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MOTOBRICK.COM => The MBdotCOM Community Center => Topic started by: F14CRAZY on April 20, 2015, 10:08:25 AM
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As much as I love my K75 this water pump issue has made me feel liking selling and buying something Japanese.
I've found that Beemers have their quirks, but then again, what brand of anything doesn't?
The things that keep me going though are having a decent dealer just a couple miles away...I could walk there or ride my bicycle if I had to.
Plus parts availability. It's nice knowing that the dealer will likely be able to get whatever part I need within a few days.
Parts interchangeability. Between Frankenduck and I, my K75C is pretty franken in how it's a mix of parts from different BMW's and that allows one to make a K just to their liking.
It's a good "sport-touring" machine. Haven't virtually all BMWs had some elements of "sport" and "touring" bikes combined? My fiancee and I like taking trips "up north" and at least I need a break after a couple hours, and more frequently after that. I've thought about replacing the K with a rice barge but I've had doubts as to whether I could physically handle one...I'm like 5' 7'' and 147 pounds. But the K75 is fairly comfortable on the spectrum of motorcycle comfort. I like to run it close to redline on highway on ramps and see how far I can lean it over once in a while, which a rice barge isn't good at.
If I were to replace it with another brand I'd probably get a Kawasaki Concours. Something I think I should have just gotten one of those but I figure I've got most everything sorted out with my bike now and starting over with a new list of things to replace to get it in safe and comfortable operating status, along with a new list of quirks, would be counterproductive.
There isn't much of a point to this thread, but thanks for reading my rant of sorts.
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Yes, it happens now and then. Worse if it your only means of transportation. You don't have the luxury of just stepping away for a few days/weeks.
I was very close to selling my Katana because of a handling issue. I kept replacing things and not fixing the problem, in some cases it got worse. Turned out be the front tire.
My thoughts on a BMW over another bike, well, working on the BMW is a pleasure because the parts fit so nicely. Also I feel like the BMW will not leave me stranded, that some how it work well enough to get me home.
Good luck.
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well it's true that it hasn't left me stranded yet, unless you count not starting at home to count (bad starter brushes were to blame that time). Least it did give me some warning
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Ok I have had two K 100's, just traded off the second one. The K100 is HOT, loads of power, sweet bike, parts are everywhere, but did I say it is HOT, yep. I hear K75 is not nearly as bad. My second K100 I replaced all the rubber parts, cause they were 30+ years old, and all the parts were available - NEW!!!! Another BMW plus. I would have taken my second bike anywhere, after I replaced rubber, that thing was a new bike. Can't do that with a Jap bike, just not as dependable. So why don't I have one now?? I got a urge to hang onto a R1200RT. It is packed with goodies, but I like the K bike better. Other than the HEAT!! So if I had a K75 I would have never left K bikedom.
They are like rocks. Keep yours!!
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Though I haven't ridden a K100, based on my experience, a K75 is as hot as a K100 is
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The K1100RS is not too bad if you are moving, once you stop it will cook you. Fine in winter and great for heating up food. Miserable in the summer. A ham and cheese bagel wrapped in foil, wedged between the head and faring, nicely toasted after 3 hours riding.
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Did BMW not test tide these things above 60 degrees? From what I know it doesn't really get hot in Germany. At least the cooling system doesn't have trouble keeping the engine at a safe temperature though at the expense of the rider.
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Seems that bike ownership is kind of like a marriage. We invest lots of money and emotion into the union and feel like giving up when the list of problems seem overwhelming. Then comes that last issue. It's time to give up. But we've invested too much up to this point and it just doesn't seem right to abandon the relationship over one small problem.
Your water pump problems are frustrating, for sure. You've replaced the seal twice now, both times resulting in leaks and failure. How much more money does one invest in one part before it works properly? Is this an indication that the whole machine is on the way out? Do I cut my losses and sell?
Us males tend to rationalize decisions, depend on logic to guide the way. You could do a cost-benefit analysis and probably you'd be able to justify the sale of the K75 to finance the Concours. I might also argue that you can do the same analysis and decide to keep the K75, even after evaluating the same evidence. It always comes down to how you feel about the vehicle. For me, I'm married to my K75 for life, if I can sustain it. I put in a lot of my soul restoring and customizing that bike (both bikes I own) and I'm just stubborn that way. I get great pleasure out of riding my BMW and that is priceless IMO.
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"As much as I love my K75 this water pump issue has made me feel liking selling and buying something Japanese."
