Any else ever feel like giving up?

[F14CRAZY]

As much as I love my K75 this water pump issue has made me feel liking selling and buying something Japanese.

I've found that Beemers have their quirks, but then again, what brand of anything doesn't?

The things that keep me going though are having a decent dealer just a couple miles away...I could walk there or ride my bicycle if I had to.

Plus parts availability. It's nice knowing that the dealer will likely be able to get whatever part I need within a few days.

Parts interchangeability. Between Frankenduck and I, my K75C is pretty franken in how it's a mix of parts from different BMW's and that allows one to make a K just to their liking.

It's a good "sport-touring" machine. Haven't virtually all BMWs had some elements of "sport" and "touring" bikes combined? My fiancee and I like taking trips "up north" and at least I need a break after a couple hours, and more frequently after that. I've thought about replacing the K with a rice barge but I've had doubts as to whether I could physically handle one...I'm like 5' 7'' and 147 pounds. But the K75 is fairly comfortable on the spectrum of motorcycle comfort. I like to run it close to redline on highway on ramps and see how far I can lean it over once in a while, which a rice barge isn't good at.

If I were to replace it with another brand I'd probably get a Kawasaki Concours. Something I think I should have just gotten one of those but I figure I've got most everything sorted out with my bike now and starting over with a new list of things to replace to get it in safe and comfortable operating status, along with a new list of quirks, would be counterproductive.

There isn't much of a point to this thread, but thanks for reading my rant of sorts.

[subforry]

Yes, it happens now and then.  Worse if it your only means of transportation.  You don't have the luxury of just stepping away for a few days/weeks.
I was very close to selling my Katana because of a handling issue.  I kept replacing things and not fixing the problem, in some cases it got worse.  Turned out be the front tire.

My thoughts on a BMW over another bike, well, working on the BMW is a pleasure because the parts fit so nicely.  Also I feel like the BMW will not leave me stranded, that some how it work well enough to get me home.

Good luck.

[F14CRAZY]

well it's true that it hasn't left me stranded yet, unless you count not starting at home to count (bad starter brushes were to blame that time). Least it did give me some warning

[orforester]

Ok I have had two K 100's, just traded off the second one.  The K100 is HOT, loads of power, sweet bike, parts are everywhere, but did I say it is HOT, yep.  I hear K75 is not nearly as bad.  My second K100 I replaced all the rubber parts, cause they were 30+ years old, and all the parts were available - NEW!!!!  Another BMW plus.  I would have taken my second bike anywhere, after I replaced rubber, that thing was a new bike.  Can't do that with a Jap bike, just not as dependable.  So why don't I have one now??  I got a urge to hang onto a R1200RT.  It is packed with goodies, but I like the K bike better.  Other than the HEAT!!  So if I had a K75 I would have never left K bikedom.

They are like rocks.  Keep yours!!

[F14CRAZY]

Though I haven't ridden a K100, based on my experience, a K75 is as hot as a K100 is

[subforry]

The K1100RS is not too bad if you are moving, once you stop it will cook you.  Fine in winter and great for heating up food.  Miserable in the summer.  A ham and cheese bagel wrapped in foil, wedged between the head and faring, nicely toasted after 3 hours riding.

[F14CRAZY]

Did BMW not test tide these things above 60 degrees? From what I know it doesn't really get hot in Germany. At least the cooling system doesn't have trouble keeping the engine at a safe temperature though at the expense of the rider.

[rbm]

Seems that bike ownership is kind of like a marriage.  We invest lots of money and emotion into the union and feel like giving up when the list of problems seem overwhelming.  Then comes that last issue.  It's time to give up.  But we've invested too much up to this point and it just doesn't seem right to abandon the relationship over one small problem.

Your water pump problems are frustrating, for sure.  You've replaced the seal twice now, both times resulting in leaks and failure.  How much more money does one invest in one part before it works properly?  Is this an indication that the whole machine is on the way out?  Do I cut my losses and sell?

Us males tend to rationalize decisions, depend on logic to guide the way.  You could do a cost-benefit analysis and probably you'd be able to justify the sale of the K75 to finance the Concours.  I might also argue that you can do the same analysis and decide to keep the K75, even after evaluating the same evidence.  It always comes down to how you feel about the vehicle.  For me, I'm married to my K75 for life, if I can sustain it.  I put in a lot of my soul restoring and customizing that bike (both bikes I own) and I'm just stubborn that way.  I get great pleasure out of riding my BMW and that is priceless IMO.

[drut]

"As much as I love my K75 this water pump issue has made me feel liking selling and buying something Japanese."

As an ex vehicle mechanic I know from experience how frustrating it can be to put time and money into a repair that does not cure the problem.Having said that K bikes are,in my opinion are a better option for repair/rebuild than any Jap bike I have worked on,and sadly later BMW's appear to be lesser engineered for durability too.I ran a Kawasaki GPX 750F for 48000ml & loved it ,but I doubt it would have reached the 200,000ml+ that many K bikes have achieved.I guess I really like the principle:car type engine+car type drivetrain=car type reliability.

[Chaos]

I did give up, sort of.  Wanted a new bike but the complexity of new bmw's and the age related problems of older ones turned me off.  Concours, V-Strom, Tenere, even Guzzi were all considered but they all just didn't ring my bell.  So I got a Ural and kept the K.   And I'm happy :riding:

[Lawrence]

F14Crazy, at your size and weight, I'd think long and hard before I invested in a Kawasaki Concourse.  That is one very heavy bike! The K-bikes have never been in the race for light weight tours, but the Concourse is another beast entirely.  Have you ever tried to pull one of those up on the center stand?  Or, how about this: pick one up off the gravel-covered parking lot?

