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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: colly on March 29, 2016, 07:43:17 AM
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Hi all, I have lots of little questions I might as well keep them in the same thread... Starting to make a list of all the parts I need for my new K build - she's been off the road for a while. Going to build a cafe racer. I live in ireland so can anyone recommend a UK based online store that has everything that I need? I found the weemoto k100 page (http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/bmw/k_100___non_abs_-_8_valve_model/83-90/) - but there any other stores I should use?
A few questions:
I need a rear brake reservoir as mine is broken - where can i get one? Used is fine.
I'm told the throttle cable is stretched. Do I need to reset ignition timing?
What oil is recommended? 10w40? Synthetic or not - does it matter? I live in ireland so it's cold a lot.
Fuel: Is normal unleaded ok, or do I need a lead additive?
Battery: What battery is recommended, preferably something small? Like in this photo (http://www.pipeburn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/16_05_2014_BMW_K100RS_01.jpg)o - I want to expose the frame triangle, so where do people mount the battery?
Exhaust: I want to expose the swingarm so I was thinking of rerouting the exhaust out the other side and then maybe getting a stubby exhaust. Any recommendations?
Thanks for the help! :2thumbup:
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The rear brake reservoir degraded in sunlight, the later ones were tucked up under the seat. Anything that fits will work, check for local bike breakers
Throttle cable should not effect timing. Timing rarely needs set unless someone messed with it. Check if slack can be adjusted out of cable
I use 10-40 year round, many use 20-50, especially in summer. Synthetic is fine, but dino oil is too. Personal choice, just change it as recommended. No need to use special "motorcycle oil", it's pretty much same as a car engine.
Unleaded regular is fine
I've heard of people using a lithium battery mounted in the tail
Probably need to fabricate an exhaust yourself. Aftermarket are scarce and nothing like what you describe.
Good luck!
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You can get parts from Motorworks & Moto Bins both in UK. I get a lot of parts from Motorworks. If you replace the throttle cable you will have to reset the throttle position switch ( TPS ). I run 95 octane unleaded in OZ avoid any fuel that has alcohol in it, a mate now has 3 bikes that have alcohol related problems, the fuel pump dampers, and the fuel hoses virtually turn into jelly. See the post in the Workshop No Start under K100 4V no start. Bike 2. Running synthetic oil helps stop the Sprague clutch on the starter from gumming up. Somebody in the UK will know the correct weight and will suggest brands of oil I live in Queensland and run the same weight oil all year Castrol power GPS 4T 10-40 w but we virtually only have 2 seasons.
Regards Martin.
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Thanks guys.
Ahh OK the TPS makes more sense. I'll have to get it running and see first. Thanks for those sites I'll take a look. I've called a few breakers for the reservoir, good to know that any will do as long as it fits.
Interesting re the battery - can anyone link me to a suitable Lithium one? I hear they are expensive - but it might be worth it.
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I run 10w40 when not-summer, 20w50 in summer. I use either Valvoline or Castrol for motorcycles.
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For my lithium I selected a Zero Gravity twelve cell, and hide it in the relay box, after eliminating a few surplus relays. Depending on the relay functions you retain in the box, the battery can fit well but tight. Other mounting options include in the tail, or lying on its side in the conventional battery site.
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Thanks guys
For my lithium I selected a Zero Gravity twelve cell, and hide it in the relay box, after eliminating a few surplus relays. Depending on the relay functions you retain in the box, the battery can fit well but tight. Other mounting options include in the tail, or lying on its side in the conventional battery site.
Pardon my ignorance but where exactly is the relay box? I'd love to hide it but in reality i need access in case I need to take it out to charge it if I dont use the bike for a while cant trickle charge -no power where bike is parked)
My local supplier has an Odyssey PC680 - he recommends it and says its a lot smaller than the current battery - not many others are much smaller. Maybe I can put it on its side down the bottom?
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Colly underneath your fuel tank is a black plastic box. You need to remove the C clips on the rear edge of the tank and lift up the tank and then you will see it. If you unclip the lid you will see it is full of various relays.
Regards Martin.
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Thanks Martin. I was actually playing with this last night I think. We pulled out the air filter which looked spotless - on top there is a big box for the airflow. I have seen some some bikes where they seem to have removed this and replaced it with a K&N air filter that either sticks out, or four smaller ones in a row. Can anyone enlighten me as to what I have to do to do this? Would this give me more room to fit the battery?
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Thanks Martin. I was actually playing with this last night I think. We pulled out the air filter which looked spotless - on top there is a big box for the airflow. I have seen some some bikes where they seem to have removed this and replaced it with a K&N air filter that either sticks out, or four smaller ones in a row. Can anyone enlighten me as to what I have to do to do this? Would this give me more room to fit the battery?
