BMW Service - K bike cranks but won't start? 

A love a teacher/mechanic who is so chill when teaching something.. makes learning easier

I don't have a K bike, I will never have a K bike, but this was worth watching.

You sir, are becoming the Christopher Walken of motorcycle maintenance. Love the videos man!

Chris... You saved me a truckload of painkillers. I was banging my head against the wall. Great tip!!!

I watch you Chris not only for the knowledge but for the blunt object jokes that make sense in every aspect.

You are a magician. I knew my bike just needed a little bit of love after the winter. But specifically this was golden, never would’ve thought of this.

You're a hero Chris, The old lady scared me after her long nap...

My K1100LT has been laid up in the garage for a few years. This is a great piece of technical advice if it doesn't start this summer. Another great video Chris. Hope you are well doing good. Respect from U.K

Good video and explains my 1st K bike experience. I bought a 93 K1100RS that had stood in a garage for 8 years. With a new battery it would crank but not fire. Took it home in a van and when unloaded it fired right up no problem. I guess the oil had moved about enough to coat the cylinders. After a good service and new tyres etc I rode this for a few years. Sold it with 73k on it and the current owner is now up to 120k. It's had a clutch and the ABS has long since died but it still rides well.

I had this same problem a couple of years ago. I changed the plugs entirely and that seemed to solve it. I never thought of putting a shot of oil in there. Good to know!

Catching up on the latest. Great to see you back on the screen keeping my '91 K75RT the finest-running ratbike in the midwest.

Thanks Chris, Real happy to see you back in front of the camera!!!

Thanks mate, it worked like magic for my k100, I smell like a hobo from the fumes, but the bike runs well. I send you all my love for this amazing advice!

Thank you! This video saved me a lot of frustration. After changing the oil, cleaning the sprag through the crankcase cover, I got to this step. First time dealing with compression and your video was spot on. Thanks again!

Wow, this just worked for me!!! What a legend.

I just bought a 97 K1100 that won't start. I plan on performing this procedure on it very soon. Thank you Mr. Harris!

“Are you ready for this shit?” My favorite K-Bike servicing videos. Subscribed. Have a few questions if you could help.

I waited for 3 days to start mine because as I had been working on replacing torn breather hose, Y pipe, and some cracked fuel lines, having the air box off, I decided to spray some carb cleaner into the throttle bodies. Prob'ly don't want to do that unless you take them off, though I thought it to be an OK idea thinking it might also help clean some valve deposits also. But this flooded the engine, so I would try a start, then try it again another day. I did put some two stroke oil in each cyl, thinking I had washed the cyl's out. It still barely started on the 3rd day. I should have blown out each cyl with air or something. Anyway, no more air leaks apparently. It runs better than ever before. All the ping is gone, even with lower grade octane. The Y pipe is important. If it's torn, it's worth the price in gas savings, I'm sure. I haven't checked my mileage yet, but somewhere I had lost at least 10 MPG. Blame that on dirty injectors sure. That's fair, but a torn Y pipe will rob you too, in a big way. I did replace the fuel injector O-rings with the brown ones and ran cleaner through each one, off the bike too. Those hoses are worth replacing when they leak, for sure. Really runs good now. Having been through the spline lube drill, and the steering head bearing replacement, I've found that I can do a lot of other things also. Thanks Chris. I'm not a rich man, but I do believe I owe you. I have trouble keeping the speed down now.

lol informative and highly entertaining as usual. keep them coming Chris

Very informative. You suggested to pour engine oil inside the spark plug hole. I am glad your bike started that way.

I really like that tip. It has a sort of retro, old school feel about it. One that a seasoned journeyman would know. Quite an atmospheric video.😉

In an ideal world you would be still working on air heads and live in Wales (UK) finding a mechanic for my bike is really hard, but I love watching your videos, Iv'e learnt loads xx

Thanks Chris! When I win the lottery I'll ride out from Idaho and say hi!!

Glad to see you still at it. Looks like you have plenty of work, too. Of All things, never would've thought of a compression problem with that nice a bike. All the best!

Thanks for the video, i've seen all of them, you help me to maintain my 75C, in Uruguay!, ja!. Never stops. You rock. Thanks.

Wow! I always appreciate when someone knows their shit! Respect!

dear lord you saved my head from exploding! thank you so much

spot on Chris what a gem..

It was so simple, thanks.

Mine was fine but after 6 month of not starting in staying in a garage, now even with new battery cannot be started.

Amazing. Great vid!

