Just flicking through TH-cam, came across your video. Back in the dim and distant past I bought a well used and abuse BMW k75s as a ride to work hack. Did 46k miles in 2 years not sure what original mileage was as speedo sensor in rear hub was not working. Change oil , replaced worn tyres , brake pads , I called it the cactus as it seemed to thrive on neglect... of the 60 or so bikes I've owned since 1980. I'd put the k75s in in top 5.
2 ways to store it, long term: 1-tank full with non ethanol gasoline (good luck finding that depending where you live) or gasoline with an additive to extend shelf life, but i trust more method 2- empty tank, carburetors, make sure they are bone dry, store bike in a dry place far away from the elements. Worst case - when you need to bring it back to life 20-30-40 years later you might have some old rubber parts to replace. Best case, there wont even be a gas leak at all anywhere. But needs be stored somewhere dry and without temperature fluctuations. Some materials will rot regardless, just the way it is. Have fresh oil in it before storage and ideally squirt some inside the cylinders.
After my K75S had sat for 15 years or more, I decided to return it to the road. Everything replaceable in the fuel tank, was replaced. Pump, suspension rubber and plastic ring, strainer, hoses, filter. The black grunge, which in mine, was melted suspension rubber, was the most time consuming to remove and clean. I forget what I used, but I think it was paint thinner soaked rags to clean the aluminium of the black scourge. After the tank was cleaned to spotless, and other items like injectors were cleaned and tested and replaced, and fuel regulator checked, it was time for that ‘ first start ‘. When you switch on, you should hear the fuel pump run momentarily, till it has built up fuel pressure in the fuel rail, before starting. Alas, no such luck for me. I traced it eventually to the fuel tank electrical connector, behind the right side panel. I ended up cutting both ends of the old connector out, and replacing it with a new weatherproof automotive one. Ignition on, and yaaay, pump ran. Hit the starter and it fired nearly instantly.
Oh that is amazing advice! I’ll get the injectors cleaned! Today I got the tank welded so we are making progress. My big problem now is the fuel level float is totally f’d and the new ones are $350. I’m going to try and rebuild mine
@@nighthawksgarage5138 Being mostly Bosch electrical stuff, you would probably find alternatives for it. I dont know where you are, but in Aus, there are a few places that stock NOS and aftermarket parts for old BM's. One in particular is Munich Motorcycles, over on our West coast. One of my ' go to ' places for bits for the '75.
Excellent, a very fresh family vid, i love it. Happy french owner of a K 100 RT (even if she is presently out of business due to electrical failure...), i am glad to see one exemplary kept in your country. I was lucky enough to get my hands on one in pristine condition, completely original with luggages, 93000 kms, and i paid it 1500 euros, not far from 1500 USD. Enjoy yours and enjoy your beautiful children! PS: as a french frog, your Daft Punk shirt is a hit... 2nd PS: go any time to the Chris Harris chanel on TH-cam...
Oh that is super neat! Ya I’m hoping it will get back on the road soon! The fuel level sender unit comes back Aug 22 so hopefully we can get it running by the end of the month! Thanks for sharing! I wish I could motor around France! Beautiful!
Oh that is good to hear! I’m excited to get it on the road. Got the tank welded and now ready to install the fuel pump. I’m held up on the tank sender and float. The wiring for the fuel pump runs through it as well. It’s super expensive. Going to have the fuel injectors serviced and repacking all the fuel lines. Will need to get all the brakes flushed and checked as well.
