K100RS PRE LONG DISTANCE CHECKS

[Fliegend Ziegel]

Hi guys.

I was recently gifted a 1985 K100rs, I am going to fetch it in December, and I'm planning to ride it back approx 1000km's. The bike is in pristine condition but it has sitting for 8 months without anybody riding it. Apart from all the usual checks, kicking the tyres etc. is there anything in specific that I have to look out for, especially with a bike that has been standing for that amount of time?

Kind Regards

[Motorhobo]

Do you have access to any service records? I would try to find out if the brake lines have been replaced at any time in its lifetime. Brake lines are supposed to be replaced every four years -- old lines can shed rubber flakes in the interior wall which can lead to brake lockup -- very bad thing. Aside from that, if it runs you would want to either replace the old fuel or run some fuel treatment such as techron thru the existing fuel then run a couple tanks of fresh fuel through it. If the weather is warm, make sure your radiator fan works by letting it idle on the center stand till either the fan kicks on or the temperature warning light comes on. If it comes on, consider fixing the fan before the long ride. And replace the battery too...low battery can cause all kinds of electrical ugliness with these bikes.

I'd also spray contact cleaner on critical electrical connections, such as ECU and tank connector.

Other than that, if it was running well before the long idle period I wouldn't have any qualms about riding it that distance. My k75 stood for almost two years and started right up.

[Fliegend Ziegel]

Thank You Hobo...

Thanks for the info, especially the bit on the brake lines. Fuel system is being cleaned out as we speak, will let the guy know to look at brake lines as well, going to order immediately, won't hurt to replace them. The weather when I'm bringing the bike back will be extremely hot - 40+celcius almost the whole way, so will look at the cooling system as well. I see you have a dog sidecar, can you send me some pics? Got a mutt as well which i'm taking everywhere with me.

[roninvt]

Hi fliegend zeigel,

The bike has been sitting for eight months, but the fluids could be old/low. I would changed the motor oil as well as the gearbox and final drive oils.  Check and top off brake fluid and anti freeze. I would inspect the tires or have seller send pix of same. Make sure they are not shot before you head out on your ride.

[johnny]

id make sure its gotts 1000kms of good rubber and ride it home... and do all the other stuff when i gotts a handle on whats it needs...

j o

[TimTyler]

Besides fresh tires, I'd change out ALL the fluids including brake bleeding. I'd replace the battery and bring along a spare clutch cable. New air filter would be nice too.

If it starts right up and runs smooth you should be good to go.

[subforry]

Tires and brake fluid would be first.  A simple and careful brake fluid bleed should be easy with minimal tools.  Just be very careful to keep the reservoir topped up when doing the job.

[Dennis de Vries]

I'm with Johnny on this one... I'd check oil levels, coolant level, tyrepressure and that's about it. Fuel up and go, and give it a good once over back home...

[Chaos]

Me, I'd trailer it.  30 year old bike, "pristine" may mean shiny but lots of rotted rubber bits and goofy electrical connections.  Troubleshooting an unfamiliar broken down bike in the rain with minimal tools halfway between lost and nowhere is not fun.  Or it could be a great adventure.  Good luck either way.

[Marinahosy]

Does anyone know if all pre-season games will be telecasted on RDS this fall?