Author Topic: BMW Virgin  (Read 8529 times)

Offline Supershooter

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BMW Virgin
« on: November 20, 2016, 10:04:53 AM »
Hello all,
Long time American built rider who bought a winter project bike that happens to be a 1985 K100 that doesn't run/ hasn't ran in over 10 years. I'm debating wether or not to keep it stock or transform into a cafe racer or GS.

Supershooter
  • Liberty Township, O'brien County, Iowa
  • 85 K100 RT

Offline Laitch

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2016, 10:11:31 AM »
I'm debating wether or not to keep it stock or transform into a cafe racer or GS.
Welcome, Supershooter!

I think that particular debate is premature. Usually the first debates are whether to sell it for scrap metal or part it out, or whether to get parts by using a home equity loan or a gofundme campaign. :giggles

  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles

Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2016, 11:48:19 AM »
Welcome!  How many miles?  Any photos that show the general condition? 
  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline Chaos

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #3 on: November 20, 2016, 11:56:18 AM »
K100's are horrible candidates for cafe's or GS's.  Try making a sporty, tourable, commuting, grocery getter, all around workhorse bike, Hey that sounds like a RS!
  • 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: BMW Virgin
« Reply #4 on: November 20, 2016, 12:20:25 PM »
Welcome to the asylum from the land of OZ. Assess it first most Bricks are recoverable but at a cost, time and money.
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline Supershooter

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2016, 02:28:15 PM »
Loaded and heading home.
Supershooter
  • Liberty Township, O'brien County, Iowa
  • 85 K100 RT

Offline Supershooter

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2016, 02:30:17 PM »
Saddle bags, battery and other parts are in the pickup
Supershooter
  • Liberty Township, O'brien County, Iowa
  • 85 K100 RT

Offline Martin

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #7 on: November 20, 2016, 03:04:00 PM »
Looks reasonably clean, where and how was it stored? Lot's of information available on how to resurrect Bricks on this site. Don't be tempted to try and start it until you have done the must do basics. Change the oil and filter, check coolant level, replace the fuel lines and filter, clean out the tank check the condition of the fuel pump damper and test the fuel pump. Check and clean air cleaner element, critters can nest in there, check spark plugs, check the Z breather hose and all the rubber bits, hoses, throttle body rubbers. Once it is running then you can proceed on to brakes suspension cooling system fluid changes.  Don't be tempted to ride it until you have replaced tyres and got the brakes flushed and functional, cooling system flushed and functional, gearbox and final drive oil changed. It will probably smoke on start up, this is normal and will settle after you put some miles on it. Bricks don't like to be left sitting (especially on their side stand) and electrical problems can surface Deoxit will be your friend, I also use dielectric grease to keep moisture out. You have a long fun road ahead of you. If you have any problems the inmates love pictures and sound recordings and as much information as you can supply.
Good luck regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline Laitch

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #8 on: November 20, 2016, 03:17:48 PM »
If you have any problems the inmates love pictures and sound recordings and as much information as you can supply.
Martin has adroitly summed up the essentials.

I have a couple of observations to add. Your bike's fuel tank cap is mounted backwards. It should open from the forward side and its hinged flange has a notch that aligns with a hole beneath to allow water to be drained away from the tank opening.

I'll add shadow puppets to the list of inmate loves.

  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles

Offline Martin

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #9 on: November 20, 2016, 03:45:16 PM »
Well observed Laitch on the fuel cap.
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline jakgieger

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #10 on: November 20, 2016, 06:11:27 PM »
Welcome.  The bike looks relatively straight...perhaps a candidate for restoration.  What is the mileage???  Take off the fuel lid and see what surprises are waiting for you there :bmwsmile.  My bike had sat for over 10 years, with a mostly full tank of gas and in a vermin infested barn :hehehe.  Now you see it in the avatar.  Good luck either way. 
  • Kansas USA
  • 1989 K100rs se
"What we've got here is failure, to communicate.  Some men, you just cain't reach.  So you get what we had here last week.  Which is the way he wants it...Well, he gets it.  I don't like it any more than you men do."

Offline Chaos

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #11 on: November 20, 2016, 06:43:24 PM »
arrgh, the horrid "lets match the spark plug cover to the bodywork" theory of K bike Kustomizing.  One can only hope it falls over on it's left to hide that atrocity!
  • 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 Tuco

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #12 on: November 20, 2016, 06:56:41 PM »
Stock! they are a great all round bike and the protection provided by the fairing makes it comfy on the cold days.
  • Waldport, Oregon
  • '87 K100LT, '87 K100RS, '97 DR350

Offline Supershooter

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #13 on: November 20, 2016, 06:58:44 PM »
The back story would include a friend of a friend lost her brother and inherited the bike, after it had sat for 10 years or so, maybe more. Her husband decided to try and make it run, so he started messing with it. I think he tried to start it already, but figured it had a fuel pump problem as it would turn over but not start and run. The keys were lost and replaced with a new ignition, and they broke into the fuel cap. I smelled the fuel this afternoon and it stinks like it has varnished the inside of the tank. I inadvertently missed getting all of the parts that were supposed to come with the bike. So Ill be getting them this week as we find a ride for them since we live 350 miles apart.
Supershooter
  • Liberty Township, O'brien County, Iowa
  • 85 K100 RT

Offline Martin

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #14 on: November 20, 2016, 09:30:31 PM »
Fuel pumps can be revived by soaking in vinegar or methylated spirits for week or two. If they feel like they want to go but feel stuck, switch the leads over and alternate back and forth in short bursts, this sometimes get them going. As a last result, up the voltage to 18v and alternate the direction back and forth in short bursts. If the pump is not working also check the 4 pin plug under the RH side of the tank it has known connectivity problems.
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline Laitch

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #15 on: November 20, 2016, 10:03:58 PM »
That's a sad backstory, Supershooter.

The bike is better off that it didn't start so no more degraded fuel and chunks-of-whatever travel throughout the fuel system. The fuel pump might be the problem but clogged injectors might be part of it, too. Also, these bikes depend on electronic engine management systems so all electrical connections must be in good shape to have the best chance at success.
  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles

Offline jakgieger

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Re: BMW Virgin
« Reply #16 on: November 20, 2016, 10:04:24 PM »
If you can't save it (the pump), these guys http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/BMW-K-Parts-s/60.htm have helped me at affordable prices.
  • Kansas USA
  • 1989 K100rs se
"What we've got here is failure, to communicate.  Some men, you just cain't reach.  So you get what we had here last week.  Which is the way he wants it...Well, he gets it.  I don't like it any more than you men do."

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