As an ex vehicle mechanic I know from experience how frustrating it can be to put time and money into a repair that does not cure the problem.Having said that K bikes are,in my opinion are a better option for repair/rebuild than any Jap bike I have worked on,and sadly later BMW's appear to be lesser engineered for durability too.I ran a Kawasaki GPX 750F for 48000ml & loved it ,but I doubt it would have reached the 200,000ml+ that many K bikes have achieved.I guess I really like the principle:car type engine+car type drivetrain=car type reliability.
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I did give up, sort of. Wanted a new bike but the complexity of new bmw's and the age related problems of older ones turned me off. Concours, V-Strom, Tenere, even Guzzi were all considered but they all just didn't ring my bell. So I got a Ural and kept the K. And I'm happy :riding:
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F14Crazy, at your size and weight, I'd think long and hard before I invested in a Kawasaki Concourse. That is one very heavy bike! The K-bikes have never been in the race for light weight tours, but the Concourse is another beast entirely. Have you ever tried to pull one of those up on the center stand? Or, how about this: pick one up off the gravel-covered parking lot?
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What bike doesn't get hot? As long as it's moving and giving airflow it's not that big a deal, is it?. Any air-cooled bike idling or standing in stop and go will cook you and cook itself, too. A friend of mine just rode his Harley up from Atlanta and could not ride on the freeway because of the traffic and was afraid his machine would overheat -- in April.
At least the classic Ks have some water cooling and a fan. I'd think with the same design, a 4 cylinder machine would run considerably hotter than a 3 cylinder considering more or less same cooling mechanism and heat dispersion surface.
Water pump is probably the biggest hassle k repair from what I've read. Is it possible that you've expended too much energy on non essentials, so that now this one essential thing is pushing you over the top?
I'm not sure I'd have a classic K as my only means of transportation...if I did I'd mKe sure I had two.
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I have had several ZG1000 Concours and loved them. They are probably as well made as a K bike, easy 200K miles. Now, the new 1400 Concours? Buy a new one and sell before the 25K mile service, it is a real expensive biatch. Kawasaki shops are refusing to tackle the valve adjustment because it is so difficult and the likely hood of screwing something up is major. Should have used hydraulic lifters in that motor. It also makes the K bikes look like ice boxes in the summer.
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I have owned my K1100 LT for almost 2 years now. This thing is hot & heavy. I rode it the other day in 60 degree weather and I could feel the heat pouring out, especially on the left side onto my legs. It wasn't uncomfortable then...but summer is coming!
I am also still trying to get it sorted out. Horrible stock seat, handlebars that come back way too far. Knees bent too much for my liking. loud motor too. On the plus side, it eats up miles, has great suspension with an Ohlins in the rear and Hyper springs in the forks, Michelin RP radials, runs smoothly and looks good, at least to me.
I have another bike, also a BMW. I have owned my 1975 R90/6 for over 32 years and have always enjoyed it. It now has around 200,000 miles on it. There are no heat issues with it. It weighs around 466 pounds wet (vs 638 for the K) and the R90 weight is low to the ground. I find the seating position and the stock seat to be comfortable as well. Will I ever sell it? NO, it is too simple and cheap to fix and maintain and is really fun to ride on all kinds of roads.
Hopefully, I will come to love my LT as/or if I get the ergo issues sorted out, but if not, I will sell it and won't look back.
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I have felt like that when building my Triumph. Not on the K bike though. I'm sure your issue is something simple and you will figure it out in due time. These bikes are too bullet proof not to. Good luck.
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maybe I should have gotten an airhead, but then again from my oilhead experience that vibration would seem unpleasant
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F14, If you balance the carbs properly, vibration shouldn't be an issue. My bike runs smooth. As for oilheads, not the same beast. I rode a few of them at the Stealers a few years back and found them to be soul-less. Just my take, YMMV.
I'm thinking of getting another low mileage airhead, an RS or RT, but they are getting expensive.
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Novafrk,
What model is your Triumph?
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It started life as an early '71 Bonneville.
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Sunk cost and emotional attachment to bikes is a big thing.
I ended up doing a rebuild/re-engine job on my K75 a year and a half ago. Worthwhile I'd say. The bike is solid, and I can trust it totally. It may be a little bland at times, but that's why I bought an old Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster. That one is questionable, reliability wise, rough around the edges, and perfect at the same time.
All things considered, I'd probably like to have a nice, sorted R90. Would do everything I need, bike wise. Smooth and reliable, but with enough character to keep me interested. But I am invested in the K, and like it a lot, would be hesitant to sell it.