[Motorhobo]

What bike doesn't get hot? As long as it's moving and giving airflow it's not that big a deal, is it?. Any air-cooled bike idling or standing in stop and go will cook you and cook itself, too. A friend of mine just rode his Harley up from Atlanta and could not ride on the freeway because of the traffic and was afraid his machine would overheat -- in April.

At least the classic Ks have some water cooling and a fan. I'd think with the same design, a 4 cylinder machine would run considerably hotter than a 3 cylinder considering more or less same cooling mechanism and heat dispersion surface.

Water pump is probably the biggest hassle k repair from what I've read. Is it possible that you've expended too much energy on non essentials, so that now this one essential thing is pushing you over the top?

I'm not sure I'd have a classic K as my only means of transportation...if I did I'd mKe sure I had two.

[Snowman]

I have had several ZG1000 Concours and loved them. They are probably as well made as a K bike, easy 200K miles. Now, the new 1400 Concours? Buy a new one and sell before the 25K mile service, it is a real expensive biatch. Kawasaki shops are refusing to tackle the valve adjustment because it is so difficult and the likely hood of screwing something up is major. Should have used hydraulic lifters in that motor. It also makes the K bikes look like ice boxes in the summer.

[beemrdon]

I have owned my K1100 LT for almost 2 years now. This thing is hot & heavy. I rode it the other day in 60 degree weather and I could feel the heat pouring out, especially on the left side onto my legs. It wasn't uncomfortable then...but summer is coming!
I am also still trying to get it sorted out. Horrible stock seat, handlebars that come back way too far. Knees bent too much for my liking. loud motor too. On the plus side, it eats up miles, has great suspension with an Ohlins in the rear and Hyper springs in the forks, Michelin RP radials, runs smoothly and looks good, at least to me.
I have another bike, also a BMW. I have owned my 1975 R90/6 for over 32 years and have always enjoyed it. It now has around 200,000 miles on it.  There are no heat issues with it. It weighs around 466 pounds wet (vs 638 for the K) and the R90 weight is low to the ground. I find the seating position and the stock seat to be comfortable as well. Will I ever sell it? NO, it is too simple and cheap to fix and maintain and is really fun to ride on all kinds of roads.
Hopefully, I will come to love my LT as/or if I get the ergo issues sorted out, but if not, I will sell it and won't look back.

[Novafrk]

I have felt like that when building my Triumph.  Not on the K bike though. I'm sure your issue is something simple and you will figure it out in due time. These bikes are too bullet proof not to. Good luck.

[F14CRAZY]

maybe I should have gotten an airhead, but then again from my oilhead experience that vibration would seem unpleasant

[beemrdon]

F14, If you balance the carbs properly, vibration shouldn't be an issue. My bike runs smooth. As for oilheads, not the same beast. I rode a few of them at the Stealers a few years back and found them to be soul-less. Just my take, YMMV.
I'm thinking of getting another low mileage airhead, an RS or RT, but they are getting expensive.

[beemrdon]

Novafrk,
What model is your Triumph?

[Novafrk]

It started life as an early '71 Bonneville.

[wmax351]

Sunk cost and emotional attachment to bikes is a big thing.

I ended up doing a rebuild/re-engine job on my K75 a year and a half ago. Worthwhile I'd say. The bike is solid, and I can trust it totally. It may be a little bland at times, but that's why I bought an old Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster. That one is questionable, reliability wise, rough around the edges, and perfect at the same time.

All things considered, I'd probably like to have a nice, sorted R90. Would do everything I need, bike wise. Smooth and reliable, but with enough character to keep me interested. But I am invested in the K, and like it a lot, would be hesitant to sell it.

So if owning a bike is like a marriage, is the Sportster the trashy redneck mistress? Lol

[bocutter Ed]

So if owning a bike is like a marriage, is the Sportster the trashy redneck mistress? Lol

With the parts-fall-off maybe a zombie redneck mistress.

[wmax351]

So if owning a bike is like a marriage, is the Sportster the trashy redneck mistress? Lol

With the parts-fall-off maybe a zombie redneck mistress.

I've already lost a highway peg, a shift lever, and a screwdriver and pair of pliers I had wedged into the seat.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

So if owning a bike is like a marriage, is the Sportster the trashy redneck mistress? Lol

With the parts-fall-off maybe a zombie redneck mistress.

I've already lost a highway peg, a shift lever, and a screwdriver and pair of pliers I had wedged into the seat.

Like they say.

98% of the Harley Davidsons sold in the past 20 years are still on the road...

...The other 2% made it home.

[wmax351]

So if owning a bike is like a marriage, is the Sportster the trashy redneck mistress? Lol

With the parts-fall-off maybe a zombie redneck mistress.

I've already lost a highway peg, a shift lever, and a screwdriver and pair of pliers I had wedged into the seat.

Like they say.

98% of the Harley Davidsons sold in the past 20 years are still on the road...

...The other 2% made it home.

Won't be far though. 2.4 ish gallon tank with reserve (1.8 before reserve), and the S&S Super E side-draft carb on it is pretty much only designed for starting, idle, and WOT. And is too big (venturi wise) for the engine at that. Think it gets ~ 30 mpg at the moment. Will be changing to a 40mm CV carb from a 90s sportster soon, and sell the caveman carb to someone else.

[argent brick]

Yeah, I have thought about it. My brick has never has gotten the mileage that I feel it should.