How many miles on YOUR K75 [Archive]

rlswim

10-13-2006, 07:35 AM

My 92 K75S is at 35,090 and doing great. I'm racking up ~700 miles this weekend going down to Fredericksburg, TX starting in a few minutes. 100K on the original engine would concern me a bit, but I have heard stories of above that mileage and still doing well.

rdalland

10-13-2006, 08:06 AM

My K75RT, bought new in '97, is at 48,000 miles - feels like it is just broken in - power and throttle response are better than ever. I never add oil between changes. I have never used synthetic oil.

Now, the transmission and ABS...............................

breyfogle

10-13-2006, 08:38 AM

Mine is has 116K miles and is used as my daily urban commuter. Engine has never had any internal work done to it, the clutch is original, the transmission needs work.

Condition and maintenance records are everything when trying to decide to buy any 100K bike and if you are not put-off by "normal" age related repairs, K75's seem to last a very long time.

As I recall, there were never any significant production problems/upgrades with specific components (trannies, final drives, etc...) that have become more common for some of BMW's more recent bikes.

Motor31

10-13-2006, 08:58 AM

My 90 K75RT has 30k on it and does not use any oil between changes. I use GTX in it and have since I got it. If all you are worried about is the engine, there are used ones for sale at about $500 to $700. Of course you really won't know what you are getting but a swap like that is far cheaper than an overhaul on the existing one.

Crow18

10-13-2006, 10:09 AM

My '87 K75T has 31k on the highly-suspect odometer. I think the actual mileage is closer to 36k. It doesn't burn oil, but it seeped a little around the front until I had the oil/coolant pump replaced.

tessler

10-13-2006, 11:58 AM

Bought my 92 K75 from the original owner a year ago, with a tad under 35K on it and have 42K now. With the exception of a failing rear MC that I replaced last Summer, no other problems. :)

Burnszilla

10-13-2006, 01:05 PM

1987 K75S - 122,000 miles - new engine with 21,000 installed at 118,500.
1987 K75C - 42,000 miles

SweetT

10-13-2006, 02:09 PM

I had 148k on mine before I sold it last summer. It was the most reliable bike I ever owned. I bought it with 108k on the odometer. The bike ran great and I even took several two up multi week camping trips on it. So I wouldn't worry about it having 100k on the engine. I regularly hear of K75s going for 200k before anything major needs to be done.
Besides you can use the "high milage" as a dickering point to help bring the price down!

paulsibek

10-13-2006, 02:20 PM

35k. Bought it with 14k.

I commute almost every day, 60 miles round trip and I average 45.5 mpg and use no oil.

Just had a 30k complete service and it shouldn't need anything other than a rear end lube for over a year.

THis is a great bike that I have taken on a number of 1,000 mile plus trips. Very smooth as you all know. I'm torn between a new BMW (R or F800...) but this bike has maybe 200k left in it so I am thinking of bringing it up to show room which is painting the tank and detailing.

Any of you have any idea what it costs to ave a tank painted?

hcmiller52

10-13-2006, 02:33 PM

My service writer, Tony, at Max BMW has an early K75 with 390K+ on his. He swapped out the original engine somewhere along the way but this one has 300K and has never been torn down. I've seen the bike and it's great. I've never seen any odometer, anywhere, with that high a reading.

Burnszilla

10-13-2006, 02:46 PM

Before you buy, do a compression test to make sure the engine is okay.

DARRYL CAINEY

10-13-2006, 03:07 PM

I just turned 425,000 miles on my 1977 R100RS Airhead, simple is better!!

iRene

10-13-2006, 03:08 PM

Sold my 94 at 73k, as the splines were fixin' to blow....

SheRidesABeemer

10-13-2006, 03:40 PM

Check this thread (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10324) out. I'm around 72K on the K75.

stewby

10-13-2006, 03:48 PM

I just bought my '94 K75S from a dealer with 20,000 miles on it. First K-Bike I've owned; had Airheads before. Thought I'd give this a try.

JETHRIDGE

10-13-2006, 04:07 PM

Of course you told the buyer that the splines were fixing to blow.i'm sure you did or you would not have mentioned it.

