K11 Owners Group

Tukota · Joined: 01 Jan 2015 Posts: 6 Location: Canada

I'm new to K bikes and looking at buying a 96' K1100RS

Is there anything specific that I should check during the inspection on this model? The seller has also sent a video of the bike here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGSf3-fRRmo and I'm also curious of what the engine typically sounds like and what you guys think.

There is a small crack in the fairing, the heated grips don't work, and the seat is in rough condition but mechanically is there anything I should be expecting to replace or have checked?

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks.

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2015 7:35 pm Post subject:

Happy New Year and Welcome.

Here's a link that is a very good read with the very information you are looking for.

http://www.verrill.com/moto/kbikebuyingguide.shtml

Written by this forum's owner Ted.
_________________
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)

Don Sproule · Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2015 5:27 am Post subject:

Where in Canada are you and where in California is the bike? It may not be worth the trip/freight.

Don

Tukota · Joined: 01 Jan 2015 Posts: 6 Location: Canada

Thanks Scott (and Ted), that does answer a lot of my questions and is a great resource!

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2015 7:52 pm Post subject:

Would there be any customs/duty issues trying to ride an un-plated/registered bike across the border?

Never tried, throwing the question out there.
_________________
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)

hosehoundfr86 · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2015 9:29 am Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2015 10:11 am Post subject:

Just as a side story, I am in the USA and ride a Canadian spec K100RS. Just the opposite of the RS you are looking at.
_________________
John & Cathy

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

Tukota · Joined: 01 Jan 2015 Posts: 6 Location: Canada

Don Sproule · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 2:19 am Post subject:

I am quite certain the rear leak is the o ring on the output shaft.
A major pain in the ass to replace as you have to tear the whole back half off of the bike. While your at it, might as well replace rear main engine seal, check front transmission seal, clutch arm boot, u joints/drive shaft etc. If you are able to do it yourself, it's a big job. If you take it to a shop, likely a couple of grand before they're done.
Hopefully, no oil hit the clutch plate. That's a couple hundred by itself.
Common problem on these bikes.
Front leak could be water/oil pump seal and maybe shaft.
Can be pretty pricey too. Another common problem.
Low mileage isn't always a good thing on these bikes.
Do some searching through the threads on this forum to get an idea what you're likely up against.

Don

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 8:05 am Post subject:

+1 to what Don said about the leaks.

If you are truly intending on doing your own maintenance work, I wouldn't let those two "very common" leaks sway you from walking away from an otherwise good bike.

Realistically the leaks are strictly due to the effects of age on rubber. Even today the "newest" K bike is 18 years old. You will be hard pressed to find ANY bike as old or older that doesn't need some age related maintenance.
Plan ahead and budget to replace all of the remaining rubber bits-- o-rings, fuel hoses, t-b boots, coolant hoses, fuel pump damper, etc........

I've had to do the clutch nut o-ring on both of my bikes, and they are around the same age as the one you are looking at. The rear leak(strictly quantity) can be exasperated by having the oil level above the center line of the sight glass.

Don't be afraid of it. Once you get all the rubber up to date, it will be one good ride.
_________________
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)

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 9:18 am Post subject:

rbm · Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 8:36 pm Post subject:

Check whether the provincial government allows (or not) the importation of motorcycles which have been branded salvage in their life. Can't claim for Alberta but Ontario provincial government will not allow a motorcycle previously branded salvage in the US to obtain a road worthy certificate in Ontario. That means, that particular VIN can never ever be registered for use on the public roads (but ok as a track bike). The US has different laws and a salvage vehicle down there can be repaired, safetied and returned to no brand.

Also make sure title is intact. There's crazy stuff that goes on with titling in the USA.
_________________
- Robert
1987 K75 @k75retro.blogspot.ca
2011 Moto Guzzi V7 Racer

Tukota · Joined: 01 Jan 2015 Posts: 6 Location: Canada

Thank you everyone for your input! My offer has been accepted and we are just in the midst of finalizing payment, I'm sure I'll be reading and maybe posting a lot more on here soon as I get started with the maintenance!

Also an update; I've spent a lot of time today speaking to both customs agencies on paying the sales tax without being present and without using a broker (or friend who is your representative) and it is not possible. They did answer the question from earlier about if a broker is required and they definitely are not. The Canadian side requires only the Bill of Sale and payment for the GST or HST if your home provinces charges that. The US side seems to need the original copy of the title plus two photocopies preferably with the front and back. There is no duty provided the first number of the Vin is 1,2,3,4 or 5 meaning it was manufactured in North America.

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 10:03 pm Post subject:

Tukota · Joined: 01 Jan 2015 Posts: 6 Location: Canada

kltk1 · Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2015 9:17 pm Post subject:

A little late to this party, but, I found this video on Youtube of Chris Harris doing an evaluation on a 1996 K1100LT. While it's not an RS the general things he's looking at, and mentioning, would probably carry over to the RS. Hope this helps.

http://youtu.be/9qlukIM-PGM
_________________
Thomas Adamo

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2015 7:28 am Post subject:

Yeah, Chris Harris. Met him a few times. Really knows older K bikes plus air and oil heads.

Funny guy and his "colorful" language could embarrass a drill sargeant.
_________________
John & Cathy

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

Tukota · Joined: 01 Jan 2015 Posts: 6 Location: Canada