K11 Owners Group

Daddy T · Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 9:50 pm Post subject: Low mileage K bikes

Hi everyone. I'm seriously looking at K100's and I'm finding a few out there that I am really interested in. Several of them have nice low mileage (28,000-50,000), which on initial thought sounds great, but I realize also that means the bike hasn't been ridden like it should have. I have a 2004 R1150GS and a 2003 Harley Ultra classic....the GS has 63,000 and the Harley has 27,500 and I bought both new. My concern and reason for seeking advice from you folks, who are far more savvy on K bikes than I, is should I be overly concerned about a 1987- 1991 K bike that has 28-35 k on the clock? Perhaps this is average mileage? I have followed Ted's advice on searching for a bike and the bikes look nice and the owners seem to be knowledgeable about the bikes history. Also, the prices are well with in reason. Thanks for your advice and I appreciate being a part of this group.

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 9:56 pm Post subject:

There's a lot of fear mongering that goes on with those bikes and people will drone on with endless lists of things that COULD be bad. If the bike seems to be running well then go for it.

Check the dates on the tires or just plan on buying new ones. Bridgestone Spitfires are a great bang for your buck on those Ks.
_________________
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

Daddy T · Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 10:12 pm Post subject:

You are very right. I wonder about the usual "what if's" and maybe a little too much. I guess if the price is within reason I should go ahead and take the plunge.

Phil Marvin · Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 11:11 pm Post subject:

I bought my second K1100LT (the one which died after striking a deer at 65mph), a 1995, in 2005. It had less than 5k miles on it. It needed tires and a complete fluid change and maintenance. Within a couple of days (and 700+ miles), the left bar end weight fell off (on the interstate) and the front brake master cylinder began leaking or, more probably, I first noticed the leakage. Aside from those, I had no problems with the bike.
_________________
Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin in El Paso, TX
'94 K75A/3
'95 K75RTP

Daddy T · Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 11:51 pm Post subject:

I'm feeling better about the mileage now. I am no mechanic although I can do things like fluid changes so if I take it to a dealer for regular maintenance aren't these machines pretty straight forward and relatively easy to work on?

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 1:22 am Post subject:

If you're going to take it to a dealer then don't buy it. Spend a Saturday or Sunday doing a spline lube and get to understand how it fits together. None of it is rocket surgery but taking it to a dealer negates the relatively low price you pay. If you can find an indy wrench who knows Ks who will do it for <$300ish then OK but, at least to me, dropping $800-1,200 on a bike like that doesn't make economic sense.
_________________
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

Daddy T · Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:04 am Post subject:

Good point. I do know someone who is well versed in K's. I'll have him check it over and see what he thinks....maybe nothing in the way of $$$. Thanks for the good tip.

abreeze · Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 11:12 am Post subject:

Nice part of the country your in Daddy...

I just had a 87 K75 w/35k miles and no records in my shop..all the little problems with it totaled over $500 in parts, and about 15 hrs of labor.

So my advise in buying an older K is, if there are no records, expect to do a full service on it. And this could be expensive...

The purchase price should reflect this..your in essence paying for the bikes Maintenance records as well as the bike...

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 11:47 am Post subject:

abreeze · Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 6:21 pm Post subject:

mnb · Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2011 8:47 pm Post subject:

My bikes are well taken care of, but I'm not anal retentive about keeping receipts for the work done.

Mainly because receipts don't mean much. Ok, it was serviced, big deal. It doesn't mean it's not going to break down on the ride home.

A thorough inspection of the bike before purchase will reveal more than a stack of receipts will.

Clutch was replaced 20k ago? That doesn't mean it isn't about to go. Was the former owner a motorcop?

I don't ask to see receipts nor do I provide them.
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M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

Geoff · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 1:46 pm Post subject:

None of the BMWs I bought came with receipts. Conversely, when I sell a bike I always offer the buyer receipts.

If I buy used I will give the bike a close inspection and test ride. I'll also bring a friend along for a second pair of eyes. Once I get a bike home I'll change all of the fluids and then have a dealer check the valve adjustment.
_________________
2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic

Daddy T · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 7:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks. I appreciate the thoughts and information. I will be sure to post when and what I purchase. Really enjoy this site.

garfey · Joined: 13 Feb 2011 Posts: 18 Location: Deep East Texas