K11 Owners Group

[Niemand]

Abbreviated version for the busy or uninterested: New guy says hi. New guy got bike after long wait. New guy is happy. See pic below.

Hello, everyone.

Like several of you, no doubt, I was introduced to riding as a young kid and have been completely hooked ever since. (I only caught on fire once after all, but more on that later perhaps.) I've been obsessed with K-bikes in particular since living in Berlin during the mid-80s as a kid just as the first K100 and K75 models were coming out. (military-brat) I have wanted one for decades now, and finally have my dream bike.

In the late 90s, I came across Ted's write-up online regarding buying used BMWs while looking into an upgrade that never panned out. A few years later, I was pleasantly surprised to find the K11OG site while looking for Ted's info again. Thanks for putting forth the effort and helping all of us out, Ted. All of the info from you in the past and many others here has been very helpful over the years, even for someone on the outside looking in.

I had sold my old reliable Suzuki GS in 2005 to help with bills after becoming a stay at home dad. (2004 to present) I lurked on this site for a while then in early 2006 I became a member of K11OG in anticipation of purchasing a sweet looking RS, which was put off due unexpected events. (Read: 2nd kid on the way) I never imagined it would take this long for my first post, but here I am. After selling that old Suzuki, I spent the next 1077 days in a horrid condition of non-bike-ownership. I'm sure there is a german word of adequate length to describe such a miserable state...there should be, if not.

Fast-forward to a couple of months ago…I was checking out a low mileage clean looking K a few hundred miles away on Craigslist during one of my routine obsession sessions, and was apparently being watched. In a completely unprecedented move, last month my dad looked up the ad I was drooling over, showed it to my mom, and they decided to buy it for me as a Father’s Day gift. I honestly didn't know what to say. I’ve never had anything of the sort happen to me, but their generosity is greatly appreciated. And no, they didn't just snap after a half-decade of me whining and making up words like "Motorradunbesitzerkrankheit", as I had just moved here to Illinois about a year ago to let the kids (now a trio) get to know some family. My wife and kids were the only ones to see me go through the unmentionable years. I’ve been genuinely miserable with no 2-wheeled therapy at hand, but getting the chance to raise three wonderful kids has been a blessing for which I would sacrifice any bike.

So…with a mere 5 years since registering to come up with an introductory post, I offer you this rambling bit of drivel. Now on to the bike info:

1994 K1100RS (Manufactured: 11/93)
Color: Paint Code 670 (Classic Black) [Oops...originally thought to be Graphite Metallic]
Mileage: 27,968 miles
Price: $3000

Extras Included:
- Side bags in perfect condition
- Works Shock
- 2 Aeroflow windscreens (both tall)
- Bar backs
- Throttle lock type cruise control. (Not Throttlemeister but the locking tab sort on the inside of the grip.)
- BMW Cover
- Nice flip up style Shoei helmet that is too old to trust, unfortunately
- Clymer manual (I have the FSM PDF already too)
- Original tool kit
- Misc small parts - Fork seals, Fork oil, ABS shims
- Small gray and blue leather BMW zippered key pouch
- Enormous grin for days

General Condition: I am the third owner. It looks pretty well maintained, if not downright neglected/unridden. I hope to rectify that.

Known Issues:

1. The left fork seal blew on my first ride. I noticed it weeping at the time of purchase, and the inclusion of free seals and fork oil was a subtle indicator as well. I ordered all new parts though, as I wanted to make sure I got genuine parts after warnings here. I got the new bits in recently (bushings and all just to be thorough) and will be replacing them and adding gaiters this weekend hopefully. (Can I make a new fork seal thread now? I don't think there has been one this month yet...hehe.)

2. Rear Works shock was mounted incorrectly and feels absolutely ineffective. I'm guessing it will need to be rebuilt, but won't know for sure until I take a closer look and try it mounted and adjusted properly.

3. The adjustment lever/tab on the improperly mounted shock had spun around towards the rear tire a bit at some point, and melted a nice groove in the sidewall of the rear tire. The tires were not completely shot otherwise, but I went ahead and bought a pair of Michelin Pilot Road 2s to put on the bike just to be safe. I don't have a changer setup at home though, so the new rubber is unmounted at the moment.

4. While the bike was waiting patiently for the fork seals to arrive, I noticed a small drip of what appears to be transmission fluid under the bike. It seems to be dripping off of the exhaust collection box down there. After reading similar posts here I'm hoping that it will just be a leaky boot on the clutch actuator. I had noticed a somewhat odd burning oil smell on my first ride, which I imagine was said transmission fluid frying in/on the exhaust box. (Can’t say that I’d ever smelled it burn prior to this.)

5. Rear brake pedal works, but has little resistance, as if there is a lot of air in the lines. The previous owner stated he changed the brake fluid, so I am hoping it is just a matter of him not having done a good job bleeding the ABS module or something of the sort. I have not yet checked the tolerances on the pads or rotors to see if anything needs to be replaced, but I plan on thoroughly inspecting all things brake related as soon as possible.

6. Minor cosmetic damage to the right side. PO stated the guy before him tipped it over in the garage, and the lack of any serious damage would indicate that is believable. Shallow vertical scratches on the edge of the upper fairing, which have been touched up poorly with a nail polish style brush. There is also a small crack in the fairing just above the right mirror mount from this fall. It looks like the mirror didn't pop off and crushed the bodywork in just enough to make it crumble a little. It's minor and everything is structurally sound in that area despite the damage.

