K100RS Aftermarket Gear Recommendations

[kencollier]

My '85 K100RS is in great shape and runs beautifully. It also has the original rear shock, original exhaust system, and original seat. I'm guessing it'll run even more beautifully (and be more comfortable) if I upgrade these three items with aftermarket gear. I'd like your opinions about the "best" and most cost effective upgrades to each of these parts:

(BTW - I know that much of this is personal preference, but I'd like to hear those opinions)

Shock - I've looked at the YSS that someone recommended on another thread from http://www.rubberchickenracinggarage.com/yss.html. What are some other alternatives that you recommend?

Exhaust - Remus? Staintune? Others? It's important that I keep my side bags intact.

Seat - I've considered the Corbin Dual Canyon in the past, but heard mixed reviews. What about Rick Mayer or Bill Mayer alternatives? My wife and I often ride two-up so I need a saddle that works well for both of us. She might welcome a removable back rest too! I know this is a really personal preference, but I'm not sure how I can know what I'll like without spending $500+ to find out. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Ken

[owrstrich]

welcome kencollier...

i went through the after market stuff pulling lots o 20s out of my pocket phase... never came out of it to tell you the truth... its evil... im broke...

im thinking i would have to go with a russell day long seat and some eye ball illuminationers...

the seat for comfort and the lights for safety...

then move on to more expensive and more unnecessary stuff from there...

how to become a millionaire riding bmw motorcycles... start with two million...

this guy has lots o stuff... http://smithduck3.home.comcast.net/kbikeparts/kbikeparts.htm
ibmwr has lots o stuff... http://www.ibmwr.org/market/

crazy aint it...

owrstrich

[Beemer01]

I have an 85 K100RS and just had the Works shock rebuilt - what a difference it has made in handling and general roadability! :clap

If you actually have the OE shock, I suspect you'll immediately appreciate the upgrade. (On the other hand I have no idea why these things are so d*** expensive! Four top of the line struts for a car cost this much! I guess these are all hand made in small quantities.)

I also installed eBay sourced yellow driving lights ($15) and wired them in using an Eastern Beaver relay set - it makes me FAR more visible and greatly improves the illumination of the road ahead.:dance

I bought my bike with a Kerker exhaust system, much lighter than the OE setup and has a far more aggressive sound - the Harley guys hear me coming - not sure if it improves the performance.

Seat - I have the Corbin comfort seat - had it recovered and restuffed with foam. Rather than replacing the seat, you might want to consider buying Alaska Leather sheepskin buttpads (http://www.alaskaleather.com/). They make for a comfortable ride and I like mine. I understand your wife's desire for a backrest - you might want to consider buying a top case.

[godzilla]

I have a Russell seat on my 85 K. It was on there when I bought the bike, but I had it rebuilt about 2 years ago. I sent them various pictures of me on the bike and both Mrs. Godzilla and I sitting on the bike, plus our measurements. The rebuilt seat is very comfortable and fits well. I can ride all day without a problem. Maybe that is why they call them Day-Long seats?

Here is their website: http://www.day-long.com/

[kencollier]

I have an 85 K100RS and just had the Works shock rebuilt - what a difference it has made in handling and general roadability!

If you actually have the OE shock, I suspect you'll immediately appreciate the upgrade. (On the other hand I have no idea why these things are so d*** expensive! Four top of the line struts for a car cost this much! I guess these are all hand made in small quantities.)

I also installed eBay sourced yellow driving lights ($15) and wired them in using an Eastern Beaver relay set - it makes me FAR more visible and greatly improves the illumination of the road ahead.:dance

I bought my bike with a Kerker exhaust system, much lighter than the OE setup and has a far more aggressive sound - the Harley guys hear me coming - not sure if it improves the performance.

Seat - I have the Corbin comfort seat - had it recovered and restuffed with foam. Rather than replacing the seat, you might want to consider buying Alaska Leather sheepskin buttpads (http://www.alaskaleather.com/). They make for a comfortable ride and I like mine. I understand your wife's desire for a backrest - you might want to consider buying a top case.

My K-RS has OEM rear shock and OEM exhaust. Both of these perform acceptably, but I'm guessing that 27 years of age and technology advancements might be beneficial. Do you have a "before-and-after" point of view on switching from the OE shock to the Works shock, or just on the rebuild?

I'm especially interested in opinions about whether the high cost of upgrading these items is justified by the performance improvements. Unfortunately you can't really try before you buy on these.

Thanks for the input on the Corbin seat. The one thing that is abundantly clear to both me and my butt (and wife's butt) is that this OEM seat is very tired.

