Newb from Salt Lake

[Turbo224]

Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Tyler, i'm from Salt Lake, and i'm going to buy my first BMW tonight. It's a 90 K75S with about 25K on the clock. I've had a number of bikes over the years from cruisers to dirt bikes, but this will be the first bike I actually customize. The plan is to turn the bike into some sort of cafe/scrambler mixture, I haven't quite nailed down the details. I've built a ton of cars over the years, but never a bike, so i'm anxious to give this a shot. Anything specific I should be looking for when looking at a used brick?

[Laitch]

Welcome, Tyler.

Why did you choose the K75S as your first BMW?

[Chaos]

look for normal stuff, fluid changes etc, specific to bricks are fuel tank/pump issues if it sat and driveshaft splines, though at 25K they should be good but due for a lube.  Speedometers are notorious for failure so mileage may be suspect.

[Turbo224]

I've been without a bike for a few years and have just been trolling my local classifieds for something cheap and interesting. I've always wanted to do a cafe bike, and I love the way these K bikes look naked. This bike is in excellent shape and has been well maintained, so it was kind of a no brainer.

[Laitch]

so it was kind of a no brainer.

Well, there you go then. It's always better to save the brain for more important stuff.

Ask the owner how many times the final drive splines have been lubed and what lubricant was used. Generally it should be done at every rear tire change.

[TrueAce]

Welcome, Tyler. Unlike cafes based on Honda, Yamaha, etc. you will find that there isn't much off the shelf cafe parts available. Check some of the vendors like Dime City Cycles. The handlebars are a unique size, rear-sets rare, and a lot of other details. Post some pictures as you go.

[Chaos]

K75s bodywork can bring good prices on eBay.  If it's in good shape maybe sell as a whole set.  Front blinker lenses go for north of $60 each

[Turbo224]

When you say the handle bars a unique size, does that mean aftermarket bars like this wont fit? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-7-8-Ace-Cafe-Racer-Clubman-handlebar-handle-bar-end-mirrors-Grips-/381232074548?hash=item58c333cf34:g:bKAAAOSwHjNV9HH2&vxp=mtr

My plan is definitely to strip off the stock parts and send them off to eBay. I'd rather have the parts go to someone who needs them than sit in my garage. Plus, it will fund my build.  :2thumbup:

I picked the bike up last night and got it back to my garage. After giving it a second look over, I noticed this hose on the left side attached to the air box that needs to be replaced. Can someone tell me what this is called and were the best place to get a replacement is?

[Chaos]

Crankcase vent, should be replaced every couple decades.  Dealer item http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/DiagramsMain.aspx?vid=51745&rnd=07012015 or I just found a fuel line that fit and didn't kink when bent. 

[Laitch]

When you say the handle bars a unique size, does that mean aftermarket bars like this wont fit?

That means BMW bars are 22mm and most other bars are ⅞". The extra .225mm diameter of your choice generally means modification of some sort if you're using BMW mounts.

[Turbo224]

When you say the handle bars a unique size, does that mean aftermarket bars like this wont fit?

That means BMW bars are 22mm and most other bars are ⅞". The extra .225mm diameter of your choice generally means modification of some sort if you're using BMW mounts.

Can I just buy different mounts? I have yet to remove the plastic shielding from the handle bars yet to see what the factory mounts look like, so I guess I dont know what i'm dealing with yet.

[TrueAce]

It means you have to look for 22m replacement bars, which you can Google. Also check for UK suppliers suck as CafeRacer and BSK