Dead Battery - 85 K100 Rs

[Carguz]

It had to happen sometime. I left the key on the "on" position (not hard to do with that silly fold-down key), for about 3 hours. Light is very dim and of course the starter wont turn.

I also notice the clutch is very difficult (if not impossible) to engage if not energized. (advanced German engineering?)

Anyway, am I going to be able to push-start this puppy or will I need to trickle it?
Thanks.

[thompsonr]

Carguz remember the clutch also pulls up the side stand if you have the bike on the side stand and try to pull the clutch lever in its not going to move. I know you just got your K and I did the same thing when I first got mine home forgot about the side stand clutch lever thing and about panicked when I couldn’t pull the lever in the garage while on the stand. Check that.

As far as pushing I don’t know but need to find out too as my day will come. Got a Bat charger?
:dunno

[PGlaves]

I would charge the battery before starting it. It might have enough "ooomph" (technical term for amperes) to run the fuel pump and ignition system, but it also might not. It is hard to get much out of the alternator at pushing speed.

Don't get eager to try the starter button until the battery is charged. The K bikes have a history of sticking starting relays when starts are attempted with low batteries. If that happens you will probably know it - because the starter keeps running when you let go of the button, and take the key out.

In that case you need to quickly disconnect the battery. the ground cable at the transmission case is the easiest place to get to fast. Allen wrench!

[Carguz]

Ran it about 30 miles. Hope it's OK.

[GregFeeler]

You have an MGA? Sweet! :thumb

[Carguz]

The cars: (besides the American family stuff)
MGB 78 with an Overdrive and Weber set up. (Brittish Racing Green, mini-lites)
MGA 60 with SU twins (Bright Red) - Has an MGB engine and a 5 speed Datsun Riverside tranny conversion. Whitewalls and steel wheels with baby moons. Awesome car.

On the bike side:
Triumph 78 Bonny T140 (Black with Red scallops and gold pinstripes). Completely stock, totally restored, powder-coated frame, etc. Cross-over stock pipes, orig. Amals, etc. Just a terrific looking, pulling, and sounding bike.

Always wanted a BMW - (Was looking for an vintage R cream color)

Got a K instead:
Karib Blue 85 K 100 RS and am still in awe. It continues to grow on me (even the tacky color). It's fast, smooth, reliable and tracks real straight. I enjoy the cornering because you can't scrape it (too high), so it really lets you lean into the turns (you have to or you lose it...) On the negative side, the bars are too forward. Will eventually convert to standard 100's, bar backs or something. (Even the stock bars are growing on me, but it's a stretch, I'm 5' 81/2"). Instruments are goofy - green nuetral light in funny gears, odometer down, etc. Overall am very impressed with the strength of the bike!