My first Motorcycle

[IndyGunworks]

Picked up a 1988 BMW K75 with 12,000 miles on it for 800 bucks. came w/ hard locking bmw branded saddlebags and an upgraded seat.

i think it needs a new battery so i am looking for a free pdf document or some such for repair/maintance of this model bike. anybody got any input? did i get a good deal?

 

[printcraft]

Smoking deal!!!!!

BMW K75 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Speaking of smoking, if it is parked on the sidestand for a long period
of time oil can seep into the head and cause a slight smoking at startup
this is just due to the sideways design of the cylinders and nothing to worry about.


Here is an $8.00 download
DOWNLOAD: Bmw K75 Motorcycle Service Repair Manual Download


Maybe try this one...
Free workshop manual download for BMW k(10 & k7,!HaynesNanual

 

[Pamcake]

Congrats on the BMW Bike!!! Only 12K miles?!?! Sounds like a great deal, looks nice in the pic too

Have you checked out the Indianapolis BMW Motorcycle club?
There is a page "Who We Are" that has some video library info near the bottom that may get you started.

And please consider joining us for impromptu breakfast every Saturday AM at Shapiro's there are a lot of experienced riders that would love to be questioned

2005 F650GS

 

[IndianaResident]

Locking saddle bags are money in the bank. I still have to sit and stare morosely between the post office and my soft leather bags when I forget to coordinate my errands.

 

[IndyGunworks]

well i downloaded the 8 dollar manual but after the download it was for the 100 series and in spanish which is not what was advertised. kinda sucks as that manual is what i needed.

 

[printcraft]

well i downloaded the 8 dollar manual but after the download it was for the 100 series and in spanish which is not what was advertised. kinda sucks as that manual is what i needed.

Se habla espanol?

That sucks! Contact them and see about a refund. It was not what was advertised.

 

[Stschil]

Nice ride! you'll love it, I'm sure. I used to have a K100 when I was stationed in Germany and it was a great bike.
You could check autozone for a manual. I've seen them for beemers there before. They are usually under $20.

 

[22lr]

So you coming to California with me this summer? Ride the PCH?

 

[IndyGunworks]

no. the thing wont even stay running yet. still worried i will not be able to get this thing to be reliable w/out a ton of money or effort.

 

[Fenway]

Nice... Know nothing about it but I'd rock that!

 

[Suprtek]

That's a great looking bike! If if runs at all, it can almost certainly be made to run well.

Here is some interesting info that could have something to do with your issues.

Motorcycle Message Board - Motorcycle USA

 

[IndyGunworks]

once started it runs GREAT for as long as i am moving.... i think its either a bad battery or alternator. more than likely the battery since it runs fantastic after a jump start on the dead battery. BUT, i dont even know how to get the seat off, let along change the battery out. and i am having a hard time figuring out if its a k75 or k75c inwhich the batteries are NOT interchangable.

 

[redneckmedic]

Might be a bad ground also. If it charges good but won't maintain a good charge, then you have a voltage drain somewhere. Just guessing.

 

[IndyGunworks]

wont charge good. although it only sat on the trickle for 5 hours total. everything else was a jump start w/a bad driver.

 

[22lr]

wont charge good. although it only sat on the trickle for 5 hours total. everything else was a jump start w/a bad driver.

Emphasis on bad driver.........

Ya id definitely start by getting a new battery, then go from there. From what has been happening I might be wrong when I first thought it was the alternator, could very well just be a battery issue. Its worth the trouble it takes to get it running!

 

[Stubbleducker]

Welcome to the kraut-bike club! My hunch would be charging system, but just an uneducated guess. Only experience with the K75 was helping a buddy in Northern Ireland with his two. Both of them (his & hers) had the starter relays go bad on them.

Here's another source of info i've found invaluable with owning and working on my LT. They've got a section specifically for the K-bikes that may help you out....
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/


'00 BMW K1200LT
'40 Harley knucklehead chopper

 

[k12lts]

The K75 is a great bike and one of the smoothest engines BMW ever built.

Check out IBMWR - BMW Motorcycle Mailing List for tons of tech articles and advice. I'm sure someone in the Indy BMW club would help too.

00 K1200LT
05 KLR650

 

[IndyGunworks]

Update.

Probably joining the indy bmw motorcycle club, provided the wife likes it after we attend an event.

replaced the battery and rode 50 miles on it w/out a hitch, the bike runs like a top.

all fluids and filters and seals will be changed out in a week or two.

I am not a good motorcycle driver. once i get going i am good, but being the first manual transmission i have ever driven, getting going from a stop is proving to be challenging. with practice i am getting better, but still not 100 percent confident.

thanks for all the help and well wishes. the people i was put into contact w/ from this thread has proven to be a huge help. just goes to show that ingo is the best networking sight i have ever been a part of including the fire department.

ill get some better pics up in a few days.

 

[Stubbleducker]

I'd HIGHLY reccomend taking the ABATE (I assume they sponser it in Indiana) motorcycle courses. It will help you immensely in keeping the shiny side up...

 

[k12lts]

I'd HIGHLY reccomend taking the ABATE (I assume they sponser it in Indiana) motorcycle courses. It will help you immensely in keeping the shiny side up...

+1

And spend some money on some good riding gear. Cycle Outfitters in Southport has a nice selection.