K11 Owners Group

Ernie-NH

Hello all...

Read the opening "letter to the editor" in the Feb. MCN ( motorcycle consumer news ) that arrived today, that an owner of a 2000 BMW R1150GS experienced a sudden oil loss when the sight glass fell out. Later models have the sight glass retained with a cir-clip, but our "K" 75s, 100s, and 1100s have no cir-clip retainer for the glass. Has anyone here ever experienced this problem or had to improvise a "retainer" for the sight glass as a preventative measure ??

Best regards.............// Ernie-NH
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AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

Mystic Red · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 8:52 pm Post subject:

I don't think you have to worry about that. Pretty rare. Usually start leaking first and even that doesn't happen often.
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Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

supercat1 · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 9:07 pm Post subject:

yeah, saw something like that in a bmwmoa on a couple issues ago. worried me for the short time i read the article.
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(formerly) 1993 k1100rs

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 9:29 pm Post subject:

The independent BMW wrench that I bought my K-RS through had mentioned that it could happen but I had actually forgotten about it until now.

With my bike burning oil, I do check the level before each ride and would see any leaking at the glass- it always looks dry at the glass seal. Of course it could blow out without any warning....
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John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Trucker · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 9:40 pm Post subject:

See below on milage. Never had that problem. Smile

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1993 K1100LTIC.

2011 Triumph Sprint GT

Ernie-NH · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 9:44 pm Post subject:

Hello all...

Well.. it seemed like BMW would have installed a cir-clip IF it was felt to be absolutely necessary, but there is only sump pressure to contended with and a mechanically locking seal could certainly be designed to withstand any slight overpressure.... but then, thinking as an elastomeric specialist as I was in my pre-retirement life, I know that the elastomer can be easily compromised and its mechanical function lost via permeation and softening. The use of some oils or the development of amines in the sump could accomplish this IF the elastomer were not formulated precisely... Despite that, I guess since none of you as long time "K" riders seems too upset by this, I guess I wont be either.!!

Very best regards all.............// Ernie-NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

Flying Duck · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 10:17 pm Post subject:

I've never heard of it on a Klassic K.

Also, take a look at the sight glass when your engine is engine is running. The oil is up circulating, not filling the sump.

Personally, I'd be more worried about my rear tire getting slicked than the engine if it ever did happen.
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93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Off the grid · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:50 pm Post subject:

I had to replace a leaky sight glass on my K. 10 min job.

The problems with sight glasses are mostly on air-cooled GS models that were left at idle for too long. They will seep oil way, way before they "blow out" on a brick.
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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
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Phil Marvin · Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 12:25 am Post subject:

Hi, Ernie,
While I've heard of the sight glass blowing out of an OILHEAD, I've NEVER heard of it happening with a K-bike. The oilheads have bigger pistons, therefore bigger pressure pulses. Look at your sight glass. If there is oil weeping around it, change it. Otherwise, don't worry about it.
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Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin in El Paso, TX
'94 K75A/3
'95 K75RTP

Tim (Midland Section) · Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 9:11 am Post subject:

Totalled 60K miles on 4 K's, changed 1 sight glass coz it was discoloured. Never had a weep (except when opening my wallet).
+1 on the Oilhead crankcase air pulses & overheating softening the seal.
IMNSHO more chance of winning the lottery than losing a sight glass on a K.
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Regards Tim,

Grey haired riders don't get that way by pure luck
1996 Guzzi Cali3 LAPD
1972 750 Commando
G6HRN
#485

Mystic Red · Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 12:18 pm Post subject:

carp · Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 12:56 pm Post subject:

My 1986 K75 with 70,000 miles developed a weep last year. My mechanic told me if it starts to weep replace immediately. It was discolored as well, nice to be able to clearly see the oil. Was not difficult to replace.
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93 K1100LT
07 Bandit 1250S

Ernie-NH · Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 2:29 pm Post subject:

Well... thats god news guys ! I dont have any weeping or major discoloration of the sight glass, but when I read that in MCN, I thought I'd ask you since all of you have infinitely more experience with the "K" bikes than I do. I SHOULD have stopped to think however, that the GS "R" bike is aircooled and subject to much greater temperature swings combined with the more extreme sump pressure pulsing. As usual K11OG has come thru again...thanks.

best regards...........// Ernie-NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

supercat1 · Posted: Sat Jan 16, 2010 9:41 pm Post subject: