Hello from a Brick Newbie in Socal

[bmwpyro]

Hello

bricks are addicting, at least to me it seems...

I was at costco gassing up my beat up pick up truck a few months back and in front of me was this really nice older style motorbike complete with hard side cases.

i was for a short short time interested in motorbikes when i was much younger so i was wondering what he was riding.
i couldnt see it from my vantage pt but as he was leaving, you can see the bmw logo on the gas tank...

it has piqued my interest ever since.

i didnt follow up on that for a few months as i am also vw bus afflicted but then as i read through the forums,
one of the members had a motorbike that reminded me of that day at the gas station. which started my poking around.
i looked at the styles that resembled what i saw and found it on the search engines which led me to the K bikes.

there is just a plethora of info on these bikes. i feel like i own one already. 
i never rode  a bike before. a 50cc scooter yes. but that never requires shifting... so its not the same.

i always thought motorbikes are dangerous to ride... 
but my in laws recently also got their license and seems to be enjoying themselves immensely.
so i figure why not give it a try. so i enrolled myself in the basic riding class. to be taken in a few weeks. . i hope i pass.
i'm not after speed anyway. those days are in the past. i have more leisurely and practical pursuits.

i hope i pass bec i've been looking for a K bike to save... found myself a 85 K100 RS thats been garaged for 12 yrs and im hoping i will be the new owner by tomm.
i just hope its not a expensive proposition to fix...   i'm not afraid of mechanical issues. i have been wrenching 6 yrs now on my own cars and trucks.
i'm also a tool afficionado. i probably have literally a ton or more of tools at home. (my wife rolls her eyes)

the K100 might be a mite too much for a beginner like me i'm aware. but i hope to slowly grow into the art of riding.

looking forward, i hope to get to know some folks here and also enjoy the information that lies herein... and also hopefully... contribute in someway in the future.


Sincerely,
CK

[Laitch]

Welcome BMWpyro!

A twelve year old, garage-stored K-bike might be a nest of problems or an enjoyable, relatively low-cost restoration project. That is dependent on whether the bike has 12-year old fuel in its system that has been degrading all its rubber parts, and whether it was a nest for vermin that have been feasting on its wiring. How much it was ridden before it was stored might also have a bearing on restoration potential. Do not attempt to start it with old fuel in its system because that potentially pumps debris throughout the system and raises restoration cost. If it has clean fuel, be sure the battery used to start it is fully charged or damage to the starter relay might occur.

K-bike engines are far removed from early VW boxers, as you might have gathered from your reading. The Airheads from the 70s and early 80s are somewhat similar to the VW boxers. I've found my K75 as reliable as I could want. Far more reliable than my VWs ever were. :giggles  When I purchased mine, it had been ridden often and stored in garages by the previous owners. A K-bike that has been well-ridden and regularly maintained is a strong runner and durable.

Get the VIN, run it through a VIN checker and determine when it was made. Visit the Technical Library here for a look in its Card Catalog and its Classic K-bike.com sections for overviews of the quirks and maintenance techniques of these bikes.

[jakgieger]

Welcome pyro.  As far as wrenching goes, you will love this bike.   My bike is an 89 RS/SE with operational ABS.   Almost everything on it is intuitive if you have any experience at all .  The greatest concern becomes condition of the bike.  If it has been garaged in a dry environment, you have little to worry about.  Steel bolts in aluminum housings can seize in corrosive environments.  I resurrected a garage queen that had sat for numerous years (+15).  Main problem was fuel system and mice :hehehe .  Purchase price should reflect running condition!  If you buy parts, check out the links to alternative part sources on this site.  This bike is heavy...but the center of gravity is low.  Good luck!

[Chaos]

moving from wrenching on VW's to K's shouldn't be too hard of a transition.  A K100 might be a little much for a beginner bike, ideally a 250 or 400cc would be better.  Figure you're going to drop it at least once.  Either way, good luck with you new adventures  :riding:

[Laitch]

Figure you're going to drop it at least once. 