@@nighthawksgarage5138 not sure if you heard it and they are some videos out ther about it and i recomend you to reach and check it... but you must inject a little motor oil into the cilinder heads remoring the spark plugs....just letting you know it will fire right up smokes for a little to burn excess oil in the heads and wil clear out
@@jamesgordon2827 I don’t take it as rude at all. I kind of threw this one together, but I definitely have enough footage to make a better video than this. And I do plan to. I’ve got a lot of other details. I want to put the stock airbox on, and gaskets on the intake tubes
Here in the UK, we have three types of petrol, 99, 97 and 95 RON octanes. I don't think low octane (95 RON) is a particular problem for this engine. However, anything made before the 21st century will probably have fuel system components that are susceptible to the corrosive nature of the bioethanol we add to fuel now. Standard petrol contains 10% ethanol (E10) For classic cars you must use the 5% stuff (E5), typically known as Premium (97-98 RON and E5) Obviously you not in the UK but when your finally get this working, make sure you find out which local gasoline has the lowest ethanol percentage. Also, look into the anti-corrosion fuel additives, although i don't know anything about them and YMMV. Lovely bike though, i don't even like bikes and i want one! 🤤
Thank you for your very import formed response about the details of ethanol in gasoline grades in the UK. I wonder what the equivalent price per gallon is. I work at a gas station in Seattle that sells ethanol free 89 octane gasoline for 5.99 a gallon of today. That is the best advice you can give anybody, so thank you for passing along. Not everyone you get that advice to you is going to actually work at the station that sells it.
It’s just a car with two wheels, it has a small in-line motor mounted front to back and shaft drive. Most of the parts are from a car. I would say it most closely compares with the 1987 BMW 325 I S that I restored.
As K75 rider I forgot to mention: 1. Keep the tank filled so that no water from the air that resides in the air above the gasoline surface in the tank can get into the gasoline. 2. Use non ethanol gasoline especially in the winter periodes when the bike is standing still. It is during these periods that the damage occurs. 3. During summer season when the bike is used regularly (one tank per month) one can use ethanol gasoline, but I always use the more expensive non ethanol gasoline exclusively. On behalf of all customers who paid expensive repair bills many thanks to the oil companies who are not interested to do anything about it !!!
I’ve had a standard and an s. Commuted for a number of years on the standard. Went over the handlebars late one night bike landed upside down in the ditch. Rode it home a half hour later minus a bag and windscreen. Bent handlebars. Great bike. Looking at another s model right now.
This is a well known problem with motorcycles and cars that are standing still for longer periods of time caused by ethanol in the gasoline. It is a bloody bloody shame that cost people millions in repair. Had exactly the same problem .... all thanks to the ethanol in our gasoline ..... that attracts water from atmosphere and creates a corrosive mixture in the tanks thanks to bacteries that feed on the water and gasoline. The corrosive mixture breaks down rubber and corrodes steel parts. It is a problem very well known, but oil copanies pretend to be deaf and dumb. We should claim the damage with the oil companies as that is the only way that these corporations react.
That's one of the known problems with the k100/75 in that they are prone to corroding fuel tanks as they are aluminium in construction. The bubbling paint is a sure give away.
It is not a fault of BMW but it is the result of adding ethanol to gasoline by the oil companies. The phenomenon occurs when air above the fuel in the tank is breathing due to temperature variation. That breathing causes water vapour to come in the tank and condenses. Bacteries excrete a corrosive mixture that causes corrosion and breaks down rubber parts. Garages kow the problem very well but nothing happens .....
Why did you attempt to start the bike without doing the prep work. I can't handle it when people crank and crank, drain the battery and damage stuff by overheating things. My blue 87 k75s after 10 years sitting started within 1 second of pressing the start button because I did thorough pre-start work for 3 weeks.
We had only worked on carbed bikes before and were troubleshooting it to the fuel system. Actually figured it out early on, but my bud wanted shots for the video. Tank is cleaned, new fuel pump installed and runs fine now.
Did you pull the choke on to start it ? I've owned a K75c for 16 years , try charging your battery, also make sure your Negative battery lead is tight , just under the injector cover , fresh petrol should do the trick , they have a starter relay issue sometimes depending on age , but I've never had probs with it , nice smooth ride . Good luck 👍
Ooof, welcome to K-bike ownership. While a very good basic design, they are reaching a point in aging where they are beginning to become very difficult to keep on the road without throwing thousands in parts at them. Hopefully your journey has been a little less expensive than mine...
