reason I'm leaning towards the K11 is the additional power and 2-up ability. Like I said, my wife may decide she doesn't want to tag along with me but I'd like to have that option if she decides she does. Plus, coming off the F650gs, I'm ready for something with more power for highway riding. I have 3 days a week off (compressed weekend shift) and with the K11, I can see me taking off for an overnight ride even if the wife doesn't want to tag along.
The two bikes are comparable in mechanical shape based on the info I've got from the 2 owners. Both have had extensive work done to them, bringing them up to 100%. The K75 has some cosmetic issues that can be fixed but will cost me some money. The Corbin seat is pretty worn in several places and the fairing has some pretty good scuffs. The K11 (based on pictures only at this point), has a Corbin seat that appears to be in perfect condition but the fairings have some very minor nicks/scratches.
Here are a few more pictures of the K11.
(http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/191/img0938og.jpg)
(http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4180/img0942o.jpg)
(http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/9380/img0943va.jpg)
(http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/7779/img1004n.jpg)
If you think you're on the edge of your seat waiting, I'm going nuts waiting. LoL
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K1100RS for sure:
* MUCH better front brakes - especially important riding two up
* 25 more hp - especially important riding 2-up
* radial tires - MUCH better handling 1-up or 2-up
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K1100RS for sure:
* MUCH better front brakes - especially important riding two up
* 25 more hp - especially important riding 2-up
* radial tires - MUCH better handling 1-up or 2-up
Could not agree more. :2thumbup:
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Fingers crossed. I'm meeting the owner of the K11 Monday afternoon and if the bike is what I believe it is, it'll be coming home with me Monday afternoon. :drool:
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Quick (and possibly ignert) question..........can the side cases be removed on the K11? :hmm:
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Quick (and possibly ignert) question..........can the side cases be removed on the K11? :hmm:
Getting side cases on and off (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php?topic=1077.0)
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I knew it had to be there somewhere...........just couldn't figure out the right search terms. :2thumbup: Thanks!
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We have a winner!!!!!
(http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4977/img20120820172731.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/208/img20120820172731.jpg/)
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hmmmmm veeeerry nice and my favourite color too.
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NICE!!! :drool: :drool: :drool:
Now it is official, you are Brickhead just like everyone else here.
It is even the right color.
Blue is what I wanted when I picked up mine.
Did it come with any goodies?
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Whoever tied that bike down like that should be drawn and quartered.
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Whoever tied that bike down like that should be drawn and quartered.
What, not hung first?
I was waiting for some such comment on the method of fastening it to the trailer :eek2: Looks like the handlebars are pulled down most viciously.
In future, it would be better to tie down from the bottom clamps on the headstem.
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Nah, tie it down at the fork brace and let the bike ride on it's own suspension,
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I stand guilty as charged, folks. The PO had it in the back of his pickup with the Canyon Dancer strap when he dropped it off. My trailer isn't set up for street bikes and the tie-off points at the bottom were outside the frame rails. I'd already lost one strap to chaffing on the way down and didn't want to risk breaking another strap with this bike. :dunno2: Forgive me for I have sinned.
However, it's safely tucked in my garage now, insurance has been switched and I plan on putting it through its paces today.
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You are forgiven. Give it a once over and then take it out and ride it like you stole it. :mbird
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You are forgiven. Give it a once over and then take it out and ride it like you stole it. :mbird
:2thumbup:
I'll get a couple more pics posted this afternoon...........IF I can stop grinning long enough. :yes
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Took it out for a test ride today. Total of about 65 miles on everything from toll road to residential and city streets and parking lots. All I can say is........wow! Triple digits are extremely stable even with some cross winds. I've read about clunky shifting but this one must have butter in the transmission because it was smooth as silk. I noticed some of the reported heat from my shins down to my feet but it wasn't unbearable. I will have to get some better gloves as I had some issues with my fingers starting to tingle. And vibration? Unnoticeable since I'm coming off a single thumper. :2thumbup:
(http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/1448/outsidez.jpg)
(http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/9796/outside2o.jpg)
(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2748/outside3h.jpg)
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Your hands are probably tingly because you're putting too much weight on them.
Read the Master Yoda Riding Position. (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,3010.0.html)
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Excellent article. I'll definitely take the points into my seating position. I don't want to change the grips because I worry about screwing up the heated grips so I thought maybe some gloves with the gel pads in the heels of the hands. Of course, this was my first test ride so I'm sure I'll be doing some adjustments in my seating position.
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Oh......one thing I did notice today: The mirrors are totally useless. I can see my bar-end weights and traffic in lanes on either side of me (a little) but trying to see anything directly behind is useless. I'm used to bar mounted mirrors and being able to see my shoulders and some behind so it'll take some getting used to. It'll probably make me a safer rider because I have to check down a little further back and to the side for lane changes.
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Well, I went on a little 175 mile ride today to wring out the bike and see how it feels. Here's the good and bad of it:
Good:
Runs VERY nice
Eats up the miles
Very steady and smooth
Love it.
Bad:
My battery side cover apparently is a fraidy-cat and wants to have nothing to do with hanging onto the bike at highway speeds. Luckily the PO was apparently aware of it and has the two covers bungied together through the frame. I'll be doing the vacuum line upgrade in the next few days.
My triple-tree cover (with the ignition hole, switches, etc) needs help hanging on at speed also. Some double-sided foam tape should take are of that.
Side cases: I wasn't real fond of them or the way they attach. Plus I didn't like the bumping feeling I got as the bags moved around on the Z-bracket. So, one of them decided to part ways with me somewhere within the last 40 miles of my trip. I got home, jumped off the bike and :yow no left bag. All that was left was a huge pile of melted plastic on the muffler. :nono :eek2: So, anyone have a way to remove melted side case plastic from a muffler? DAMN, this pisses me off (pardon my french).
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My triple-tree cover (with the ignition hole, switches, etc) needs help hanging on at speed also. Some double-sided foam tape should take are of that.
I just bolted mine to the brackets with some stainless M6 buttonheads and some locknuts.
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I'll check into that. In the mean time, I went and recovered my missing side case. The thing looks like it was set on fire. The only thing I can figure is it got loose, laid against the muffler long enough to melt through and smoldered my gloves and baseball cap I had inside. I'll get a picture of it posted up shortly.
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I just can't figure out how the bag came loose and fell down onto the muffler. I had it latched into the slot on the end and set evenly in the groove at the top. :dunno2: Off to the store tomorrow for some Easy Off and steel wool. Next will be checking prices on a replacement muffler. I can do without the bags for now. Grrrrrrrr
(http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/7154/melted.jpg)
(http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6091/bagoutside.jpg)
(http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/6539/bagmelted.jpg)
(http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6273/bagback.jpg)
(http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/134/baginside.jpg)
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That's why I have Givi luggage. there are 2 types of BMW luggage, the ones that have fallen of and the ones that are going to fall of.
Nine fell of in front of a road train, I managed to retrieve 2 good locks out of the mess.
Hang onto the bits as they are good for plastic welding to fix others.
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I've got a couple of hundred K on these Ks and it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I lost a city case on some nasty pavement. If I'd locked it to the rail then that would not have happened.
Boy that bag sure had a lot of melt going on.
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Well, I went on a little 175 mile ride today...
Looks like you had some hot weather today, 94 degrees.
Was the bike idling in place for a while? I wonder if the heat from the muffler softened the tragkorb plastic while the bike was stationary, and then once you got moving it fell off.
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I have never locked the bags on my K75RT. Constantly switching between the side cases and the GIVI top case on my daily work commute. But after reading Duck's escapade, I now lock the side cases on to the bike each time I mount them. Thanks for warning me. This site has saved my noobie butt several times.
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Well, I went on a little 175 mile ride today...
Looks like you had some hot weather today, 94 degrees.
Was the bike idling in place for a while? I wonder if the heat from the muffler softened the tragkorb plastic while the bike was stationary, and then once you got moving it fell off.
Negative on any excessive idling. I only stopped once during the ride at about 95 miles to take on some food. Any other idling was simply in traffic which was pretty light with few red lights. :dunno2:
It was all highway riding with no bag-scraping twisties. Just some nice sweeping curves and highway. I did feel a couple of roadway bumps that were unexpected but I wouldn't think it was enough to dislodge a bag that was locked into the z-bracket. Now, it's entirely possible I didn't have it completely locked into the bracket because it was the first time I'd put the bags on since picking up the bike on Monday. When I mounted the bags, I made sure to wiggle them and I *thought* I'd made sure both of them were securely latched in. I do remember that I tried to wiggle both bags fore and aft to see if there was any excessive movement and detected none.
It was a lesson learned.....kinda expensive lesson but a lesson none the less. Most of the plastic has been removed from the muffler. Now I have some residue on there that I think is from the nylon-covered security cable I had in the bag before it spontaneously combusted. :tongue .
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Bummer that you lost a case Bro.
Will keep an eye out for a replacement.
How did you remove the plastic?