:2thumbup: Lifting it from the ground is part of an effective quadriceps/upper-body building regimen.
What are your in-laws riding, CK?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Welcome to the knuthouse!  What part of Southern Cali are you in?  Where is this prospective brick?  If it's garaged away from the coast it probably has been in the best possible storage environment and aside from being dusty should be in pretty good shape.  The brain trust here has restored a bunch and helped get a lot more of these bikes running, and enjoys helping out.  Never be shy about asking a question.

These bikes are pretty easy to work on, and once you have the storage issues sorted it's just a matter of annual maintenance which is mostly fluid changes.   There isn't much need for tools beyond the kit that comes with the bike.  A set of metric sockets, ball-end Allen wrenches and a couple torque wrenches will get most jobs done.   

Be ready to get new tires and a battery.   Shinko makes very good tires and I have found Scorpion AGM batteries to be excellent and cost effective.   One of the best sources for parts is eBay.  There are also several bike breakers in SoCal where you should be able to cop cheap used parts.  Safari Cycles comes to mind as they have a lot of used engines on eBay. 

It's good you're taking a rider's course.  Learn to ride before you develop any bad habits.  As Laitch mentioned, they're heavy and somewhat clumsy at low speed, but some of the nicest machines when rolling down the road.  Make sure your bike has a good side-stand.  I always use mine before I get off.  Don't ask me how I learned to do that.

Hope you have a big garage, as one of these fine beasts is almost never enough.  Last, we love bike pictures.  Don't wait to post yours.

[Martin]

Welcome to the asylum from the land of OZ. To get the most out of the inmates when posting questions, supply as much information as possible on what you have done, replaced etc. Extra brownie points will be accrued for posting videos, pictures and sound recordings which the inmates really relish.
Regards Martin.

[K1300S]

Welcome to the asylum from the land of OZ. To get the most out of the inmates when posting questions, supply as much information as possible on what you have done, replaced etc. Extra brownie points will be accrued for posting videos, pictures and sound recordings which the inmates really relish.
Regards Martin.

and many extra brownie points for bumping an old thread on a topic you are trying to find info on...shows you did some homework first.

[Laitch]

Extra brownie points will be accrued for posting videos, pictures and sound recordings which the inmates really relish.

and many extra brownie points for bumping an old thread on a topic you are trying to find info on...shows you did some homework first.

The brownie points can be redeemed for valuable moments of psychological counseling and compassionate listening. Be mindful though that Martin will be 18 hours ahead of you and 6 hours behind you at the same time so consider phrasing all inquires to him in the pluperfect tense.

[Martin]

Be aware that psychological counseling will be given by inmates who in the vernacular are totally certified as absolute fruit loops. And that by using this site you are submitting yourself to self imposed psychological damage.
Regards the only sane person on this site, which I have verified by talking to all of me and we concur.

[Laitch]

. . . which I have verified by talking to all of me and we concur.

I couldn't agree more, which is a shame because you and yourself could use some more affirmation. Consider this it, informally.

[Filmcamera]

By this evening I will have had the same conversation with myself and when I have had that conversation will report whether or not we concur

[Martin]

I've just had a group discussion with myself and we have come to the conclusion that between us we have all the affirmation needed.
So say all of me.

[jakgieger]

    Shame on you reprobates.  Is this any way to welcome potential acolyte?  Now he is going be wary of the advice we had offered here :hehehe ...

[bmwpyro]

Thank You for a Warm Welcome Laitch, Jackgeiger, Chaos, Gryphon, Martin, Mlytle, Filmcamera!

I didnt expect quite a response and i [ should i say we? to mean me, I and myself :) ] appreciate it!

Thank you for all the advice! before anything tho. first, let me give you an update.

i have been to see the bike and its not really in any good condition. i took some pics...

the owner lives near the coast and does not have a garage. he kept the bike in the backyard, under tarps but exposed nonetheless. oxidation/rust is evident everywhere, the cylinder cover, rusted hex nuts, rotten rubber. the seat is quite brittle and cracks under any pressure put upon it. the radiator grille is rusted but seems to be still solid. there is a crack front turn signal, some scratches, all the logos are delaminating.

the tank is empty but still smells of gas. the rubber to what i think is the gas regulator is rotten and has a big hole so for sure all the gas has escaped. it did not have any battery installed. Before i left, i wanted to see if the engine will at least turn over so we tried starting it (unfortunate that may be). connecting to the battery terminals could only get it to click when u press the start button. clamping the jumper negative on the ground and the body, we were able to turn the starter solidly. but i think even the wires (at least the ones that are not wrapped, like the ground wire) have oxidized.

i promised to respond to him tomorrow morning as there are others that are wanting the bike. i'm 95% yes on the bike.
yes it will need a lot of work... that i can do.
the 5% is just because i cant comprehend how much it will cost money wise to bring it to working condition.
he wants less than 1k for it. which i think is a good base to start. i already have upgrades to it i'm lining up :D

it only has 15k mi on the odometer. it was running the last time he stored it.