My K1200RS runs fine. I just can't find an autobahn to ride it on.

bit of oil in the cilinder that works also with a original fiat 500 engine.

Usually it's something simple but if you don't know the fix it can be a nightmare.... Nice Video, especially the fog machine.

fantastic just absolutely fantastic thanks chris all the best.

Had good hopes this would be it on my '87 K100RS but sadly the bike still doesn't run.. It was a running bike when I put it in the garage now two years later she won't start. The plugs spark, fuel pump still works

I have a K.... and never have that problem... I ride 90% of the year... my bike sits no more then 2 weeks and thats during my winter maintenance time..

sending love and thoughts from my 31yr old k75s and myself getting ready for isle of man classic this year. thank you for making these ""f%£$ing videos"" Chris....Paul UK

I suspect he's a little crazy, a little genius

Thanks for the great tip Chris. I have an '85 K100RT still on the road due in part to all your videos and a Clymer manual. Bought an "04 R1150RT last fall. Clutch reservoir was way overfull. Used your Video and two manuals to check clutch and spline lube. Clutch still at 80% thickness. Some previous yahoo overfilled the reservoir. All buttoned up, back on the road. Only one 10 MM bolt leftover, hmmm. Now what to do with the new clutch plate I bought from Beemerboneyard.

You ask?? "What do you do"... We Call Chris and he makes it all better.... See Chris we are smart... First guy I can trust with my baby...

Right now I'm having a problem with my R1150RS, I squirt fuel in and it starts, then dies. It spent the last 10 yrs. sitting. it has spark, fuel cell has been cleaned and new pump, and filter. Flushed the pressure regulator, flushed the injectors and tested their solenoids; it's as if there is no "flow fuel" signal. Not seeking help. When I get the R running then I'll get the K1200 going. I appreciate your info and direct manner. Thank you Sir!

Hi ChrisAgain, many thanks. Love the video.Keep it up.Lloyd

Excellent job 👏 👍

That was EPIC!

awesome video! thanks so much. I'm having a bit of a problem with my k75 and was wondering if you had any thoughts. (I'm not a mechanic, just learning on my first project bike). Something is happening with the rear end of the bike. The back wheel feels "loose" and like it's slipping when I make turns. The wheel is connected correctly to the bike, and I am experiencing a "wobble" on the back end when making slight turns in the road. Any thoughts? Thanks again for the great videos

So why would compression be down? Does this mean bad things are on the horizon for this bike?

Did it smoke for the length of a cigarette or a pack? Brilliant.

What if you just put it on the side stand, mine always smoked when I parked for long on the side stand😊

4:20 length of video hahaah chris u are super cool

You are my guru.

at many startups, particularly after sitting on the side stand, mine smokes like it's electing the pope anyway.

My 1993 BMW K1100 has no compression, it started normally, until one morning it didn't start anymore, could what you did work?... greetings and thanks!

we love youu from Russia with love!

You german is pefect! 1-2-3 🖒

Is that what it's meant to do because the cylinders are horizontal? Usually if it's the case with typical engine we say "piston ring is worn".

So . . . what's called for here ? Engine refresh or a good old fashioned Italian Tune Up ?

"Fuck it" is most often used term in our shop also

I have kind of what is the same problem with my '92 K100RS. It died while riding. I found that one of the coils is not firing. I have no idea where to go from there. So, the bike sits..

Your video is amazing!

('88K75c & '92 K75RTA) would it work & produce less smoke to crank b4 putting the plugs back in?? THANKS

Chris, If park my 85 k100RT on its side stand can I accomplish the same thing?

Chris I'm hoping you can give me some advice. i have a stripped valve cover bolt on 2002 r1150rt. your thoughts on heli coils and maybe some tips would help! this is my first beemer and I have changed air filter, oil and filter,new tires, spark plugs adjusted valves,replaced bulbs. I really like your videos! thanks, you the man! oh yeah i got rid of the charcoal filter too!

thanks

Very late comment, but could you tell me the name of the tool you were using first with the allen and then with the spark plug socket? Looks very handy.

Hi Chris, an incredible video I have the same problem as that bike. Do you add 10cc of engine oil or a different one? Thank you very much for your video.

Hi, Chris!!

Is this a normal problem with these machines..

Same cranks but no start but only sat for 24 hrs

have you got a link to the K1200 LT ..no start (nothing) when you push the starter button ..? -u r soooo smart - good vid's ;)

Hi Chris, Are you still around? I'm a 71 year young Army veteran and I have a 2013 F800r that's been sitting for over two years and won't start. the same with a 2004 R1150rt. Unfortunately, I can not ride any more due to inguinal hernias so I have to sell both bikes. What should I do for them to start? I'm moving from South to North Florida in four days and would like to sell them before I move. I need a miracle, I know. Please help! Thank you.

