K75s Two into One Project

[Martin]

Would like your thoughts on the difference with the Fluid Bloc damper removed. Did you get enough miles up to compare the before and after.
Regards Martin.

[Scud]

Martin - the bike is still on the lift. I did lots of miles with the damper, but I think the rebuilt forks, new bearings, and removed damper will all have an effect. It did not previously feel like there was a damper installed - the steering moved pretty freely. However, it is MUCH easier and smoother now.  Ride report will have to wait...

[Martin]

 :2thumbup:

[Scud]

Ride report:

Far smoother, noticeably lighter and quicker steering, more stable in curves (less wandering). Overall, an improvement. I can't say how much of the change is due to each factor (fork rebuild, steering bearings, and removing damper.) However my other bikes have adjustable dampers (Scotts, Ohlins, and Shindy) and when I turn the dampers to provide the least resistance the steering feels lighter and quicker. I assume the smoothing and stability is due to the fork rebuild, with the new bearings also contributing to stability.

For the record, I want to go against the prevailing wisdom of the forum and suggest that the All Balls dust seals are not only adequate, but superior to the BMW dust seals.

I think I have solved the bouncing gauge problem too. I filled all the smallholes in the rubber insulation mount with silicone gasket-maker. The gauge cluster is much more stable now.



Still gotta find the time to install my powdercoated engine cases (along with valve check and radiator flush). But my daughter's truck needs brakes today...

[Martin]

Thanks for the review, when I replaced my bearings I really had to hunt to get the special thick silicone grease (expensive Dow Corning High vacuum Grease ). I like your solution to the bouncing gauges, my bikes fine one of my mates bikes is bad. :2thumbup:
Regards Martin.

[Scud]

Been a while since I updated here. I got a little discouraged by the project - just things taking longer than I want and my wrench-to-ride ratio has got out of balance. In large part due my Red Moto Guzzi (lurking in mirror below) - which needed head gaskets, a new clutch, and some transmission work. Thought of selling the BMW - even placed a couple ads. But I put the price unrealistically high, which means I must not have been too serious. Anyway... I'm going to keep it and finish it up. I gave it a little attention today - new mirrors (because I really detest the lollipop mirrors).

As I was installing them, it occurred to me that I have Axis-power on the bars now. BMW handle bars (Germany); Tomaselli grips (Italy); and Napolean mirrors (Japan). I just finished watching a WWII series...



The Napolean mirrors go easily on the LH side, but the RH was a challenge. I was surprised to see how far the throttle tube extends over the handlebar. The mirror installs with rubber compression fitting - which expands into the trhottle tube and locks the throttle. So for anyone else considering these mirrors, here's how I trimmed the fitting and spaced it so stays contained in the handlebar and does not interfere with the throttle.



Went for short ride - and my fairing is shaking again. I keep snugging it up and it keeps coming loose - that's one of the little things that's been making me mad. But it's solvable.  On we go with the project - but probably slowly until I do fair bit of work on my other Moto Guzzi (including another clutch).

[Martin]

Try some low strength Loctite on the fairing.
Regards Martin.

[Scud]

Good idea - I'll use some green loctite next time. I'm probably going to use different fasteners too - as I think all that shaking has probably worn the nuts and bolts. It's been a bother, because it held nicely for several hundred miles, then loosened up. It's become an annoying pattern, which made me not want to ride it much.

I was really inspired by a couple other project threads... especially Jay's father-son project. While mine is not an OEM restoration, I certainly will not chop it. I'm going to drop off a few more bits at the powdercoater this week.

[Scud]

Got the fairing snugged up again - a bolt had fallen out, and one of the clip-nuts' threads had worn too much to hold. Hopefully it stays in place now.

Also decided to go back to the 1992 3-spoke wheels and had them powdercoated a dark grey with some metal-flake sparkle in it. I'm really pleased with how they came out. Those meaty Pirellis are not for the brick... no way a 180 would fit back there.





And a bunch of other little stuff, like this flat-black powdercoated wire mesh. Sooooo much better than that rusty one.

[Martin]

 :2thumbup: Looking good, just for comparison how much did it cost to have the wheels powder coated and did they strip them.
Regards Martin.

