K11 Owners Group

Matt · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:44 am Post subject: Some questions from a new owner.

Hi everyone,
Thanks for all the info this site has provided to me already. I picked up my 1994 K1100LT SE yesterday and did a quick check before taking it for a ride. First problem found was that the front brake lever does not return full forward so it leaves the brake light on, pushing lever a little forward causes brake light to turn off so only tail light is on. I haven't investigated this problem yet so decided to ask here first before tearing into it. Anyone know the cause off hand? Second problem is the BMW radio. I turn it on and full blast but only hear a little static through the speakers and no display shows. I've read here these radios have a code that needs to be entered before using; is this code entered every time the bike is started or is it able to be set so code is never needed? I was given no code by the dealer and no papers came with the bike so can someone tell me how this radio code thing works or how to go about getting it? I tried pushing some numbers on the radio and if I remember I could get like 3 big numbers then 1 small number then needed to turn off ignition and back on to clear the numbers. The handlebars have alot of for and aft play, and I think the rubber bushings may be too worn. What is the normal amount of handlebar play? So as I'm riding for about an hour the 2 abs lights are flashing and my knees are hitting the front fairing. The Corbin seat is comfortable, but doesn't allow me the ability to scoot my rear back another few inches so my knees aren't against the plastic. Is there an aftermarket seat that positions the rider further back? Passenger room is not an issue. Is it common during moderate city driving for temp to climb rather fast almost into red then the fan kicks in and cools it down fast while delivering a blast of hot air? Time to hit the gas station. This is the first bike I've owned that has no fuel lever for on off and reserve. Is the only reserve the fuel light on the dash? I'm very happy that the side case can hold a 12 pack of bottles as well as a full helmet, but wasn't sure if it can hold one of those long fridge boxes of cola so didn't try. Can the side case hold a fridge pak? After I left the gas station I notice that the abs lights are no longer flashing. I'm thinking that the battery may have a stronger charge now and may be the cause of them flashing earlier, does this sound right? I get home and I'm unloading the side cases when one of the case hinges comes undone. It looks like just a plastic hinge that snaps into the case and lid has ripped apart. Can the lid come off the case while riding or are the buckles secure enough? Can the hinge be easily replaced? I would really like to have the owners manual that explains the bike and all the switches and radio operations. I was able to locate a repair manual online but no user manuals. If someone has it scanned could you email it to me, or I could pay a reasonable amount for photo copies and postage.
Thanks, Matt

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:09 pm Post subject:

Brake lever: Loosen the bolt it pivots on just a little - you need to do this from the bottom. Don't touch the bolt on the front of the brake lever. If it's still sticky, remove the pivot bolt all of the way and lube it with a light grease - jsut the shaft - not the threads on the end.

You only need to enter the radio code if you change the battery(or it dies) or you disconnect power to the radio.

The handelbars are mushy from the factory - you can add some washers underneath to stiffen them up:
http://www.ibmwr.org/ktech/solid-bars.shtml

Yes, the ABS brains are sensitive to low voltages.

Hinges are easy to replace, turn the bag over and they slide off.

The low fuel idiot light comes on when you have about a gallon left - which means you've got 35-50 miles to go. However, the fuel pump is cooled by sitting in the gas so it's a good idea not to run the tank too low too often. I alwyas fill up when the light goes on.

Yes, it's common for the temp to run up to red and have the fan kick on in city riding.

Try using the Enter key - paragraphs are your friend.

And welcome....
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

RAL88 · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:38 pm Post subject:

Hey Matt,

When I got my bike it did not come with the code for the radio. I talked to my local BMW dealer and after they checked the VIN and the radio to make sure it was not stolen they were able to get me the code from BMW. I guess BMW keeps records of the radios and what bikes they went on. Once they gave me the code I just input it using the memory keys and was good to go.

Rich
_________________
Rich

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and make it work better"
*************
'96' K1100LT-SE
'97' R850GS-R

Mystic Red · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:42 pm Post subject:

Matt, if you don't have the code for the radio you are in trouble. The bike didn't come with an owners manual? Look in the tail under the seat to see if ones in there along with the tool kit. Maybe BMW can get the code for you by suppling the serial #.
_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

6899 · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 12:44 pm Post subject:

Hey Matt, the ABS lite means your battery is low on power. Wink

Put a charger on it and then check it with a voltmeter. You need at least 12.65 min to keep the battery good to go.

If the battery is weak, replace it before you end up using the starter and burning up the relay. I recommend the Odessey PC680 dry cell battery.

Good luck on your new toy and read every tech article we have. I'm mechanical but not electrical....

