Small issues

[jp3872]

I am new here to motobrick.com I just posted in the front porch some pics of my new (to me) bike.  I have a 1990 K75S in good overall condition.  It does have a few minor issues that I wanted to figure out the best way to address.  I read some posts on here but have not found my answer yet.

Sidestand: I have noticed that the side stand does not support the bike well.  It will hold the weight but it leans way to far.  If a finch farted on it, it would fall over.  I don't mind too much I have been using the center stand.  The side stand goes down well and folds correctly but I am not sure how to fix this.  Is a replacement necessary?

Speedometer: I have read many threads about this but none exactly like mine.  First, the cluster seems to bounce around quite a bit when riding.  Second, it does not work at all when you first start going.  After a few minutes, it springs to life.  The rev counter and the gear indicator seem fine and the speedometer works albeit way off.  The high beam indicator and signal indicators are fine but the battery light comes on.  The bike seems to charge and there doesn't seem to be a problem but the light is still there at varying intensities.  Unknown if low fuel light works and the trip odometer knob is missing.  Is it better to just replace this or try and fix it?  Are there good aftermarket options?  Are they all this screwy?  I have a GPS for speed now.

Brakes:  The rear brake squeaks sometimes I am assuming it needs pads.  They don't look too bad but I haven't taken them apart yet.  Where is the best place to buy brake pads and other parts for these bikes?  The previous owner used BMW parts for everything down to the oil filter.  He didn't mention where he got them.

Fuel: What kind of fuel is best for this bike?  I have read regular fuel is fine and I plan on using it.  It runs great the way it is but it came with a full tank. 

Oil: Is any full synthetic good or is there a specific one I should use?

Splines:  Although there are no shifting problems or weird noises, I do not know when these were lubed last.  Is it imperative to take it apart now?  If so what lube.


Thanks!  I know some of these answers are on here but some of the posts are old and some fresh opinions could help. 

[johnny]

side stand... park the moto in 1st gear > key off > clutch lever out > roll it backwards against 1st gear > side stand down... 

you are good to go...

j o

[Big_B]

Brakes:  The rear brake squeaks sometimes I am assuming it needs pads.  They don't look too bad but I haven't taken them apart yet.  Where is the best place to buy brake pads and other parts for these bikes?  The previous owner used BMW parts for everything down to the oil filter.  He didn't mention where he got them.

Fuel: What kind of fuel is best for this bike?  I have read regular fuel is fine and I plan on using it.  It runs great the way it is but it came with a full tank. 

Oil: Is any full synthetic good or is there a specific one I should use?

Splines:  Although there are no shifting problems or weird noises, I do not know when these were lubed last.  Is it imperative to take it apart now?  If so what lube.


Thanks!  I know some of these answers are on here but some of the posts are old and some fresh opinions could help.

I've had good experience with generic brake pads from eBay in my rear brake.

I also run regular fuel in my k1100.

Oil = I've been using Mobil 1 15/50 from Walmart for $25.00 for 5 quarts.

Splines are very important as you don't want to be replacing a drive shaft or final drive. It's also important, and a pain in the butt, to do the clutch splines too. If your bike is having issues downshifting without revving the motor, this can be a sign of the clutch splines needed to be lubed. I think everyone is using HondaMoly 60 or anything with a good moly content.

Good luck with your BMW, they can be a lot of fun and not too bad to work on once you get used to it.

[jp3872]

Am I really that stupid and am using the sidestand wrong???  Ill try it!  See why I love forums...

[billday]

For parts and consumables, you're in New Jersey so you should get to know Beemer Boneyard. Their new stuff always fits and often you can find good used parts from them too. Always good value. They seem like nice guys and best of all regular UPS will probably be overnight for you (it is for me; I'm in Rockland County NY).

PS I read somewhere that entering BMWMOA in the discount code box will get you 10% off. I haven't tried it yet though.

[cy7878]

I bough 3 sets of EBC Brakes FA18 Non-Asbestos Organic Disc Brake Pad off amazon. $22 a set with free shipping.  Placed the first set on the rear and so far it's good.

[frankenduck]

Sidestand: I have noticed that the side stand does not support the bike well.  It will hold the weight but it leans way to far.

They all do that.

the cluster seems to bounce around quite a bit when riding.

They all do that.

Brakes:  The rear brake squeaks sometimes I am assuming it needs pads.

The previous owner used BMW parts for everything down to the oil filter.  He didn't mention where he got them.

BMW?

[Chaos]

What everyone else said.  The bouncing cluster can be annoying, try some thick weatherstrip foam between the fairing and cluster to stiffen it up.  Synthetic is good, but these engines are pretty bulletproof, regular changes are more important than the type of oil.  Old oil can cause the starter sprag gears to misbehave, which can be a PITA.  No need to use BMW parts for stuff like filters unless spending lots of $$$ makes you feel good.  Regular is fine, maybe add some Techron or Sea Foam once in a while.  And BeemerBoneYard is a great resource.  Enjoy your ride.

[Big_B]

I forgot to mention that I use Bosch D3330 oil filters and the cheap stamped steel filter wrenches to change them.

Plus I've also converted my fuel pump to a 4 cylinder Ford Mustang/Taurus unit from Advanced Auto. Think the part number was #2042, but don't hold me to it. Then using a cheap generic fuel filter is very easy.

Happy motoring!

[johnny]

me too on the ebc non asbestos organic brake pads...

i get mine from bikebandit.com usually in the off season when they have those killer ebc deals with free shipping... plus i getts to use my bikebanditbucks... yeeeehaaaaa...

j o

[Scott_]

Then using a cheap generic fuel filter is very easy.

Generic is good, just be careful with "cheap". Don't use a plastic filter, stick with a metal one. Pump pressures for the FI system can reach over 35psi and can split the plastic filter bodies.
Napa 3032 is a good filter to use, I use it as do many others here.

[jp3872]

I am gonna try the weatherstrip option, I was thinking of something like that.  As for the side stand, locking the rear wheel helps a bunch but the bike is so damn easy to put on the center stand I am going to use the center instead.  For parts, I checked out bikebandit (and I have some bucks!) I will look up Beemer Boneyard too.  Thanks for the suggestions. 

One other issue/question.  Is there a way to check the fluid in the front forks or just change and refill with the proper amount?

[Scott_]

Re forks: no easy way to check. Best to just drain and fill fresh, then you know......BTW, don't over tighten the plugs top and bottom both. Very easy to strip out.
As far as the center stand, with the 75's and the curved foot stand, be careful to check for moisture collection/rust. There have been cases when water collects inside the tubing and rusted thru and the stand collapsing.

[TimTyler]

Re: Sidestand...

My bike was leaning a lot the first few weeks I owned it. I found that tightening the sidestand screw #11 fixed that.

[Scott_]

Re: Sidestand...

My bike was leaning a lot the first few weeks I owned it. I found that tightening the sidestand screw #11 fixed that.

On my '97 I had to replace the bolt and bushings to help take some of the excess lean out of mine. They were well worn from not being greased by prior owner......

[jp3872]

Cool, I will try the simple tightening of that screw #11 first and then check the rest.  Thanks!