First ride impression: Holy crap, that was fun! I had a blast despite the less than inspiring roads around here and the fact that I discovered problems mentioned above. I’d ridden a K75s before and loved them, but had only sat on stationary k100s/1100s. After reading up on these things for so long and petting them in showrooms, it was like being a pilot who had been training for years on simulators, then was finally able to experience it first-hand. So many little quirks and facts I had only read about became much clearer very quickly. Fun stuff. I’m normally somewhat mellow with the throttle, but nearly got a ticket within 7 miles of starting after not realizing how fast I had gotten up to. (All of my previous bikes had absolutely no fairing or wind screens and were 750cc or less.) I’ll have to be sure to pay more attention to the speedo when I get the issues sorted.

OK…I’m done finally. Sorry to run on so long. I suppose I am making up for lost time somehow. Thanks again for all the help thus far and the help to come.

**Pics Removed**
_________________
Niemand

1994 K1100RS
2023 DR650SE

[jpberens1994K1100RS]

WOW!
Quite a firest post.
My 93 RS is the same color!

Nice ride & a good buy I think.

Sorting out the small issues wll take some work, but it's worth it.

You also have a black final drive. Mine too!

It's coveted by some memebers on this forum. He may be along to say so as well. But of course, if you have been lurking for THAT LONG, you probably know that.
_________________
1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge

[miKeinWIs]

Dang, nice bike, great price. You done good. Welcome to the group.
I may be of some help w/ the WP rear shock as I have one.
1. the reservoir should be mounted on the rear frame rail...

That's why the lever met up with da tire!!!

2. Ride height adjustment is important. You have to have a helper take the sag measurement while you're sitting on the bike. My measurer (?) read the ruler wrong. For quite a while I wondered why I had spent extra money buying this piece of junk. After being beaten to death for a long time I finally started over and found waaayy too much preload. (One of those duh, moments. Back out the adjuster and dialed in proper sag...
WOW, fell in love. Un-freekin-real. Guess this is how it's supposed to work!!! 15W fork oil also helped. Not sayin' you use that weight but a fluid change up front will help also.
By the looks of your shock it is the short kind. Dial in 3/4 to 1" sag and try the lever in the second slot. You will be pretty happy. Then fiddle from there. I have all the instructions from WP if needed. But once mounted the ride height adjustment is really all you need.
Sorry, got carried away but finally a topic I have some knowledge of!
And yes, the rear brake may need bleeding. just went thru a fluid change and it took a little doing.
Seattle--you're in the guru's neighborhood.
Good luck
Mike
_________________
'97 K1100LT
Bought 6/30/09 w/26,750 miles

[Scott_Anderson]

Nice looking ride there.
So are you in IL or in Wa?
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Ride safe.



1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

[Ted]

[supercat1]

beautiful bike! mine is the same year and color, even down the final drive. i do wish mine didn't show as much age on the paint, but can't have everything.
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(formerly) 1993 k1100rs

[Niemand]

Thanks for the welcome, guys.

[Niemand]

[SugarHillCTD]

Yo' Dave.....


BFD,

You cannot escape the curse of the Kavorka

But then again what you are currently riding doesn't FAIL. Nothing like having a UJM, huh?

John

[Stoked Steve]

Great first post, short version, longer version, pics, year and make in sig. A+ on form!

Welcome to the world of ownership and your exit from lurkerdom. As I'm sure you know, there is no better place for K11 wisdom! Nice looking ride, wishing you many happy miles once you get the isues sorted!
_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

[Mystic Red]

We have our K11 dissenters here, as you know. Pay no attention to them. They own the rare problem bikes and are (or were) vocal about it. It's insidious and pervasive.
Nice bike you got there and a great price! Welcome!
_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

[BorderHooner]

Hi new/old guy - that's a great looking KRS
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Currently riding, 93 BMW K1100RS, K6 GSX1300R Hayabusa, 09 Royal Enfield Classic Bullet 500, 77 Kwacky Z650 C1. Motorbikes for everybody!

[rydor]

[Niemand]

Well folks...sorry for the lame non-update, but I have had several non-motorrad things come up, and have yet to make any of the repairs.

I've been spending too much time wrenching on my wife's Suzuki Sidekick commute-mobile to get anything accomplished. That little bugger blew its lovely plastic radiator, and it took some time to get my hands on an all metal replacement that actually fit.

On a positive note, by getting them to match the lowest of their various catalog/online prices and using 20% coupons, I managed to score the Harbor Freight Tire changer combo for about $75 out the door. Once I pick up some Mojolever/blocks upgrades for that, I'll be set for getting those PR2s on.

Aside from confirming that it persists, I haven't looked any closer at the leak yet. I'll admit that I'm a'scared of that one. If it turns out to be significantly more involved than replacing the dry-rotted boot, then it may delay my riding for a while to save up for parts. I've been putting off looking closer until I have more time to do it thoroughly, so it has been gnawing at me pretty much constantly.

It is torture having this thing in the garage and not being able to take it out for a spin. I feel like Paulina Porizkova is hanging out in the garage, and I'm too busy to give her the warm welcome she deserves.