R80RTJohnny

10-13-2006, 06:48 PM

I just turned 425,000 miles on my 1977 R100RS Airhead, simple is better!!

Bravo and Congrats! With such mileage you must be at one with the bike.

BILLK75

10-14-2006, 12:18 AM

I've got 106,846 miles on mine and it runs like a top. I would take it anywhere. Changed the clutch and rear main seal at 96,000. I got her with 89,000 in July 05 and did an Iron Butt ride with no problems on the 31st. Enjoy and be safe :clap

drrider

10-14-2006, 01:00 PM

the one I had showed 116k when I sold her a couple years ago. it had a new drive shaft, clutch and re splined final drive, which had never been serviced until it failed at 89k I rode the bike about 90k or so. in many ways it is superior to my current ride a r11rt

iRene

10-14-2006, 02:06 PM

Of course you told the buyer that the splines were fixing to blow.i'm sure you did or you would not have mentioned it.

Oh, I'm certain you would have, of course...

The splines are a well publicized problem with the model. I opted to pay $600.00 for the mechanic
whom I asked to inspect the splines to do a repair that he estimated would yield about 20k
more miles of good service.
As that represents about one season for me, it did not make sense to keep the bike and I traded it in
to the dealer who did my scheduled services, which included the spline lubes.

Paul_F

10-14-2006, 02:12 PM

Check this thread (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10324) out. I'm around 72K on the K75.

That thread was a response to my last new BMW mechanic's advice to me in April 06 with regard to my 1987 K100RT at 140, 000 km. He twice misdiagnosed the failure to start problem (and charged for the temporary fixes). The local Honda shop replaced the fuel pressure regulator and now at 154, 000 km, the bike rides beautifully with oil changes and new tires.

I will have no hesitation next June travelling to the west coast, then swinging back to the Wisconsin rally before returning to Ontario.

He told me that my old K would nickel and dime to death. He was right if I had allowed him to continue misdiagnosing the problem. When I complained to his very large dealership about the work, they told me that their mechanic was tops and his word was final. Some customer satisfaction.

Bought this bike in late September 04 with 121, 000 km and today at 154, 000 km, it still runs fine (with a new fuel pressure regulator).

Consultant

10-14-2006, 02:42 PM

Have a '94 K75S that just turned 51K miles. Recent repairs included new clutch cable, rebuilding AND LUBING the side stand pivot bolt, new starter relay, new ignition switch. I think the ignition switch caused the relay to fail. Lubing the splines is no big deal. They looked good after 50K. Also replaced the rear shock. One caveat, make sure the battery is good and kept charged or it will take out the ABS computer ($1200). One advantage over the new bikes is that the K75 is easier to work on.

carter

10-14-2006, 02:42 PM

I have around 60,000 on my 87 K75C. The odometer had not worked for a number of years, so that is a good guess... although speedo and odometer started working on its own, and now just takes a knock if it sticks. Have had a clutch spline go out, 1,000 to 2,000 miles after dealer inspection and lube. That disturbed me, but I received the explanation of materials failure used in the early models. A starter relay, and fan motor is about it for any other trouble. She never uses any oil between changes, although does weep a little. I have owned her for 10 years, and have no plans to ever sell. Cross country or down the road to Starbucks, she's a keeper. She is a little top heavy, especially when loaded. Near miss dropping her 15 minutes ago. Putting the side stand down, while on the saddle, I hooked the heel of my boot on the horn of the stand and for a second couldn't get it off, as I was leaning the bike. They are great bikes, and enjoy seeing pictures of others on this site.

Has any one seen the article about the new R1200R in Cycle World (?) this month. Nice looking basic bike? I haven't seen anything about it here or in the BMWON that I remember. Alot about the look of that bike, is what I like about the K75.

