K11 Owners Group

poetryandmotorbikes · Mad Brick Rider Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 80

Hi there guys,

I've sent my message around to a few message boards and mailing lists trying to find some help but have yet to turn up any replies. My strategy right now is to raise as much information as I can, so if you've seen me on other boards posting the same message, its because I'm trying to figure this out rather quickly.

I've stumbled into a bit of a problem.

I just recently purchased a 1992 K75S. Beautiful bike, I love its shape, its look and the engine. However, when I bought it there were a few problems. The first: the instrument cluster was broken. The second: the left turn signal is stuck on, solid, and will not turn off even when the key is taken out (I have to disconnect the battery).

The past owner says that the instrument cluster broke when he had the bike shipped (and I believe him) while he says that the turn signals, unrelated to the cluster, just one day stuck. Everything in the cluster works apart from the speedo, which I believe would work if I reattached the dial.

I took my bike recently to a local shop; not a bmw dealer but a shop I've worked with and trusted in the past. The shop opened up the cluster and found about 2 cups of water just sitting in the cluster housing - the cluster face, having been broken for a while, had accumualed rain inside. Fresh rust was appearant on the bottom side of the cluster.

My problem is this: my mechanic doesnt seem to know where to go from here. He isnt sure whether the cluster is causing the issue or whether its loose wiring. Hes gone on vacation (#$@#) for a week or so and will pick up again when he turns. Going and buying a new cluster will cost me upwards of 350 and, since I'm a student, I'd prefer not go there unless I have to.

Do you have any suggestions? Any idea whether the instrument cluster actually would cause something like this? Does the fact that the signals stay on even when the key is out of the bike tell you anything?

Looking forward to hearing you from you and starting my long relationship with my new (old) BMW,

Liam Sarsfield

Saltcreek · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 3:40 pm Post subject:

Welcome Poetry.... you've arrived at the right place. The turn signal is most likely a stuck relay. If you use the search function you will find a thread about this. Never mind here it is: http://k11og.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7378

Also lots of info about used parts around. And even though it's a K11 forum lots of members have 75's and 100's.

More knowledgeable members will be along soon to tell you how to rehab that cluster. And wanting to know more about you and your bike and see some pics.

And speaking of poetry I've been thinking we need a motorcycle haiku thread.
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium

Gomedic · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 4:47 pm Post subject:

You've really been thinking about that, Jim?????
_________________
1997 K1100LT Mine...ALL MINE!

Phil Marvin · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 5:47 pm Post subject:

Hi, Liam,
Your post gives no indication of your location. If you're in the USA and think a new cluster will run $350, you are sadly mistaken. A new cluster is in the neighborhood of $800. Good used ones may be obtainable for the $350 figure. The last nice one I saw on e-bay started at $299, and I have no idea what the final bid was. Drake may be able to help. He may have a good used cluster for sale. They do come up on e-bay, so keep an eye out for them.

If I read the parts fiches correctly, you can use an instrument cluster from a late '85-on K100RS/RT or K75/S/RT. The earlier clusters have a choke symbol on them and the later ones don't. I'd prefer the later ones if it were mine. Get familiar with the microfiches (Max, A&S, REALOEM, etc.), figure out what will work on your bike, find it on e-bay or from a used parts dealer, buy and mount it, and ride.
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Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin in El Paso, TX
'94 K75A/3
'95 K75RTP

Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 5:59 pm Post subject:

poetryandmotorbikes · Mad Brick Rider Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 80

Hi there guys,

Good to hear from you so soon.

I was indeed thinking of a used cluster - which I've tracked down in a few places - averaging around $350.

I'm up here in Canada. Im a graduate student in english literature (going for my doctorate) with a penchant for motorbikes.

I'm intrigued by that post. I'll bring the relays up with my mechanic - it is the left turn signal that stays on. Think this makes a difference?

Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:30 pm Post subject:

Try giving the relay a light whack with a wrench
_________________
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86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
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91 & 92 K75Ss
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Buy parts HERE

poetryandmotorbikes · Mad Brick Rider Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 80

I'll shake my head and sigh (followed by a giant grin and a lot of drink pouring) if thats all it takes. I bought the bike two weeks ago and I've had it for one day so far (took it straight to my local mech); I'm a daily rider, would rather freeze to my bars than not ride a motorcycle and these past two weeks have been bad.

owrstrich · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:29 pm Post subject:

i see that you made it poetryandmotorbikes...

these k11oldgeezers know the motobrick better than anyone... unlike me...

j o
_________________
yeeeeeehaaaaaaa...

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 10:48 pm Post subject:

Sonu · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 3:52 pm Post subject:

poetryandmotorbikes · Mad Brick Rider Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 80

Thanks Sonu, I've found a few on Ebay too. The problem is that my bike does have ABS. I've found a guy on Ebay who will take my cluster and recondition it for me, though I'm not sure if this is exactly what I need.

I'm hoping its going to be a relay problem as my cluster seems to be in working order. It's likely that if by the end of next the problem isnt fixed that I'll try and find one.

Saltcreek · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 4:31 pm Post subject:

Instrument cluster?
Causing the bad turn signal?
Maybe I'm confused.
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium

poetryandmotorbikes · Mad Brick Rider Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 80

Thats what I'm trying to figure out; whether the instrument cluster would be causing it or not. I'm starting to think that I took it to wrong mechanic.

I realized a bit of information that I left out: the break light doesnt work either, it stays lit.

Saltcreek · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 5:05 pm Post subject:

These problems seem unrelated to each other. The turn signal is almost surely a relay. The brake light is almost certainly the front or rear brake switch.
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium

poetryandmotorbikes · Mad Brick Rider Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 80

Thanks Jim,

If it is indeed those things, you'll hear about it.

I'm looking forward to posting some pics of the bike when I get it working - shes beautiful.

Jim · Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 6:02 pm Post subject:

Liam - the brake light switch sticking on is a common problem - usually caused by the front master cylinder sticking because of crud in the cylinder that doesn't allow the piston to return all the way and switch the light off.

You should be able to do a search and find a few threads with a bunch of info on the front master cylinder.

Good luck with it!

As others have pointed out, the turn signal issue is not related to the instrument cluster - one of the other guys here just had the same problem.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

poetryandmotorbikes · Mad Brick Rider Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 80

hirschhs · Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 3:17 am Post subject:

different cylinder
brakes don't pop they squeal or screech
exhaust pop: timing?
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2001 ST1100A

1994 Yamaha 600 Diversion 'Hers'
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Scott_Anderson · Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 9:19 am Post subject:

TPS adjustment, exhaust leak, would be my first two places to look for a pop on decel.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
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"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
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