Just brought it home today! 68k miles and in good shape. Needs a bath (wish the dealer had done a better job at cleaning, but what you gonna do?), but otherwise runs well. My first BMW and I'm excited!

Howdy Moose looks like you got a good machine.
Before you do anything else have a read of this it is worth a good read and compiled by one of the BMW Gurus
http://www.verrill.com/moto/newkbike.shtml

Looks identical to my RT, even the colour.

Read the link in the previous post and you will enjoy the RT. The dealer is probably happy to see it gone but it looks good. That seat looks good too.

Awesome link - thanks!

Yeah, I think the dealer was thrilled to get rid of it. It wasn't exactly a place that you would expect to see this type bike (lots of snowmobiles and ATV's). All the rest of the motorcycles were chopper style (they're a Victory and Star dealer).

 

Welcome moose, nice bike and great colour.

BIG D

have fun moose ....
welcome to the forum

Okay, went out to the garage this morning and found a small puddle under the shaft drive. Looked like it was just under this:



That boot is damp and loose. Here's a pic of the underside in that area:



Like I said - someone make me feel better that this isn't a big deal... Please?

Also, in terms of making me feel better, how long until I can use the center-stand like I know what I'm doing? I feel like I'm wrestling with a hippo - and losing!

 


get a few pillows either side of the k  maybe even a mattress ....and practice ....many have dropped the old girl in the process of learning
 
its a swing thing .....holding onto the lift bar (right hand ) and using your foot as leverage to lift ...left hand to steady at the hand grips and roll the old girl backwards ...foot down and lever and raise the bike with the right hand ....

its tossed me a couple of times ....right over the otherside ...and embarrassing fairing repair afterwards ...I was amazed ...no one was watching ....

murpheys law states that you shouldn't drop the bike when your by yourself ....but when somebody ..(or a group ) is watching

The rear brke master cylinder boot can trap moisture inside which then leaks out. Pull the boot back, wipe the inside clean, clean the outside and just keep an eye on it.

The other issue is the clutch pushrod actuator. It actually seals (or should) the pushrod tube. Tighten the clamp screw (arrowed):



Clean the old gunk off and keep an eye on it.

It's relatively easy to replace but the boot is quite expensive for what it appears to be (it has a steel collar moulded into the neck).

It's probably a good idea to just check the gearbox oil level if the bike is new to you as the level can drop if the pushrod boot has been leaking for a long time.

Main stand? The technique is to transfer your weight onto the foot on the stand. Don't try lifting the bike with the swing-out handle, that's there just to give something to hang on to.

its a swing thing .....holding onto the lift bar (right hand ) and using your foot as leverage to lift ...left hand to steady at the hand grips and roll the old girl backwards ...foot down and lever and raise the bike with the right hand ....

When you put your foot on the main stand to lever it make sure both legs [of the main stand] are on and in contact with the ground, that way its not going to suddenly fall away from you...and you can feel if its reasonably level.

Now for the other bit. I don't have a great right leg and ain't built like a truck so in fact I do use the pull out handle to lift the bike but more in the form of using it to roll the bike back. However it does mean the handle takes the weight. It works ok, my right foot keeps main stand firm on the ground and right hand pulls it up and over. But----as I have done, examine the handle and the area around it to make sure no metal fatigue. More, check the main stand as they have been known to break... 

I watch some guys take bike off main stand by standing beside it. I don't, looks too dangerous and if you use the handle to do it you can't have a hand free to grab the front brake and stop it rolling forward as I once saw. I do it from being on the bike but not with my weight on it, use my left foot flat on ground and both hands to push the bars forward to rock the bike off the stand and right hand on brake. I cant get my feet flat on the ground and this has worked best for me.

I am 5' 8" so someone taller will probably do differently.

When taking the bike off the centre stand, I first put it in first gear and let down the side stand. That way the bike stops dead and you can lower it onto the side stand safely.

Welcome Moose.  May I be so rude as to ask how much you weigh?  I am a well-built chap to say the least at 183cm and about 112kg, and my technique is to wear a pair of boots with a really thick and tough sole.  I use the handle and put all my weight through my right foot onto the lever of the stand.  My left foot is off the floor and my whole weight makes the job fairly simple.  I use the same check that other here use regarding checking both feet of the stand are on level ground, and have the left hand on the handlebars. 

When it comes to getting it off the stand I sit astride it and use my legs/arms to push the bike, but I am lucky enough to be able to put both feet on the ground.  When I used to ride R80RTs at work we were forbidden to sit astride/ride them off the stands as they often broke.  We had to stand alongside the bike, but it has to be said that they were real lightweights compared to a K100LT.

Hi moose,
As a new k owner, have you found the lifting handle that lurks alongside the frame tube below the left-hand side panel?

Just a thought.

And.....  

Paul.

xpc - 6'6" (198cm) and [cough] ~300lbs (136kg)

paul - actually, no, no one had shown me that  

It's definitely technique rather than a strength issue. I've never done it before and the guy at the dealership didn't show me the lifting handle. He actually reached over the bike with his right hand to do it and his left was on the handle bars. I'll be practicing...

You  will enjoy this forum.  Let me know if that steed makes it to the opposite end of your lake.  We will enjoy your company.
UJ
Chicago/South Haven

tio Jaimito wrote:You  will enjoy this forum.  Let me know if that steed makes it to the opposite end of your lake.  We will enjoy your company.
UJ
Chicago/South Haven

Odds are good I'll make it down that way. I grew up outside Chicago and my folks still live down there.

Hey - anyone know what the value on the leather tank cover would be? Any interest in such an item? I'm thinking I like the look of the bare tank instead... Thanks for any help!

Good to have you with us.
Regards,
K-BIKE