Buying a '96 BMW K1100 that is 'surging?'

[baseball95]

Hi all, first post here and hopefully more if I can get my hands on a K1100!
I'm looking into a '96 K1100 with 60k miles. However, the owner says it 'surges' at 3k RPM and otherwise runs normally.

I haven't been able to find any concrete information on this issue, other than that some people with this bike have had it. I'm not too mechanically inclined, but I would like to be. Can anyone tell me anything at all about this issue? Should I even consider buying a bike with this problem? It is listed for less than $2k.

[johnny]

greetings...

is this barry larkin...

poast a link to the listing... letts see it...

surging is hard to diagnose online with out a proper video...

im certain i can have it fixt by lunch...

in seattle... mick vallantine is your go to mechanic... unless mlytle is out there...

http://www.vallantinemotorworks.com/

j o

[Scott_]

Well, the term 'surging' could mean different things to different people.....
Engine revving up and down? cutting in/out?
It could be fuel, air, or electrical, or a combination of all..... not going to know anything if you don't have your hands on it...
Any comments here are only going to be guesses.
It could be as simple as a dirty fuel filter, or something way more complex......

[baseball95]

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/d/stanwood-bmw-k1100rs-96/6947158215.html

No videos to be seen unfortunately, they also described it as 'bucking,' i.e. with a steady throttle at 3k RPM it is acting as if the throttle is being revved, then let off, then revved, and so on


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[baseball95]

It could be as simple as a dirty fuel filter, or something way more complex......

Fair enough! Is this an issue you would stay away from then? Given that it can be way more complex?

Also, see my above post for a description of what it does at 3k RPM

[johnny]

greetings...

looks well maintained... in photos... from a distance anyway... i can see fore pin whack from here..

id go out there with 2 grand and ride it... if everything works and you like it and the title is correct... id buy it for 15 hundert... we can fixt surging telepathically...

needs system 3 cases and iconic 22 at this point... that will cost you 5 hundert...

j o

 

[Scott_]

Looking at the pictures, the side cases don't look to be original. The latches are not what was used in '96.  Definitely not a deal breaker by any means, just an observation.

Personally, I wouldn't be afraid to buy and fix it up for that price, but I've been riding/working with my K bikes 15+ years.....

[K1300S]

Lol....I am out in Seattle and almost went to look at that bike yesterday.

If you are not mechanical inclined, count on $1000 in shop bills right after buying it to go through it and bring it up to snuff.

Old bikes are not cheap.....

[Laitch]

What types of motos have you ridden previously? This one isn't a lightweight. You'll need a good sense of balance at standstill if you can't be flat-footed when stopped.

[baseball95]

Lol....I am out in Seattle and almost went to look at that bike yesterday.

If you are not mechanical inclined, count on $1000 in shop bills right after buying it to go through it and bring it up to snuff.

Old bikes are not cheap.....

Not too mechanically inclined, but want to learn.  What about it do you think will cost $1k?

[baseball95]

What types of motos have you ridden previously? This one isn't a lightweight. You'll need a good sense of balance at standstill if you can't be flat-footed when stopped.

I'm 6'1 220lbs, rode a Honda Shadow before moving and sold it

[herseyb]

you'll do fine size wise unless you're all neck. 

The nice thing about using my K75 to become a more proficient wrencher is they motorcycle itself is well planned out for maintenance and most everything is still available from the dealer. 

Downside is dealer is gonna getchoo for those old rubber parts, and some of them need nice treatment while working around them to not get pinch failures.  #askmehowiknow

[johnny]

greetings...

the mighty pallum is in seattle... he is very knowledgable and a skilled motobrick wrench...

id ping him... throw something his way... he may even tech day with you...

this is pallum on mt baker...


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j o