[motoedde]

My '85 K100RS is in great shape and runs beautifully. It also has the original rear shock, original exhaust system, and original seat. I'm guessing it'll run even more beautifully (and be more comfortable) if I upgrade these three items with aftermarket gear. I'd like your opinions about the "best" and most cost effective upgrades to each of these parts:

<Snip>
Shock - I've looked at the YSS that someone recommended on another thread from http://www.rubberchickenracinggarage.com/yss.html. What are some other alternatives that you recommend?

<SNIP>

Thanks,
Ken


Ken,
I went with a YSS and it has performed well...and I've tortured the thing off road, etc. and its held up to so far...I'm in Year 1 of the shock and 20,000 miles into it...half of it off road.

http://tinyurl.com/24z69a


Getting the shock set up properly in terms of spring matching the shock, your weight, etc. is just as critical as the name on the shock.
Lastly, don't forget that with aftermarket shocks, getting a rebuildable one is the way to go, as you can mix springs from various manufactures with you shock. And if the shock does go in the future, you can have the shock itself rebuilt or swap the schock and keep your old spring...


HTH

[Beemer01]

My used K100 arrived with the Works Shock, so have no comparison. General wisdom on this board is that the OE shock was not that good when it was new - it certainly has gotten tired now.

Moto Edde probably holds the world's record for riding a K Bike in dreadful conditions - if his shock held up thru that....... buy that one.

Re the seat - if your seat is tired, this guy will recover it for perfect Corbin material and restuff the worn out foam. He's fast and reasonable. A++ customer service.

http://www.ricksupholstery.net/

Usual disclaimers. BTW, the last time I corresponded with Rick he had a finished K - Corbin seat on the shelf. I don't know the model year however - might be worth dropping him a line.

[owrstrich]

here you go...

russell day long...

http://www.ibmwr.org/market/adlist.php?cat=kps


Stamped on the seat pan 1985 K100RT. Excellent condition. Black quilted finish. This seat is too wide for my 30" inseam. Perfect for a taller rider. Very plush. No rips, tears, or fading.

crazy aint it...

owrstrich

[kencollier]

Ken,
I went with a YSS and it has performed well...and I've tortured the thing off road, etc. and its held up to so far...I'm in Year 1 of the shock and 20,000 miles into it...half of it off road.

http://tinyurl.com/24z69a


Getting the shock set up properly in terms of spring matching the shock, your weight, etc. is just as critical as the name on the shock.
Lastly, don't forget that with aftermarket shocks, getting a rebuildable one is the way to go, as you can mix springs from various manufactures with you shock. And if the shock does go in the future, you can have the shock itself rebuilt or swap the schock and keep your old spring...


HTH

Based on everything I've been able to find, it looks like the YSS is a great way to go. Thanks so much for the tips on getting the shock set up properly.

Any good websites you know of that go into detail on how to do this? Or should I just work with the supplier to get it right?

Since I'm riding the OEM shock on a bike that I've had for 12 years, I haven't crossed this bridge yet!

[motoedde]

Any good websites you know of that go into detail on how to do this? Or should I just work with the supplier to get it right?

Since I'm riding the OEM shock on a bike that I've had for 12 years, I haven't crossed this bridge yet!

http://www.wilbersusa.com/

Klaus at the above website helped me figure out what I needed and talked me through the set up...preload, damping, etc.
Tell him what you do with the bike 80% of the time and 20% of the time...pillon, off road, tires you're running, infaltion variations, etc. Once he understands what sort of riding you'll be doing, AND you understand how shocks and springs work; you'll both be able to make a better decision about the shock and spring combo.

RE: Exhaust...keep the stock...its fine...and proven over the long haul...BUT then again, it depends on what you are trying to achieve by looking for a replacement.

HTH

[will3hawks]

Ken,

don't know where you live but I am in Northeastern Pa. and the Aeroflow windshield/fairing makes a remarkable difference in the quiet and comfort arena. I am 6'3" tall and it provides a quiet air envelope for me that the factory fairing simply cannot. It addition, it is on and off in 60 seconds, ergo if it gets hot, you can simply remove it. I happen to be one of the few who likes his Corbin saddle which gives me move-around room and provides adequate seating for a passenger as well. I have to say though that I believe Mayer and Russell saddles to be better made and the companys are known to be far more conscientious when it comes to customer satisfaction. As for aftermarket pipes, remember that often, all they do is cost a lot and make more noise. My understanding is that Remus and Staintune are the gold standard.

Regards.

Will

[MplsK100RT]

I have to agree with the works shock. I have an RT, but recently rode an RS with a custom Works on it...wow was that cushy. I'm considering one once I replace my instruments and center stand and recover from the cost.

I have an 85 K100RS and just had the Works shock rebuilt - what a difference it has made in handling and general roadability! :clap

If you actually have the OE shock, I suspect you'll immediately appreciate the upgrade. (On the other hand I have no idea why these things are so d*** expensive! Four top of the line struts for a car cost this much! I guess these are all hand made in small quantities.)

I also installed eBay sourced yellow driving lights ($15) and wired them in using an Eastern Beaver relay set - it makes me FAR more visible and greatly improves the illumination of the road ahead.:dance

I bought my bike with a Kerker exhaust system, much lighter than the OE setup and has a far more aggressive sound - the Harley guys hear me coming - not sure if it improves the performance.

Seat - I have the Corbin comfort seat - had it recovered and restuffed with foam. Rather than replacing the seat, you might want to consider buying Alaska Leather sheepskin buttpads (http://www.alaskaleather.com/). They make for a comfortable ride and I like mine. I understand your wife's desire for a backrest - you might want to consider buying a top case.

[deilenberger]

Just a comment on exhausts..

If you poke around my personal website, you'll find some info on K bike exhausts and dyno runs I did on them, and if you poke around http://www.ibmwr.org under K-tech, you'll find a rather extensive article on K bike tuning.

There is no free lunch on exhausts. Most of the exhausts I tested made the same power or less power than the stock one. BMW did their homework. I did run a StainTune on my '85 K100RT - only because my stocker cracked and I got a super deal on the StainTune. It made no more power than the stock one, it was a few pounds lighter and awfully pretty when polished up.

On your suspension - any aftermarket will be an improvement over the 23 year old stock stuff - the rear shock has very likely lost it's gas charge by now.. and there is a good chance the front springs are sagged out.

I ran all the major brands of shocks on my '85 - and found lasting happiness with Ohlins and Wilbers. I suspect Hyperpro would also be high on my list based on them on my R1200R. YSS might be great - dunno, haven't tried them. Front springs - either Progressive or Works Performance. I prefer the Works, but they do take a bit of time to tune correctly - and it's a bit of work to do. Once they are tuned right they give an excellent ride with great control (dual-rate springs, like BMW used in later model K bikes..)

Seat - if you can ride more than 30 minutes on the 23 year old stock seat without screaming in pain - more power to you. Corbin is more comfortable but quality and fit is sometimes iffy.. Russell is great but unsightly to some people, and there are lots of other good choices out there. Both Meyer's have good reputations - I have no experience with either, so no recommendation there.

One warning - the '85 seat is unique to that year. Don't buy one off a newer bike and hope it will fit - it won't.

HTH, and BTW - the '85 is always referred to as the FYK (Finest Year K..) - if you dig back far enough in the forum you'll find out how that came to be.. :D

[barryg]

Hercules Blind Spot Mirrors would be a great addition to your bike. I don't like those little mirrors people put on there stock mirrors. They take up some of the area of the stock mirrors and they are so small I don't trust what I think I'm seeing or not seeing. My eyesight probably ain't the best. Check em out at this web site www.AutoSportatalog.com . I took them apart and trimed them down on a disc sander to match the stock mirror a little better, but U don't have to do that. Great bike, good luck with your project.

[deilenberger]

Bit easier to find with the correct URL (although the photo of the young lady at your URL was quite nice.. and work safe..): http://www.autosportcatalog.com/

If I go here: http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=s&keywords=mirror

Which mirror are we talking about?

[barryg]

Sorry, thax dilen, That was a cute gal. Any way the Blindspot mirror. Picture shows the blindspot mirror on the top side of the standard car outside rearview mirror. They work like a champ. I have them on my '87 K100RT. Saw em on a K100RS at Missoula Nat.. They are big enough for me to have confidence in. They are made a company called Hercules Mirrors.

[barryg]

They are the standard mirror part # 26553. Like I said I took the mirror apart and sanded down the mirror and housing to better fit the the width of the stock BMW
mirror housing. But U can just mount them as is with no problem. They will just overhang to the outside of the stock mirror housing about an inch. I use to ride around the Interstates in the Memphis area and would have a sore neck whipping my head around looking for traffic in my blind spots. I had the little mirrors mounted on my stock mirrors. I just didn't trust em. Now I can see cars coming up from behind me in the stock mirrors then I transition to the blindspot mirrors with confidence. About half way through the mirror I look to the left or right and there they are beside me. No more stiff neck from head whipping.