It’s good to hear that I’m not alone in my struggles. So far I paid to have the tank professionally cleaned and coated (after I had it welded up). Most of the other parts of an cheap. The big struggle was I got it all together, but the brand new fuel filter was blocked and I could not troubleshoot it. I took it to a BMW mechanic and he figured out that I helped out correctly, but the filter was blocked. He also added a vacuum line from the fuel pump, screen outlet to the vent at the top of the tank, which is supposed to help with cavitation. It seems to run better with it when you’re riding aggressively. I’m gonna make another version of the video with much more recent stuff. It’s just been very busy for me.
@@nighthawksgarage5138 Wow ok. Good luck! My K100 is currently laid up with stripped clutch splines. Make sure to do a full spline lube when you are fully up and running. I'll stay tuned for future updates!
Just flicking through TH-cam, came across your video. Back in the dim and distant past I bought a well used and abuse BMW k75s as a ride to work hack. Did 46k miles in 2 years not sure what original mileage was as speedo sensor in rear hub was not working. Change oil , replaced worn tyres , brake pads , I called it the cactus as it seemed to thrive on neglect... of the 60 or so bikes I've owned since 1980. I'd put the k75s in in top 5.
Super cool!! They are great bikes and still out there! I’ll do a follow up video
2 ways to store it, long term: 1-tank full with non ethanol gasoline (good luck finding that depending where you live) or gasoline with an additive to extend shelf life, but i trust more method 2- empty tank, carburetors, make sure they are bone dry, store bike in a dry place far away from the elements. Worst case - when you need to bring it back to life 20-30-40 years later you might have some old rubber parts to replace. Best case, there wont even be a gas leak at all anywhere. But needs be stored somewhere dry and without temperature fluctuations. Some materials will rot regardless, just the way it is. Have fresh oil in it before storage and ideally squirt some inside the cylinders.
After my K75S had sat for 15 years or more, I decided to return it to the road. Everything replaceable in the fuel tank, was replaced. Pump, suspension rubber and plastic ring, strainer, hoses, filter. The black grunge, which in mine, was melted suspension rubber, was the most time consuming to remove and clean. I forget what I used, but I think it was paint thinner soaked rags to clean the aluminium of the black scourge. After the tank was cleaned to spotless, and other items like injectors were cleaned and tested and replaced, and fuel regulator checked, it was time for that ‘ first start ‘. When you switch on, you should hear the fuel pump run momentarily, till it has built up fuel pressure in the fuel rail, before starting. Alas, no such luck for me. I traced it eventually to the fuel tank electrical connector, behind the right side panel. I ended up cutting both ends of the old connector out, and replacing it with a new weatherproof automotive one. Ignition on, and yaaay, pump ran. Hit the starter and it fired nearly instantly.
Oh that is amazing advice! I’ll get the injectors cleaned! Today I got the tank welded so we are making progress. My big problem now is the fuel level float is totally f’d and the new ones are $350. I’m going to try and rebuild mine
@@nighthawksgarage5138 Being mostly Bosch electrical stuff, you would probably find alternatives for it. I dont know where you are, but in Aus, there are a few places that stock NOS and aftermarket parts for old BM's. One in particular is Munich Motorcycles, over on our West coast. One of my ' go to ' places for bits for the '75.
@@harrothepilot oh thank you! Good idea!
Excellent, a very fresh family vid, i love it.
Happy french owner of a K 100 RT (even if she is presently out of business due to electrical failure...), i am glad to see one exemplary kept in your country.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on one in pristine condition, completely original with luggages, 93000 kms, and i paid it 1500 euros, not far from 1500 USD.
Enjoy yours and enjoy your beautiful children!
PS: as a french frog, your Daft Punk shirt is a hit...
2nd PS: go any time to the Chris Harris chanel on TH-cam...
