Firstly, thanks to everyone on the forum. I have reaped a great deal of knowledge from the site and it has been a blessing.
I recently bought a 1992 K75S. It is my first bike and although I am an "old man" ;] I had only 20 or so hours of ride-time prior to this purchase (i.e., much of this is new to me, making this site even more valuable). The bike is a small "project," however well enough to ride. It was involved in an accident a couple years ago (hence affordable to me) and has a few cosmetic issues. Otherwise, it seems to run well and I am hoping over time to get it back to its rightful condition.
My first concerns are mechanical / safety. I have addressed most of these and went to the stealer for a tire in order to get their opinion of its general condition. They gave it a thumbs up, however I can't say I have total trust in their opinion. Enough that I feel safe to ride it however.
There are a gazillion improvements I would like to make. I thought I would list a few things it needs in case anyone has various items they may wish to sell. Ideally I would like to have it running as well as possible, then deal with the fiberglass/plastic deficiencies.
1. Handlebars. In the accident the left side of the handlebar was bent downwards. The bike is ok to ride however the 1" or so difference at the bar end is annoying and affects the riding significantly. I can already hear the screams of "Noo!!!" but I gotta say it is tempting to remove the grip/clutch and use a pipe on the end to bend the bar upwards. It is a small amount of bend which is magnified by the time you get to the bar end. In any event, I am on the search for a set of straight S bars. I'm also considering bar risers and would welcome any opinions on those. I have read re: swapping for C-bars but am not sure I wish to do this.
2. Brake and Clutch lever. One would think these would be easier to find. I am not having much luck. Both of mine are bent, the brake worse than the clutch. There are aftermarket (Flanders?) out there in the universe but the closest I came to finding them was at a cycle gear (they are in their books but not on the shelves or in the warehouses).
3. Left upper fairing. Mine is a mess. Could use the entire piece but can live with it for now.
4. Left front turn signal lens. Missing currently. Luckily I am in San Diego where rain is only a concept, so I'm living with a red bulb for the moment.
5. Rear brake lens. Has a small crack in the corner. Minor, but still would replace if/when I have an extra $20+ not otherwise designated for plugs, filters, lubes, synchs, et cetera. Left/Right rear turn signal lenses also have stress cracks but are fine for the moment.
OK, maybe 'gazillion' was hyperbolic. Feels that way when you are riding because you'd like to have everything in order. The handlebars are priority #1 right now.
Aside from those issues I am attempting to do as much as I can myself. I have a lame shoulder/arm and my tools are on the other side of the country. Once I get past plugs, filters, fluids I am at the mercy of mechanics. The previous owner claims the clutch was replaces & spline lube performed in 2010. I have receipt for the clutch parts however my gut does not trust their word and work. I am not certain if one can "feel" if a spline is in need of lubrication. I have nothing to compare this bike to other than previous riding on a yamaha R1. That machine, however, was only 2 years old and is a totally different animal.
Thanks again for all your help / input. Sorry to ramble on here. Here are a couple iphone quality pics of her.
enjoy your weekend!!!
go Yanks !!!
