Greetings from Brisbane area Australia.
I'm trying the idea of getting back into riding after a 25 year break.
Previously I used a Honda 400 twin for commuting.
I purchased a K100RT '87 off Aus Ebay sight unseen and untested yesterday, now I want to try it out to see what it is like.
The big problem is that I have a service/repair manual, but no owners manual.
I have seen that after 3 posts, and an invitation, I can download a manual from this site, but in the meantime, I have a bunch of switches that I don't know what they are for.
Is there a limited access to the relevant pages of a manual that would help?
The other little problems appear to b , no neutral light, and no working tacho.
The bike was allegedly unused for a "few months" although serviced and had a roadworthy for registration transfer. The neutral light supposedly worked, but not the tacho.
The main unknown switches are the four black rocker switches below the ignition key. The left one looks fixed, but the other three have remnants of diagrams that are unreadable.
Also, what is the little window in the tacho, and the two windows in the bottom of the speedo?
I want to go for a ride, but not without knowing what the hell I'm doing and better weather, I'm holding off..
I hope to be a contributing member of this site when I actually get something to write about, but in the meantime, happy riding and a pre thanks for any help with the queries.
Cheers
Ian

Welcome Ian
you sure are living in the right spot for close assistance.
Before you get too tempted check your oil levels, via the sight glass on R/H side for the engine (the oil filler cap is above that), put her on the centre stand and manually turn the wheels, listen for any grating noises, push the brakes make sure they work.
The bike probably won't start with the side stand down, make sure the battery has a good charge . There is a lever on the L/H switch gear that is a "choke"you may need to push it to position 1 before starting, don't touch the throttle whilst cranking the engine. Listen for the fuel pump after you first hit the starter, it should whirr
inside the tank.
There is a red light with a triangle on it, that is your bulb warning light, it runs a check when you start, just touch both the front and rear brake levers and it should go out (after the engine is running). if not, theres a connection problem.
These bikes are quite heavy, so take it easy maneuvering first up until you get your bearings.
I'm sure more will follow with better advice re the lights. If it is an ex police bike most of those switches will be unconnected.
Cheers RT

Greetings Ian welcome to the forum
The switches on the dashpad are probably to do with being ex police most are. There may be a hazzard switch which makes all 4 blinkers work at the same time other than that heated grips maybe and then things like flashing lights siren etc.
The window in the tach is a gear position indicator which apparently isn't working and the two in the speedo are rightis low fuel and left nothing on yours but 88 on ABS and pre 86 it was 7lt low fuel of earlier models.

Welcome Ian!

All good info above and I'll add my 2 cents worth.

Change all the fluids...oil, filter, gearbox, rear drive, brake fluids, forks etc. That's a good base line so you know what's going on. Air filter, petrol filter (in the tank) as well.

I have a reproduction of an Owner's Manual for a K100/K100LT for you to have a look at if you want it.
Just PM me. Have a look at the bottom left corner of this post. Click on the figure with PM next to it.

Thanks guys, and thanks for the update on the gauge windows.
Yes, this is an ex police bike, and although it hasn't been used for a while, I was told it had a recent service, and the safety certificate for rego transfer, as long as the certificate wasn't a mate's special, it should be fine.
If it wasn't raining here, I would have taken it out for a short shake down, but it looks like I'll have to wait a few days.
Cheers
Ian

hi Ian , welcome to the throng mate. All good advice above , rummage through some posts and you will pick up more info than you need.

Welcome to the forum Ian. You may find that the odo or and trip meter have seen better days. That is a common problem. There are many people who are willing to help and many of them are in your area.

good to have you on board. The google forum search on the Portal page (see tabs below the k100 banner) is a great resource for picking out relevant forum threads.
Good luck with the bike.

88KE

Hi Ian,
Good to have you with us looking forward to hearing how you go.
Regards,
K-BIKE

Welcome aboard Ian. Pitty you live in Qld though. The guys here are great and regularly provide sound advice to novices like me. How about a few pictures so we can have a look see?