K11 Owners Group

wcp58 · Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Posts: 2

Now that my kids are all grown, I am looking for another bike. My first choice to look at is a 95 K1100RS with 38K. I would welcome any and all advice regarding this model. Stuff like what to be aware of with this year, how long before I can expect things to breakdown etc. Any and all help/advice is greatly appreciated.

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 9:22 pm Post subject:

First of all, WELCOME!

Good bunch of folks from all over the world contribute here.

As far as looking at an RS, a few things easily come to mind .

Check:

the fork seals for leaks. And any leaking around the final drive at the rear wheel.

also any fluid leaks at the bottom of the engine- front (water and oil pumps) and rear (rear engine seal, clutch O-ring and front trans seal).

check for cracks where the 4 header pipes join the cat/muffler assembly- one of THE weak points on some of these K bikes.

How old does the brake fluid in the two master cylinder reservoirs look?

Use a flashlight to look into the gas tank- should look clean and shiny- no gunk or varnish hopefully

If it is in running condition, it should start easily and after rolling a few feet, the two ABS lights should go out and stay out.

Other people here will add their input, but keep in mind that these bikes are pretty bulletproof.

Good luck.

John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Jim · Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 11:37 pm Post subject: K bike buying guide

This is on Ted's home page: http://verrill.org/moto/kbikebuyingguide.shtml

Hope that helps. Also, while you're looking with a flashlight, unscrew the oil cap and look in the engine - it should be clean and shiny.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 6:51 am Post subject:

Thanks Jim,

I completely forgot about Ted's site.
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

wcp58 · Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Posts: 2

Well, I took an indepth look at the K1100, using the information you all provided. All fluids look very clear, oil not teeribly black. Service records confirm annual service accomplished. A new battery and replaced fork seals were the latest services. There is a slight oil weep that looks to be from the bottom pan area. No weeps around final drives area. The bike ran well, only issue was the fact I have not ridden in 26 years, so my cornering at low speed left alot to be desired. Works rear shocks are installed. Extras include a bike cover, BMW CD repair manual, trickle charger, larger tool kit. Price is $4690, I'm still mulling this over. Just worried about the unknown on this bike. My wife says I overthink things. Maybe I do.

Jim · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:49 pm Post subject:

I bought the '97 K I ride sight unseen (except for a few pix) from a guy in Scottsdale AZ. No service records - although a friend of his bought it new, and he gave me the whole history.

On the other hand, the K bike (aka boat anchor) that I looked at, rode and bought from Morton's turned out to be a money pit. I still have it, and Morton's still has the money...

Fear of the unknown can be paralyzing...

On the bright side, there usually isn't too much unknown on these bikes. There seem to be sort of a limited number of major things that can go wrong.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Stoked Steve · Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:50 pm Post subject:

If it makes you feel any better, my '93 RS has had a slight oil weep from the rear weep hole at the rear of engine since I bought it 7 years ago. I'm sure it's the rubber O-ring that Sugarhill speaks of, but I just haven't had the motivation to pull it all apart to fix it. Drivability has been fine, no clutch slippage at all. I can live with it for about two drops of oil every couple of months.

The last oil change I could no longer find the red cap Mobil1 at wally world and bought instead a similar viscosity "high mileage" Mobil1 oil that I've been lead to believe has more compounds to help older rubber and gaskets get back some of their elasticity.
Now I'm only getting a drop every few months. We'll see how that goes in the warmer weather.

A '95 is a prime specimen, as these age electrical connections can get a bit fussy, old plastics and rubber can dry out, tanks can corrode, but if it's been well cared for, these bikes will go for many years with little issue.

Having said all that, that price seems a bit high to me. I’d think closer to $4k would be about right.
_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom