Post by: TimTyler on September 25, 2012, 07:25:45 PM
I'm also eager to experience the ride without all the extra weight.
I don't plan to strip down the bike to a cafe racer, chopping off the tail and installing low profile handlebars. I just want to get rid of all the plastic up front. This obviously means I'll need new front lighting. Maybe I'll keep the same handlebars. Thanks to another thread in this forum it was easy to find an order the headlight bits that could work: Reflector (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002M9QJM/) :: Brackets (http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-lighting-parts-aluminum-headlight-brackets-66-35830.html) :: Bucket (http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-lighting-parts-satin-black-7-inch-headlight-bucket-66-65010.html) :: Turn Signals (http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-lighting-parts-arrow-decco-style-black-amber-turn-signals-blinkers-61-83741.html)
I am not planning any irreversible mods, but I don't expect to put the plastic back on either.
The RT's coolant tube does not pass through the hole in the right side of the engine. Can I get a non-RT tube that will? Should I worry about the unprotected radiator fins?
Any other suggestions or concerns I should have before I get started?
Post by: frankenduck on September 25, 2012, 07:42:59 PM
Post by: TimTyler on September 25, 2012, 08:32:00 PM
Post by: blakey on September 25, 2012, 08:48:17 PM
I have an RS and am thinking of doing the same as TimTyler.
Post by: frankenduck on September 25, 2012, 09:15:51 PM
- The K75RT fairing is a retrofit of the K100RT/LT fairing to a bike that has the front cylinder chopped off.
- Because of that the K75RT uses a K100 radiator and gas tank.
- Therefore the hose goes in front of the crank cover, not through it.
- If you used the smaller K75 radiator then you could probably run a K75 hose through the front of the crank cover.
- But it's purely cosmetic anyhow since I've never heard of a K75 rad hose being busted open by a rock or whatever. And installing that hose through the crank cover is a PITA.
- As for leaving the radiator fins being exposed, you might get a few more dings in them but an actual puncture seems unlikely.
Post by: billday on September 25, 2012, 10:12:28 PM
Later on, if you find yourself wanting some protection from the wind (and a tidier-looking front end with the instrument pod concealed), look up the Meier fairing. I can show you how I mounted it on my nekkid K100.
Post by: argent brick on September 25, 2012, 11:33:17 PM
I bet you wind up with RS bars. The RT position is way too upright for life without fairing and windscreen.
Later on, if you find yourself wanting some protection from the wind (and a tidier-looking front end with the instrument pod concealed), look up the Meier fairing. I can show you how I mounted it on my nekkid K100.
How about a picture of your Meier fairing for the rest of us.
I would love to figure out a way to mount a R90S fairing on my K75.
Post by: billday on September 27, 2012, 07:31:48 AM
How about a picture of your Meier fairing for the rest of us.
I would love to figure out a way to mount a R90S fairing on my K75.
Here you go:
https://picasaweb.google.com/williamhday/RideToVermontAugust2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIyo74iNiN6m7QE&feat=directlink
Post by: argent brick on September 27, 2012, 08:09:34 AM
How about a picture of your Meier fairing for the rest of us.
I would love to figure out a way to mount a R90S fairing on my K75.
Here you go:
https://picasaweb.google.com/williamhday/RideToVermontAugust2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIyo74iNiN6m7QE&feat=directlink
Thanks for the pictures. I love the little micro fairings like that. They don't offer much protection but they really dress up a bike.
Post by: billday on September 27, 2012, 10:12:57 PM
Thanks for the pictures. I love the little micro fairings like that. They don't offer much protection but they really dress up a bike.
It's more than you might think, when I ride with it off I really feel the difference on the Interstate.
One of these years I'll invest in a paint job.
Post by: argent brick on September 28, 2012, 02:33:19 AM
True, I put a R90s fairing on my r60 years ago and it did make a difference on the freeway. I have the OEM windshield on my brick. Considering taking it off if I can find the right replacement.
Post by: TimTyler on September 29, 2012, 02:47:15 PM
Two of the four fairing bracket screws had pointed tips. Anybody know why and which holes they are supposed to be in?
Post by: frankenduck on September 29, 2012, 03:02:53 PM
(http://www.ibmwr.org/ktech/rt-fairing/bracket_mount.jpg)
Post by: TimTyler on September 29, 2012, 03:08:58 PM
Post by: frankenduck on September 29, 2012, 03:27:46 PM
Got me. :dunno2:
Post by: Inge K. on September 29, 2012, 05:24:36 PM
Any idea what purpose they serve?