Wrong box, although it's a very nice one. I think the one Martin's referring to is on the left side with the fuses. You need a manual there, colly, or consult a BMW parts fiche.
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Ah ok - thought it might be the case, I'll have a look tomorrow. However just wondering is it possible to get rid of the air box and replace with K&N?
If you look at these bikes: http://www.bikeexif.com/k100 - they have everything stripped out - however I'm guessing these are for show. However this one is a daily driver: http://www.bikeexif.com/bmw-k100-cafe-racer and he's done a great job of stripping it out.
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Air boxes have been eliminated, colly. I'll suggest again that you start a Projects thread and post a picture of your bike. It may be a productive strategy to get comments from other bike builders.
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Thanks will do! Cheers for the help! :2thumbup:
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Look again.........Jeff's bike has the stock air intake snorkel. The air meter on top of the intake box must be in the intake which makes using a K& N filter difficult. Also, different bikes use different fuel injection management , and those with four air cleaners have a different system. I eliminated the snorkel and put mesh inside the intake. The simplest way to do your battery is get a 12 cell lithium and place it on it's side where the battery normally goes. You will need to fabricate your cables and battery pretension brackets. The relay box is complicated in requiring a good bit of electrical modification to make room for a battery.
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Then, there's this.
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The simplest way to do your battery is get a 12 cell lithium and place it on it's side where the battery normally goes. You will need to fabricate your cables and battery pretension brackets. The relay box is complicated in requiring a good bit of electrical modification to make room for a battery.
Ok thanks. The lithium batteries are very expensive, I'm about to go off and buy the Odyssey PC680 that was recommended int he battery thread. Guy in the shop said its no bigger than the lithium ones - and this is half the price. Will that do?
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That is the least difficult path to take for now..........what are the CCA ratings on the battery you plan to use?
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The battery is the one recommended here: http://www.motobrick.com/index.php?topic=2928.0 - also the guy in the shop said its what all the BMW riders choose - so I'm sure it will be fine. I'm not sure it fits as is, I may need connectors of some sort. I didn't take any photos unfortunately so I've no idea. I'll try to fit it on its side at the bottom and maybe it will remain fairly hidden!
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That battery will be fine.
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I have seen some some bikes where they seem to have removed this and replaced it with a K&N air filter that either sticks out, or four smaller ones in a row. Can anyone enlighten me as to what I have to do to do this?
CC productions used to make a kit, I got this back in the 80's. Pretty simple, just a plate bolted over the airflow metering box intake with a lip for the filter, and a support rod. They show up on ebay occasionally or easy to fabricate.
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Then, there's this.
Apples and oranges Laitch. That's a K1200 which uses a Motronic. So, it's not encumbered with Jetronic's AFM. It's got a MAS instead. Also, adding velocity stacks to a K1200 intake is much easier that trying to get rid of the Jetronic's airbox in the K100.
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So that's what that is, Robert. Thanks for the clarification and the taste-tempting simile.
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Yeah, what BM said.....that's what I'm sayin'. Cain't do four intake air cleaners on a K100. Besides, K&M filters aren't good in dusty conditions.
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Thanks for all the help gents! I have a few more questions.
Rear sets - I don't like the big footpegs on it, I'd like to swap them for something more modern. Do I have to get something specific? I see BSB Speedworks make them but they are crazy expensive. Can I find a universal set? Does anyone have any advice or recommendations?
Exhaust. I really want to expose the single sides swing arm - so I'd like to reroute the exhaust to the other side - like this (http://www.bikeexif.com/bmw-k100-cafe-racer). I assume I'll have to get this custom made.
I have taken off loads of the parts and panels of my bike -things like body panels, front and rear, clocks, seat etc - do you think I'll be able to sell these? Is there much of a market for this stuff? I'd rather not go through the hassle of selling each individually on ebay etc and then having to post individually. Any tips?
Thanks :)
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Rearsets are too expensive for just the look, no generics that I have seen, just BSK. You can cut the side plate down, as shown on my bike, and you can ditch the stock rubber foot pegs for a metal ridged peg like on GS.The exhaust pipe under to the right side can be done by a muffler shop. The bike will be loud, but you can add an after market shortly muffle. BSK sells a 30 degree up turn collector pipe for left side that make give you an acceptable open wheel look. The panels have limited market, but don't throw any good parts away. You never know what you might trade for or sell. Post a pic of a bike that looks like what you hope to achieve.
