BMW Service - K bike history 

Chris, you will always be my guru

Excellent Chris 👍🏻 just found your videos. I’ve just started a restoration on a 1984 K100RT. Been sitting idle 5 yrs prior to my purchasing her. Engine purrs like a kitten but everything else rough. I’ll be using your videos to help me. Really appreciate finding you. I’ve subscribed to your channel 🙏☮️❤️ kindest regards, Allan From New Zealand 🇳🇿

Chris the best BMW specialist in this life. Thanks to him I have K100LT

Very interesting bikes. I inherited a K100RS in 1996, it was a 1990 bike with only a few thousand miles on the clock. I was completely blown away by the power delivery but in particular after only riding Japanese or British bikes of low value, the ergonomics felt so good, indicator paddles on either side with cancel buttons the size of your fingerprint and not the tiny Japanese buttons that needed a map to find. Wobbly handlebars with rubber damping at the yolk. Square bar grips! haha. The shaft drive I fell in love with after years of oily chain adjusting, great hard luggage, 2 seat types, very little maintenance required year after year, kind of sad I sold the bike in 2006 with 20k on the clock but amazingly the bike did start to feel its age, a heavy missile that really just liked to be in a straight line. Way beyond their time for 1980's. Look forward to your revitalisation/restoration project. Keep going Chris and the beard is looking so 1970's retro you will become an icon in your own lifetime :-)

Thanks for the history lesson, looking forward to the series!

Excellent

Thank you 😊. Just bought an 87 K75 and I’m stoked !

I’ve watched your videos for years Chris, thanks for this one. john

Thank you for your efforts producing BMW know how videos and for sharing your knowledge freely. Definitely make a K100 flying brick video. Be well brother.

Chris Hope things are going well for you . I would like to see the "K" revitalised..

Take care of yourself Chris. .. all is well

That was very interesting Chris , thankyou for time and effort.

Excellent story. Video Q is good enough to enjoy. Thanks

Thanks Chris for sharing your love for BMW bikes. Particularly early K series.

That work, no problem! Thanks Chris

Ks are some of the most underrated bikes in history. Couple of years ago I drove one of them from Malmö to Nordkapp and back, 3500 miles in just 8 days. This old lady conquered my heart.

Thanks Chris.. That was a great video. Keep up the good work. Take care of yourself Chris. Safe riding.

Chris it’s very informative video, it’s great , Keep the good work.

Thanks for the content Chris! K bikes have always been a mystery to me. I have no doubt that your drive for technical excellence will eventually work out.

Great job! Thanks

Don’t apologise. Still a million times better than any video I could do. Love all your content.

Great video! Hope to see more soon!

Yes. Go for it Chris! Looking forward.

Interesting background❤️❤️

Interested?? Hell yeah, I’ve three of the bricks in my garage. And When you start talking about the k bikes, then nothing matters anymore around me. Please Share your know-how and experience on servicing and repairing these bikes. I love it ( eg, changing valvebuckets on the 16v and the whole process around it....would be very interesting ;-) ) greetz, Frank

Loved it thank you chris

You are probably more critical of yourself/your work but the content was great, video definition more than clear for a window on a PC hardly any audio issues (OK not as clear as right from a mic but certainly listenable.) If you didn't say anything, 90% probably wouldn't have cared or noticed :-) Looking forward to the next!

Yes, great idea to produce more video material about K-bikes! Go for it, Chris! Looking forward.

Chris, I am sorry that you've had a hard time with the editing software, but your commentary made me laugh so much, making your efforts definitely worth it! The sheer honesty when you've been talking about something that I normally call 'my typical day' made me chuckle and made your video even more fun to watch. Thank you!

Let's get deep into the heart and soul of K bikes. What makes them tick and what doesn't last very long.

Chris, you read my mind! Thank you for the video on the K history, very interesting. It would great if you could produce a series on the K100RS. Being a new owner of a '87 K100RS, this series could be an excellent reference for years to come. Thank You

Just picked up a 91 K100rs with 24 k on the clock. Chased gremlins for a day and 2 new tires and I'm on my way. The kids gave up trying to get me to quit riding so they said get something more modern. I won't tell them the year, they won't know the difference. Yes please, count me in on that video. Thanks Chris, I don't remember history being so much fun.

Chris, I am the recent recipient of a 93 K75RT. Until I started watching your videos, I knew nothing about these motorcycles. The nearest mechanic is 300 miles away so I’m doing much of my own maintenance. I am really grateful for your sharing your infinite knowledge of these bikes. You are the primary reason for my skill and confidence in tackling maintenance and repair items. I am about to grease the driveshaft splines as soon as my Staburags arrives. I’ve also learned the value of copper anti-seize. I am subscribed and like each video and anxiously await the next. Thank you for an outstanding effort.

