K11 Owners Group

[samandkimberly]

Hello all,

I just bought a sidecar - a Flexit, very similar to this one:

http://st1100.narod.ru/sidecar.files/flexitSIDECAR4.jpg

..but the one I'm getting was attached to a K1100LT. Now I'm looking for a vehicle to pull the chair and, given that it comes with K1100 mounts, I will most likely be getting my first K bike, and probably a K1100. I'm more of a sporting rider, so I'm more inclined to go the RS route, and the search is on: if anyone knows of any good deals in the New England area let me know.

At the front of my list is this fixer-upper at Max BMW:

http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/machine/details.aspx?ID=3868

I'm very mechanical and have a decent shop so all the work is in my skill/tool scope. I'm a little concerned, though, about why all these oil seals seem to be leaking (could be just from sitting, of course) and even more about the lit up ABS light. Having only ridden a K100RS with ABE and not having been impressed, I'm considering just stripping the ABS off the bike - is this just plain dumb for some reason? Any pointers as to what I should be looking for if I go take a look at this bike? Does the price seem OK?

TIA for any input/insight,

Sam


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[Scott_Anderson]

Welcome to the Forum.

My 1st question would be, what is their definition of a "leak".
Is it actually dripping fluid on the floor, or is just seeping enough to attract dirt to the area......

Chances are the "rear main seal" leak is more likely the clutch nut o-ring leaking than the main seal. They get brittle with age and break, plain and simple.

The valve cover gasket(good solid rubber) could be leaking at the corners where it joins the timing chain front cover. The timing chain cover is only sealed with RTV sealer. If the last mechanic got impatient or too thin of a coating it can leak....BTDT...

Some(not all) master cyl leaks can be cured with a good cleaning of the cyl bore of all the crud buildup from age and lack of proper fluid replacement. (annually with DOT 4 brake fluid only)

The ABS issue could be almost anything. Could be as simple as low battery when starting, to a bad sensor, or worst case a bad controller.
Good thing is that if you want to keep the ABS 1 system active the control module is repairable now. You have to send it off, but that's up to you if you keep it or not.
The only way to know is to have the fault code read, and tried to be reset.

I couldn't tell from the picture, will the side car unit be connected to the brake system? If so you may not be able to use the ABS anyway. Something to look into.
_________________
Ride safe.



1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

[samandkimberly]

Thanks. I agree with you, the leaks could be most anything; I'll probably drive up there Mon to take a look.

War about other potential "gotchas" I should keep my eyes open for? These have some sort of driveshaft/rear swingarm issue?

Thanks,

Sam

[Scott_Anderson]

Before you drive up there, better call them. Not many bike dealers are open on Monday's......

I can't say of any "traditional" gotya's with the swing-arm drive shafts on the K-bikes.

Yes, some have stripped the final drive splines, some have had broken U-joints, and some seals have leaked.
Probably less issues than bikes with chains/belts and sprockets.

Considering that the last K-bike model year sold in the US was 1997, they perform well and hold up well for the number of miles they have been ridden.
_________________
Ride safe.



1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

[samandkimberly]

I've been in touch with them. I meant Tuesday, it just somehow came out as Monday while I was typing!

Sam

[michaelcurrin]

I've been pulling a sidecar with a 93 K11RS for several years now, they make a pretty good mule.

If you're into sport riding with a sidecar check out

http://hpsidecars.com/

the forum has been a little slow right now but lots of good information

(also a few members up in your neck of the woods)

good luck
_________________
Mike Currin
20 BMW R1250RS
93 BMW K1100RS / EML Speed 2000
06 Ducati ST3
67 Triumph 650 chopper

[samandkimberly]

[samandkimberly]

1 new battery later and the ABS appears to work fine, though the dash light doesn't light up; there is definitely engine oil leaking between the engine and tranny, and transmission oil leaking out by the clutch. It buzzes like every other K bike I've ridden and has lots of heat - nice at this time of year at least.

I'm psyched; i should be picking it up by the weekend. Anyone know where I can find a tank bag?

Sam

[samandkimberly]

...So I took delivery of the bike from Max BMW last week. Man, they make things easy - they fedexed all the paperwork to me, then delivered the bike to my doorstep, 40 miles away. They do charge a $150 or so non negotiable delivery fee on every bike they sell so I supposed I paid for the service, but it was nice.

The ABS problem does indeed appear to have been nothing but a low battery. And the oil leaking out of the front and rear of the tranny seems to have gone away - once I drained the half liter or so of excess transmission oil to bring the level down to "full"!

Next was the stock shock. It seemed a little harsh over bumps; when I took it apart I found that the bump stop had eroded away to nothing! replacing the bump stop improved it plenty enough to use for a few months till there's snow on the ground; then I'll think about upgrading to a Penske. Probably sooner than that Ill put a new exhaust "grommet" in to replace the remnants of the original and then everything is good to go.

I'm pretty happy with it. When do I get to learn the secret K1100 handshake?

Sam
_________________
1993 K1100rs, r80, Montesas, Morinis, Hondas, Suzukis, and an MZ

[SugarHillCTD]

Sam,

First of all, WELCOME.

You already know the "handshake". It involves turning the key on a K bike

I am 2-1/2 hours north of you (Franconia Notch area) and had successfully done the rear seal and clutch nut O ring on my previous K bike (a red '93 K1100RS, interestingly enough).

Let us know if you are going to do the job yourself- lots of knowledge on this forum. Yours is slightly easier than the later ABS II equipped bikes.

EDIT- just read all of your last post- I see that things are better with oil control now....carry on...

John
_________________
John & Cathy

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

[michaelcurrin]