Author Topic: A few parts questions  (Read 16195 times)

Offline colly

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A few parts questions
« on: March 29, 2016, 07:43:17 AM »
Hi all, I have lots of little questions I might as well keep them in the same thread... Starting to make a list of all the parts I need for my new K build - she's been off the road for a while. Going to build a cafe racer. I live in ireland so can anyone recommend a UK based online store that has everything that I need? I found the weemoto k100 page - but there any other stores I should use?

A few questions:
I need a rear brake reservoir as mine is broken - where can i get one? Used is fine.
I'm told the throttle cable is stretched. Do I need to reset ignition timing?
What oil is recommended? 10w40? Synthetic or not - does it matter? I live in ireland so it's cold a lot.
Fuel: Is normal unleaded ok, or do I need a lead additive?
Battery: What battery is recommended, preferably something small? Like in this photoo - I want to expose the frame triangle, so where do people mount the battery?
Exhaust: I want to expose the swingarm so I was thinking of rerouting the exhaust out the other side and then maybe getting a stubby exhaust. Any recommendations?

Thanks for the help!  :2thumbup:
  • Ireland
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Offline Chaos

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2016, 12:36:12 PM »
The rear brake reservoir degraded in sunlight, the later ones were tucked up under the seat.  Anything that fits will work, check for local bike breakers
Throttle cable should not effect timing.  Timing rarely needs set unless someone messed with it.  Check if slack can be adjusted out of cable
I use 10-40 year round, many use 20-50, especially in summer.  Synthetic is fine, but dino oil is too.  Personal choice, just change it as recommended. No need to use special "motorcycle oil", it's pretty much same as a car engine.
Unleaded regular is fine
I've heard of people using a lithium battery mounted in the tail
Probably need to fabricate an exhaust yourself.  Aftermarket are scarce and nothing like what you describe.

Good luck!
  • sw ohio
1987 K75S    VIN 0231
Original owner, Original litter
200,000 miles (plus or minus) and 5 paint jobs
sold 6/23
2023 Ural 2WD sidecar (BMW's bastard step child)

Offline Martin

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2016, 12:50:17 PM »
 You can get parts from Motorworks & Moto Bins both in UK. I get a lot of parts from Motorworks. If you replace the throttle cable you will have to reset the throttle position switch ( TPS ). I run 95 octane unleaded in OZ avoid any fuel that has alcohol in it, a mate now has 3 bikes that have alcohol related problems, the fuel pump dampers, and the fuel hoses virtually turn into jelly. See the post in the Workshop  No Start under K100 4V no start. Bike 2. Running synthetic oil helps stop the Sprague clutch on the starter from gumming up. Somebody in the UK will know the correct weight and will suggest brands of oil I live in Queensland and run the same weight oil all year Castrol power GPS 4T  10-40 w but we virtually only have 2 seasons.
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
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Offline colly

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2016, 02:35:33 PM »
Thanks guys.

Ahh OK the TPS makes more sense. I'll have to get it running and see first. Thanks for those sites I'll take a look. I've called a few breakers for the reservoir, good to know that any will do as long as it fits.

Interesting re the battery - can anyone link me to a suitable Lithium one? I hear they are expensive - but it might be worth it.
  • Ireland
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Offline F14CRAZY

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2016, 02:56:39 PM »
I run 10w40 when not-summer, 20w50 in summer. I use either Valvoline or Castrol for motorcycles.
  • Grand Rapids, MI
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'87 K75C w/ Pichler V1 fairing. LED's, CATZ driving lights, Audiovox cruise, LT top case, tons of other mods by Drake...


Offline TrueAce

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #5 on: March 29, 2016, 08:34:50 PM »
For my lithium I selected a Zero Gravity twelve cell, and hide it in the relay box, after eliminating a few surplus relays. Depending on the relay functions you retain in the box, the battery can fit well but tight. Other mounting options include in the tail, or lying on its side in the conventional battery site.
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Offline colly

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #6 on: March 30, 2016, 04:37:41 AM »
Thanks guys

For my lithium I selected a Zero Gravity twelve cell, and hide it in the relay box, after eliminating a few surplus relays. Depending on the relay functions you retain in the box, the battery can fit well but tight. Other mounting options include in the tail, or lying on its side in the conventional battery site.
Pardon my ignorance but where exactly is the relay box? I'd love to hide it but in reality i need access in case I need to take it out to charge it if I dont use the bike for a while cant trickle charge -no power where bike is parked)

My local supplier has an Odyssey PC680 - he recommends it and says its a lot smaller than the current battery - not many others are much smaller. Maybe I can put it on its side down the bottom?
  • Ireland
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Offline Martin

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #7 on: March 30, 2016, 05:34:50 AM »
Colly underneath your fuel tank is a black plastic box. You need to remove the C clips on the rear edge of the tank and lift up the tank and then you will see it. If you unclip the lid you will see it is full of various relays.
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline colly

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #8 on: March 30, 2016, 08:52:38 AM »
Thanks Martin. I was actually playing with this last night I think. We pulled out the air filter which looked spotless - on top there is a big box for the airflow. I have seen some some bikes where they seem to have removed this and replaced it with a K&N air filter that either sticks out, or four smaller ones in a row. Can anyone enlighten me as to what I have to do to do this? Would this give me more room to fit the battery?
  • Ireland
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Offline Laitch

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #9 on: March 30, 2016, 09:27:46 AM »
Thanks Martin. I was actually playing with this last night I think. We pulled out the air filter which looked spotless - on top there is a big box for the airflow. I have seen some some bikes where they seem to have removed this and replaced it with a K&N air filter that either sticks out, or four smaller ones in a row. Can anyone enlighten me as to what I have to do to do this? Would this give me more room to fit the battery?
Wrong box, although it's a very nice one. I think the one Martin's referring to is on the left side with the fuses. You need a manual there, colly, or consult a BMW parts fiche.
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles

Offline colly

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #10 on: March 30, 2016, 09:53:28 AM »
Ah ok - thought it might be the case, I'll have a look tomorrow. However just wondering is it possible to get rid of the air box and replace with K&N?

If you look at these bikes: http://www.bikeexif.com/k100 - they have everything stripped out - however I'm guessing these are for show. However this one is a daily driver: http://www.bikeexif.com/bmw-k100-cafe-racer and he's done a great job of stripping it out.
  • Ireland
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Offline Laitch

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #11 on: March 30, 2016, 10:02:29 AM »
Air boxes have been eliminated, colly. I'll suggest again that you start a Projects thread and post a picture of your bike. It may be a productive strategy to get comments from other bike builders.
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles

Offline colly

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #12 on: March 30, 2016, 10:03:57 AM »
Thanks will do! Cheers for the help!  :2thumbup:
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Offline TrueAce

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #13 on: March 30, 2016, 10:08:18 AM »
Look again.........Jeff's bike has the stock air intake snorkel. The air meter on top of the intake box must be in the intake which makes using a K& N filter difficult. Also, different bikes use different fuel injection management , and those with four air cleaners have a different system. I eliminated the snorkel and put mesh inside the intake. The simplest way to do your battery is get a 12 cell lithium and place it on it's side where the battery normally goes. You will need to fabricate your cables and battery pretension brackets. The relay box is complicated in requiring a good bit of electrical modification to make room for a battery.
  • Florida
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Offline Laitch

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #14 on: March 30, 2016, 10:15:43 AM »
Then, there's this.
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
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Offline colly

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #15 on: March 30, 2016, 10:42:18 AM »
The simplest way to do your battery is get a 12 cell lithium and place it on it's side where the battery normally goes. You will need to fabricate your cables and battery pretension brackets. The relay box is complicated in requiring a good bit of electrical modification to make room for a battery.
Ok thanks. The lithium batteries are very expensive, I'm about to go off and buy the Odyssey PC680 that was recommended int he battery thread. Guy in the shop said its no bigger than the lithium ones - and this is half the price. Will that do?
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Offline TrueAce

