new brick owner in London UK

[pblite]

I'm a new brick owner and haven't had a bike for 30 years. Picked it up two days ago and with beating heart had a great 130 mile ride home. Delighted at how sure footed it felt and at the level of control it gives, even to a new and relatively inexperienced rider like me. I've always liked the look of the k series and think I've struck lucky with this k110rs, it's got 53K on the clock and everything seems to work. It's great to see so much affection for this bike on your forum, it makes me feel I've made a good choice. The weight and vibration are a shock to my system but it's much bigger than anything I've ridden before and I'm still learning how to ride it.

There are a few things about the bike that I'm not sure about...
The cooling fan kicks in a lot, even when the bike is cruising
The braking power of the engine is intense - releasing the throttle is like putting on the brake
The clutch and gear change feels heavy - hands and wrists are aching
Linked to the point above, is it ok to use a high gear from a low speed? The bike doesn't seem to labour or struggle.

The bike is in very good condition, there's some minor marks on the paintwork (one from me already) and a leak on one the front forks. I'm going to have it checked over and would be very grateful for any advice on things to look out for. I hear that the drive shaft splines need to be cleaned and maintained regularly. If you have a garage or mechanic that you recommend I'd be very glad to hear from you, especially if you're in the London (UK) area.

I'm planning trips already but need more practice before feeling safe enough to take a passenger on board. 

[drut]

Hi & welcome.I have the K100RS 16v which is similar to K1100RS so my observations may be of interest.My cooling fan rarely cuts in except in traffic,I do not find clutch lever heavy although gearshift certainly has to be "positive"not just half hearted.Motor will happily pull from low revs without issues.

[pblite]

Thanks for your reply and good to know it can pull from low revs.
I'm having the bike checked over and to see if the fan is cutting in at the right temp.

[kris]

Welcome! There is a lot of information on this site and on the internet regarding maintenance and the quirks of these machines. I have yet to have my cooling fan come on in over 2100 miles of riding with temperatures running into the high 80's/ low 30'sC. Might have a temperature relay issue but the bike is running fine. They apparently have a higher heat tolerance than you and I do!

The clutch should feel light. Be sure there is free play in the lever so you don't cook your clutch plate. The throttle shouldn't feel heavy. I might suggest that your muscles aren't yet adapted to the work. It takes a little time. The cables on these bikes are Teflon coated and don't require lubrication. The gear and chain mechanism at the throttle grip, however, does. It is straightforward maintenance and I would suggest you have a look at it.

The spline lube work is also not that complicated. It is a step-by-step process. This assumes you have the right tools and some mechanical ability.

The bikes do pull nicely through a broad rpm range...but why stress it. Pick the right gear and let that engine spin.  As you'll see from other posts on this forum many feel that you should ride it like you stole it! But save that until you get your sea legs.

Nice machines. Nimble. Solid. Well-built.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

The fairings on these bikes make them rather top heavy and take some getting used to.  It has taken me over a year and about 15,000 miles to feel confident enough to take a passenger.  I have found the engine braking and the power rush off of idle on these bikes can make low speed maneuvering a bit tricky.  However, it can be mastered with some time in the saddle.

I have a 16V K100RS and have found that it is quite happy to pull from about 2000rpm right up to redline.  One thing I have noticed in riding mine for a while is that running all day at 6000rpm+ is a walk in the park for these engines and I find myself running in lower gears more now. 

As for maintenance, it is surprising how few tools it takes to do most of the routine things like spline lubes, brake fluid, pads, and oil changes.  A few evenings or a weekend twice a year is about all it takes to keep these machines running without spending large amounnts of money in the dealer's service department.