K11 Owners Group

bikesnbones · Big Brick Rider Joined: 03 Aug 2014 Posts: 74

My K1100RS has run perfectly since I got it without a single issue in thousands of miles.
So recently, I was tanking it down the highway.
Yes , I was travelling at high speed, but not at it's top speed.
Suddenly I smelt burning, and the bike was running rough.
I limped back home, and found coolant residue around the L/H side, around the exhaust heat shield, and back over the silencer.
No drop in coolant level, so must have been a small about.
Temp gauge did not show high.
Also found that number 2 cylinder is not running.
I took the plug out, and was greeted with the horrible sight you will see below.

Changed the plug, still not firing on number 2.
Checked for spark, which is present.

Bike is in a workshop at the moment, as I don't have the technical know how to take it further.

Got a call from him.

Compression in 1/3/4 OK, compression in 2 = zero.

Leakdown test shows leaking between 2/3

Nothing obvious showing using endoscope, so mechanic phoned me to get the go ahead for the next step which is cylinder head off.

Mechanic suspects exhaust valve, and possible head gasket failure.

Fingers crossed.

Am I the unluckiest K owner

Sad

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2015 6:20 pm Post subject:

I'd suspect exhaust valve over head gasket.
_________________
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)

bikesnbones · Big Brick Rider Joined: 03 Aug 2014 Posts: 74

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2015 5:56 pm Post subject:

Well, in '08 I burned 2 ex valves(cyl 2 & 3). No cyl or piston damage.
The cost included the 2 valves, new timing chain/rail guide, head gasket, water/oil pump overhaul and misc supplies.
It rolled out of the BMW dealer shop at $1800.

At the time I only had been riding the bike 3yrs, and roughly 27,000 miles.
Nor was I doing my own wrenching then as I am now.

Had it happened now, Yea, I'd probably replace the valves as I would also be doing the labor work. Probably have the dealer install/lap the valves in the head, but that would be all. The rest I would do myself.

If I were not doing my own wrenching, I'd probably part it out and find another bike, or like was suggested to you, find another motor.
_________________
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)

bikesnbones · Big Brick Rider Joined: 03 Aug 2014 Posts: 74

atlantaboblutz@live.com · Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 11:54 am Post subject:

if everything else is "known good" on your bike... have you considered just replacing the head?
_________________
Thanks,
Bob
Atlanta GA

'94 K1100 LT
'76 R75/6

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 6:31 pm Post subject:

atlantaboblutz@live.com · Posted: Tue May 05, 2015 6:56 pm Post subject:

Number 6 · Posted: Wed May 06, 2015 3:11 am Post subject:

Check you exhaust collector for leaks, unless the engine was not properly warmed up, it's the most likely reason why you'd break an exhaust valve.
_________________
I am not a number, I am a free man.

94 K1100LT

bikesnbones · Big Brick Rider Joined: 03 Aug 2014 Posts: 74

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2015 4:16 pm Post subject: