3 quick K75 maint. topics/questions

[ultracyclist]

Spline lube:
1.) What is the correct mileage interval for spline lubes?
2.) If a very "low" mileage bike, then how many years in between lubes?
Is there an updated "correct" interval similar to oilhead final drives?

Speedo/clock:
1. Sadly, the instrument cluster was not a very well thought out piece of equipment. Is there any other way to verify or approximate the mileage on a K75?

ABS:
1.) What is the correct mileage interval for changing ABS fluid?
2.) If a low mileage bike, then how many years in between fluid changes?

Even if a bike is not ridden much, lubricants do not last forever.

I have been checking out K75's since last October, and I am looking at two now.
I could write a post graduate thesis on the adventures of trying to buy a bike on line and out of state. Some of the conversations that I have had with prospective sellers are off the wall.

Happy New Year to all!

Howard

[PGlaves]

Here is what I think on this topic.

I would lubricate the clutch splines at 40K intervals - or now - if I just got the bike and it hadn't been done. I used to find them almost dry from the factory.

I would lubricate the rear spline at the driveshaft (pull final drive) every second tire or about 20K intervals. Now if it hasn't been done.

Brake fluid is an annual service - two years max in a dry climate - now, if it looks sorta brownish. Yesterday, if it looks like chocolate syrup.

The best indicator of "low" vs "high" milege is to look at the outside/front edge of the knurling on the brake pedal. If it has sharp teeth it is fairly low - if it has well worn teeth it is high. They will be somewhat worn by 40K miles. (Where is Eilenberger when I need him - he has this wear pattern down to a science in his optical brain circuits).

Oil, transmission, and final drive oil - no time like the present! 6K on oil, 12K or annually on transmission and final drive. Two years on coolant - so now is about right.
I'd do fork oil too! Then you have established a full-service base point to go from.

[jpberens43639]

Hello there!

The spline lube interval varies by year due to different design factors and changes in the mettelurgy of teh components. I know that's not too helpful, but if you due the lube your self and do it vry 20,000 miles it should be good. or most if not all K75's that is a very cautious interval. Meaning it could eaily go double that.

Past history on the title should help verify milage. Look at other wear items on the bike. The foot peg rubbers, the shift linkage rubber. Are they worn? Do they look BRAND new? Too worn out could indicate a not so accurate milage statement. If it's too new was it replaced due to an accident? Think that way about items, worst case best case, then ask the owner.

ABS fluid is brake fluid. Change it very year on ANY BMW older that five or six years and all will be well for a very long time. Get a " Miti-Vac " and do it your self, not that hard even on ABS bikes. BUT!!!! There are certain and VERY important things to do and not do. Join or cruise a good site, like this one and somebody will have written up the procedure.

Go with your gut instinct. You got those right? Trust em. If after speaking with a PO of an MC you don't feel right, just walk away and keep looking.
I bought 2 K1100RS's last year, both out of state.
#1 from a real nice guy in GA. Found online, communication started via e-mail then went to phone calls. Looked at it during Easter vacation drive back from FL to my home in WI. Was only home two days when I got wiped out & run over from behind at traffic intersection. Bike was a total loss. I was addicted to all that HP, low profile sticky radials and ABS brakes. I had to have another.

#2 bike from MN. Same deal. It was posted on the web, I think the BMW internet riders. Started with e-mail, progressed to phone calls. Bought the bike, just love it.

Expect some niggleing problems from ANY used bike. It ain't new, gonna take some sorting out. Bike #2 for me looked pretty good, but I've done a bit of work to it on my own, just because I like things on a high performance bike to be as good as new. Everything worked fine, but just not like new, so I fixed those items.

Look for a solidly documented maintainence program, if it ain't got that, well, then it's back to the gut thing. If after speaking with the PO, you don't feel right, walk away. Lots of scams out there so caution is good.

You got somebody that can help you and you trust? Always good to have a buddy on those adventures. I did both of mine solo, but I've got a bit of experience and felt comfortable doing it. Little bit exciting/nerve wracking at times, but an experience of a lifetime for certain.

Hope you find what your lookng for, ride safe.

[mgordon]

Hi All,

I bought my old K100RT back the other day, very happy! After a brief and not so lucky year with a much abused r1100rs, i'm happy to have the K back.

The bike has had spline lubes done at 33, 51k and 68k (miles) intervals. The last interval was one year, and was done in 2005. The clutch plate and rear seal were done at the same time.

The bike now has another 10k on it (78k). My mechanic is telling me that the service interval for spline lube is 3 years, no matter the riding or mileage--because the lube dries out. Is this true? The bike has been basically in storage for 1.5 years, rarely ridden. It shifts and runs flawlessly (good maintenance record).

Thanks,
Mike