Hello everyone,

I am Scott, and I just recently found a neglected 1984 K100 on Craigslist and took a chance. I knew when I bought her, that I was gambling big, but I could not pass up the chance to finally own the bike that I have wanted since childhood.

The older gentleman that I bought her from had let it sit for 5-6 years, after a questionable mechanic had done more harm than good. Now, the bike was for sale to recoup the garage fees lost. The rear brake reservoir was cracked and broken from the UV exposure, and the old man was convinced that the 'jack-legged' mechanic was responsible. I didn't try to convince him otherwise, as I was just starting to research these venerable bikes. I brought her to a friend's shop until I could make the time to see just exactly what I had gotten myself into. 

After watching several YouTube videos on various maintenance tasks, I feel excited to have the chance to get to know her from the beginning. I bought her without hearing her run   (I know, the cardinal no-no of buying ANY vehicle!) but from sitting so long, I felt that I would rather put new fluids in her first. She sat at his shop for the holidays as I was too busy to make the time for her, and I rescued her for the second time and brought her home.

She is now in my basement, with more square footage than my envious XL, and I have begun the process of cleaning her up. My first mission is to inspect the final drive and see if it is in good shape. I had read that if the FD is shot, I am looking at investing more than I paid, so I figure this is a good place to start. 57k miles on the odometer is reassuring, but the proof is in the pudding, as they say...

I rode a 96 Suzuki 600cc street bike for years, and now I am ready for something durable, easily maintained, and respectable. Obviously, there is only one brand that fits all three categories!

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of owning one of these machines (maybe not necessarily a K-Brick, but am definitely hooked on the pedigree!) and was afraid that I may never be in the financial position to buy one. My life has turned a few corners recently, and I feel that our meeting was serendipitous. I cannot wait to experience her for myself, and I have high hopes (and fingers crossed!) that I have a mount that I can share many many miles with! 

I look forward to absorbing as much of the knowledge on this forum as I am able, and most of all, I am excited to experience the fellowship of such a fine community of riders, owners, and aficionados. I welcome any and all advice, trust me, I am well aware that I have a LOT to learn! 

Scott

Welcome Scott. Don't forget to post some pictures so we can all follow your progress 

Cheers

Taking her home...

Welcome Scott.

Don't worry about the FD. If the bearing is worn it's a cheap and easy fix (what you've heard probably relates to the 1200 Boxer onwards).

welcome scott ....enjoy !

Welcome Scott,

I'm not sure about the easily maintainable bit - some bits that you think will be hard are a breeze and others that should be easy turn out to be complete open bike surgery. But that's all part of the fun of owning a real bike and getting stuck in yourself rather than relying on your "Jack legged" mechanics. All the answers you need will be here somewhere on this forum and if not, someone out there will be able to help.

I look forward to seeing pics of her restored to former glory and out on the Blue Ridge Parkway - a road I have driven several times, but have always wanted to ride.

Paul

Scott

Welcome too. Interesting fairng, reminds me of the Vetter Windjammer!!

Don't be alarmed about things on the K, parts are not hard to buy, just don't think of major new ones. I had an ECU go down, about $70 for a used one with a guarantee, from Motorworks.

You will get lots of help and advice here, from all over.

After you check the final drive you need new tyres. Don't try riding the k on those old ones, even if the tread looks good.

The engines go on forever, just run a check on the timing chain and tensioner. When you park up on sidestand you may get volumes of blue smoke when you fire it up. Ignore it, after that what you do is kill the engine before you lean it onto the stand. Its a characteristic, not a fault. Some have it more than others.

If you have space in your basement you are made! Keep us posted!!

welcome  ,sounds like youre gonna have a lot of fun , in one way or another     

k-rider

Welcome Scott,
Looks like a good candidate for renovation.  Lots of good resources on this site, use the search tab at top of page. Several good sources for parts and pieces here in states. 
A forum member in NJ can clean and rebuild your fuel injectors etc...
Look forward to your write up on your first ride. Hope it is soon
keith

Thanks for the replies, everyone! I have been invigorated by the warm welcome, and I made a little time today to get my FD off and check out the splines...
Good news: the splines are in great shape, no stepping on the teeth at all, and well greased! 
Bad news: all four of my bolts were so seized that I even had to take a bolt extractor to the inside lower one. Definitely going back on with some anti-seize lube! 
Bad news part two: Well, I wasn't as gentle as I should have been with my speed sensor (and it WAS quite stuck in my defense) and well, I don't suppose there is any coming back from this, is there? :pale: 

You just need to remember, 4000 rpm is 60 mph or 100 kmh.......

That's an amazing machine. Should be lots of fun when you get it on the road.

One of the first things I did with my '85 is get a bolt kit off of e-bay. A big old bucket of bolts is essential when dealing with a machine that has set for any length of time.

Welcome Scott, looks a nice lump mate. Be great to see her up & running.
I'm a newcomer myself but I've got to say this sites a wealth of knowledge. I've only been a member a few days and already received tips I hadn't thought of and help with my project.