To keep the fluidbloc damper in position.
Inge K.
Post by: TimTyler on September 29, 2012, 07:45:00 PM
Do I need to do anything special when screwing them in, like aiming the steering column, etc?
Post by: TimTyler on September 29, 2012, 07:58:32 PM
I bet you wind up with RS bars. The RT position is way too upright for life without fairing and windscreen.
Later on, if you find yourself wanting some protection from the wind (and a tidier-looking front end with the instrument pod concealed), look up the Meier fairing. I can show you how I mounted it on my nekkid K100.
I'm actually going with "C" bars that I got from Duck / kbikeparts.com Grabbed some backlight LED's for the dash there too. The LED's were easier to install than I expected. No-brainer upgrade.
Bill - I like that fairing. Adding it to my list.
Heading out to get a shorter throttle cable now...
Post by: Inge K. on September 29, 2012, 08:32:36 PM
Inge,
Do I need to do anything special when screwing them in, like aiming the steering column, etc?
The pointed bolts just penetrate the soft surface of the damper, and locks it.
The top of the damper should be mounted 7 mm above the center of the locking bolts.
It was first used on the K75S models, later on other 75`s.......but don`t know for how many years.
...it don`t exists on the part diagrams anymore.
Anyway put a question mark the function now.....since the silicone grease in your damper probably
is history.............should be repacked now and then.......and the special grease isn`t available
anymore.......as I have understood it.
Post by: frankenduck on September 29, 2012, 09:21:00 PM
And I can attest from personal experience that it doesn't eliminate tank-slappers because I had one on my K75RT one day that scared the bejeesus out of me.
I have the 2000 ETK and it shows it only for the K75s, not the K100s.
I also don't get the steering damper on the K100RS4V. It doesn't seem to do a whole hell of a lot and the K1100RS (which has the exact same front end) didn't come with one.
Post by: billday on September 30, 2012, 09:03:19 AM
Bill - I like that fairing. Adding it to my list.
Heading out to get a shorter throttle cable now...
Just found a clearer picture of the Meier fairing on my bike. Chaos had one too, before he went all Messerschmitt BF-109 on us. The primary support of the Meier fairing is two threaded rods that clamp on to the handlebar. It was a job to find space on the RS bar to clamp them. If you're interested I can take and post some pics of how I did it.
+1 on Duck's LED instrument lights, they are a very nice upgrade.
Consider a shorter clutch cable too.
Post by: TimTyler on September 30, 2012, 10:46:26 AM
Here's some more detail I found on the Fluidbloc Steering Damper (http://www.ibmwr.org/ktech/fluidbloc.shtml).
Post by: TimTyler on September 30, 2012, 04:10:16 PM
Looks like the OEM mirrors are ~ $50 each.
Post by: argent brick on September 30, 2012, 05:46:17 PM
Oh, yeah. Guess I need new mirrors too. Any suggestions?
Looks like the OEM mirrors are ~ $50 each.
Does BBY have any? It is my understanding that almost any /6 or /7 airhead mirror will work too.
Post by: TimTyler on October 02, 2012, 09:53:09 PM
I moved the ignition to behind the air filter using an L-bracket, zip-ties and a pipe strap I had laying around. (It looks better with the side cover on.)
The headlight assembly came without instructions and at first it was a challenge to figure out. But once I realized it was made to only go together one way, it was easy.
I had to drop the forks to slide the headlight mounting clamps on, but that's no big deal once you know how. I drilled holes in the clamps so that I could add the turn signals. The 41mm mounting clamps fit the fork tubes perfectly and required gentle open-prying with a screwdriver to slide around.
It took me about two hours to figure out a good place to mount the horns. I thought about just using one horn, but they each have a unique tone (High and Low) and together they're freakin' LOUD. I started trying to put them on the lower triple-tree bracket but they never looked good there. I like where they ended up, mounted using the original horn brackets (but bent) and screwed into the dashpad mount.
I used the original fairing brackets to mount the two high-beam Rigid Industry lights. If the bike ever falls they'll dent the hell out of the tank though.
Post by: TimTyler on October 02, 2012, 10:11:54 PM
Here's a detail of the Rigid light mount too. (I've got a call into Rigid to switch my lights from spot to flood too.)
