problem electrical connectors on bmw krt 100

[pinhead]

I have a 1985 bmw krt 100 and is running poorly after warm up and was told it may be faulty electrical connectors somewhere on the bike.  Can anyone tell me the location of where connectors are on that bike that could cause such problems?  thanks. 

[Laitch]

There's a connector under the fuel tank on the left side of an '85 K100, the wiring might have a label "Tank". Poor connection there could be a cause—hopefully, the cause because it's simple to remedy—but there's a whole section here devoted to eliminating other causes of that condition and you should look through it, too.
http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/board,98.0.html

[Martin]

Not an easy answer BMWs tend to have problems with connections at at electrical junctions, although less than most bikes of this age.What most owners do to overcome this, is to virtually undo every connector clean with Deoxit, or any good contact cleaner.Those magnifying glasses are really good when inspecting.If it is really bad or you have green verdigris you can scrape clean with a small screwdriver or something similar don't be too heavy handed, be gentle. Then lubricate with a very small amount of dielectric grease or Copper Cote you don't need a lot, apply sparingly with with a toothpick or cocktail stick.You will need to remove the fuel tank,and it is a good idea to go over the whole electrical system from one end to the other ,I know this sounds painful and overkill but it will save you problems in the future, no one likes been stuck in the middle of nowhere with an electrical problem.I should only take you a day and you can get to bond with your bike, it can be very therapeutic. You don't have to be an electrical genius to to this just go slowly and be thorough.If you have problems remembering which connector you have done mark with a piece of tape, remove all the tape when you have finished and have a couple of beers.Any time you work on your electrical system check, clean and lube the connector before reconnecting.
Regards Martin :2thumbup:

[pinhead]

thanks for all that input.  Are there connectors under the dash (i.e. speedometer/tachometer assembly) that I should worry about also? 

[Laitch]

It's easier just to worry about everything. Everything degrades to some extent—ignition switches gum up, connections oxidize, the ice caps melt. Try focusing then checking results one element at a time when you have a symptom, if only to learn exactly which element was failing. The shotgun approach may work but doesn't really build knowledge.

[rbm]

Odd electrical behaviours on the K-bikes can be rooted in dirt and dust in the starter motor.  The starter motor is part of the electrical ground for the bike's systems and, if there is poor contact between the rotor and brushes, strange gremlins occur.  Cleaning the starter motor is one task you should undertake if you haven't already done so.

[Martin]

Laitch is right to an extent, you will learn more probably his way.But I don't like breaking down, specially when it could have been prevented by a bit of maintenance.You could also go somewhere in the middle and just do maintenance on the things that could strand you, Eg EFi and ignition.We have all had to do roadside repairs, and most times this is not too stressful but can be a real pain in bad weather or when you are running late, or for a myriad of other reasons .I prefer to & enjoy doing maintenance.
Regards Martin

[Laitch]

I need to keep in mind that peculiar relationship of the K starter with engine performance to which rbm refers. I haven't had the starter or its relay affect my bike yet so it's not foremost in my consideration. I'm not really up for experiencing it either.  I try to keep dust at bay with compressed air and bike washing. I keep crisis repair at bay by stacking on the miles and being mindful of my maintenance schedule.

Martin is right, of course. Breakdown is only attractive if everyone around you is breaking down and you want to be part of the group.  The real skill comes with enjoying bad weather and always running early. :yow

[Martin]

Laitch I don't mind riding in the rain, I just don't like working in the rain with no shelter.And it's normally been a mates bike, who doesn't  believe in carrying even basic tools or spares.He even used to have a go about me carrying too much junk around.He has now stopped this after borrowing a clutch cable,,cable ties, insulation tape,WD40,tools and a few other bits of junk on various rides.In 16 years with my K it's only had two minor breakdowns both due to an electrical connector.The first time it took me 3 hours to work around the problem,second time same problem 30 mins.This is probably why I'm a bit anal about my bikes electrical system.
Regards Martin

[pinhead]

There's a connector under the fuel tank on the left side of an '85 K100, the wiring might have a label "Tank". Poor connection there could be a cause—hopefully, the cause because it's simple to remedy—but there's a whole section here devoted to eliminating other causes of that condition and you should look through it, too.
http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/board,98.0.html

yup, you were right on this one.  Found one 3 connect connector that had some bad corrosion when I took the fuel tank off.  All the others looked amazingly clean.  After I cleaned it up I put gas back in it and it ran great!

[Laitch]

Congratulations on your success; now you can get back to riding while I shovel snow for the first time this year. Not that I'm complaining; it's all potentially billable once I roll with the plow.

Thanks for feedback, pinhead.