85 K100 Flashing electrical problems

[brandandfox]

First of all Im having quite a Few problems Im steadily working on and I'm not sure if a few are connected or not.

The first problem is this: the bike is wickedly cold blooded as I am well aware but the starter only likes to start in full choke position. that was last year. This year it seems since around January that sometimes I have to Imput some play into starting the bike if its specifically cold outside, and now even in warmer weather. I have to put the bike In 1st gear and roll it forward a bit and pop the clutch just enough or enough to start the thing. That is problem number one. Once running the bike ran fun until recently. Wich calls for problem number two which may be connected.

Problem number two: In the past month or so I have noticed a Flickering of the light and speedo when Cold starting the bike. I asked around and took this into account of it being cold and when it warmed up sure enough it would run perfect. Within the past week it is still occuring, Only at 30 Minutes into my ride on a 80MPH average, and we all know these bricks like to run Hot hot hot! Im at a loss as to whether these two problems are connected or are fault of the: starter, Alternator, Old wiring, Neutral switch, battery, Or some other problem. I also have a Short in my right side Blinker wiring as well that I haven't fixed because I plan on throwing on a older pichler EXS fairing. any advice as to the problem child?

[mystic red]

#2, dirty starter orrr bad ground. Check your ground wires first but I bet your starter needs some TLC.

[Scott_]

This is what comes to my mind as I read this.
How does the exhaust smell once it is running. I'm thinking an old air filter may be restricting your airflow and causing you to run rich, and then fouling your plugs. Check your air filter and plugs.
Run some Techron thru your fuel. This well help clean up your injectors if you have one that's maybe leaking a little bit or not spraying well.

Like Scott mentioned, check your starter brushes. Sounds like they may be getting thin, or be having some excess carbon buildup.
How old is your battery. A week battery can cause quite a few problems.

[DRxBMW]

This is what comes to my mind as I read this.
How does the exhaust smell once it is running. I'm thinking an old air filter may be restricting your airflow and causing you to run rich, and then fouling your plugs. Check your air filter and plugs.

AF's on a K last almost forever period.

Curry did a test where he purposely obstructed one with Saran wrap.  NO noticeable change even at the 50% level.

Quite possible the air meter vane is getting sticky instead,I've seen that snafu before on a K 100.

Does the brick idle OK on full advance ?

Double check the crankcase breather hose for cracks along with the throttle body rubber inlet port caps.

[brandandfox]

thanks for the input, the start probably does need some TLC as it was a barn sitter until about two years ago. Ill take it out and clean it up and post pics this weekend more than likely and let you guys know whats going on with it. The starter sounds as if Its turning OK But its just not delivering any juice so It may be a wire or two. as for the air filter I actually just replace the STOCK K&N with a Uni Foam Reusable performance Air filter! So I should be getting great air flow, unless I Installed it the wrong way but I don't believe I did, filter came with no instructions. I installed it Mesh side Up BTW. As for the Injectors I will definitely run some techron through, I plan to have them sent off to Mr Injector Pretty soon to have them refurbished as well. Battery is stock as far as I know as are the plugs and Plug wires. I believe I'm going to replace the plugs and plug wires soon, About a month or so ago I got water In my spark plug wells from a hard washing and I had hesitation and Flickering lights as well until it dried Out in the sun. Battery Is stock as well. Any Suggestions as far as products for Battery Grounds, battery's, Spark plugs, And More is greatly appreciated.

Was thinking of these two products, Any Feedback on these?

http://www.amazon.com/PERFORMANCE-SPARK-PLUG-BMW-K100-188yBR12ZC188yz/dp/B004TYUG4I/ref=sr_1_7?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1337830342&sr=1-7

http://www.beemerboneyard.com/12121459876k100.html

[brandandfox]

crank case breather hose Is heavily cracked and leaking on both ends, needs replacing Immediatly! the Beast idles just fine in full advance. the hose wouldn't be causing the electricity bleed I seem to be having though I wouldn't think for the starting of the bike, but I did think about it aswell as the sparkplugs as the culprit for the blinking.