Hi. I have been enjoying riding my 1985 K100 all summer. Recently, however, ol' blue has developed a symptom of an unknown problem; first it seemed to just rattle or knock when I was just taking off, or similarly if i didn't shift down appropriately for the low speed I was going. I thought this may be because of an occasional use of mid-grade gas rather than the high test I usually use. I don't believe the fuel is really the problem, as I have used several tank fulls of ethanol-free high test since then.
a week or so ago, this rattle problem got worse on a 150 mile trip I did. Not only did it seem that the rattle seemed more apparent, but a distressing loss of power accompanied it. The way out of this condition seems to be higher revs (sometimes accomplished by a downshift). the engine rattles, and has almost no power, then with a downshift, it is like it coughs, and then I've got power again, provided I don't lug or bog the engine. The other thing that happened during that trip, was the warning (triangle) light came on, and has stayed on ever since every time the bike is running.
There is plenty of oil in the bike, but I am concerned about this symptom. Does anyone have any ideas?
