Mileage on your K?

[godzilla]

In reading the thread on "Starting my Black Brick". the following statement:

"He also made a point of telling me that a bike with 140, 000 km (about 88, 000 miles) had a uncertain and limited life left. When I asked him about beemers with hundreds of thousands of miles, he told me it was mainly myth. Bikes that did make it that far either had everything replaced or they were held together by duct tape and wires"

So tell us about your beloved K bike. How many miles do you have on it? Has it ever had major work done to it, as in internal engine problems? What have you had done to it other than general maintenance? How much duct tape and how many wires do you have holding it together?

Me? 112K+ (speedometer didn't work for a while on a trip until I learned to thump it.) It does seep oil, leaving a spot here and there, but NEVER had to add oil between 3000 mile services.

NO major work done on her.
Other minor work done:
Starter button (75,000)
Water/Oil pump for coolant leak (90,000)
Hall Effect Sensor (100,000)

There is NO duct tape or ANY wires holding my K together.

I ride every day to work from late March until November, rain or shine, cold or hot. I take occasional day rides and usually take one or two long distance trips a year totalling 10K to 12K a year. I rode up into Canada twice a couple years ago and we slayed The Dragon last Fall. I did over 700 miles on the way home in one day on that trip. She can easily cruise at 85 or 90. If I was asked at this moment to go somewhere, anywhere on my bike, I would not hesitate (ok, after an oil change and maybe new tires). She gets 43MPG.

Old and on her last legs? I think not.

Sounds to me like that BMW mechanic wants to sell a new bike...

[godzilla]

I felt so bad about this that I went out and gave my old girl a nice hug! :heart

[Burnszilla]

116+K and still purring.

75k -bruno's drive shaft
85k -new clutch and main seals.

[PGlaves]

Balderdash and horse pucky!!

It is amazing the crap people spout. The notion that a K bike is used/worn/shot at 80K miles says more about the maintenance habits of the speaker than anything it says about the bike.

My K75 had 370,000 miles when it was run over by a mini-van. No duct tape. Lots of lighting and luggage mods, but otherwise almost all original. Shocks, brake pads, a couple of clutches, a couple of driveshafts, and one fan motor is about it. Engine and transmission were unopened.

I suppose somebody can kludge up and ruin any bike with inept maintenance or no maintenance at all - but routine scheduled maintenance and attention to detail will make them last almost forever - or at least longer than most riders can ride them.

[Hodag]

What I says to the wife:
my bike is on its last leg, completely used up, barely ridable, a danger to myself and others.


to others:
runs like a top, barely broke in at 45k
new front master cylinder at 40k

[godzilla]

Oh yeah... The fan motor did go out at about 95K... Forgot that one. It was in the middle of winter and I went out to garage and started her up to let it warm up and recharge the battery. Went back in the house and forgot all about it! She ran at idle for, I dunno, an hour? Two? And the fan burnt out. When I finally remembered, I ran out to the garage and it was filled with STEAM! Ooops. No damage. But it was the summer after that, in the middle of nowhere along Hwy17 in Canada that she started dripping coolant out of the water pump.... Long story!

Anyway, I do have one problem. The Tach. It bounces. Bad. Goes from 1000 to 5000 RPM most times, although it will settle down once in awhile and just wiggle a little. NO! It isn't the engine racing or idling funny, it is the tachometer. And yes, I do have the traditional speedometer problem, but a previous owner had already gotten in there and tried to fix it and it looks like a rat's nest. Works most of the time and when it doesn't, I thump it a couple times and it starts working again. It is even pretty accurate for that matter...

Suggestions on the tachometer?

[RichardCook]

I have about 2100 on the odo, although my own contribution to this is a mere 380 miles. The bike is a 1987 K100RS but it sat in some industrial designer's living room for 17 years before it got any riding at all and then was ridden just a little. I replaced all the rubber bits to make up for the 20 years timewarp an it looks like new. At my current rate of mileage accumulation, I will break 100(K) just about the time I break 100 (yrs)!

