Last night my headlights started flickering for a short period before settling back down to normal operation. This evening it started again, the brake warning light was flickering as well, I suspect in sync with the lights. Indicators are not staying on as long as they should either. I suspect that it could be the starter motor brushes. 
Is there anything else that could be causing these issues? My big problem is that all my tools and stuff are in storage 100 miles away so it is difficult to do much with just a leatherman.....

Terminals clean, tight? 
Cables in good shape (nick?)? 

Positive, negative, alternator connection. Check 'em all. 

Simplistic, I know, but the starting point.

Hi Steve

If you are stuck for tools and somewhere to work and are also in Dublin give me a call.

But I know you might be in Waterford ....

Hi Steve

Sorry to see you having bother. Kyles thoughts are good, same as mine. Connections and earths are top of list, but also check battery and alternator. Brake warning flickering seems to suggest something is earthing through it because of an earth problem.

could be the altenator - regulator brushes or field connection from the charge globe in the instruments to the altenator

as an asside i notice that leds tend to flicker at low revs (they just respond to frequency far quicker )...but globes usually stay lit properly 

i would pull the alternator connections ...and clean up the terminals as a start

good luck

Some interesting work and conversation was accomplished tonight, as a pair of k100 16v's got together. Full report will follow from Electric Monk to see if work was successful.

I always said the only thing better than a nice shiny K was 2 of them and I am right.

Ringfad wrote:Some interesting work and conversation was accomplished tonight, as a pair of k100 16v's got together. Full report will follow from Electric Monk to see if work was successful.

 Great pic - Didn't know if I was seeing double, BMW had brought out a new version "K100 16V Twin" or you'd gone for the ultimate side car (although steering could be a problem!). Both bikes looking really good and I hope that EM's flicker issues are now sorted.

Well, early indications are that the operation was a success, lights haven't flickered, indicators are operating normally and the bike does feel like it is running smoother, but that could be my imagination.
Massive thanks to simon for the use of his tools and allowing me to plunder his parts stock (all will be replenished soon). I had completely forgotten how enjoyable it is to work on a bike  with a mate who shares the same passion.
As soon as the relocation into waterford is complete I look forward to being able to extend the same courtesy and assistance to others.

And the only thing better than a picture of 2 K's would be a picture of Simons  3K's and he ain' t no white supreacist before anyone asks..... 

so what did you do ?  lost at guessing ....

good to hear a result though ....^5s

Starter motor was removed and cleaned and very worn brushes were replaced.

 The Earth frame points for the battery and starter cables  were also cleaned.

 Lets hope this work has fixed it but we will here more from Electric monk in due course.

charlie99 wrote:so what did you do ?  lost at guessing ....

good to hear a result though ....^5s

We believe Irish Whiskey on the connections is very useful.

I think the two Ks sorted it out between themselves while the owners used Jameson 12 year old lubricant. It may be a bit like the chef who uses a lot of wine when he is cooking..... 'sometimes I even put it in the food'.

Maybe all will be revealed next time the Irish Eccentrics meet up.

thanks ringfad

we ...erm around here.... have invested in a bigger earth cable to the main earth on the bellhousing ..thanks to alby

to me it makes sence durring start operations ...although normal running would be quite ok ...with that smallish copper conductor

good work mate ...the brushes arent hard to do ....and a good solve to many ..erm strange  issues for some

did you do the armature as well ?  a clean file along the comutator might make a world of difference to contact area and good running 

still recomend cleaning up the output terminals of the alternator as well ...they just sit there year after year  corroding away ..

cheers !

Yes Electric Monk also did the armature as I watched on.

Alternator was not touched this time.

Ok, so its now four and a half days and 500 miles later and there have been no reoccurences of the problems. It looks like a successful fix.

good result guys ....thumbs up