buying a used K-bike (my first)

[malarz]

I have a chance to buy a 1985 K100. What should be looking (out) for when I go to see it? I'm going this (Sunday) afternoon and will be able to report on mileage and general overall condition. Buying from a friend who's owned it for only about one year or so.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

ken karpowicz
west hartford, ct

[bmwmick]

Ken,
Bad things would be.......
Oil or water drip from the front of the engine at the oil/water pump weep hole.
Oil or gear lube dripping at the bellhousing (intermediate housing).
Check both Master Cylinders for leaks.
Notchy steering head bearings.
Worn out or badly grooved brake rotors.
Spin the rear wheel slowly while in neutral to listen for U-Joints clunking.
etc. etc. etc

[Dick]

i would also ask to see service records. If this bike has gone through several owners this might be difficult but if they current owner has the records that would be a decent sign.

Obviously - price vs. condition and your willingness to work on the bike and how you plan on riding it.

[beemerred]

Splines at both ends of the drive shaft. That`s the only wear and tear item on the `85 K100 that has left me stranded on the side of the road! I loved that bike though, the handling and the quickness first impressed me. Good Luck! beemerred :bikes

[hhshort]

BMWMICK had the leaks down cold.However my 85k has been dropping one drop a month from the water pump and rear weep hole
and one drop every spring from the Mastercylindes for years, so don't regject it based on a little drip. Check the K milage thread down the page. HHShort

[Polarbear]

I believe this is year ONE for these flying bricks! Very close, if not. This would be a classic, imo. to get an early one and restore it. My buddy had an '85 K100 and it was a tad "buzzy" from motor vibes, but otherwise a real flier. Pretty bikes, all fairing free! Randy13233

[scootstado]

When was last major service? Valve adjustment, coolant change, fork seals, brakes, wheel bearings, spline lube. Dealer service is expensive and in Winsted. If you plan to do your own service you can save $$$. Check overall condition, care and take for test ride. Low mileage is a plus if maintained. Bike should feel solid as a rock at high speed.

[deilenberger]

Consider looking at the buying guide I wrote for the '85 K100 - it can be found on the IBMWR tech pages:

http://www.ibmwr.org/ktech/fyk-purchase-faq.shtml

Good luck! :clap