Oh that is super neat! Ya I’m hoping it will get back on the road soon! The fuel level sender unit comes back Aug 22 so hopefully we can get it running by the end of the month! Thanks for sharing! I wish I could motor around France! Beautiful!
beautiful machine i got one mine is a 1993 and the feel of the engine is so smooth...thats what i love the most on this bikes
Oh that is good to hear! I’m excited to get it on the road. Got the tank welded and now ready to install the fuel pump. I’m held up on the tank sender and float. The wiring for the fuel pump runs through it as well. It’s super expensive. Going to have the fuel injectors serviced and repacking all the fuel lines. Will need to get all the brakes flushed and checked as well.
@@nighthawksgarage5138 not sure if you heard it and they are some videos out ther about it and i recomend you to reach and check it... but you must inject a little motor oil into the cilinder heads remoring the spark plugs....just letting you know it will fire right up smokes for a little to burn excess oil in the heads and wil clear out
Fascinating engines, but the music is drowning out the sound of it firing/not firing. Always had a sneaking admiration for the Beemers.
I need to make another version without the music for sure
@@nighthawksgarage5138 sorry that sounded rude, it wasn’t meant to be, thoroughly enjoyed the video.
@@jamesgordon2827 I don’t take it as rude at all. I kind of threw this one together, but I definitely have enough footage to make a better video than this. And I do plan to. I’ve got a lot of other details. I want to put the stock airbox on, and gaskets on the intake tubes
Here in the UK, we have three types of petrol, 99, 97 and 95 RON octanes.
I don't think low octane (95 RON) is a particular problem for this engine.
However, anything made before the 21st century will probably have fuel system components that are susceptible to the corrosive nature of the bioethanol we add to fuel now.
Standard petrol contains 10% ethanol (E10)
For classic cars you must use the 5% stuff (E5), typically known as Premium (97-98 RON and E5)
Obviously you not in the UK but when your finally get this working, make sure you find out which local gasoline has the lowest ethanol percentage.
Also, look into the anti-corrosion fuel additives, although i don't know anything about them and YMMV.
Lovely bike though, i don't even like bikes and i want one! 🤤
Thank you for your very import formed response about the details of ethanol in gasoline grades in the UK. I wonder what the equivalent price per gallon is. I work at a gas station in Seattle that sells ethanol free 89 octane gasoline for 5.99 a gallon of today. That is the best advice you can give anybody, so thank you for passing along. Not everyone you get that advice to you is going to actually work at the station that sells it.
It’s just a car with two wheels, it has a small in-line motor mounted front to back and shaft drive. Most of the parts are from a car. I would say it most closely compares with the 1987 BMW 325 I S that I restored.
As K75 rider I forgot to mention:
1. Keep the tank filled so that no water from the air that resides in the air above the gasoline surface in the tank can get into the gasoline.
2. Use non ethanol gasoline especially in the winter periodes when the bike is standing still. It is during these periods that the damage occurs.
3. During summer season when the bike is used regularly (one tank per month) one can use ethanol gasoline, but I always use the more expensive non ethanol gasoline exclusively.
On behalf of all customers who paid expensive repair bills many thanks to the oil companies who are not interested to do anything about it !!!
Great advice! Right now the tank is dry and coming off the bike for more weld repairs yay
I’ve had a standard and an s. Commuted for a number of years on the standard. Went over the handlebars late one night bike landed upside down in the ditch. Rode it home a half hour later minus a bag and windscreen. Bent handlebars. Great bike. Looking at another s model right now.
These bikes were built in time of real gasoline. The components do not do well with modern gasoline.
Agree! Only ethanol free for me
I had one of those. But not for long; doing maintenance was annoying to me. I don't know, it never really grew on me.
This is a well known problem with motorcycles and cars that are standing still for longer periods of time caused by ethanol in the gasoline. It is a bloody bloody shame that cost people millions in repair. Had exactly the same problem .... all thanks to the ethanol in our gasoline ..... that attracts water from atmosphere and creates a corrosive mixture in the tanks thanks to bacteries that feed on the water and gasoline. The corrosive mixture breaks down rubber and corrodes steel parts.
It is a problem very well known, but oil copanies pretend to be deaf and dumb.
