Hi everyone, Thanks for allowing me to join the forum. Looks like there’s lots of good information and helpful advice to be found here. I’ve owned close to 50 motorcycles in my life, but never a BMW until now. I came across a 1985 K100 that was a one owner bike from an older gentleman. Back in 2001 he decided that the frame was getting a bit rusty in spots, so he dismantled the bike and had the frame sand blasted and powder coated. He started re-assembly and got sick. The bike sat in his shop for the past 17 years partially assembled. That’s where I found it. Basically a rolling chassis and motor and the balance of the parts in 3 large totes. Home she came. The oil and plugs in it looked like they went in yesterday. I supported the back tire and put the bike in 5 th gear and manually turned the motor over. It did thankfully. I didn’t Want to start spending money until I knew the motor wasn’t seized. It’s been a progress cleaning everything and starting re-assembly. Overall all the parts seem to be there in really good condition. I’m working towards start up, but it’s a way down the road yet. Any advice or helpful tips will be appreciated. Les

When I bring a K bike "back from the dead" after sitting for many years I always pull the plugs and spray some fogging oil into the cylinders so that the cylinder walls aren't completely dry the first time I start it.

I have no idea if this actually matters or not but I figure it can't hurt.

Thanks Duck, did the the first thing when I got it home. I think it’s all going to go fine once I get to the starting point. My question now is where should I connect the negative batter terminal in the frame. It’s been powder coated so there is no obvious sign of where it was.

Connect it to the starter post under the nut that holds to the starter in place. It was never on the frame, see the lug on the gearbox above the gear lever.

Thanks Duck, that helps a lot. Appreciate it. Les

The factory grounding point is on the left side of the transmission above the shift lever.




If it still has the original 85 ground cable then you might want to install a beefier one like BMW did on later K75s/K100s.