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Plastic spatula and Goof-off. The residue from the nylon cable is being more stubborn. I'll ride to work tonight and see if any of it will rub off after the muffler gets up to temp.
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Bummer!
Thanks for the reminder to LOCK the fooking thing on the bike!
My first K11 was a 94 and only lasted a couple weeks. I got hit hard from behind and believe the bags got launched after my legs hit them as the
bike was pushed out from under me. extreme condition for certain and I MAY have actually been better off that that happend. Not sure as I got bounced off the car that hit me.
On the replacement 93 K11 I lock the bags on the bike. On trips when I'm loaded with gear I go one more step and use a black tie wrap X2 on each side
and strap the little lug to the Z bracket.
Nice & secure and is NOT coming off easily.
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Yeah, I blame ignorance on my part for the ordeal. I would have never put the bags on without locking them but it's possible I didn't fully lock it to the z-bracket. I didn't even think about using zip ties. I mean........it's a BMW. The bags aren't supposed to spontaneously combust! :lol:
What pisses me off now is I have one nice bag. I don't want to sell it because there's a chance a left side bag will show up. There's a new one on Ebay right now......for $340! Like hades I'll pay that much for a plastic bag. I'd be fine with a decent sized tank bag but even TANK bags are ridiculously expensive. I'll figure something out. Worse case, I have a bag pack I can use for packing rain gear if it looks like I'll need it. I just hate the way a back pack pulls at speed. :dunno2:
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They're "only" $380 new from a dealer.
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Bexar, what ever you do, keep the Lock assy's from the old bag as you will want them for any replacement you find.
See Duck, why I strap mine on like I did..........
I know, not that often that it happens, but I don't really care to be a statistic anytime soon in that area......
Bexar, and JJB, I'll post up a pick of how I strap mine when I'm traveling.
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The one I lost had kind of an old lock and I went over some pretty nasty pavement. I've never locked them on even until now and have ridden over all sorts of crap including nasty washboard.
Good point on keeping the locks. :2thumbup:
Also, to anyone reading this: If you ever drop your bike or have a getoff be sure to check the lock that holds the downside bag to the rack. Those can come loose or even come completely off.
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Also, to anyone reading this: If you ever drop your bike or have a getoff be sure to check the lock that holds the downside bag to the rack. Those can come loose or even come completely off.
I've had the rivets break/pull thru a couple of times on that bottom latch after a drop.
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I have lost 2 bags because of the rivits breaking or pulling through. One just got some road rash and the other well the driver of the road train did try to avoid it.
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I have lost 2 bags because of the rivits breaking or pulling through. One just got some road rash and the other well the driver of the road train did try to avoid it.
I've seen pics of those road trains. I can't see them avoiding much of anything less than a small house. :laugh
I'm going to have to figure out something. If there were a way to convert my one good bag to a top box................hmmmmmm. :hmm:
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I would keep an eye out for a left case just for now they are heaps easier to get than a right case.
If you do decide to go with some aftermarket cases then you will sell the right case for a good price.
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Curious.........why is the left easier to find than the right?
I doubt I'll go with aftermarket cases unless they're dirt cheap......I mean DIRT cheap. I don't see me doing in any distance riding any time soon. I had system cases on my F650gs and barely used them. At most I'd have a small tool pouch and maybe a bag with a rain suit or change of shirt in case it rained on me on the way to work. If I had to I can do that with a backpack. My ride to work is 30min one way. That's going to be the bulk of my riding until my hours change. Working nights on a compressed 4 day work week over the weekend kinda cuts in to any real fun rides.
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I have often wondered about that but never come up with any real explanation but the right side mirror for the RT/LT are near impossible to find at a price that is acceptable. Its not which side of the road we drive because in Australia and UK it is the same.
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Well, after a lot of scrubbing and cussing, I have a lot of the goo off the muffler but there's some left. I've tried goof-off, brass-o (good googly moogly that stuff has a lot of ammonia in it!), some other oven cleaning paste........all to no avail. My wife bought some Easy-Off oven cleaner but it's the yellow cap. I've read that'll take the chrome right off so I'll pass. I think the blue lid is acceptable but I'm hesitant. I don't want to do more damage than good. :dunno2:
I thought about a polishing pad on my Dremel but again, don't want to swirl the chrome. Damn that bag (and my poor mounting abilities).
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You could have your muffler ceramic coated.
http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,2937.msg17172.html#msg17172 (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,2937.msg17172.html#msg17172)
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Hmmmm, interesting thought. I'll have to check prices around here vs replacing the muffler. Never thought about that.