K11 Owners Group

MtnManCO · Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 11:13 pm Post subject: Locked front wheel

I have been searching for a K1100RS for many weeks now, finally found a 1993 model with 35,000 miles in good shape two hours away from where I live.

After a 20 minute test ride we made a deal and I was ready to leave the seller's driveway. The engine was not running at this point, I attempted to turn the bike around when I suddenly noticed that I wasn't able to move the bike anymore (with my legs).

It turned out that the front wheel was locked, firmly locked. I was not able to turn the wheel by hand, when it was off the ground. The brake disk was not hot, not even warm, from the test ride.

The wheel was locked for ~15 minutes and after that we were able to push the bike back into the garage of the seller. At this point the brake pads were still slightly touching the disks.

The seller returned the money and will take the bike to a mechanic to determine the cause.

How could this happen??? It was sudden and quite extreme. I felt lucky that it happened in the driveway of the seller and not on my way home.

Any input would be much appreciated!

Greetings from Colorado,
Armin

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Sat Jun 22, 2013 11:34 pm Post subject:

The first thing that comes to my mind is old brake lines.
Sounds like maybe the internal of the hose could be "breaking down" and acting like a one-way check valve. Thus not letting the brakes release.
I have heard of this happening, though I haven't experienced it.

The other issue could be a problem internal to the master cyl. You might ask when the last time the brake fluid was flushed/replaced. It should be done every year. Old fluid in and of itself shouldn't specifically cause the problem, but old fluid can lead to other problems with seals and such.
_________________
Ride safe.

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

jr'sbmw · Big Brick Rider Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 54 Location: Fl

+1 on the brake hoses acting like a one way check valve. To troubleshoot, all you would have had to do was open the front bleeders and see if the wheel then turns easily. Happen to me last year on my 97LT, so replaced all 3 hoses up front. I have had it happen on vehicles several times in my life. Also, could be a stuck piston in a caliper that releases when it cools?

Al. · Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2013 6:39 pm Post subject:

Happened me - brake pads were badly worn and jammed 'crossways' in caliper and wouldn't return. New pads, job done.