Keeping 88- K75S

[jbertarellis]

After many months of trying to talk myself into buying a newer bike, I have realized that I have quiet a gem in my 1988- K75S. Being this is not my primary means of transportation, and I only ride on week-ends, I have come to the realization that I am happy with what I have. I would like to know from the many people I respect on these threads, what upgrades you would make to this bike without wasting money. I am looking at: motolights- PIAA 1100X- Newer Fork Springs- Shocks- Tank Bag Electrification Kit- Gaiters. Worth doing this, or waste of money. The only thing on bike that I wish I had is ABS. Should I maybe look for something in the 90's with ABS. I would think there are riders out there that are thinking the same as me. Thanks, John.

[Kayseventyfive]

Definitely do the gaiters. Keeps rust and dirt away.

[98lee]

Without wasting money, I would go for Progressive front springs and a Progressive 412 rear shock and stainless braided lines for the front brakes and master cylinder. Leaving the rear stock line prevents the rear brake from being overly touchy.

A better than stock seat (anybodies) would be a must for me (I love my Corbin). YRMV.

Barbacks put me in a more comfortable riding position. YRMV.

ABS would NOT be on my priority list due to the high cost of repairs. It's one more thing that can go wrong on a 20 year old bike. Teach your right hand and right foot to be your ABS. Again YRMV.

Tankbag electrification makes sense, if you have something to plug into it.

The third generation saddlebags are a definite upgrade. Can hold full face helmets.

After a lady did a U-turn into my wife, I've spent alot of the insurance money on conspicuity. Headlight modulator (kisan), brakelight modulator (kisan), Sebel horns, retroreflective tape kits for the back of the saddlebags (forget the name at the moment), 4-way hazard light switch (K75s are prewired. you just need the switch).

Wiring the altitude plug to a switch on the dash makes riding in the Sierras way more convenient. In a single day you can go over four or five passes over 9000ft with roads below 4000ft in between without stopping. This is probably something you don't need living in the flatlands.

Since I have Carpal tunnel in my right hand, I've opted for the factory friction screw on the throttle. It's ALWAYS on so I can shakeout my hand any time I want plus it works well as a cruise control on the slab. It is not at all noticeable in the twisties (as long as I don't fall off).

As a purely cosmetic addition, the smoked windscreen makes the bikes look sharper. But ear plugs are a must with either of the stock windscreens (better described as wind noise generators).

I've come to the same conclusion as you; The more I ride my bikes and the more I ride other bikes, the more I like my Ss.


:dance :dance :dance

[jobee58]

Ditto progressive springs up front and bar backs. Have you considered checking out larger windshield (aeroflow I think?) I ran a 75C and went w/the BMW shield, but yours is a different story since it's an S. I threw Tailblazers on my K100 LT and definitely like those. Maybe you might even want to consider top box which is often available on Ebay. I'm loving the top box on the LT, which I didn't have on the 75.

In terms of "bike for the buck" and reliability, I don't think you can beat an older K!

[SheRidesABeemer]

Good choice, sometimes you already have just what you need! :thumb
Hanging around here is like hanging out at a dealer, it's easy to get caught up in the newer, bigger, faster mentality.

[mieczkow]

They're a wonderful motorcycle. Keep it and you'll always be happy! Improvements on mine:

1. Progressive fork springs and 412 rear shock
2. Aeroflow windscreen
3. Stainless steel brake lines fore and aft
4. "C" bars
5. Motolights/PIAA
6. EBC rotors, fore and aft/EBC copper sintered pads
7. Russel Daylong saddle
5. Headlight modulator and also rear brake light modulator
6. Stainless steel fastener kit, installed
7. Factory hard cases

Future: Stebel horn

:dance

[jobee58]

They're a wonderful motorcycle. Keep it and you'll always be happy! Improvements on mine:
6. EBC rotors, fore and aft/EBC copper sintered pads



dude, do these help w/squeaking and or "grabiness"?

[jbertarellis]

They're a wonderful motorcycle. Keep it and you'll always be happy! Improvements on mine:

1. Progressive fork springs and 412 rear shock
2. Aeroflow windscreen
3. Stainless steel brake lines fore and aft
4. "C" bars
5. Motolights/PIAA
6. EBC rotors, fore and aft/EBC copper sintered pads
7. Russel Daylong saddle
5. Headlight modulator and also rear brake light modulator
6. Stainless steel fastener kit, installed
7. Factory hard cases

Future: Stebel horn

:dance
Thanks everyone for great suggestions. What exactly is Stainless steel fastener kit? I actually have done the aeroflow and bar risers. Have the hard cases and tank bag. Have Corbin seat that probably will be redone soon.