Newbie airhead questions...

[wlovin]

I'm a total newb over on the K-Bike forum and I'm a newb here - thanks for tolerating me...

I'm thinking about buying a 1975 R75/6 as stablemate for my K1100LT (interesting mix).

One question (at least) before I plunk the cash down: The brake handle and the clutch handle both have what I would consider excessive up-and-down play. Not end-to-end adjustable with the locknut play, but up and down. I presume the handles and/or the handle pivot housings are worn. Anyway to adjust this? Or is it new handles, new housings, or maybe washers?

Thanks for helping me as I begin my personal regression through BMW motorcycle time. I'm actually looking at an R26 to fill out my garage!..

Bill Lovin

[manicmechanic]

My R90/6 had what I thought was too much slop in the levers, so I went to the dealer and got some new bushings for them. They are nylon and push/press into the levers at the pivot point. Also check the pivot pins for wear.

[pmdave]

Note that there are bushings in the pivot holes in the levers, and there should also be a tiny wave washer above the lever pivot that acts as an anti-rattle shim.

If you can't find a replacement bushing, you can make one from a small piece of soft plastic. Those plastic soap bottles are handy for such details, because they have different thickness at different parts of the container, so you can choose the correct thickness for what your need. If the pivot bolt is worn, replace it. If there is no wave washer, put one in.

Grease everything well, especially the barrel that holds the end of the clutch cable. It needs to pivot freely in the hole in the handle, to prevent the cable from bending and breaking.

A good source for parts breakdowns, part numbers, and ordering parts is www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com

pmdave

[pmdave]

Uhh, use an empty plastic bottle, don't cut a piece out of your wife's soap bottle before she throws it in your direction.

You've been warned.

pmdave

[wlovin]

I would have never thought of an empty soap bottle as a parts source!!!

Bill Lovin

[rowansride]

Try cut down bic lighter springs for tired contacts in handle bar switches. just drill out passageway to fit oversize spring... usually keep cheap ass generic lighter in tankbag.... saved me on a few bikes. cut them longer for more spring tension...

[RandyB]

Grease everything well, especially the barrel that holds the end of the clutch cable. It needs to pivot freely in the hole in the handle, to prevent the cable from bending and breaking.

A good source for parts breakdowns, part numbers, and ordering parts is www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com

pmdaveIs there a source for that little barrel on the end of the clutch cable? I checked MaxBMW. Given the opportunity, I'll lose every small part. I'd like a spare before I need to change the cable.

[bmwmick]

Is there a source for that little barrel on the end of the clutch cable? I checked MaxBMW. Given the opportunity, I'll lose every small part. I'd like a spare before I need to change the cable.

Randy,
I think you want item #21 here:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0449&mospid=47888&btnr=32_0759&hg=32&fg=10
I carry a spare. :)

[RandyB]

:dance Thanks. More ways to spend my money....