[jeneralist]

70,094 miles, of which less than a thousand are mine. I need to take it to a Good Mechanic for a solid look-over, but I haven't found any duct tape yet. Previous owner told me that he replaced the drive shaft this past summer when the splines got munched -- when I bought the bike, he handed me a partially-used tube of official BMW spline lube, and then said, "You might want to buy some of the Honda Moly, I hear it warks better." :brow

[soldemall]

97,000 to date on my '92.

Both mirrors, which cracked in the Texas heat.
Cooling fan motor.

Brake pads once, but that's maintenance. Everything else is original and I'm not afraid to ride it any distance.

[Ridealot]

I bought my RT in '91 with 10k miles on it. Twelve years and 120K miles later I sold it. During that time the only problem was the rear main leaked and ruined the clutch.

When I did sell "Old Grey" her new owner paid $50 less than I paid for her. That was the best $50 I have ever spent!

The new owner got a bike that was no where near used up.

[lnghrdcntryby]

88,000 on my 85 K100RT. still runnin strong.

only major work: output shaft rivets in the engine wore out at 80,000 which would have left me stranded if I hadn't noticed it knocking before they were completely trashed. Put new rivets in and has been running fine since. Will however need a new or rebuilt driveshaft soon.

[Colt03]

I purchased my 96 k1100lt new in 1997. although I had a dealer service the clutch splines at 38K I was left standed in ME at 55K due to stripped clutch splines, everything else is routine maintenance which is about 1/2 of an r bike.

Looking foward to 150K

[PHMarvin]

Hi,
The guy telling you a K-bike is worn out at 140k km is shooting a line of BS. Look at Paul's bike with 370k miles on it. My '96 K1100LT has 122k miles and has had a spline lube (at 45k), 3 valve adjustments (16k, 32k and 84k), a throttle positioning sensor and an oil pump. I've replaced tires, brake pads, oils, filters, coolant, etc. and added gaiters after changing fork seals. Mine runs well and I would not be hesitant to get on it tomorrow and ride from here to the Guatemala border or to Nova Scotia. If anyone is interested, it's FOR SALE!!! ($3500)

[Ktoo]

My 1991 K100RS has 33k... Still a baby!!!

[BouncinBob]

Unfortunately I had a total bike replacement a couple of years ago. My first K12RS suffered at the hands of a gaurdrail. I was most upset because it had 78,000 miles on it and I was looking forward to breaking 100k. It was finally run-in, when I got the new one I realized the 4k+ rpm buzz was gone on the old one, I think somewhere between 60k and 70k miles this smoothed away. So a bike that finishes its run-in at 60k or more is dead soon after... I don't think so! No duct tape etc. on that bike. I did adjust the valves around 70k, they were on the edge of tollerance, didn't really need it but I wanted to do something to the bike. A pinion seal and some fork seals..... Yup, a really crappy bike.

The new K12RS has 40k, hope to hit 60k this year so it is close to run-in.

[roy]

At 56K (15 K last year) on my 85 K100 it is almost broke-in. So far new oil / water pump & rear shock. These items are maitenance in my opinion. After all, she is Old enough to :drink

Ready to go any where anytime.

Hope the new to me 02 LT is just as faithful and dependable. It only has 16.5 K so a couple of years till broke in.

[jdiaz]

I agree....K bikes aren't really a safe investment.

[CustomSarge]

'93 K11LTX, turned 35K yesterday. Maybe its' voice will change soon?
'87 K75, 101K. Used but solid. A clear candidate for best drivetrain, ever. <<<)))

[GSTom]

I have a BROWN K100LT which just passed 66,300 miles on my trip to Barber Motorsports Park last weekend. Other than oil, tires, and brake pads I have done:
previous owner neglected splines, so new drive shaft
new fork seals
re-built front brake master cylinder
new rear shock

Other than the color (BROWN-soon to change) I couldn't be happier with a bike. It is as reliable for me as any car, in fact the engine is just a tiny car engine. Did I mention that I have become tired of the color (BROWN)?

[naddy100]

Once upon a time, I was collecting information in preparation for an ebay bid. This was a couple of years ago, but here's a graph (word) of the miles per year that I saw on the offerings

[xsPain]

Just abit under 75k on my 85 k100rs. Around 10k are mine. There is about another 13k on the bike, since the speedo was replaced by the previous owner.

