ibjman wrote:I'd sure like to know more about those saddlebags. They look like the could be Vetter's? Can you get a full face helmet in them
regards, ibjman

gunsports wrote:This morning it stopped raining and I had the chance to go look over the bike. Yesterday, when it was delivered, it was pouring and not having ridden in 30 years, was not about to try riding a strange bike in the rain and in traffic. So, my Traffic Chief cousin was roped in to do the job. He was quite happy with the bike; yet mentioned that the clutch takes far out and is ‘sharp’. Also he said: go slow on the gas; this bike is very fast.



When the bike was loaded for transport, the previous owner said that; after the bike was strapped down on the trailer; some water was seen dripping from the bike. When it arrived, we checked the cooling hoses and the expansion tank, but saw nothing obvious.  The water level was at the minimum mark in the expansion tank and I filled it to the maximum level with distilled water. When Gerald brought the bike home and parked it, water was again seen to pool under the bike; but this was about an egg cup full and on checking the expansion tank, I saw the water level was again at the minimum level. The bike ran for a few kilometres on the ride home. On checking the bike this morning, no additional water had seeped out and the level was still at minimum.

When the bike has been out in the rain, water can collect on top of the engine, putting it on the sidestand allows it to drain.  This is probably some of it.



This morning I cleaned the bike a little. It was filthy from the trip and along the way, they had passed the scene where a cement truck had up ended and dumped its load on the road. This, with rain and you can imagine what the bike looked like.



Cleaning the bike; apart from removing the cement, gave me the chance to examine the bike up close. Now, I am no expert on bikes so; please excuse my ignorance in posting my ‘observations’ for comment.



Bodywork: Overall, the body work is in great shape. There are a few stone chips and light scratches, but none are serious. I examined the foot rests, rims and engine. There appears no damage from these parts scraping on the ground. However, the fitting of the side panniers (Vettel) on the bike was a home job: a combination of brackets, wing nuts, cable ties and prayer. The right side pannier frame is pretty much chewed up and is broken as per the picture below. I tossed the side panniers till I can fix the frame and make proper mounting hardware for these things to fit.







Now a question: What glue can one use to repair this part or should it be tossed and replaced. Bearing in mind that BMW cycle parts are VERY expensive over here.

I'd replace them, if you were to repair them, you would have to glue a splint across the back to keep some strength in the repair.



Engine:  I do not plan on scratching in/on the engine till I know much more about the bike. However, I have noticed that the black pipe on the front right of the engine (in the picture, looks like a crash bar) is mounted on two rubber bushings. The front one is loose. Is this an urgent repair or could it be left as is for now?



The lower mounts are bonded to the backing with rubber, if one has given way I've no idea what you would glue it back with. You would have to remove the mount first to attempt it I'd think.



I started the bike this morning without using the choke. It was 5 degrees outside and although the engine took immediately; the revs were about 900 – 950 and for the first couple of seconds, it sounded as if each part in the engine was fighting each other. I timed it and in less than a minute, the motor settled down and was idling smoothly. The mixture did smell strong though – one could definitely smell unburned petrol. Is this normal? I did not rev the engine till the seemed a little warmer and then the rev’s climbed smoothly. (3000 max)

Normal behaviour, if you use the choke (just a fast idle really) it will run smoother for you.


There is no evidence of oil leaks, save for this. Is this something to be worried about?



Normal



In the same picture above, you will see the wet spot, under the expansion tank, where the water, mentioned earlier, is running out. There are water and petrol pipes in this area and I don’t want to take the bike on the road till I am sure there is no need for concern re the water. All the pipes seem sound and, although I did not disassemble the bike here, all the pipes and fittings seem to be sound. Should I be concerned?

Further investigation required



Now, here is the puzzle: Just at the junction of the back brake fitting, there is a pipe with a little fitting hanging loose. This looks out of place. What is it and what is it doing there? (Picture below)



No idea


Brakes: The red triangle warning light comes on when you start the bike. I was told that; after riding a couple of meters: touch the front brake and the back, and the light will go off. It does. Is this normal?

Yes, its a test circuit to check that your rear brake light is working. If the triangle light doesn't go out, your brake light is not working

The brake disks look ok up front. But on the inside back brake; the disk is a little scoured. (Picture below)



Disk looks thin, might need replacement


Advice please.



Instruments:







The LCD window for the gear selector is a little damaged; although one can still see most of the numeral. Can this LCD be replaced, or does the whole f the speedo need replacement?

LCD can be replaced if you can find a replacement



The panel below the instrument cluster has a hole in it, which has broken through. Can this be repaired? The switches BYW; are dummies.



Smoking: The bike is without its centre stand (for now). If parked on the side stand, it smokes a little when first started, but the smoke goes away in about a minute. I read on the site that this is normal. I checked by holding the bike upright for about 10 seconds before switching off and this seems to eliminate the start up smoke. I have not taken the bike on a long run to see if she smokes; waiting for the weather to clear.

Normal K series behaviour, oil is drawn down the bore as the combustion chambers cool.


Please pardon all the questions. But, I rather ask silly questions than face expensive repair bills.



Glen