Motor will only run at idle speed

[Cafe racer]

Just a quick update, the K is now running really well, I prefer it to my last R1150R, I have ordered a new complete rear shock, that will make the ride better, so now need to firm up the front brake lever pressure its soft and spongy but pulls the bike up. and have a look why its overheating, not to bad this time of year, but I know next summer it will be a problem in Tokyo stop start traffic in 35deg C plus.

[blackie1]

congratulations on your fix.
what rear shock brand  have you ordered and from where?

just out if interest

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Good to hear you have the bike running well! 

Next, I would do a complete cooling system flush with a couple of distilled water internal rinses.  It's a lot of work, but when I had cooling issues they were caused by a lot of bugs and debris in the fins.  Removing the radiator and doing an overnight soak in white distilled vinegar cleaned out an impressive amount of dirt and the engine never got overheated again. 

Spongy brakes can often be the result of a bubble or two in the hose that doesn't want to come out.  I and others have had success with tying the brake lever back to the grip with the wheel turned to the left.  Leave it over night with the cover off the reservoir and the bubbles should come out.

Another cause of sponginess is the old rubber brake lines that are going soft with age.  I replace the lines with braided stainless lines as part of every bike's restoration.

As long as you are doing a lot of work on the bike, one of your countrymen has a company named Eastern Beaver that makes very nice headlight relay harnesses for motorcycles.