'90 K75S died while riding

[Andrewck]

I just purchased my first bike over the weekend from a local dealership and it ran strong for four days without problems. On my way home from work yesterday, the bike seemed to be losing just a little power when up shifting. When at stop lights, the bike seemed to idle at lower than normal levels (800 vs the usual 1000rpm). I thought nothing of it until I was at the intersection next to my house and the bike just died while I had the clutch fully in.

I hit the starter again, heard a quick click and the bike never turned over. Got to the side of the road and eventually into my garage where I tried repeatedly to cut power to the bike and start it again without any luck. Clock was still functional and oil & battery dash lights still function when power is on, but lost headlights, horn and all other electronics. Sounds like bike tries to start when I hit starter, but nothing happens.

There is gas in the bike. Was told this is a new battery. Should I go buy a replacement battery or is there something else I need to be testing and looking at? I'm worried I just bought a bike with a lot of problems the dealership wanted to unload.

Thanks so much for the replies in advance

Andrew

[Scott_]

Sounds like dirty/bad starter commutator brushes to me.
With the bike in 5th gear, key on, roll it backwards to turn the starter(don't ask how/why just yet) and see if the headlight come back on. If your light does come on, then pull your clutch and see if it starts.
If so then your starter is most likely your issue.

You could get by as simple as just cleaning the inside of the starter, it could be to the point that it needs new brushes though as well.

The search box is your friend. Search for starter brushes and you should get a list of threads.....

[ReneZ]

It happened 5 days after you bought it at a dealership? Pick up the phone!

[Andrewck]

I called up the dealership and they paid to have the bike towed back and inspected. Got a call a week later staying the battery was dead and the starter relay needed to be replaced. The dealership replaced the parts free of charge and didn't charge for service. They did notice the right foot peg plate was cracked and needed to be replaced...about a $200 job. Think it happened while getting towed. Also noticed last week that the back end of my bike feels loose or 'wet' like I'm sliding during stops and turns. Rear lugs are all tight so not sure what the issue is. Starting to feel like older bike are money pits, or at least this one is...

[Motorhobo]

What shock is on it and is it set up for your weight? I have the same thing with an old Progressive 412 two-up...feels like there's no tire pressure at all. You might be ready for a new shock...cost of doing business.

What used anything isn't a money pit? Everything's relative...Kbikes are dirt cheap to maintain compared to a boat and more cost effective than 5 years of payments on a new bike for sure.

Btw think about replacing that footpeg yourself. Not rocket science and the diagrams are all available on any of the dealer microfiche pages, and you'll get all the help you need from the folks here.  If you're depending on the dealer to do all your work you should start looking for another job to pay for it -- seriously, 20+ year old motobricks are not for the dealer-dependent. Lots of little things will need taking care of. If you're not ready to make an investment in time and wrenching skills then you might really be better off with a new machine with warranty.

[roninvt]

Hi Andrewck,  I replaced my footpeg bracket recently.  Bought the used part at beemer boneyard for $70 and took about 1/2 hour to do.  As motor hobo said, the cost of maintenance is minimal compared to monthly payments.  I have 2 Ks and they cost hardly anything to maintain and run. 

[MEL]

I have noticed on my k1100 the rear end feels a little loose at times as well. I have a new rebuilt Works shock on it so that is not the issue on mine anyway. I have read on threads here and have noticed that since I changed to radials the tire pressure makes a large amount of difference in how the rear end feels. The stock Metzler lasertechs did not seem so touchy. Also in gusty wind the rear seems twitchy and in Kansas the wind blows a lot. With advice researched here in past posts I run 40 psi in the rear and 36.5 to 37 in the front and for my set up that combo seems to be about optimal. Since we dont have many twisys here I may go back to lasertechs next time and see if that fixes the issue.

These bikes are easy to work on and this forum is great for information.

[pdg]

Another vote for 'check the rear tyre pressure'. When I had an MT90a/t on the rear I was running it at 38psi, now I have the E-09 and I'm still 'fine tuning' but currently running 28psi in it. The max pressure for the E-09 is 33, and at that the back end was all over the place, even in a straight line it felt like it was weaving. I've said it before, but it always stands repeating - the pressure on the side of the tyre is very rarely the pressure you should run it at (unless your bike has pedals and a bell...)

Old machines (and new machines, and middle aged machines) of any sort are always money pits when it's someone else spending your money (dealer/mechanic/guy down the road with a large collection of tools).

[Andrewck]

Thanks for all the replies.  I guess I get the dummy award, since low tire pressure was the cause.  Only problem was, I had checked and filled up the tires just days prior to experiencing the problem.  Waiting a few more days to check tire pressure and determine if I have a leak...which seems all too likely at this point.  The bike does not have a tire stem cap on the rear.  I can't imagine that would be the cause of pressure loss and know it's $0.25 to get another one.  Anybody have experience with no cap and a loss of pressure?

Also yes, an old bike may be a money pit, but it's my money pit and I love it.

[ReneZ]

Put a bit of spit on it and see if it bubbles?

[Zampano]

funny, I've been noticing a weird wiggling of the bike recently and was going to post a question for potential causes.  I'll start by checking the tire pressure. At times it feels as if the bike goes "out of alignment" just a millimeter. I mostly just blame the roads. Was worried it might be a bearing just beginning to develop some play somewhere (I haven't pushed/pulled around in awhile).

[Grim]

Wishy,washy feel on my bike turned out to be front wheel bearing. People get over zealous with the hose or high pressure sprayer when cleaning the bike a blow water into the bearings. They say they are sealed but 2500 psi pressure washer does not agree. ;)   I've also read the head set can cause that feeling.

[TimTyler]

Andrew,

You bought a 25 year-old bike. It's going to need some work, but it doesn't need it all at once. Johnny (the forum admin extraordinaire) might suggest you get it running and "ride it 'till it won't move", but I suggest that once it's running you start optimizing it by replacing old rubber bits, fluids, and tuning it using info and suggestions from this forum. Adjust the ergonomics as best you can to make the bike fit you. Dial-in the suspension. Have the injectors cleaned. Tackle the clutch-spline lube when you have time over the winter.

The K75's a are remarkably uncomplicated and fairly easy to work on with simple tools. Read everything in this forum's Lieberry. Any effort you invest in learning to be your own mechanic will pay returns with confidence and yee-haw down the road.