So if owning a bike is like a marriage, is the Sportster the trashy redneck mistress? Lol
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So if owning a bike is like a marriage, is the Sportster the trashy redneck mistress? Lol
With the parts-fall-off maybe a zombie redneck mistress.
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So if owning a bike is like a marriage, is the Sportster the trashy redneck mistress? Lol
With the parts-fall-off maybe a zombie redneck mistress.
I've already lost a highway peg, a shift lever, and a screwdriver and pair of pliers I had wedged into the seat.
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So if owning a bike is like a marriage, is the Sportster the trashy redneck mistress? Lol
With the parts-fall-off maybe a zombie redneck mistress.
I've already lost a highway peg, a shift lever, and a screwdriver and pair of pliers I had wedged into the seat.
Like they say.
98% of the Harley Davidsons sold in the past 20 years are still on the road...
...The other 2% made it home.
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So if owning a bike is like a marriage, is the Sportster the trashy redneck mistress? Lol
With the parts-fall-off maybe a zombie redneck mistress.
I've already lost a highway peg, a shift lever, and a screwdriver and pair of pliers I had wedged into the seat.
Like they say.
98% of the Harley Davidsons sold in the past 20 years are still on the road...
...The other 2% made it home.
Won't be far though. 2.4 ish gallon tank with reserve (1.8 before reserve), and the S&S Super E side-draft carb on it is pretty much only designed for starting, idle, and WOT. And is too big (venturi wise) for the engine at that. Think it gets ~ 30 mpg at the moment. Will be changing to a 40mm CV carb from a 90s sportster soon, and sell the caveman carb to someone else.
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Yeah, I have thought about it. My brick has never has gotten the mileage that I feel it should.
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Never!
I had a K100RS with a RT fairing, loved it (but bought the Suzuki GSF600) and sold the K100 to my best friend, he loved it and drove it another 100,000 Km. I bought the K75RT about 2 years later, and even though there are some minor maintenance issues, these are basically bulletproof bikes. Another friend has a Honda Goldwing, and many more issues, but maybe I was just lucky. Performing maintenance always keeps things in good order, whether houses, helicopters, cars or motorcycles (or anything). If you buy a reasonably well maintained anything, you'll likely get a lot of use and pleasure out of it. A poorly maintained item will usually cause you a lot of mental and financial anguish (don't ask about the wife's Honda CB125S!). Wish my new house was as well built as my old one, but blah blah blah, we all could likely go on forever about stuff like this... Just sayin....
PS! Yes those K bikes are HOT on the legs in slow drivin'... :mbird
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Being that my bike was previously owned by Drake (who vouched for it over the phone before I bought it) and a retired gentleman after that it's had pretty good care, but then again, it was the cheapest non-basket case BMW I could find with side cases within a reasonable driving distance (which meant to North Carolina). I knew going into it that I would be tinkering with it.
I suppose I'll be keeping it. I'm at the point where its nickled and dimed me enough to the point where there's not much else to go wrong. And I fixed the leaking water pump issue with installing the used K1200LT pump I received from ebay.
So for now at least, I'll be sticking around. It is a great bike when it's running well, which is most of the time
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I'm also retired and have certainly had issues with older bikes, but can't say that the K series bikes are bad, just the people who owned them before we got them! You just have to think of this as a "Learning Experience" kind of thing! A saying from my previous life... :musicboohoo:
Eric...
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'F14, I literally just came back from a ride on my 2004 Concours. It was magic out there. I was thinking I would take this bike anywhere. (the Beemer will sit for a bit until I have time to investigate the monkey nuts issue as the possible source of my noise, etc..) The Kawi is, and is reputed to be, a wonderful bike. I cannot even look at the new Concours, however - Godzilla meets Roger Ramjet meets some whacked out designer...honest to God, it just gets crazier with these new bikes...and new Beemers are no exception. The Concours was just humming along like a champ tonight. It's a pleasure just listening to her engine spinning so nicely. I look forward to dealing with the issues on my old Beemer knowing that, when done, this Teutonic tourer will live up to its reputation and more. The K100 RT is an interesting machine to ride, feels nimbler than the Concours in ways, and is ugly enough to be kind of attractive...in my opinion. And there is no sub for that block engine. It's just got solid written all over it. And that engine purrs in an equally great, but different (than the Kawi) way. To sum up, don't be afraid to pick up a fine Japanese bike as an alternate ride (assuming finances permit). I have come to realize that there are thousands of great machines out there, most of which are probably in beyond excellent shape with low miles on them. You can probably get one for a song (I ran into a guy at a bike shop who had a Honda CBX...the 6 cylinder bike...some older gent had just given him that bike and another large Japanese machine...he was too old to ride anymore). And they will all be a little different, thank God. Pluses and minuses all of the place. Can you imagine how boring it would be if they were all perfect and all the same? Get through your issues with your K and hang on to it. One day down the road I guarantee you'll be glad you kept her.
