1989 k100rs That's Been Sitting!

[kris]

Merry Christmas to everyone! Hope you have health, family, friends and a few bucks to spend on your bikes! We're a lucky bunch, indeed. I have come across an '89 k100rs that's been sitting for 8 or 9 years. The owner isn't even sure. It has been in an unheated garage in Ontario. It shows some corrosion here and there but nothing too creepy. It's what I can't see, in terms of corrosion (electrical!), that scares me. I see some signs of oil in the belly pan and that has me concerned. That and possible issues with the ABS system and brake calipers. I figure the engine and tranny can probably handle sitting that long. Seals are also a big concern. Would wheel bearings/ head bearings also be an issue after sitting so long?

Any opinions appreciated. I am always a much bigger fan of a machine that has been running, even with higher mileage, than something that has been sitting.

Keep your eyes peeled out there!

Thanks.

[Gio]

I would not worry about wheel / head bearings - from a storage perspective anyway ... but would definitely want to look in the tank as the gas (if there is any remaining) will not be exactly fresh (and should be flushed / replaced before any attempt to start). If sitting for that long without a periodic turn-over I would squirt a little oil into each cylinder and then make sure it turns over - manually at first and then with starter/no-plugs ... just to get some oil moving (you could do a compression test at the same time if you had a guage ..)

Also - check for evidence of mice nests (they seem to like air-boxes and other inconvenient locations for some reason!)

[rbm]

Ted's advice is a good read and will guide you as to what you should be looking for.  Seals are probably OK, as would be the steering head bearings.  Rubber bits in the engine will have deteriorated and will need looking into (eg. crankcase breather Z-hose, injector O-rings, TB bushings, etc.).  Electrics will need attention for sure.  They will all need to be disconnected and cleaned with an electrical spray cleaner to ensure good contact (Deoxit is recommended).  Finally, the starter motor will need servicing probably.

[kris]

Thank you gentlemen. Sorry for the slow reply. I've been away. Any thoughts on oil in the belly pan if the seals aren't likely an issue?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Oil in the belly pan possibly from sight glass, oil filter cover o ring or drain plug crush washer.

[Inge K.]

from sight glass, oil filter cover o ring or drain plug crush washer.

.........or oil/water pump.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

from sight glass, oil filter cover o ring or drain plug crush washer.

.........or oil/water pump.

I am the eternal optimist...

[kris]

Thanks all. Still deliberating and the seller may throw me out when he hears my offer....

[kris]

Hi Robert,
When you say "TB bushings" what does that refer to?

Thanks

[Inge K.]

Hi Robert,
When you say "TB bushings" what does that refer to?

Thanks

The short rubber tubes under and above the throttle bodies.

[kris]

Thank you!