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Ok thanks Trueace. So the one I like best is this: http://www.bikeexif.com/bmw-k100-cafe-racer -
(http://kickstart.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bmw-k100-cafe-racer-625x417.jpg)
I love the way he has ripped most out of the frame triangle, and I want to get a custom exhaust out the other side to expose the swingarm. I may also move the sidestand to the other side, and I'll probably have to lose the center stand though. Worried about cost of all of this. I saw that BSK Collector - it's very expensive! £200 (almost $300). Hopefully I can get a muffler shop to make someting up for me.
Mine will be different to the above bike in several ways though, I've no idea what color scheme I'll go with yet. My rear cowl will be different and I've yet to find a seat, going to use for racing foam temporarily.
I also have to think about a brake light and indicators. I might go for the bar end indicators (https://papajhotel.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/bmw-k100-project-96.jpg?w=300&h=225) - but I have not figured out a brake light.
So many things pop up that I had not thought about - however i must say I am thoroughly enjoying this project so far!!
Is there a guide to chopping down the footpegs like you mentioned?
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Colly, I've tried to respond a couple times today, but can't get the server to upload. Let me know if it comes through.
Below are a few pictures to better show what I did in my scrambler build. The foot peg mounting plates are aluminum, and easily cut to make smaller with a power tool and good quality carbon blade. You need to grind the edges and polish well. ......an acceptable shot term solution if you don't want to buy rear sets. See the pics for left & R on my bike. Leave just enough on the right side to hide the master cylinder. On the rear frame chop, do not cut too close to the upper shock mounting bracket. The bullet rear lights are inexpensive and can be held in place with bicycle handlebar grips trimmed down. Lots of choices for brake light, I used a simple LED strip and fabricated a frame. Remember to run license plate lights to keep the popo happy. The open "triangle requires you to hide the EMC unit, mine is just under the seat rails, and the battery. You have that cafe tail to work with. If you go with a standard battery, it can lay on it's side to be less visible. Let me know if you have more questions........good luck and send us pictures!
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Thanks so much for the advice and the photos! That definitely sounds like a good idea - cheaper than buying rearsets anyway!
I'm buying a load of gear from www.caferacerseats.co.uk - they make a seat cowl specifically for the K100 (http://caferacerseats.co.uk/products/357-bmw-k100-k75-cafe-racer-seat-in-white-gel-coat) that bolts right on! And an under tray so you can hide the ECU in there. Sounds perfect. And they also do a deal on a lithium battery - with a custom made box that hides neatly on the swingarm. This is annoying as I just bought an Odyssey PC680 the day before - which was even more expensive. I get it anyway if its neater. Photos here on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompleteCafeRacer/posts/1661519384088024 - check the photos in the comments. For the seat I'm really not sure what I'll do - but for now I'm just going to use some racing seat foam. I'm going to get Clip on adjustable bars (http://caferacerseats.co.uk/products/104-adjustable-strap-ons-handlebar), and bar end mirrors (http://caferacerseats.co.uk/products/114-m-black-cnc-round-bar-end-mirrors). I also bought a huge net of new bolts (http://www.ebay.ie/itm/448Qty-BMW-K-100-RS-ABS-RT-LT-MODELS-STAINLESS-ENGINE-FRAME-ALLEN-BOLTS-EXTRAS-/331722881753?hash=item4d3c397ad9:g:wIsAAOSwgQ9Vt38G), as many of the ones that are on it are rusty.
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CareRacers has some neat stuff. What are you planning with the headlight? You should be able to get an upholstery shop to stitch you up a good seat for not too much. Send pics as you go!
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I think a custom upholstered seat will be one of the last things I do. Not sure about headlight, I assume I can use the one I have with a new bracket? I also have to think about a speedo - anyone got any recommendations?
Another question, when we took the fuel filter out (12 years old) one of the hoses was all rotten. I now need to replace this. Does anyone know what part this is - or will any fuel line do?
We tried to get her started the other day, would crank but not start. I don't think the plugs are getting fuel - could be the injectors clogged, have to see later this week
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Check the 4 pin connector ( bad connection ) that goes to the fuel pump a known problem, it is under the RH side cover. Fuel hose can be purchased non OEM but has to be fuel proof and rated as submersible.
Regards Martin.
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Finally figured out the problem, fuel pump is nackered. New one on the way and hopefully it should start fine! About to order all the parts and the proper build will start soon. I'll post back with pictures.
One question, the radiator has a hole in it - probably from a stone. Is it worth getting this fixed or should I try to find a used rad online?
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Is it worth getting this fixed or should I try to find a used rad online?
Pull it out and get an repair estimate before you decide that one, colly.
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Yep take to local radiator shop and get an estimate
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