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Just did 1200 trouble free miles on my K75S this past weekend.(Fri-Mon) 40mpg, 85mph. Don't give up man! These bikes rock!!!
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I'm pretty satisfied.
My K75c is my summer bike and around town ride. I don't want to part with it and besides some newer technology and higher performing new bikes out there the Kbike suits me fine and costs me little.
When I want or need to travel farther and faster I have my FJR.
Sure makes the Kbike feel slow but the Kbike feels like a dirt bike coming off the FJR.
And the big plus with both of them is being virtually maintenance free, I just ride them.
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I think I've read that about the FJR and the Honda ST line...they don't don't handle that well. I don't have experience with anything else really but my K75C seems nimble enough even wearing the V1 and cases.
Interesting on the K75S getting 40 mpg at 85 mph. For 80+ mph runs I'm getting around 37-39 according to Fuelly. Must be my fairing
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Interesting on the K75S getting 40 mpg at 85 mph. For 80+ mph runs I'm getting around 37-39 according to Fuelly. Must be my fairing
Yeah, my standard with a windshield is at 37 usually for those speeds. The S is more aerodynamic, the standards are a barn door.
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That was the average for the 1200 miles. Worst was 35 mpg Best was 45 mpg. Riding was interstate, state roads, and twisties.
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I think I've read that about the FJR and the Honda ST line...they don't don't handle that well. I don't have experience with anything else really but my K75C seems nimble enough even wearing the V1 and cases.
Interesting on the K75S getting 40 mpg at 85 mph. For 80+ mph runs I'm getting around 37-39 according to Fuelly. Must be my fairing
I get that mpg from my FJR, sometimes 44mpg, out of 1300cc's btw.
As far as handling, it depends on how they are set up but my FJR handles better than any BMW I've owned.
The ST's feel too top heavy for me.
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If your thinking about a Kawasaki Concours I'd take a look at the new Kawasaki Versys 1000. I test road one at the recent Kawasaki Koffee Break in Irvine CA and can tell you they are sweet. Comfortable upright seating and very smooth and fast. Really has got me wanting one!
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I think the reason I've kept my S for so long is that while it's not top of class in anything it does almost everything very well. Highway, commuting, backroads, mileage, touring, ease of servicing, dependability, looks, enough idiosyncrasies to keep it interesting and every tom dick and harry doesn't have one.
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I think the reason I've kept my S for so long is that while it's not top of class in anything it does almost everything very well. Highway, commuting, backroads, mileage, touring, ease of servicing, dependability, looks, enough idiosyncrasies to keep it interesting and every tom dick and harry doesn't have one.
I'm beginning to feel the same way about my RT. Where else could I find a unique machine that costs under $3k with tons of "character" that you could take on a 4-5,000 mile trip and be comfortable and confident of getting home?
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I think I've about reached that point with my bike...there's not much left to go wrong so I'm better off keeping it and running it
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I have 3 k75s now so I guess I won't be giving up any time soon.
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I think the reason I've kept my S for so long is that while it's not top of class in anything it does almost everything very well. Highway, commuting, backroads, mileage, touring, ease of servicing, dependability, looks, enough idiosyncrasies to keep it interesting and every tom dick and harry doesn't have one.
I couldn't agree with you more. Well said!
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yawl...
id rather push a motobrick than ride a versys...
give up... when they pry my warm fingers from my heated grips...
j o
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Versus? If I were gonna go that route I'd just find an R100GS. These soft adventure touring bikes seem pointless...not the comfort of a touring bike, not capable like an enduro bike
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Versus? If I were gonna go that route I'd just find an R100GS. These soft adventure touring bikes seem pointless...not the comfort of a touring bike, not capable like an enduro bike
Ditto.
I've seen a 90's model GS set up the way I would like it. Lowered, touring tires, Russell DL, Jesse bags and a big windshield.
Only advantage for me to have one is that huge tank and luggage capacity and it might see a dirt road now and then.
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I'd even rock an R100GS in purple. I'd take the black/yellow first though