Um, I got a new rear tire, and had to re-solder a turn signal wire after I knocked off a mirror riding in the snow. I need a new front tire now, and an oil change. Other than that it is ready to go.

[StevieWonder]

1998 "taxi cab" K1200RS .... 53K miles; going strong

[SheRidesABeemer]

70,000 on my '87 K75. Someone took very good care of this bike before I bought it at 46,000. I only put about 5K a year on it, but it asks for nothing, does not burn oil. I was changing the air filter the other day and noticed some tie wraps in the strangest place, they appear to be holding an engine guard on (along with a bolt). :brow

[cjack]

snip

noticed some tie wraps in the strangest place, they appear to be holding an engine guard on (along with a bolt). :brow

You got my attention. What engine guard?

[SheRidesABeemer]

You got my attention. What engine guard?
Are you saying engine guards are not standard equipment? Came with mine!
http://home.comcast.net/~sheridesabeemer/K75.jpg

[gsmetal]

I have 53,000 on my 93 K1100LT....only real problem was I lost the final drive last year due to lack of maintence by previous owners.

Also just replaced the rubber dampers on my alternator (see my posts on the board) other than that, no real problems other than a few rattles.

Motor runs like a charm.

[1flyer]

Coming up on 60,000 miles on my 03 KLT. No major problems to speak of. Well, then again, my butt does get a little sore after 500-600 miles in a day. I'd buy another one.....

[cjack]

Are you saying engine guards are not standard equipment? Came with mine!
http://home.comcast.net/~sheridesabeemer/K75.jpg

Oh. Those things. I think some of them were standard. I guess the tie wrap words made me think of something small and light.
We used to call them crash bars, then safety bars. I like engine guards best.
Thanks,

[andy45320]

Bought my 04 GT new one year ago exactly on May 10th and just rolled 16k miles. I am guessing it will be out of warranty around this time next year :)

[dlearl476]

My 1991 K100RS has 33k... Still a baby!!!

My '94 RT just turned the same. New drive shaft at 18K.

[kevnallen]

No major problems, doesn't burn oil.

[RatSnake]

Bought my 2004 GT new in December 2004. 31,000 on the clock and counting.

[Rev_Eddie]

...when I sold it.

Super reliable machine.

Tach was replaced at 600 mile service due to non-operation from day 1.

Final drive developed some leak at 10k (Aug. '95) that needed some special wrench or another to take something in the assembly apart. The dealership didn't have the tool. BMW NA didn't have the tool. BMW Germany didn't have the tool. The local rep tried to borrow the tool on an overnight shipping deal from BMW's tech/service school--and they didn't have the tool.
At that point BMW NA authorized replacing the entire final drive.

In all the time I owned it, it never had a valve that needed adjustment.

Usage included 3 Iron Butt Rallies and some 60 thousand-mile days.

Most any problem I ever had was either operator caused* <grin>, or the failure of a non-BMW piece that had been installed.

It did break the driveshaft almost immediately for the 2nd owner, but that was his fault. I warned him of the potential grave consequences if he washed that bike.......


Rev. Eddie
* I can say that now. I'm sure any statute of limitations regarding ....uh,
"creative" warranty claims has long expired....

[RICHO2006]

88,000 on my 85 K100RT. still runnin strong.

only major work: output shaft rivets in the engine wore out at 80,000 which would have left me stranded if I hadn't noticed it knocking before they were completely trashed. Put new rivets in and has been running fine since. Will however need a new or rebuilt driveshaft soon.

I have never heard of these rivets before. What kind of noise do they make and how hard is it to replace them.

Thanks

Richo

[jdiaz]

I have never heard of these rivets before. What kind of noise do they make and how hard is it to replace them.

I think its some sort of damper assembly that is riveted together and attached to the output shaft......which means, to get it out, you have to pull the transmission, the bellhousing, and the water pump, then drop the oil pan. Big job. Probably easier to buy a used engine for $300.