Good info. I have an 02 rt. What do you use to remove the plug wires?

What to do if this doesn't work? I've got a 96 k1100 that really doesn't wanna turn over

You’re very good 👍✅

Hey Chris, I own a 1993 K1100LT (cafe racer) and I have the same issue. The only thing is I didn't ride my bike for only the last 3 weeks, until then it worked just fine. I checked the fuel, battery, oil and spark plugs everything is working fine. I tried this method but the only thing happening is oil coming out of the exhaust. The engine roars sometimes that it makes me believe it's going to start but it wont. It would be a realy big help if you could guide me.

Hi, I have this problem on a Triumph. Would this technique work on triumph too?

Does this also work with a k100rt 4 valve??? Need answer ASAP please!!

I'll ride more anyway! Guys gotta have a dream😎

Are ypu fuckin serious! Thank you. Been trying to start my k100 for 2 weeks now! I'll try this thisevening. Many thanks.

you master man !!!!!!

I bought a K100, how to ride it?

About a K1300GT? Cranks over fine but doesn't start. Been sitting awhile on a battery tender. Could it be the same issue for the K1300GT? Thanks!

Hey chris, will this trick work on a Vulcan 900? Thanks!

So he put some oil in each cylinder head to get the bike to start again! I’m just wondering if I can do the same process on my k1200LT and get the same result! I believe my fuel pump just shit the bed also, anyone care to comment please?

Would this work for bmw R1100 rs, I've been banging my head for two days

I was ridding in the Hwy and all of the sudden, My K100RS 1991- lower gear box started to make odd sound... I was thinking I hit something on the road but pulled off the Hwy and nothing was out of order... So I put my K100RS in the trailer and took it home... has ANYONE experienced anything like this...What can it be... I really need some advice!!! Thanks ya'll

Awesome!

Will this method work on any bike with low compression

Hi I have a 1988 k100 in was running great , then 3 days later it stopped ,I put in new spark plugs battery is fully charged , still nothing , what should I do?

Chris k100rs replaced fuel pump and the two rubber petrol pipes. Fuel belting out of the filter with ignition switched on. Reconnected to metal pipe in tank. Bike cranks but won't start. Cleaned spark plugs all sparking. Tried oil in cylinders no joy except oiling up plugs.Cleaned plugs skirted petrol in cylinders with limited firing /backfiring still not running.Please any other thoughts.

Chris, I have a question for you. My K75s just started blowing the fuel pump fuse............ The idle as started idling a tab slower. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Sorry Chris ! i have a question to ask. i have a K100 bike and it has one problem with starting. It starts to crank but every time i start it after a while , it would fry my 7.5 fuel pump fuse. was just wondering what could cause that problem. Thanks !

Okay, here goes.....I have an 86' K75 I just learned (what do I know, not a lot that's for sure) that it was best to change the oil when you put your bike to bed for the winter. So, I've never done that...but thought I'd try. Today it is going to be a balmy 65 degrees in MA... SO Today was to be The Day I'd give it a go by myself! Out to the garage I head this morning and damn...She won't turn over.....battery is charged but she doesn't want to kick in. Should I try adding oil to the cylinders OR a gas treatment.....OR.... should I call MAXBMW and have them come rescue my bike before I get myself and my Lil K into trouble?? Please don't patronize....I am an Older Woman just tryin to learn. Thanks

Hi Chris, Do you have any idea what a nasty rattle at the very front of k75 engine might be? the front left . It doesnt smoke. uses very little oil , accelerates very well and only done 105,000 miles

Hey. I just bought one of those that’s been sat since 2008 in a shed. I got a new battery today, but any advice please would be grateful!

Hey Chris what does it mean when you have to constantly do this to get the bike to start? I replaced the oil/water pump with a used one. Any ideas?

GENIOUS!!!

Hi thanks for the video so long story short my Honda grom engine was just rebuilt I hooked up everything to the frame I go to start the bike it just makes the noise the bike in his video does. I checked the spark plug and t does have spark when I turn the ignition key on I hear the fuel pump making a noise so that should be okay too. So I'm assuming it doesn't have enough compression to start should I just add oil like you did in the video ?

Love the gas mask.

Hey how are you? I have bmw k1100rs 96 a small question if i switch ignition switch on the ON the fuel pump working unstoppable is it normal ?