Consultant

10-15-2006, 05:54 PM

byker

10-15-2006, 07:49 PM

Mine is an 87K100 RS with 150,000 kilometers. I have owned it for 11 years and purchased it with just under 16,000 kilometers. Had the final drive and drive shaft re-built by Bruno's; 2nd rear shock replacement; new fork springs; front and rear master cylinders; many tires and several minor items. Other than the final drive and drive shaft, that has been the major repairs done. Thanks to Paul Glaves and others on the forum, I have been able to do all my own work. There is a slight oil leak that does not amount to much, so I will leave it alone. This bike is incredible to ride, fun to work on and will be with me for quite some time.

gurniel

10-16-2006, 09:20 AM

My 87 K75C has at least 125,000 miles. Had it four years. Splines are like new. Purchased bike (98,000 miles) with progressive fork springs and rear shock. Compares favorably with new bikes after a demo day riding new K1200R and R??RT. Well spent $2100.

rlswim

10-16-2006, 12:19 PM

Of course you told the buyer that the splines were fixing to blow.i'm sure you did or you would not have mentioned it.
What is the symptom (while riding or otherwise) of splines being worn out or nearing the need for replacement, other than doing exploratory surgery? I will be digging into my 92 soon for lubing.

Mar

10-16-2006, 03:56 PM

I had a chance to sit on a new R1200R the other day. Good looking bike but the instruments reflect back my face (and helmet) directly into my eyes. Maybe I'm just the wrong height but on a sunny day with a white helmet it might be a problem. The R120GS does not reflect back.

What's that got to do with K75 mileage?????

My K75 has 67K and no major problems so far. I've had to replace the alternator bearings and the clutch cable.

roy

10-17-2006, 06:29 AM

What is the symptom (while riding or otherwise) of splines being worn out or nearing the need for replacement, other than doing exploratory surgery? I will be digging into my 92 soon for lubing.

When you have the final drive pulled clean the splines and look at them. The splines should look the same along their entire length. Worn splines typically start to look sharp or the top and not flat. They also will have steps in the tapered sided where they contact. Do a search for splines and there will be some pictures showing good and bad.

The only way to know they are bad while riding is when the bike stops moving.

P.S>. Sorry for the Hi-jack of this thread... now back to our regular program schedule.

85 K100 60K and counting

kevnallen

10-17-2006, 03:53 PM

... only 4K by me though. No major problems with the bike.

SheRidesABeemer

10-19-2006, 11:46 AM

Not to hijack but an after market speedo for a K 75 should look like this. I think Tessler was trying to raise funding on a recent California Outing and a production date is forthcoming ?

The markings are all wrong for a K75... :p
Should be:
Getting Going
Going Good
I wonder if I can pass this guy
I hope the splines doesn't fail me now

hortok

10-22-2006, 12:23 PM

I have just crossed 122,400 with my '94 K75RT. It only smokes just after coming off the sidestand. I'm running Castrol dino 20/50 every 3-4,000 mile intervals. Uses very little oil between changes.

Bought it at 72,000 4 yrs ago and it runs like the little engine that could. New Shocks/fork springs this year, new clutch last year were the only large things I've had to do to it.

About to head out on my first BB1000. Outstanding motorcycle.

mrich12000

10-23-2006, 05:45 PM

:type Just passed the 148200 KML
Totaly faithful with just the normal maintenance done to it.
Long trip to Nova Scotia, this passed summer where I put 4300k's on it
.
Next week is time to put her away for that long sleep in my storage shed. But before that is done she will receive th full treatment of a BMW oil filter. Amsoil 20w50 syntetic and a good wash and wax. And in the spring she will get the brake bled, spline lube and new tires plus new brake pucks to replace to ones that all the milage that was placed on this noble steed.
Thanks to all an this forum for all you insights into our addiction called cyclling :clap
Mike Rich Oshawa Canada. :buds :bar

markap12013

10-27-2006, 07:51 PM

My '93 K75s has about 60k miles - doesn't burn oil except when left on the side stand for a couple weeks - then it's like a misquito fogger for a little while. At around 45k I had to replace the valve cover gasket and recently it needed a new clutch switch cable - that's about it. I don't know if the battery is orginal but I've had the bike since '96 and haven't changed it yet. I keep a Deltran Battery Tender plugged into it when it's in the garage & I don't plan to ride it within a day or two. Seems like the rear brake pads wear faster than I expect. I've changed them twice and the fronts only once so far - weird since I use mostly the front.