Hi Chris , my name is Peter Specks,I subscribed to your RU-vid chanel here about the K bikes. Thanx for all the invaluable tips and info,always look to your videos first to get the proper info on how theK100 works. Of course I have questions and questions,maybe you got some time to read all of this babble and give me a pointer what seems to be the fucking problem with my bike.. I got a 85 k100rs and have been taking all the plastic stuff off and tried to give the bike a once over. Maintenance include all the lubrication ,radiator flush,pump rebuild,spine lube,blinker relay mod,brake rebuild etc etc did some cleaning and scrubbing and some more cleaning... The bike ran about a week ago when I still had an overheating problem.The temp warning light came on after 3/4 of a mile.Fan didn't kick in.So I got a new thermostat,coolant sensor, a used cooling relay,removed the vacuum sensor while at it and plugged the barb on cyl 1 on the throttle body.Put new aluminum engine coolant back in.Checked the fan by hooking it up straight to the battery,runs just fine.Noisy suckers they are...hahaha Bike turns over but won't start. So I take the fuel line of the fuel rail which seems dry,push start..No fuel getting to the fuel rail.open the tank ,took the fuel hose that goes to the top of the pump off the filter,pushed start... at this time I should have fuel squirting out of the hose,correct? but nothing. It's a new pump,probably only 5 miles on it,it worked before,checked the fuse which seemed good,replaced it just to make sure.Even put the old cooling relay back in to make sure that's not the issue,but that shouldn't even have anything to do with the fuel pump,right? So I checked all the fuses and turns out I don't get any power to the fuel pump fuse (fuse6) ,but I have power at the 4 pin plug that connects to the sender unit at the tank.How does that make even any sense? I checked the back of the fuse panel and it all looks fine. I used a volt meter at the fuse box fuse1 12.88V instruments and lights Fuse2 6.5 parking light,not sure if I have them Fuse3 11.66 turn signals Fuse4 0V plug for who knows what,disconnected and shrink wrapped Fuse5 0V special features,disconnected and shrink wrapped Fuse6 0V fuel pump Fuse7 7.5V Horn/Fan 4pin plug to tank: green/white-brown/black 10.98V green/white-brown/white 10.97V green/white-brown 10.87 green/white-2nd brown 0.0V This is with ignition turned on ,pressing start,battery is holding a charge 12,7 V I thought I was gonna jump the pump (just for a second to see if it is running) from right side of fuse 4 to left side fuse 6, read that somewhere on a forum, but since I didn't even have any power on these fuse locations,I didn't even try. Put everything together after I pulled the fuel pump relay to inspect and clean contacts, pushed start 3-4 times and nothing, still can't hear the pump,not that that was a big surprise. Now I am sure you're a busy man and I don't want to bug you. Never mind the fact that you get paid to solve problems like this on a daily basis.I am on two forums,3 stupid Facebook pages dedicated to these bikes and I am not getting anywhere,it has to be something stupid that I just don't see. I got a decent 4pin plug from the non existing alarm system that I can wire in,which is the only thing I havn't tried. You sure know what you are talking about and you are my last resort before I set the fucking thing on fire ( just kidding...) Any smart advice to a wannabe motorcycle wrencher? I'd be more that happy to pay you for information leading to the arrest of the problem so I can ride the darn thing already,hahahah hope to hear from you,also gonna post this on one of your youtube vids to increas the chances of you reading this, Thanx a bunch' Peter

go for it Chris

Great video. I have a mint condition 1994 Dakar yellow K75S. I'll never sell her.

Thanks good video.

Chris, I was given a 1985 K100 RT 2.5 years ago. It was a rolling chassis and a box of bits. The frame had been part customised and it was missing fairings, guards, seat, and some other bits. I have now got it all back and running as a bare style bike and it runs great and I love riding it. From when it was taken off the road to when I got it going was 6 years.

so interesting ! owner of a 1985 K100....got my eyes on a 1996 k1100 rs...

Great video, Chris. I'll watch anything you post.

I've ridden the K100LT in my work which had a top calibrated speed of 129mph but was a little unstable particularly if hitting a small bump at high speed. Frequent tank slappers are a little unnerving. BMW blamed this on poor loading. It was replaced in work by the K1100LT which had a calibrated top speed of 126mph. A slightly lower top speed but much more stable. I loved them both and have since purchased the R1100RT and now the R1200RT. My preference would have to be the R1100RT. So comfortable and plenty fast enough for an old timer. I'm not allowed to do 'ton up' anymore. lol

Thank you for all the things you do for the BMW community which I am part of. John Young

Very nice Chris! Miss my K75 but, sadly, have aged out of motorcycling. Still love the vids! Keep well!