We should claim the damage with the oil companies as that is the only way that these corporations react.
That's one of the known problems with the k100/75 in that they are prone to corroding fuel tanks as they are aluminium in construction. The bubbling paint is a sure give away.
Oh OK thank you! Any advice on re-sealing the tank?
It is not a fault of BMW but it is the result of adding ethanol to gasoline by the oil companies. The phenomenon occurs when air above the fuel in the tank is breathing due to temperature variation. That breathing causes water vapour to come in the tank and condenses. Bacteries excrete a corrosive mixture that causes corrosion and breaks down rubber parts. Garages kow the problem very well but nothing happens .....
@@JongJande easy way to avoid this is run your machine at least 10 miles every start.
@@gentlemansbusa2985 But it is also possible that you leave the machine in the garage and that you walk for 10 miles in a sturdy pace.
Why did you attempt to start the bike without doing the prep work. I can't handle it when people crank and crank, drain the battery and damage stuff by overheating things. My blue 87 k75s after 10 years sitting started within 1 second of pressing the start button because I did thorough pre-start work for 3 weeks.
We had only worked on carbed bikes before and were troubleshooting it to the fuel system. Actually figured it out early on, but my bud wanted shots for the video. Tank is cleaned, new fuel pump installed and runs fine now.
Did you pull the choke on to start it ? I've owned a K75c for 16 years , try charging your battery, also make sure your Negative battery lead is tight , just under the injector cover , fresh petrol should do the trick , they have a starter relay issue sometimes depending on age , but I've never had probs with it , nice smooth ride . Good luck 👍
Thanks for the tips! I did a full fuel tank and fuel system restoration and it works great
Hallo wenn eine k nach langer Standzeit nicht anspringt liegt es zu 80% an Benzinpumpe und Filter das minderwertieger Benzin macht das schöne Grüße
Parts getting hard to get.
I do not hear the fuel pump whine.
A beauty
Thank you
Do you do alot of shot trips? I.e. less than 10 miles?
No, once I suit up I’m riding for an hour or two before I take a rest
Turn the lights off might have helped preserve the life of the starter 🤷🫡
Turn the lights off while trying to start it……battery will last longer……
Later K bikes do not have a headlight switch, but my 85 K100 still does. Not sure what year this is.
Great video and great bike! Please consider removing the music...it ruins the video.
Ditch the silly music mate it's unbearable
Thanks for the comment. I’ll make another version when the bike is done and take that note
Been there - done that.
I scraped the yummy gummy with my fingernails out of the gastank🤮
It was real fun lol
Sounds like the fuel pump.
It was the whole fuel system
Ooof, welcome to K-bike ownership. While a very good basic design, they are reaching a point in aging where they are beginning to become very difficult to keep on the road without throwing thousands in parts at them. Hopefully your journey has been a little less expensive than mine...
It’s good to hear that I’m not alone in my struggles. So far I paid to have the tank professionally cleaned and coated (after I had it welded up). Most of the other parts of an cheap. The big struggle was I got it all together, but the brand new fuel filter was blocked and I could not troubleshoot it. I took it to a BMW mechanic and he figured out that I helped out correctly, but the filter was blocked. He also added a vacuum line from the fuel pump, screen outlet to the vent at the top of the tank, which is supposed to help with cavitation. It seems to run better with it when you’re riding aggressively. I’m gonna make another version of the video with much more recent stuff. It’s just been very busy for me.
@@nighthawksgarage5138 Wow ok. Good luck! My K100 is currently laid up with stripped clutch splines. Make sure to do a full spline lube when you are fully up and running. I'll stay tuned for future updates!
Music is so annoying……..
Why did you make this video?
Because I’ve been restoring it. I have a part 2 of the video in the works eventually. It’s running great now
@@nighthawksgarage5138 That's good news--I ride a 91 75s full time--very handsome and refined bike....it'll cruise at 100mph all day long....
@@noeljones2823 oh wow! I think these are the coolest bikes. Thanks for sharing