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #16 on: March 30, 2016, 10:54:42 AM »
That is the least  difficult path to take for now..........what are the CCA ratings on the battery you plan to use?
  • Florida
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Offline colly

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #17 on: March 30, 2016, 10:58:44 AM »
The battery is the one recommended here: http://www.motobrick.com/index.php?topic=2928.0 - also the guy in the shop said its what all the BMW riders choose - so I'm sure it will be fine. I'm not sure it fits as is, I may need connectors of some sort. I didn't take any photos unfortunately so I've no idea. I'll try to fit it on its side at the bottom and maybe it will remain fairly hidden!
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Offline TrueAce

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #18 on: March 30, 2016, 11:02:30 AM »
That battery will be fine.
  • Florida
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Offline Chaos

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #19 on: March 30, 2016, 01:41:08 PM »
I have seen some some bikes where they seem to have removed this and replaced it with a K&N air filter that either sticks out, or four smaller ones in a row. Can anyone enlighten me as to what I have to do to do this?

CC productions used to make a kit, I got this back in the 80's.  Pretty simple, just a plate bolted over the airflow metering box intake with a lip for the filter, and a support rod.  They show up on ebay occasionally or easy to fabricate.
  • sw ohio
1987 K75S    VIN 0231
Original owner, Original litter
200,000 miles (plus or minus) and 5 paint jobs
sold 6/23
2023 Ural 2WD sidecar (BMW's bastard step child)

Offline rbm

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #20 on: March 30, 2016, 06:36:26 PM »
Then, there's this.
Apples and oranges Laitch.  That's a K1200 which uses a Motronic.  So, it's not encumbered with Jetronic's AFM.  It's got a MAS instead.  Also, adding velocity stacks to a K1200 intake is much easier that trying to get rid of the Jetronic's airbox in the K100.
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Offline Laitch

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #21 on: March 30, 2016, 06:48:15 PM »
So that's what that is, Robert. Thanks for the clarification and the taste-tempting simile.
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Offline TrueAce

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #22 on: March 30, 2016, 09:43:19 PM »
Yeah, what BM said.....that's what I'm sayin'. Cain't do four intake air cleaners on a K100. Besides, K&M filters aren't good in dusty conditions.
  • Florida
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Offline colly

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #23 on: March 31, 2016, 11:49:25 AM »
Thanks for all the help gents! I have a few more questions.

Rear sets - I don't like the big footpegs on it, I'd like to swap them for something more modern. Do I have to get something specific? I see BSB Speedworks make them but they are crazy expensive. Can I find a universal set? Does anyone have any advice or recommendations?

Exhaust. I really want to expose the single sides swing arm - so I'd like to reroute the exhaust to the other side - like this. I assume I'll have to get this custom made.

I have taken off loads of the parts and panels of my bike -things like body panels, front and rear, clocks, seat etc - do you think I'll be able to sell these? Is there much of a market for this stuff? I'd rather not go through the hassle of selling each individually on ebay etc and then having to post individually. Any tips?

Thanks :)
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Offline TrueAce

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Re: A few parts questions
« Reply #24 on: March 31, 2016, 04:41:19 PM »
Rearsets are too expensive for just the look, no generics that I have seen, just BSK. You can cut the side plate down, as shown on my bike, and you can ditch the stock rubber foot pegs for a metal ridged peg like on GS.The exhaust pipe under to the right side can be done by a muffler shop. The bike will be loud, but you can add an after market shortly muffle. BSK sells a 30 degree up turn collector pipe for left side that make give you an acceptable open wheel look. The panels have  limited market, but don't throw any good parts away. You never know what you might trade for or sell. Post a pic of a bike that looks like what you hope to achieve.
  • Florida
  • '85 K100GS, '85 K100RSSC,', '94 K1100RS,'10 S1000rr,'14 Ural Sidecar, '15 R Nine T

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