K11 Owners Group

plumberdude · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 8 Location: Penticton, B.C.

I was looking at a 95 K1100LT with 107,000kms and when the owner went to start the bike, smoke started coming from under the seat which came from the ground wire to the motronic. Does this happen very often, something to be concerned about? Definitely something you wouldn't want to happen while driving. The owner has had the bike for two years and this has never happened before, he was also just charging the battery. Other than this issue would you recommend this bike? He is asking $3500.00CDN. I recently sold my 06 R1200GS Adv but I miss having a bike and the K1100LT looks like it would be a great bike.

Ernie-NH · Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 1:40 pm Post subject:

Hi "plumber".....

Check the main ground wire to the frame. It attaches over by the starter. IF the main ground is faulty or corroded, the entire starter load current will have only one route to/from Battery Negative and that is through the 'battery hold down" screw, through the motronic frame, and to the (-) terminal... This is an overload current for the light AWG 14 ground wire and the result is burning insulation ! BMW has always used a "crazy" grounding system which many points of contact, so any "K" bike owner is well advised to check out ground continuity on a regular basis. Get a copy of the 'frame schematic' on the Ducks thread ( see stickies ) and check it through.

Good luck and welcome.....// Ernie in NH
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plumberdude · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 8 Location: Penticton, B.C.

Thanks for the tip