Hello everyone,

I live in the Lake District in the UK.  I have been biking since I was around six years old and owned a fair number of bikes in my time. Here is a quick list:- DOT 250 Greeves Scottish (210 Villiers engine) Honda SS50 BSA Bantam 175 Kawasaki KH250 Yamaha RD250 Bridgestone 250 Ariel Golden Arrow Yamaha XS500 Suzuki GT550 Suzuki GT750 Norton 850 Commando Suzuki GS850 Suzuki GS100s BMW R100T Suzuki GSX750EFE Honda CBR600 Honda RR1 Fireblade Honda RR2 Fireblade Honda RC45 VTR100 SP2 followed by a short break from bikes until..........


Last year I bought a 1985 K100RT (Dolomite Grey) that had fallen on hard times. It started out in life in Beaverton Oregon and was imported into the UK around 1994, two owners later it had a bit of a fall and was written of by the insurers.  It was then bought for salvage in 2012 with the intention of being restored however this didn't happen and it languished (fortunately) under cover in a quiet corner of a commercial garage partially dismantled.  I work for a Government Agency concerned with Goods vehicles and PSV's and a colleaugue mentioned the existence of this motorcycle whilst taking to a customer. At the time I was looking for a bit of a project and to cut a long story short it is now well on the way to a new lease of life.

I have been fairly lucky in that I have the full history of the bike from new including all receipts, service entries and test certificates. It was never my intention to restore the bike to concours original spec but rather restore it to a spec of my choice. (apologies to any purists reading this)

I have acquired a few other bits along the way, 1984 euro spec K100 Frame engine, gearbox, final drive (56000 miles). 1991 K100RS engine, gearbox, final drive (30-40000 miles) set of city panniers. refurbished the original crash bars fitted to RT obtained a belly pan with mounts. All fairing panels away for repainting in Baja Red Metallic Pearl. I was lucky enough to get hold of some new/old stock parts disposed of by a number of British Police forces who used to run K100/K75 bikes. I managed to get a new fuel regulator/rear master brake cylinder and coolest filler assembly.


What I have done so far--
Frame powder coated-1984 engine + running gear cleaned and painted. i'm using this engine to start with as it came with a new clutch,water pump bearings/seals, new spark plugs, new oil seals all round. 
Samco Silicone hoses-new clutch pivot pin + bearings and fitment of grease nipple.
Stainless fastenings throughout
K&N filter
New fuel/Vacuum hoses
new head bearings
New fork seals (progressive springs and fork brace ordered)
new front wheel bearings
wheels refurbished in black. 
I have rewired the harness and replaced a number of connector blocks.
HiCap battery starter cables fitted.
Stater motor/alternator overhauled with new bearings and brushes/slip ring/regulator.

I still have a way to go and the onset of winter has slowed the process as I haven't a garage. Well I have but its occupied by a Japanese Honda Del Sol. 
Once Ive got her back on the road I think I am going to rebuild the 91 RS engine, Ive stripped it down and the pistons/liners ore in as new condition. I'll bang a set of shells and main's in it by which time I should have sourced a new water pump for it.

I'm hoping to draw on the knowledge and experience of forum members as I continue this journey of 'K' bike discovery.

Wow that's some story. I like Baja Red too.....!

Welcome to the forum. You are very much in the right place and seems you have a great pedigree.

When you go at that 91RS engine you will see how amazing those engines are for reliability and long term durability.

Seems you are already gone a long way but done be afraid to ask questions. As far as distance goes its nice sometimes to meet up and if you feel like travelling a bit there are some other very friendly forum members up your way and especially if you cross to Belfast...........

Now for some photos....!

Now that list of bikes puts you smack-bang in the same age bracket as me because I've either ridden or owned most of them! There's no purists here as you'll find out - if it keeps the bike running properly then it's good enough.

Thanks guys I intend testing that knowledge soon,  I have some parts that I didn't take off the bike so not sure where they go.

I'm really looking forward to riding my RT. i have ridden a lot in Europe on my blade's -and got soaked.  i'm not bothered by weather but it gets harder as you get older. I fancy some of that heated gear, that and the RT's fairing should keep the weather off.

Clothing has come a long way since sea boot socks belstaff boots and waxed cotton.

SBKMan

I ride all year, no heated gear and never cold. RT fairing and in winter wear ain over gloves and a lightweight hi viz windproof overjacket over the bike gear [Lidl's best]. Often do 3 hour trips and back home same evening.

Get the K up and running and see how you go is my thought.

thanks for the tip Olaf,

will wait and see how I get on when she's finished. any tip's re the best screen to get? I have two - the one that came with the RT seems cut down, the second I got when I bought a spare fairing is much taller but its cracked.

New screen is £85 and come in 22 24 or 26". The 26" you look through but its fabulous protection and you can ride with helmet visor open. I had a lower one on the LT and it deflected the airstream over me but I could still look over the screen. I'm 5' 8". The brand new 26" screen was on the RT when I got it and I said I would cut it down. But I never did.

Its not worth messing with a bad screen, go for a new one and take great care of the surface from new.



I should add that was Motorworks but there is also Motobins or eBay.

welcome sbk
nice introduction

wow a lot of things already accomplished ...(and almost all recommended to get the bike back to reliability and great performance )

have fun mate, we'll be watching with interest

cheers

Cheers guys

Welcome SBK, you will find everything you need here (except maybe, uh...)   

Impressive what you have done so far, looking forward to progress reports.

Cheers from Canada