I really need to give the bike a bath! It's still got all the dirt and grime from the 7000 mile cross-country trip I just finished.
Post by: billday on October 03, 2012, 05:34:38 PM
I messed around with different mirrors on my naked K. The problem is the unusual BMW mounting -- to mount non-BMW mirrors you need a post or stud that takes the through-bolt through your levers on one end, and the threaded end of your mirror on the other end. (Visible in the pictures I posted above, I believe.)
I wound up getting the classic BMW "Mickey Mouse Ears," which I found to be scarce used. From Max, about $50 per each; I got a pair of new ones off EBay for $75 for the pair.
Post by: TimTyler on October 03, 2012, 06:38:36 PM
I wound up getting the classic BMW "Mickey Mouse Ears," which I found to be scarce used. From Max, about $50 per each...
Me too, Bill.
I spent an hour at the dealer this morning while the rep rifled through their parts bins trying to find a mirror that would fit. No luck. Even an 1100GS mirror that according to the fiche looked like a sure bet, was not as pictured and the post was too short. I ultimately had them order a couple of the stock K75C mirrors for $50 each which will be delivered tomorrow morning. I'll slap them on and test them on my way to Paradise, Mt. Rainier.
I haven't ridden a naked bike in almost 15 years, and I've got to tell ya, I was a bit concerned with my decision to remove the fairing when I jumped on the freeway this morning. The gusty side wind and 70mph headwind caught me a little off guard. After 80 miles of freeway today and another 30 off the slab I'm convince the ride is better without the fairing. The bike is just a lot less work to operate, especially around town. It's really fun now.
Post by: jeffhestand on October 04, 2012, 02:34:46 PM
thanks jeff
Post by: TimTyler on October 04, 2012, 11:50:48 PM
Got the mirrors from the dealer in Tacoma as expected around noon, and picked up a shorter choke cable while I was there..
Tested it all out on a 150 mile jaunt to Paradise, Mt Rainier and then back home. Great day for a ride.
Post by: frankenduck on October 05, 2012, 12:05:03 AM
Post by: TimTyler on October 05, 2012, 12:16:44 AM
For those who don't know, summer in Seattle is typically July and August. Any sunny warm weather before or after that is welcomed locally with astonishment. June is often called Junuary here, and the clouds are typically back to stay by Labor Day.
Post by: billday on October 09, 2012, 10:14:00 PM
billday- on your K100 is that the orig radiator cover. I am stripping mine down as well and the one i have does not look like that. I have various pieces and parts i got from PO so i may not have the right rad cover. When i look for one what am i looking for?Yes it's the radiator cover from the K100 "standard." Very few of that model were sold in the USA and they are very hard to find. Here's how I got mine: A guy from Australia posted pics of his bike over the years -- in the first pic, the bike had the radiator cover on it, so I emailed him and asked if he still had it lying around. Lo and behold....
thanks jeff
It has three major parts -- two sides and a center -- plus various clips screws and fasteners. You can see it on Max's fiche.
Looking forward one day to getting a paint job so everything on my bike matches...
Post by: TimTyler on October 20, 2012, 03:19:14 PM
I considered the Maier fairing that Bill recommended, but decided I didn't want to enclose the headlight. The Maier does look fantastic on a K bike though.
I chose the National Cycle N2524 F-Series F-16 Light Tint Windscreen (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GRML4K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000GRML4K&linkCode=as2&tag=cinematographyco) which arrived via UPS ground six days after ordering. I paid $85 though and it looks like it's less now? :hmm:
The N2524 installed easily. I loosened the headlight clamps where they clamp to the fork tubes, and disconnected the headlamp from the mounting brackets. The windshield slips between the brackets and lamp assembly. An extra small adjustable clamp thingy on each side of the windshield prevents the windshield from tilting. I had to move my horns to the lower fork tree.
The windshield does its job perfectly. At my most upright riding position I can feel a little draft on my helmet but most of the wind misses me entirely. I like the way it looks too.
I am thinking about switching back to the RT bars too. The C bars might be okay with bar-backs, but they're pretty uncomfortable for my arms. They position me in a weird mid-point. Ideally I'd be leaning a little less or more, but not exactly where they put me.
Post by: TimTyler on April 14, 2016, 10:09:44 PM
Added front crash bars from the K75RTP (Police) model.