Hey Chris, content counts! Thank you for your work! After all, I know more than before. Owned K100 and K1100 RS and drove them over 100000 km combined. I absolutely loved the bikes. Sticked with the brand due to the K. Like and subscribed!

In the process, they made the K-75... arguably the best machine they made at bayerische... smooth, reliable, decently fast, just well balanced to the nth degree. Add the later day forks toward the end of production.. nothing missing but radial tires. In proper tune, the 4 valve RS will just jump when you snap the throttle. Only criticism from us old /2 and /5 riders is the things are just too tall. Enter the low seat K75,, maybe cramps the knees a tad.. but solves the problem . Newer bikes.. for giraffes only.

You provide a good amount of knowledge in your videos and I would thoroughly enjoy some videos on the K bike. Thank you...

Chris - appreciate the video, even in jerry rigged non-HD mode. Always enjoyed your work on K-bikes. Previously owned a K75S that I reluctantly sold after a road mishap that sidelined me for a while but I’m back in the saddle soon on another K75S that has sat for a few years … I’ll be in touch to see if you want to properly revitalize the old gal.

Great video, great topic! Really interesting to hear about the history of the K. I have ad one for 3 years now, and your videos of the maintenance of these bikes are the best there is! Thank you, and keep going!!!

Yes , more videos please . Some of the new k bike owners need to know about the high altitude plug that I know are left plugged in to this day. And the importance of the under tank heat shielding . The common maladies when they find a K bike at a low price that has been sitting in a shed for a couple years , and they snap it up thinking they can gas it up and go . The fuel system. The water/oil pump seal, brake lines, masters . Etc .

Chris, I own 2x R bikes and 11x K bikes. The K bikes have always delighted me. Please keep going with your K bike actions. Thanks in advance, Jeff

Thanks Chris! I would love to see how that K gets restored!

I just bought a 1997 R1100Rs with over 100,000 miles...... I love it. My first fix was flashing ABS....i put a fresh battery in....shes working great. Love your videos...i wish you were my mechanic

I don’t know how I’ve missed it, but I just found your channel. I have owned nothing but BMW’s for nearly 40 years, and still have my first bike I bought when I was 23- my 1985 K100RT. I’m 60 now, and do all my own service on her, except I don’t have a tire changer, and I haven’t done a clutch spline lube by myself. I just saw your excellent series on that, and it really isn’t much farther than I’ve had her apart. I have only changed the final drive on it about 25 years ago at around 65k. It has 94600+ on it now. I just put a new coolant temp sensor, TPS and a fuel pressure regulator on it, and am taking it on a test drive in the morning. Thanks for being awesome!

working on a k1200lt your favorite bike lol. I'm a new bmw owner going through top and bottom. steel back lines, new wires plugs, fuel pump, fuel lines quick disconnect all fuilds hope I've made a good choice buying this bike. however I'm already boot deep.

A K-bike series would be awesome. Even though I do not own one, your videos are very educational. I was just watching your video on steering head bearings and that's how I found this one. Thank you for all of your hard work.

Cheers Chris, keep 'em coming. Don't worry about the quality of the pictures we all hang on every word you say.

Chris , your video's are just fine. I'm gonna use them to help me with my k100. I'll light a fattie and get to it in a little bit. Love BMW, started with a `58 R26, what jewel, pun intended. K100 will be my 4th. Will appriciate your knowledge.

Thank Chris, great info, sorry you had such a shitty time getting the editing done but , it didn’t matter, great to watch anyway! Thanks

Chris, I can see you have a PhD in K bikes. I recently acquired a 93 K75RT with 27k. One of your other videos has me concerned about the condition of the rear drive splines. I would really appreciate a “how to”, video on servicing this and possibly the front splines. Thank you for sharing your most valuable knowledge of these machines. Any advice appreciated. Thank you

Hey mate, thank you for the sterling effort. A 40 year K Series owner and this is the 1st video I've seen that describes the history so well. Yeah...technology..its a wonderful thing......when it works.

Hey Chris. Bummer on the video. I feel your pain. Thanks for persevering. I enjoyed the video. I'd love to hear more on the KS. I've had my K1100LT since 2001. Just now venturing into a long needed maintenance of fork seals, front master, and possibly master seal. Been putting it off for a while.

I'm an R bike fanboy but will definitely be following along if you chose to do more videos on this K100! Thanks for all you do for the BMW community, Chris.

I’d like to see more

Very nice video despite you having to shoot the screen of your computer. I've never really liked the K bikes but you have definitely piqued my interest. Thanks!

I appreciate all the hard work you do! Your videos have helped numerous times with my '85 K100RS. I don't think my last clutch job would have been so smooth had it not been for you here on YT.

