New K Biker needs guidance

[harpac]

Hi Fellow K Bikers,

I am new to the world of BMW, although not new to Touring. My most recent rides were mostly Gold Wings, starting in 81 with an 1100, 94 to a 1500, and 2 GL1800's since. Total miles driven on bikes is over 1/2 million with 300k of that on Wings.

I rented a K1100LT last year and enjoyed riding it. I liked the lighter weight mostly, the buttery trans, seating ergo and the feel of the power output to weight ratio. I decided to take a leap over to owning a 94 K1100LT (purch with 35k miles) for something different. I have added throttlemeister, Baker wind wings, GPS, and Parabellum windshield and radial Avons. I have ridden my 94 LT about 7k miles since Nov 09 and now have a few questions/observations if anyone would like to jump in.

My positive observations are listed above, along with decent fuel mileage, (avg 43-45 K11, avg 39-42 GL18), more leaning angle available on K vs GL, silky smooth at a couple of speeds, comfy warm environment at temps below 70, ABS, convenient power plugs, adjustable (some times) windshield.

My negative observations and concerns are: lighter weight converts to wobbly frame behind semis at speed, limited range, (150-170 K bike vs 210-240 GL), vibration at certain speeds, wife doesn't enjoy riding on it, floppy bags, hot ankles on warm days, first set of Lasertecs lasted 5k miles, BMW Dealers far and few, and seems to be maintenance intensive, to name a few. Reading the forum has me concerned about splines and rear drive failures.

Also, it seems I am always chasing gremlins (ie fluctuating temp gauge, "rod knocking" sound at idle, fuel smell and engine smells, can't secure back pads on rear trunk, windshield won't raise while going over 25mph, coolant will not transfer from radiator to overflow tank or back etc.) Previous owner spent almost $2k fixing brakes, starter, wiring, and cooling system

I understand that I am comparing to a Wing, and perhaps that is not fair, but in 94, this bike's cost was within a thousand or so of the GL, hence I think it was a competitor. I am spoiled by the GL's reliability, comfort and features, and so far, my BMW experiment has been a painful learning curve.

My general questions are:
What are the most important preventative maintenance items that will prevent a breakdown on the road?
What are the things most of you live with, vs getting things fixed? (i already spent over $1500 at a dealer)
Does it get better or worse?

The K1100LT has been a joy to ride for the most part, but appears to be a maintenance question mark.

Thanks to all for supporting this forum which has been a treasure chest of information for me and thousands of others I'm sure.

Harry P

[Flying Duck]

My negative observations and concerns are: lighter weight converts to wobbly frame behind semis at speed,

Not much you can do about that

limited range, (150-170 K bike vs 210-240 GL), vibration at certain speeds, wife doesn't enjoy riding on it,

NGK DR7EIX spark plugs and a throttle body synch will improve both of those some.

floppy bags,

Add some rubber down by the latch where it wears the rail. Some people have installed a brace at the back from one bag to the other

hot ankles on warm days,

My ankles don't get warm but my thighs do. You can add a layer of insulation under the tank and side panels to reduce that a bit.

first set of Lasertecs lasted 5k miles, BMW Dealers far and few, and seems to be maintenance intensive, to name a few.

You should get more out of the Avons you're using.

Reading the forum has me concerned about splines and rear drive failures.

Final drive failures are rare on K1100s and not something I'd be worried about. A couple of people here have had drive shaft U joint failures though. If you hear noises back there it would be worth checking out.

Also, it seems I am always chasing gremlins (ie fluctuating temp gauge,

Probably the wire is chafed and grounding somewhere.

"rod knocking" sound at idle

Timing gear. You can change in new stuff if it really bugs you. Also check that your spark plug leads are on the plugs solidly.

fuel smell and engine smells

Make sure the hose at the right rear under the tank is connected and draining behind the right peg plate.

can't secure back pads on rear trunk

I cured that with 2" thick strip of ScotchLok all the way across.

windshield won't raise while going over 25mph,

It's not supposed to. If your Parabellum is taller than stock you're putting a lot of strain on that little motor. Put your throttle lock on and help it with your right hand. If you get the left switch from a 95 or 96 the windscreen switch is built into the left combination switch which makes it much easier to use your right hand to "help" the windscreen go up. Drop me a PM if you're interested in getting a used one.

coolant will not transfer from radiator to overflow tank or back etc.)

Buy a new radiator cap.

Previous owner spent almost $2k fixing brakes, starter, wiring, and cooling system

Yikes!

I understand that I am comparing to a Wing, and perhaps that is not fair, but in 94, this bike's cost was within a thousand or so of the GL, hence I think it was a competitor. I am spoiled by the GL's reliability, comfort and features, and so far, my BMW experiment has been a painful learning curve.