[lnghrdcntryby]

I think its some sort of damper assembly that is riveted together and attached to the output shaft......which means, to get it out, you have to pull the transmission, the bellhousing, and the water pump, then drop the oil pan. Big job. Probably easier to buy a used engine for $300.

Pretty much what he said. The rivets hold the output shaft damper assembly to a gear that runs off of the end of the crankshaft. If the rivets fail the bike no longer moves...

I put new rivets in mine last winter and it is a big job. To me it was worth the money... used engine cost vs. cost of a few rivets. Also in order to put a used engine in most of the work such as: removing tranny, clutch assembly, bellhousing, water pump, etc. still has to be done. Once all of those things are done most of the work is done as well. But then I'm fairly mechanically inclined and enjoy doing these type of things so going the extra step was no big deal.

[Warthog]

Bought mine used and had to replace the rear main seal and clutch at about 53K. Discovered while doing a spline lube. Just finished repainting.

Don

[ptero]

My 93 K1100LT is at about 157,000 miles. I bought it with 46,450. It's life is still far from over.

She's needed 2 rear drive seals, a fuel pump (ran it dry - bad idea), and recently steering head bearings. and 11 front tires, 14 rears, and about 31 oil changes. I changed the rear shock to a Wilbur's at around 112,000 and love it.

[BeachGuy]

After reading all the post on this thread, I believe that I just bought a new 1995 K75. It has documented service records showing only 8,988 miles on it.
It apprears to have a long way to go to catch up to you guys.


BeachGuy
1995 K75 w/9000 miles

[Ridealot]

It apprears to have a long way to go to catch up to you guys.


BeachGuy
1995 K75 w/9000 miles

So why are you wasting time on the computer, get out there and ride the wheels off of that thing!!! :stick

[Consultant]

Have a '94 K75S (Dakar yellow!) with about 50K miles. Runs like new. Recently pulled the driveshaft to check the splines and they look good. Weakest link was the side stand. It has two grease fittings on it and they were neglected. Machined a new stud so it should be good for another 50K. Guess that is what caused the clutch cable to fail in my garage after a ride.
I agree that the K75 is perhaps the best BMW ever made. This bike is NOT for sale.

[BeachGuy]

"So why are you wasting time on the computer, get out there and ride the wheels off of that thing!!!"

I plan on taking this bike down to Costa Rica about Mid-September. I'm doing my research on the trip (apparel, gps, maps etc.). Any advise!

BeachGuy

[Ridealot]

"So why are you wasting time on the computer, get out there and ride the wheels off of that thing!!!"

I plan on taking this bike down to Costa Rica about Mid-September. I'm doing my research on the trip (apparel, gps, maps etc.). Any advise!

BeachGuy

The only advise I have is to maybe start a new thread with that in the title. Then the guys who have tips for you will see it. Sounds like your in for a nice adventure, have fun!!

[PHMarvin]

Hi, BeachGuy,
I can't help you from Guatemala through to Costa Rica (Been there, but not on a bike), but if you need help or advice with Mexico (paperwork, insurance, etc.), let me know.

[BeachGuy]

Thanks for the advice about starting a new thread.
Information offered on travel through Mexico will be acted on shortly. Thanks for the offer.

BeachGuy

[kenk]

My 1996 K1100LT has 104,000 miles on it with only an oil pump replacement at 90,000 miles. It didn;t fail, it was just noisy. I've had the splines lubed every 40k with dealer service every 12k. For the first 85,000 miles, my dealer (Engles in Kansas City) serviced every 6k (minor and major alternating). At about 85,000 miles, the dealer had to replace valve shims for the first time. I fully expect to get 200,000 plus miles before any serious engine work.

If you properly maintain a K-bike like the service manual dictates, you should be albe to experience the same high mileage Paul Glaves has experienced. My K-bike is better with age; less vibration and much better shifting. Properly maintained, they will last as long as you desire to keep.

[SIBUD]

Lucy 1993 K1100LT

I bought her last summer with 63K. I just turned over 70K yesterday. If I get on her real hard, she will burn 1/2 qt of oil between changes. Some do, some don't. 40 MPG

Since owning her I have replaced the left fork seal (TWICE) and the front brake rotor "buttons".

Always starts, runs like a champ and I'm hoping that left foot peg buzz will go away soon.

What a blast to ride sans bags. Different feeling machine altogether. Go naked, you will like it.

[Dan505]

88K100RS 115,800 just replaced rear main seal & oil soaked clutch ( not to hard of a job at all ) that is the only major repair made. No duct tape but lots of stickers hiding the scratches. I'd like to replace the spark plug wires, but 40 bucks a wire I think I'll wait awhile. I've had good luck with Metzlers & like them best.

[fmthib]

I was a little apprehensive when I purchased my first K bike a couple years ago after developing a high respect for my old /7s and GS. I purchased the 2000 K1200LT unseen with 53000 miles and a known bad transmission. It was reported to have had a new clutch installed at 35,000. The seller lined me up with an experienced BMW technician who found a couple gears lunched. He installed a used wrecking yard transmission, replaced a small plastic trim part, adjusted the valves and serviced the machine. I flew over to California and threw my gear in and on my "new" bike. This was November of 2004 with the early snow storms. I spent about a month on the road to Wisconsin including a couple weeks in the Denver area enjoying their fluctuating weather (bright sun/fluffy snow). No starting or running problems. I didn't need to add oil although the check window dropped what I would guess a half quart. The bike felt and handled so good it quickly aquired the name "Spirit". The trip was mechanicly faultless, didn't have to lay a wrench on it. My hat's off to JR my tech for the quality repair and service.
I left "Spirit" in northern Wisconsin for the winter. It fired up instantly the next June. I serviced all the Lubes to amsoil. I found that the many "dew point" days had allowed a small amount of moisture to collect in the trans and rear gear set. Accumulated moisture can be desructive to bearings and seal mating surfaces and I wanted everything fresh for my run to Fairbanks, Alaska. I spent some long hours in the saddle and Spirit carried me there without incident in five days with zero oil consumption.
I guess what I'm getting at with this drawn out rambling is that I now have aquired a great deal of respect for the design, function and reliability of the this K bike and feel that at 70.000 miles, mine is just getting in stride. Aloha, Fred :thumb

[bmwmick]

138K miles so far. One driveshaft (front U-Joint), One $.69 cent O-Ring (above the clutch pack on the output shaft), Water pump at 136K because it began to weep. I still might rebuild the old one if I can get the small groove out of the impeller shaft. LOTS of tires. Still my favorite in the garage.
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=5704&stc=1

[bmwrider@beer]

2 new seats
Replaced clutch
Replaced starter
sh*t load of tires
Replaced handle bar grips
Replaced Ignition Switch
Just replaced Rear End (towing trailer for 2 many klms)

Engine strong as ever.

They dont call them the flying bricks for nothing...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/zare/flyingBrick.gif

[hhshort]

Have owned Bullit for 14 years and 85,000 miles. Not a lot by some standard but since this thread is still going I will chime in.
Just returned from a 2000 mile one week tour. The speedometer did it,s little dance for about 10 mins. The starter balked along with the associated headlight blinking( follow riders wanted to know if I had a trick headlight),the turnsignals worked some times. I think that is also the starter ground. I would whack it with the lug wrench and all would work for a while. The throttle stuck wide open in forth gear making me look like a squid. In general it leaves one drop of antifreeze and one drop of motor oil a month on my garage floor. two drops of brake fluid a winter from the front master cylinder (sometimes It lands on the tank sometimes on the fairing.). I change oil once a year(Amsoil) Never added and it never leaves the window. I have had the rear drive shimed twice and then finally had the bearings replaced but I ran in an all day rain and didn't the realise that the rear drive chould get flooded. I had the clutch splines lube at 50K and the rear splines lube evertime I installed a new tire (they appear 100%). Runs strong. Just smoothed out after 80K and the second valve adjust and the throttle body sync. I replaced the headbearing becaused it would shake its head at 40mph if you let go, didnt help so I replace a warped rear brake rotor and that cured the head shaking(go figure). It appears to be a normal K bike to me. HShort