Welcome to our website - its a gold mine of information. Laughing

Martin
_________________
1996 K1100LT, 73K (bought at 61K on 2006)
1977 R100/7, bought new, rode 97K in 29 yrs before parting out
1970 R50/5, bought used, rode 40K & sold

BMWMOA #6899 since 1976
Indy BMW Club since 1975

mnb · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 1:05 pm Post subject:

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 1:09 pm Post subject:

I just write the code on the body of the radio when it's pulled out. Never gets lost. Who is going to steal a cassette deck in 2008? Rolling Eyes

You can buy a new manual here:
http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=1700
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

WVMSFKRS · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 9:26 pm Post subject:

Welcome Matt, I just bought my 96 RS in late Nov. This forum is very helpful and friendly, the people on here are great. I got my O.M. from A&S and a few other ideas from them.

Ride Wise, Michael
_________________
IBA#42211
MSF Rider Coach
Riders Edge Instructor
'09 K1200LT
'07 K1200GT Traded
'96 K1100 RS SE *SOLD*
'05 HD Ultra 82,000+ miles
'04 URAL *SOLD*

Matt · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 9:50 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone for the help.

After looking in the cabinet under the seat I found all the paperwork, manuals, and the laminated cards with the radio code. Now trying to remember how to record cassettes.

I need to order some parts from Chicago BMW. Do they have a parts fiche at their site? It looks like I need to use another site to find the part number.

Is the Odessey PC680 a sealed battery that is maintenance free? Do most here recommend this battery? Started out and rode today with same ABS lights flashing. Bike has no problem starting though. Pulled over after 1/2 hour, stopped and restarted and lights went out immediately. I'm in need of a new battery. If the bike is rode several times a week should it still be connected to a battery tender?

Anyone have any seat suggestions? I'd hate to tear apart a Corbin, but I think it may be possible to move back the foam some so the step up to the passenger seat area is farther back. Anyone ever try this? Just a few inches is all I need.

This bike sure seems as though it could have used a 6th gear. 5K RPM seems plenty, the bike really seems to rev. Does 67.5 MPH in 5th at 4K RPM sound about right? I imagine the bike really gets loud closer to redline.

What size bolts are needed for the threaded holes that many use to attach there accessory brackets to? The ones by the front brake and clutch that are vaccant.

I purchased an Audiovox CCS-100. The speed can easily get away from me on this bike; passing police and then looking at the speedometer can be a little stressfull sometimes.

I'm planning to make a custom bracket to hold my GPS using the 2 screws on the sides of the map light. Anyone ever try this? The screws are threaded into metal nuts so it should work no problem.

Thanks again for all the help,
Matt

mnb · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:08 pm Post subject:

Off the grid · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:12 pm Post subject:

What Corbin do you have? I have the Dual Canyon, 6'3" with a 33" inseam and I fit well with the Corbin.

I also wrote the code for the radio on the actual body of the radio with a sharpie, and put the code in my cell phone under the name, "radio".

Mystic Red · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:26 pm Post subject:

Off the grid · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:28 pm Post subject:

WVMSFKRS · Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:33 pm Post subject:

This is the website I've used for part numbers
http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/MainDiagrams.asp?mospid=47928
_________________
IBA#42211
MSF Rider Coach
Riders Edge Instructor
'09 K1200LT
'07 K1200GT Traded
'96 K1100 RS SE *SOLD*
'05 HD Ultra 82,000+ miles
'04 URAL *SOLD*

Shoganai · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 8:57 am Post subject:

Adrian · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 9:12 am Post subject:

Welcome,

For all BMW microfiche and part numbers bookmark this site: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/

How many miles on the bike? Have you had the dreaded fuel pump screach yet? An audible warning about 10 miles before the low fuel warning light comes on!

And have you worked out the remote control to the radio/casette? Just don't leave it on by mistake when you park the bike Rolling Eyes

Adrian
_________________
Adrian in Somerset, UK
K1100LT SE
145,000 miles and counting Smile

https://sites.google.com/site/worlestone/

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 9:36 am Post subject:

K bikes love high revs - don't worry about it. You can run it at 7000 rpm or more all day long.

Try to keep it above 2500.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Adrian · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:04 am Post subject:

and for the question not asked yet... yes, that oil comsumption is normal... Very Happy

about a litre every 1,500 miles Rolling Eyes

Adrian
_________________
Adrian in Somerset, UK
K1100LT SE
145,000 miles and counting Smile

https://sites.google.com/site/worlestone/

Matt · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 12:30 pm Post subject:

Not sure what model of Corbin it is. Should it say on the bottom? I'm going to call around and see if it can be modified for a cheap price.

73,000 miles on it so far.

Haven't heard of the screach from the fuel pump or seen the low fuel light yet. Hopefully I never will. Are the fuel pumps likely to fail, or do they last forever? I'd hate to get stranded.

When the bike is cold how much oil should show on the sight glass when on the center stand? After looking through the manual I was finally able to get it up on the center stand easily by using the folding handle to help lift it up. That handle is nice.

Matt

Mystic Red · Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 12:36 pm Post subject: