Got a new (to me) K100 RS a couple days ago and the shift lever wont down shift until it slows to a pretty specific and much slower speed. For example if im on the HWY at 60mph and i go to slow down off the exit i cant down shift from 5th gear to 4th gear until the bike has slowed to 40mph or less. I have this same problem if in 3rd gear wanting to down shift into 2nd gear - the speed has to have dropped enough for it to let me.

When i compare this to my other 1985 K100 LT (i have two now) i have no problem down shifting like the above mentioned problem.

In my very limited insight, the only difference bt the two bikes is the new bike (w the issue) has a custom shift lever and the one without the problem has a stock shift lever. Thst said, ive spoken to another k100 owner who says he has the same down shift problem with his stock shift lever.

Anyone dealt with this problem and can provide insight?

Much appreciated,

T

Please.Please include bike info Vin, mileage ,ect.This helps the Brains to help you 
most common cause of this problem is clutch spline ass ,needs lubricating.Before you have a heart
attack,if the clutch cable is not set correctly this also will cause problems.Happy tinkering 

Will provide more bike details (62k miles), but can you educate me on why the bikes VIN is helpful?

Vin number is the DNA of the Ks when where it was built.And sold in  UK USA,Europe,Aussi Kiwi 
land ect,It also shows original frame /engine No,to prove original or not.
The brains on this Forum have vast knowledge of all things K ,they like things done propper like.

Very cool - I’ll add the VIN

Unlikely to be the gearbox. Either the clutch cable/arm adjustment, or spline lubrication.
Quick check: just max out the adjuster at the clutch lever, and see if the problem persists. Don't worry about any clutch slip - you're only going for a quick spin.
You could also try turning the rear wheel with the bike in gear on the centrestand. With the clutch lever pulled in the wheel should become quite free - compare it with your other bike.

1985 K100 RS
VIN: WB 10513 01F00 41732
Mileage: n/a - Bike Title states “EXEMPT”

Is there a site that gives you info on your bike based on the bikes VIN? Where would I learn more based on my bike’s VIN?

yes, however i dont know how to access it,Meantime Indian036 posted VIN DECODER with details
http:/bimmer.work.

Is there a site that gives you info on your bike based on the bikes VIN

If you input the last seven digits in to a parts list site, then the information you get on parts is more specific to your particular machine.

Here's one to start with:

https://shop.maxbmw.com/fiche/PartsFiche.aspx

Mike

Thanks Mike! Turns out if I want the history of my new bike I can pay them $14.95 - does anyone do this?

tjh1985 wrote:Thanks Mike! Turns out if I want the history of my new bike I can pay them $14.95 - does anyone do this?

I think I'm going to do it and buy everybody lunch, too.

Don't know about paying for the bike's history. Perhaps that means the actual service history.

I use the site, or ones similar, to narrow down what parts were fitted on a particular VIN number.

In the UK, if you have purchased a BMW privately, then by going to a main dealer with the VIN number you can get the service history. Don't know if they now charge for this information.

Mike

If you follow this link it should be your bike on RealOEM. Says a 1984 K100RS USA model.

RealOEM Link to bike with last 7 digits of VIN being 0041732

Cheers

With regard to the original question, it is likely the clutch splines are dry and maybe even rusty so removal of the gearbox and inspection is probably needed.

Rick G is that a complicated procedure? St this point my biggest venture into K100 Mechanic Man is changing the fuel filter, spark plugs, and the battery...gearbox sounds a little more complicated.

If you are a pro mechanic about how long should this fix take? It will help figure out how expensive this is going to be.

Bring it over to Hood Canal and I'll do it for $250 and teach you a lot in the process.  Takes about four-five hours if you know what you're doing.

Duck! Let’s do it! Would this Monday (holiday) work? I’m going to be in Hood Canal all weekend with family, but am bringing my motorcycle over already

Yes, I can do Monday. PM'd you my phone number.