[Scud]

$175 for both wheels. I removed all the parts (rotors, bearings) from the front wheel (nothing to remove from rear except valve stem). I cleaned, degreased, removed wheel weights etc. I also polished a few imperfections. But their price included stripping the old paint.

[Martin]

 :2thumbup: Thanks, I have thought about having mine done a couple of times. But I ended up sanding them down and  rattle canning them  and clearing them. Have done it twice in 19 years.
Regards Martin.

[Scud]

Silly me... found another K75s for a good price that had an Ohlins shock on it - with a remote, hydraulic preload adjuster. I wrote about it a bit elsewhere, but the short story is that I got a good deal because the owner couldn't get it started. I got running pretty quickly.





I rode it to work this morning and am loving the smooth damping and rebound (after total rebuild and new spring). My assumption is that anyone who invested in this top of the line shock did similar quality upgrades to the forks - so I am going to swap those over ASAP.




I like the look of the black Progressive shock (and performance was better than the dead shock I removed). But yellow Ohlins on a blue bike... Yummy. 


And before anyone feels compelled to point it out... I know the reservoir should be mounted to the frame rail. I just stuck it on the bag-rack so I could ride it today.

[Idonthaveaclue]

Love this thread! What's that fender extension on the picture with the powder coat? Do they still make them?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Scud]

Thanks. There are several other good project threads too. For example, the mid-life-refresh thread is full of good ideas.


The front fender extension was on the 1990 bike when I got it. I liked it, so I moved it over to the keeper. I don't know if it was a BMW accessory or aftermarket.

[Martin]

I Don't if you can't find a Fenda Extenda they are easy to make. Even the kick back lip can be achieved see http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,7914.msg57660.html#msg57660
Regards Martin.

[Scud]

The K75 has been doing a lot of commute duty and has been super-reliable. I finally gave her a little love and put on a set of Shinko 230s and finally got the powdercoated rims on - and new bearings up front. The tall, aftermarket windshield cracked beyond repair, so I put on a new standard-style and like it a lot better than the taller one.


And I see botophucket has shielded my images. I'll see about rebuilding those links.


Sorry I haven't been around in a while. Stray Moto Guzzis keep showing up...  :musicboohoo:

[K1300S]

I found the same thing... stock S windscreen was far better than tall aeroflow.

[Scud]

I found the same thing... stock S windscreen was far better than tall aeroflow.

I like the look AND the function better.

[Scud]

I just put new 4-hole fuel injectors in. The bike starts easier, runs a bit stronger - and it seems to have cured an occasional back-fire problem.






I also just removed the little stainless steel flapper from the gas tank filler. I figure that's good for maybe an extra 3/4 gallon - and easier filling. Gonna ride to Phoenix for work Monday - and back Tuesday night.

[johnny]

greetings...

needs ohlins yellow pin striping on the wheels...

j o

[Scud]

Today the wee brick got an iconic top case. Thanks to member 2000rsv for making it available - along with the bracket and all mounting hardware.  I love it when everything is there and I don't have dig for extra bits or improvise.  :2thumbup:




I've got another airport run tomorrow. The top case will hold enough extra that I probably won't have to wear a backpack - and it'll hold my short riding boots while I'm away.

It's a rather involved job to install the top case if you don't already have the bracket in place. I had to remove the entire tail section and disassemble it so I could drill though from the bottom. However, the drilling was easy, since the spots to drill were obvious.

[Filmcamera]

Very nice!

[BrickMW]

Be warned... Speed bumps and pot holes will sometimes upset your iconic 22 and cause it to open its mouth in protest, at which point its somewhat feeble hinge becomes the last defense to preventing a lost lid.


It may look a bit tacky, but a bungee across the top brings significant peace of mind and helps me stop compulsively checking the lid's state in my mirror. Especially if it's contents include large amounts of loose cash or classified documents.  :yes


I plan to add some snap straps to the sides of mine in the near future as a more permanent and aesthetic fix. And of course, to have a good place to carry large amounts of loose cash or classified documents should I ever have the need... :hehehe

[Filmcamera]

Speed bumps and pot holes will sometimes upset your iconic 22 and cause it to open its mouth in protest, at which point its somewhat feeble hinge becomes the last defense to preventing a lost lid.

+1 My lid did come off on the highway but luckily I noticed fairly fast and was able to turn round and find it.

I now have a strap around mine...