Hey Chris. Been following you for couple years. You’re awesome with no bs Really relate to your journey. Can’t say enough about your fortitude. Anyway not looking for freebie more than willing to zelle you some $ for your advice on my 85 k bike. So key on tach floats and no start or weak start. Starter motor cleaned up sweet. Lsr replaced. No change. When tach needle settles bike will start and purr. Intermittent problem. Can hear fuel pump activate by itself sometimes when key on. Changed instrument cluster and fp relay Still intermittent problem. Cleaned key switch and all wiring for issues. Doesn’t happen all time but really sucks when it does. If I get it running and warmed up problem doesn’t come back. Come out next day and tach floating again and no start. Gotta pick your brain my brother for any ideas. Greatly appreciate your thoughts but if you don’t respond I understand probably get a million of these. Stay well and healthy my friend

Keep doing it Chris the information and history presented makes me appreciate time and effort I spend on my KL1100.To know and understand the tedious milestones these men went through presented so well in a short video by an expert in the field is to be commended.

Very interesting. Thanks for the video. I own a 95 K1100 Lt. I'm in Australia and it's not common to see K bikes. It's good to hear the development history that led up to my model. I love my Ex police K bike!

Please make the video of the K100RS refresh!😀👍🏻🏍

Thanks for another great video on the K series Chris. You get my vote to follow your work on the 16v K100RS. I've used your vides in the restoration of both my K75's and also have a K100RS 16v 👍🏻

Great video Chris I real enjoyed the info and history of the K bikes . Take care !!

Thanks Chris. I have a K bike and will enjoy your reviews on them.

Hi Chris. I've seen this K bike in the background of other videos and I am excited for you to start on it as I have a 91 K100RS myself.

Chris please do the white k1004V we all love your videos no matter how you put them out

Yes please, Chris - more K bike content 👍

Chris, Somehow I missed this video - and I have 5 K bikes! So DEFINITELY want to see more on them. I'll also post this to Patreon.

somehow these k series look up to date today, accept for the large gauge cluster that even sucked back than and the large square headlight.

This video quality wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be based on your intro. And, yes, I’d. Dry much like to follow the K 100 resurrection. Looking at buying one myself, actually. All the best, Chris!

Amazing vid! My first bike was a choice between the R bike and the K bike, I went with the R but I think about the K bike till this day. Haha

Great work, Chris. Please carry on and complete the project on the K-bike history, and be sure to include your thoughts and experiences with them. The flying bricks seem to still be a somewhat vilified chapter in BMW history - and they were eventually dropped whereas the boxer continues today in much developed form. I have an '84 K100RS and recently added a '93 K1100RS. I think these bikes look stunningly handsome, stylish, and are so robustly built. They are monuments to a time when design concept and engineering perfection reigned above market fashions and sales volume. So many 'bricks' have since been lost to low residual values and the custom bike scene. Why did BMW lose heart and follow the Japanese to transverse fours?

Hello Chris. I hope you are doing ok. Did not see any video's after i did go into a dark place. Im trying to bounce back now. We did get into trouble about the same period like a year or 4 or 5 ago. I really hope you are doing better then i do. Im still a big fan.

Content is King. Dont worry too much on production! If you get stuck again, send the files to me and I will render it for you. Kirk

I have 2 of them, Thanks, I enjoyed the video.

Do it!

Thanks a lot Chris, very interesting video! And you have done damn well in spite of that f...g editing software!

Nice content, that is not easy to find out there (at least not in video format). Good job, it deserves a proper edition!

Great video I loved it!

Good shit 👏. We talking about k bikes ?

It’s all good man 👍

2:20 in, it's a K bike on a midnight ride for a beer or pizza or something, right?

Hi there like your video even in with the problems check out Kim newcum And the Deter Konig two strokes development with BMW before the 4/they were experimenting with an ultra efficiency two-stroke believe it or not sad loss when he got killed it so Silverstone Thanks for your film Michael

A longitudinal V6 could have been an option.

Eff, I hate it when that happens.!

Chris i just bought a 2022 S1000r and I'm in SNH. I can bring it by if you want to review it

As a happy french owner of a 1985 K 100 RT in her complete original condition, let me correct you, with a huge pinch of humour. We donnot pronunce " PEUGEOT " like " PUGOT" The "E" and "U" combined , are giving birth to a sound close to your "her" . Think about it like a "PHERgeot". My 2 cents. Forgot to add : congratulations for your speaker talents.

Evil video gods are evil. This works just fine for us! Hope you’re well Chris!!

Hi Chris, nice video. Saw in the past a picture of a prototype K50 obviously it came not in production. Was a very short block. Do you know something about this? Greetz

Chris help me understand the importance or the spline lube service. I ride a K1100RS every day to work.

Hey Chris, I have a '94' R1100RS and need a new clutch. Do you know of anyone in NJ who can do the work? If not I can hit the yellow pages. Thanks for all your help and expertise.

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