(edited) i forgot to add that the tires are 18 yrs old at least...

now, to answer some of the questions...

Laitch, will definitely check the VIN. it does have a pink slip. so im not too worried. i wanted a bike i can wrench and ride. this seems to be it :)
also, i should have been more specific. my wife's younger brother by 2 yrs and his wife are riding 2013 Yamahas Vstars and Virago i believe. 950cc and 750cc i think.

Jack. i think i see what you meant about steel screws in aluminum. looking at the pictures, can you foretell what will happen? luckily mice are not involved!

Chaos. Thank you and apologies, i use to own a bus. but not at the moment and i really want one but no room in the garage at the moment. i have other patients waiting in the sidelines as well :D

Gryphon, I'm in the North San Gabriel valley area. The Brick is near Long Beach and as u can see in the picture... :(
i have tools and im not afraid to use. in fact, tool gathering is another affliction. i find reasons to get more... :) 
the side stands look functional but i think i will replace the mains with the solid ones sometime down the road.
tbh, my current issue is in not having a garage. i'm suppose to build one in a few months tho. in the  meantime i will house it in a nice sunproof tent... :D

Martin, I hope these pictures are a good start :)  i have learn much reading many forums that does rebuilds. all are long projects. i just hope the funds are not prohibitive that my better half may ask me to do the unthinkable...

mlytle, if bumping old threads are ok. then if a question does come up. i will be sure to bump!

as to being part of the asylum. i already feel like i belong... even before i joined. as an acolyte, i humbly bow before the Masters of the Brick.

i must confess in advance tho. i may have a wierd sense of humor as my kids tell me. no one gets it, so if that happens. humbly pls let me know.

Sincerely,
CK

[Martin]

I've seen worse Bricks restored, it comes down to cost in part's and labour. Sometimes it is better to wait for a more viable project, and good Bricks at a reasonable price do come up. I would advise you to spend a bit of time pricing the obvious things you can see, then double it at least if not quadruple it. Only you can decide whether you wish to go ahead, if you are doing it to make money I doubt that you will even come out even. If you are doing for the love of it you will come out ahead. There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained on this site, if you can put up with the odd bits of lunacy put forward by some of the inmates.
Good luck from all of me.

[Laitch]

Don't buy it unless you're more concerned with personal skills development than riding.


It will be costly and you'll have forgotten what you learned at the MSF course by the time it's roadworthy. Start with something in much better condition. If you can't control your K-buying impulse, buy this one for a song if you can—surely no more than $300—take it completely apart, learn to test its electronic components and measure its mechanical ones, clean up what is salvageable then sell off what you can here and elsewhere.


Find a clean well-tended K75 with 60K miles on it, or buy a VStrom 650. They are plenty large enough—perhaps too large for your experience unless you have innate talent. Then go riding.

[jakgieger]

SLOW DOWN!!!!!  The pictures appear to be my nightmare :hehehe .  Mileage means nothing here.  A well cared for bike will go over 100,000 mi easily.  The condition on this bike would scare me shitless.  The first things to buy here are a tap and die set, helicoils, m7 left hand drill bit set, a torch, a welder, and various extractors .  My similar "cherry" bike cost far more in repairs than the purchase price...but the purchase price was over $2000 (I am ashamed to admit here how much I paid).  A far more suitable bike could be had for a little bit more money now.  A K75 would be better bike to learn to ride on, and will have sufficient power...

Laitch has it right.  This appears to be a donor bike.