92KK K100LT 193214 wrote:You just need to remember, 4000 rpm is 60 mph or 100 kmh.......

My kind of logic....thank you, sir.

AJ.Valente wrote:That's an amazing machine. Should be lots of fun when you get it on the road.

One of the first things I did with my '85 is get a bolt kit off of e-bay. A big old bucket of bolts is essential when dealing with a machine that has set for any length of time.

Great advice! Are most all bolts the same? (ie. 1983-1999, so on and so forth?)
I feel that ordering some bolts and rubber washers will be a quick thing for me...

Welcome to the forum. I'm a new "posting" member myself. Although, I joined the forum back in October 2008. If I recall correctly, I thought this forum was primarily a K RT forum back then.

It looks like you've got a nice bike that will be a lot of fun to bring back to her former glory. Working on the K bike is half the fun and enjoyment of owning one. Take your time and consult the forum before you consult the hammer and chisel.

The link below is the company that sells the bolt kits on eBay. If you're not sure what kit to get, contact them and they will help you decide what you need.

Good luck with your new project.

Regards 


http://www.desmoparts.com/

tgolden wrote:
It looks like you've got a nice bike that will be a lot of fun to bring back to her former glory. Working on the K bike is half the fun and enjoyment of owning one. Take your time and consult the forum before you consult the hammer and chisel.

Thanks for the looking out on the website, as well as the priceless advice of consulting the forum! Had I done so earlier, perhaps a speed sensor would not been a casualty of exuberance...

I can't help but fantasize about a weekend trip to the beach. Or the mountains. Or anywhere! Until then, I know I need to show her the respect of diligence if I expect the same in return. 

I feel like somewhere, someone, is thinking, "Patience, Grasshopper."     

Just about any bolt kit from '85-'92 will do. Dealers who break down the bike run all the bolts through a parts cleaner, then sell them as one lot on e-bay.

Desmoparts sells the stainless steel fastener upgrade kits. Assuming they're all at least an equivalent grade or better, I think it's a good upgrade. The OEM fasteners tend to corrode.

I'll vouch for http://www.desmoparts.com/ as I've purchased their kit for my '85 RT.
Quality fasteners, washers & crush washers included. Everything in coded ziplocks with an easy instructional.

Use high temp grease when installing, as aluminum and stainless steel will gall.

From what I've read, viewed on YouTube, and experienced, all fastener threads on a K-bike should be treated with hi-temp copper formula anti-seize compound/thread lubricant.

Welcome - and good luck with the project!

Well Done Scott, it's good to see you're getting stuck into it straight away.

To answer your earlier question, I'm not sure there is anyway back from your speedo sensor incident. Try the forum Google search on the portal tab above, it's your friend when combing the vast resources of knowledge the forum offers.

Why not put up your own Resto thread in the section? That way we can follow your progress and the gifted, more technical members can chip in advice and plebeians like myself can marvel and offer encouragement!

Will

Welcome with a bike that is certainly unique!

Buck Rodgers made the fairing , Liberace the seat?

Ghost who rides wrote:Welcome with a bike that is certainly unique!

Buck Rodgers made the fairing , Liberace the seat?

  
k-rider

Ghost who rides wrote:Welcome with a bike that is certainly unique!

Buck Rodgers made the fairing , Liberace the seat?

All my friends ride Harleys, so I must somewhat fit in...

The only thing missing is a pink Cadillac fin!    

 Hi there, Scott !

Well done, 'grashopper' ! She's a 'she', indeed... wants to be taken care off and -in return- gives you lots of pleasure !   

You already made two good choices: first is to buy a K (and a very unique one, I dare say...) and second is getting aboard on this forum.

I'm on here for not that long, but I must say (once again...): this is a great source of knowledge. And a kind one too; no offence is made to anyone, be it a newbe or a lifetime-member ! 
I enjoy and learn every second I am online; and have lots of grins on my face, reading some of the comments (especcially the Aussies have a typical humor I like a lot...)

Keep us posted on your bike, please ? Always nice to read about the progress someone makes... 
And, to reasure you: your bike will not fail on you; these wonders-on-wheels last for ever !

Cheers ! 

Jos

Oh... and: '....rub in......rub out....'  

The only thing missing is a pink Cadillac fin!    

Excellent reply, glad you took my comment in the spirit intended.

GTJos is right, there is spot on factual info here... and there is fun.

Laughter is the best medicine, that makes this forum a DRUG!

Somebody here said you will never see a K parked up outside a therapists. Speaks volumes.

You will not be getting rid of that seat. Is the same shape as the one on my LT which I want to put on my RT. You will not find anything more comfortable. You need to spend time on it to appreciate it, when you get into the third hour of your run you start wondering why you did not do it years ago because its more comfortable than a car.

My thought about the 4,000rpm at 60mph/100kmh is simple, don't let lack of a speedo stop you getting out because you can still determine your speed from the rev counter.

The guys in Australia enjoy meet ups, so do we Irish Eccentrics. I think the K attracts a like minded type of owner, all different but for some reason we all get on well.

Enjoy it!