New in Seattle

[Charlesleoiv]

Hi there!  I'm pretty new to motorcycling in general: the 1993 K75 I just picked up is only my second bike (I got a little Honda CB400T last summer).  Planning on taking the BMW down to AZ this spring, and in the meantime looking forward to learning as much as I can from this forum!

[Rick G]

Greetings Charles and welcome to the motomadness motobrick forum.  You have chosen wisely for a trip to AZ hope all goes well.

[frankenduck]

Welcome to motobrick.com.  From the member map it looks like you're only a few miles from me. :2thumbup:

Your avatar looks like a K75RTP - not many of those around in the states.

[Charlesleoiv]

Frankenduck, 'tis indeed the RTP, and it's also painted the old SPD blue, haha!  We are practically neighbors; I'd love to pick your brain and see what you think of this brick.  Perhaps a ubiquitous Seattle coffee sometime?

[frankenduck]

Yes, I've heard rumors that at one time the SPD tried out a set of three of them.  Interesting specimen.

[Charlesleoiv]

A quick (probably silly) question: This bike has a built in battery charger, with a 3 prong power cable coming out from under the seat.  Do I understand that this can be plugged directly into a 120v circuit in my garage, or do I need some kind of power inverter between the wall and the bike?

[WayneDW]

Welcome Leo.  Looks like you have a nice bike.  congrats

My K75 has no such power cord so it probably is aftermarket.  (or maybe police bike standard?)  But I'd say, based on how you described it as a typical 3 prong cord, that you can just plug it in and see what happens.  Any cord that needs something other than 120VAC would be shaped differently.  (unless an idiot wired it up)

Are you sure it's a battery charger?  The PD may have put a crankcase warmer on it for cold Seattle winter mornings.?

[frankenduck]

Are you sure it's a battery charger?  The PD may have put a crankcase warmer on it for cold Seattle winter mornings.?

You don't need a block warmer at 30 degrees.

Why not open things up a bit and take a look at what's inside?  It may have some specs on it.

[Charlesleoiv]

Will do when I get home from work this eve.  Thanks for the warm welcome, guys!

[argent brick]

Welcome to the brickyard, Leo.

On your way to AZ, why don't take a side trip to Napa Valley.
Would love to check out the RTP and you could check out some N.V. wine.

[Lawrence]

Welcome!  Sounds like you have a pretty rare bird (not Burd). I'm puzzled by the "3-prong plug"  Typical household current/connections are 2-prong, no? Wouldn't a 3-prong thang be for 220v.?  That makes if even more mysterious.  Are there other rarities on your motorcycle?

[Charlesleoiv]

argent Brick, that sounds great! 

WayneDW, figured out it is an aftermarket charger added by the previous owner...plugs right into the wall (the third prong being the ground).

[Charlesleoiv]

Nothing else noteworthy as far as I know, although I think the engine protection bars mount differently than most K bikes, at least as far as I can tell.  More about that, and an embarrassing story, to be posted in The Workshop forum, presently...

[argent brick]

Charlesleoiv,

Contact me about 2-3 weeks before you leave. Spring is really nice here. The grass covered hill wallpaper picture in Windows XP was taken here in Napa Valley. The fall is the best time to tour here if you have a bike.

If I have time, we can compare bricks.