Replaced OEM rear luggage and rack with a Hepco-Becker rear rack and Happy Trail aluminum tragkorbs. Had the rack reinforced at my local welding shop.
Also chopped off the back of the seat and added a 1/4" aluminum plate and a Happy Trail top box.
Switched all lights including headlight to LED's.
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 15, 2016, 01:42:57 AM
Post by: TimTyler on April 15, 2016, 09:59:00 AM
It works great at night. The only caveat is that, since the single LED beam is very focused, any dirt or bugs on the glass create sharp shadows on the ground ahead.
Truck-Lite (27270C) Headlamp (http://amzn.to/1SGt7jC)
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 15, 2016, 10:00:44 AM
Post by: TimTyler on April 15, 2016, 10:02:47 AM
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 15, 2016, 12:45:14 PM
I think I'll just have to keep looking. The way LED's are coming on, it shouldn't be too long before somebody has a plug-and-play LED replacement for a standard H4 bulb.
Post by: Laitch on April 15, 2016, 12:51:38 PM
it shouldn't be too long before somebody has a plug-and-play LED replacement for a standard H4 bulb.How about now, at least according to this ad copy (http://www.jpcycles.com/product/207-465?utm_source=none&utm_term=%5B74947139290%3Aproduct_type_l1%3D%3Dvehicles%2520%26%2520parts%26%2520product_type_l2%3D%3Dland%2520vehicles%26%2520product_type_l3%3D%3Dmot&cid=Google+SEARCH+NON-BRAND+PLA+-+Shopping+Campaign&adpos=1o1&creative=42616806730&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CK_Wrs2MkcwCFQEmhgodpQINEg)?
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 15, 2016, 01:06:55 PM
It's just a matter of time before they make one with the point source lumen output that doesn't incinerate itself without a bulky heatsink.
Post by: gag1025 on April 15, 2016, 06:59:40 PM
Post by: gag1025 on April 15, 2016, 07:37:44 PM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fork-Mount-Headlight-Brackets-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Bike-Project-35-41mm-/301790130012?hash=item464417ef5c:g:ch4AAOSwHQ9WYHV0&vxp=mtr
Post by: gag1025 on April 15, 2016, 07:48:02 PM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Chrome-billet-Aluminum-Headlight-Fork-Mounting-Brackets-For-35mm-39mm-/371571645003?hash=item5683655a4b:g:vI0AAOSwwpdW4Y4P&vxp=mtr
Post by: gag1025 on April 15, 2016, 09:18:04 PM
Post by: TimTyler on April 15, 2016, 10:24:08 PM
I got my fork ears at Dime City Cycle. Check their site.
Post by: gag1025 on April 15, 2016, 11:51:54 PM
Post by: Laitch on April 16, 2016, 09:47:25 AM
Tim, I have one question. Will the radiator shroud on my 1992 K75 RT fit back on once I remove all the plastic in the conversion process. I noticed that you used a K100 shroud.The answer is in Reply 35 of this thread.
Post by: gag1025 on April 16, 2016, 08:26:35 PM
Post by: Laitch on April 16, 2016, 09:16:58 PM
Plus this answer in reply #34 did not answer my question.You're right about that, gag.
Post by: gag1025 on April 16, 2016, 10:03:47 PM
Post by: Dennis de Vries on April 17, 2016, 03:34:55 AM
Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G920F met Tapatalk
Post by: gag1025 on April 17, 2016, 03:53:32 PM
Post by: gag1025 on April 17, 2016, 05:42:06 PM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-1986-1995-K75S-LAVA-RED-Rad-Cowling-RADIATOR-COVER-Shroud-Grill-Grid-/380352916960?hash=item588eccede0:m:mgF3EblaOjquhaVOlES96kw&vxp=mtr
Post by: johnny on April 17, 2016, 08:21:19 PM
Post by: gag1025 on April 17, 2016, 10:33:06 PM
Post by: jjs1234 on April 17, 2016, 11:51:38 PM
Post by: jjs1234 on April 18, 2016, 01:31:13 AM
I love your setup too, it's something close to what I'm shooting for. Are LTD handlebars maybe what your looking for?