My general questions are:
What are the most important preventative maintenance items that will prevent a breakdown on the road?

Change the fuilds regularly. Check the valves every 25k or so. Tighten the steering head bearings occasionally.

What are the things most of you live with, vs getting things fixed? (i already spent over $1500 at a dealer)
Does it get better or worse?

The "box of rocks" noises at idle. Stays about the same.

The K1100LT has been a joy to ride for the most part, but appears to be a maintenance question mark.

My LT has 38k, my RS 49k. Only thing that's failed is a small seal at the back of the clutch rod on the LT. On the whole, these are very reliable bikes. Maybe yours was built during Octoberfest.

However, if you're not doing your own maintenance then I don't think it's worth it to own a K1100.

[harpac]

Thanks for the exhaustive reply to my post. You have answered a lot of concerns.

I wanted to start out with "knowledgeable" eyes checking out the bike, thus the dealer visits. Routine maintenance is typically not a problem for me. Tearing down the engine to replace a bushing or bearing is not something I would look forward to, seeing that it appears a lot of special BMW tools would be needed.

I will continue to enjoy the good things about this bike, and try to minimize the downers by slowly solving the big concerns.

BTW, the loud rod knock I had at idle improved about 80% when I found that the intake boots (rubbers) were somewhat dry rotted and were perforated through, leaking air. After replacing these, it is a totally new bike and runs sooooo much better and quieter when cold. No unusual sounds once the bike is warmed up.

Thanks again for the quick response.

[Mystic Red]

You won't have to tear the engine apart. THAT'S the one thing you won't have trouble with. Mostly it's the 16 year old electrical stuff that's the problem but even that's not too high maintenance, depending on Duck's Octoberfest theory.

[Jim]

Hi Harry - welcome to K11OG!

Tire wear is going to depend on the brand and model of tire. I have a front tire with over 10,00 miles on it that has plenty of tread left.

Sounds like you're getting decent mileage.

I don't ride behind semis - ever. If you've ever seen a recap come off - you don't want to be on the receiving end of that hunk of rubber. The K11 has enough power to safely get you past a semi in a very short time - when it's safe to pass. Otherwise, I recommend dropping back far enough you're not in the dirty air behind the semi.

I can smell gas fumes sometimes when I'm riding. I tend to fill the tank to the very top. The gas tank vent is under the tank - any liquid should go to an accumulator cup (air accumulator) or a vent hose. I have the accumulator - I figure if the tank is venting fumes, I'm probably going to get a whiff now and then.

Drake pointed out a bunch of the fixes. I live with the flippin' gauges - after replacing them a couple of times. My bike seems to have some electrical fuel and temp gauge gremlin - others fare better.

I lube the tracks on the windshield with DuPont teflon every spring. It's not difficult to do. I clean the sliders well, apply lube, and put it all back together. I do have a stock shield that goes up and down with no help at speeds over 100 mph.

My '97 is at 70,000 miles. I usually do engine, gearbox, and final drive oil changes myself. I also change my own tires.

To the best of my knowledge, the valves have been adjusted once. The technician who works on my bike says every 40,000 miles for valve adjustment.

I had the final drive worked on when I noticed the gear oil that I drained out was gray - instead of clear. It apparently was not set up right when it left the factory.

Fork springs and rear shocks wear out - probably on any bike. I've replaced those.

If the bike is shifting smoothly, you probably don't need a spline lube.

Keep the lubricating fluids changed. I change (or have the tech change) fork oil and brake fluid every year - coolant every five years.

I think the K bikes are well built and good for many, many miles as long as they are maintained. If you can find an independent wrench, you'll save big bucks and probably get better quality work.

Good luck with your ride.

There is a wealth of information here at K11.

[SugarHillCTD]

Harry,

First of all.....WELCOME!

Great info here. When I first joined I worried about doing anything on my RS. 2 years later, due to an aging O-ring I had to pull the rear drive and trans back to do the repair and it was expert advice I received on this forum that helped me do it.

You also have several members somewhat near to you.

We look forward to your posts.

John

[Flying Duck]

Hey, where's a picture of your bike?


BMW recommends silicone spray on the rods. That's what I use.

[voodooskin]

My negative observations and concerns are: lighter weight converts to wobbly frame behind semis at speed,

Not much you can do about that

The other way to look at that, is it's an excuse to make liberal use of the throttle for a pass

[Jim]

Hey, where's a picture of your bike?


BMW recommends silicone spray on the rods. That's what I use.

You don't use the tires they recommend, do you? Probably a bunch of other stuff, either - filters, etc...

I use teflon 'cause it's slipperier...