[jaxon]

Listen to the wisdom of the elders. Unless you have tools, skills and time you'll just be sitting on a bike you can't trust.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Let me throw in my two cents here: 

What you have is pretty close to a parts bike.  If you break it down and sell off major parts after doing some cleaning you might get your $1000 purchase price back, but you aren't going to quickly make a lot of money.  The used parts market for these bikes is pretty close to saturated right now what with breakers and guys doing cafe conversions.

The corrosion from exposure to salt air is going to make the electrical system a nightmare of bad connections, not to mention what might be hiding in the engine control and ignition modules.  There are going to be lots of seized fasteners.  The frame will need to be completely stripped and repainted.  There is a lot of work to be done on this bike, and the chances are that you will become frustrated and lose interest after sinking a bunch of money and time and still not having a ride-able bike.

My guess is that the cost of restoring this bike is going to be more than the price of a nice brick with 50,000 miles on it.  It doesn't take long to spend a $1000 on a restoration.

My advice is to look for a K75, maybe the S model unless you plan to cafe it in which case a K75RT would be a better choice.  Good examples can be found everyday for a bit more than $2000.  A bike in this range can be rode almost immediately with basic maintenance of fluid changes and a spline lube.   

On the other hand, if you are champing at the bit to spend the next 6 months or more disassembling, cleaning, and replacing parts of the bike before you can take it out then this could be the bike for you...if you can get it for less than $500.  This can be a good project since these bikes do respond well to large amounts of TLC and you will have a great deal of pride of ownership after the restore.  You will have the opportunity to become intimately familiar with the workings of these great machines and become hooked for life.  You'll acquire a potentially valuable skill set of rust and aluminum corrosion removal, painting, electrical troubleshooting, broken screw removal and sourcing inexpensive motorcycle parts.

Bottom line, I don't want to scare you off, just be aware that this bike could be a pretty large project. 

[Laitch]

Bottom line, I don't want to scare you off, just be aware that this bike could be a pretty large project.

Just for the record, I'm unabashedly trying to scare you off this concept piece of oxidized art.

The only upside to this purchase would be you're less likely to injure yourself with it because it's doubtful you'll ever make it roadworthy enough to ride and still have money enough left over to put fuel in it.

[Elipten]

That bike is only a parts bike and even then not a good one due to corrosion. 

Time is on your side, look for s better bike as they are out there.

I would not touch that bike as easily thousand of dollars in parts and hundreds of hours of work


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[bmwpyro]

Thank you for all the responses. i really appreciate it.

i'm still naively 99.9 % on this bike... sigh. he did price it close to 500.
i did just read about 50 pages worth of stainless on aluminum frustration... and i'm still 99.9 % on this bike. (my wife hates it too when im like this)

even my usual decision making tool of flipping the coin is against me! LOL!
part of it is the excitement of something new... and the challenge of it...

i called my machinist friend and he tells me to buy a honda instead. cheap and plenty he said. but after my wrenching wrecks with civics. i'm a bit honda averse...

OTOH, as a means of redirecting my desire.... would this one make better sense? https://goo.gl/fIFAFU  i just hope its still available...

i'm planning to change the handlebar to a T in any case. i just cant find a K75 T in the area and i'm looking at a 300+mi radius.

i have to decide within the hour for the sellers sake... dont want to keep him hanging.

Sincerely,
CK

[MaraudeRS]

Elipten makes a good point. I just got a '92 k100rs that looks similar to the one you're looking at. My saving grace is that I got it for free, because I'm looking at thousands of dollars in restoration. I'm ok with that, tho, because after all the research and reading I've done I'm thrilled to have something to work on and make my own. Mine has 41k miles on it and about the only thing I'm not going to have to do is an engine rebuild (I hope!).
Good luck with your decision making!


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[Martin]

The K75S (Not RS) that you posted is a much better option. The K75 in the opinion of a lot of brick riders is the pinnacle of BMW design and function. Ridden and taken care of extremely high mileages are possible 500,000 K's in North Queensland, 800,000 K's in Europe. Looking over your pictures this morning I think you can more than double Eliptens estimate. Listen to the combined wisdom of the inmates and look elsewhere. This bike is a parts bike and would be extremely costly in the long run to restore. Even as a project bike there are better ones out there. Ultimately though it is your choice.
Good luck regards Martin.