Also, thanks for showing the brand of cases- I'm planning on doing some traveling and buying those later on
Sent from my HUAWEI MT7-L09 using Tapatalk
Post by: mw074 on April 18, 2016, 04:51:51 PM
Post by: mw074 on April 18, 2016, 05:11:53 PM
Post by: mw074 on April 18, 2016, 05:34:17 PM
Post by: TimTyler on April 18, 2016, 05:56:59 PM
Upon searching the parts fiche, these are OEM 71 60 2 315 870. They show up under a R100GS-PD parts listing but in the notes it says they will fit K75 with conventional mirrors.
Doesn't matter. They're discontinued and impossible to order from BMW anymore.
Post by: mw074 on April 18, 2016, 06:08:41 PM
Post by: TimTyler on April 18, 2016, 06:10:06 PM
Post by: herseyb on April 18, 2016, 06:13:46 PM
Post by: mw074 on April 18, 2016, 06:16:17 PM
Post by: TimTyler on August 06, 2017, 01:26:21 AM
I auditioned a few waterproof cases I had laying around and the Seahorse SE-540 (http://amzn.to/2v8s2Ap) fit best. I took the PVC tool tube off the bottom of the HappyTrail tragkorb and attached it behind the case. A good fit and easy access for tools. Added a cheap combo-LED light (http://amzn.to/2ueVw0p) to the case, and pulled the Custom Dynamics LB03 Brake Light Bar (http://amzn.to/2uffIPN) off the old top box and double-stick-taped it to the tool tube. Cut off the rear half of the rear wheel fender to make room for the case. Hope I don't have clearance problems.
Installed a new rear tire today and lubed the final drive splines. Took it out for a ride towards the end of the day and had a ball. The first few miles on WA-8 doing 60mph without a wind shield were jolting. The front end felt light but I got used to it after a while. Since the rear tire was fresh I went easy on the turns, and since it was deer-o-clock I kept my speed reasonable too.
As you might expect this lighter bike is more maneuverable and nimble at slower speeds and has more oomph when called upon. It's still my favorite bike. Glad I brought it back from RI.
timtyler-k75-august-2017.jpg (56.38 kB . 768x345 - viewed 938 times) tt-k75-tool-tube.jpg (46.17 kB . 768x511 - viewed 959 times) timtyler-k75-rear-end.jpg (59.28 kB . 694x576 - viewed 905 times) k75-off-road.jpg (61.51 kB . 768x438 - viewed 920 times) can-you-see-me-now-k75.jpg (38.09 kB . 768x343 - viewed 944 times) k75-moon-shot.jpg (22.11 kB . 768x221 - viewed 918 times) naked-k75-instrument-cockpit.jpg (40.19 kB . 768x433 - viewed 916 times)
Post by: Laitch on August 06, 2017, 06:17:29 AM
Are photos no longer displayed in a message post, or is it just me? I just see file links.There's a new arrangement. This is how I adapted to it for modifying old posts.
:dunno
Select Modify over your post then go to the Attachments and other options section below the reply box. You'll see your attachments in an Attached list. Click your cursor within your text where you want to place the first image, go to the image in the list then click (Insert Attachment 1). If the image label doesn't appear in your post, the blinking cursor disappears from the reply box, and the check in the box next to your attachment line disappears. it's because you're in WYSIWYG mode. Move your cursor up to the tool bar, click on the icon with the blue arrow within red brackets, return to your attachment, click on check box next to your attachment to restore it in the list, then click on (Insert Attachment 1) again. The image now should appear in the reply box as a label. Repeat clicking the cursor where you want each image, clicking the insert command for each image and when finished inserting images, Save the modified reply.
Post by: TimTyler on August 06, 2017, 08:50:02 AM
There's a new arrangement. This is how I adapted to it for modifying old posts
Thanks, Laitch. I'd say this is an improvement. More formatting options.
Post by: viffergyrl on August 06, 2017, 11:28:24 AM
I particularly like the first picture (the post-apocalypse industrial vibe is neat with that bike) and the moon shot.
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on August 06, 2017, 01:03:04 PM
I can't stop looking at the seat. It fits perfectly into the lines of the rest of the bike and is still comfortable enough to do 1000 miles or more at a stretch. The functionality of everything and the grey color are frosting on the cake. Even the much maligned instrument cluster looks right.
There is not the slightest bit of cappuccino poser vibe to be found anywhere near this bike.
Post by: Nine80seven on August 08, 2017, 11:01:21 AM
Post by: ckp on October 02, 2017, 04:41:04 PM