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Ted's House
The Red K75S

The Red K75S

I bought my '88 K75S on October 14, 1995. I had looked at over 30 bikes over a 7 month period before picking this bike. The bike was in very good condition and had only 23,672 miles on the clock. Today, June 8, 1997, I sold this incredible machine. After faithfully serving me in rides covering two countries, and almost exactly 27,000 miles, I have replaced her with an oh-so graphite black K1100RS. Why? Good question. I wanted ABSII, I wanted a bike under warranty, I wanted more power. I'll certainly miss her!

I decided that I would perform all of the scheduled maintenance so that I had a firm record of miles and dates with which I could start.

[SCHEDULED & UNSCHEDULED MAINTENANCE] [NOTABLE MILEAGE] [DETAILED TRIP LOGS]

Regular Scheduled Maintenance

Pick Up Bike 23,67210/14/1995YAY New(ish) Bike!
Oil and Filter Change [1]BMW Oil 20-50, BMW Filter Kit24,11110/21/1995Oil had roughly 14 months and 1800 miles on it. Color was a very dark caramel.
Front and Rear Spline Lube [1]
BMW Spline Lubricant (The Red Stuff)25,91901/24/1996Removed Drive Shaft, thoroughly cleaned Splines, lubricated with BMW Lube. Both front and rear Splines in excellent shape with no visible wear.
Transmission Fluid Change [1]Spectro 80W90 API GL-5 Drive Oil, Crush Washer27,01102/22/1996Fluid clear and color was light caramel
Final Drive Fluid Change [1]Spectro 80W90 API GL-5 Drive Oil, Crush Washer27,01102/22/1996Fluid clear and color was light caramel
Front Fork Oil Change [1]Spectro Fork Oil, 7.5 Weight27,01102/22/1996Fork oil was quite dark. Fork Seals have a minor leak and should be replaced.
Coolant Change [1]BMW Coolant, 45%, Distilled Water 55%, Water pump crush washer27,01102/22/1996Removed and cleaned the coolant overflow tank - Old coolant looked quite good so no flush. Should replace the coolant sight tube.
Battery Maintenance [1]Topped Battery Cells with Distilled Water27,01102/22/1996Examined battery - needed a little distilled water in each cell to bring up to MAX line.
Oil and Filter Change [2]Castrol GTX 10-40, BMW Filter Kit27,18503/03/1996Oil changed at 3174 miles - Oil color was dark caramel3,074
Fuel Filter [1]BMW Fuel Filter28,13103/28/96Better acceleration/engine response!
Front Brake Fluid [1]Bel DOT-3/428,13103/28/96Bled front brakes and replaced fluid. The old fluid was a light brown. Front brakes much more responsive.
Front Fork Oil Change [2]BMW 7.5w Fork Oil28,21004/02/96Fork oil was clean. Fork Oil was changed along with the Seals (see below.)
Air Filter [1]BMW OEM Air Filter28,88604/11/96Thouroughly cleaned airbox also. (Slack Pack)
Rear Brake Fluid [1]Bel DOT-3/428,88604/11/96Bled rear brakes and replaced fluid. The old fluid was a very light tan.
Oil and Filter Change [3]Castrol Syntec 20-50, BMW Filter Kit31,67705/20/96Wow, the bike sure likes synthetic oil! Oil was a dark chocolate.4,492
Oil and Filter Change [4]Castrol Syntec 20-50 & BMW Filter Kit35,99008/04/96Oil was dark though more clear than usual.4,313
Transmission Fluid Change [2]Mobil-1 Full Synthetic GL-5 75/90 & Crush Washers35,99008/04/96Mobil-1 STINKS! The old fluid was clear & clean and probably didn't need changing. The difference in switching to Synth is noticeable.8,979
Final Drive Fluid Change [2]Mobil-1 Full Synthetic GL-5 75/90 & Crush Washers35,99008/04/96The old fluid was a little dirty. The difference in switching to Synth is noticeable.8,979
Battery Maintenance [2]Topped Battery Cells with Distilled Water35,99008/04/96The battery took a little water in each cell.8,979
Oil and Filter Change [5]Castrol Syntec 20-50 & BMW Filter Kit41,17409/03/96No Notes.5,184
Oil and Filter Change [6]Castrol Syntec 10-30 & BMW Filter Kit45,30111/17/96Seems to start easier in the morning, I think due to the 10-30.4,137
Final Drive Fluid Change [3]Mobil-1 Full Synthetic GL-5 75/90 & Crush Washers45,51111/21/96Notable absence of any metal particulate on the magnetic drain plug. Still haven't gotten used to the STINK of Mobil-19,521
Valve Adjustment [1]
(work by Bob's BMW)
 47,34002/21/97One shim needed, #2 exhaust valve. 
Steering Head Bearing Servicing & Adjustment [1]
(work by Bob's BMW)
 47,34002/21/97No notes. 
Oil and Filter Change [7]Castrol Syntec 10-30 & BMW Filter Kit47,54002/22/97No Notes.2,239
Transmission Fluid Change [3]Mobil-1 Full Synthetic GL-5 75/90 & Crush Washers47,54002/22/97The old oil was clear and looked fresh. Mobil-1 still stinks.11,550
Front and Rear Spline Lube [2]BMW #1047,54002/22/97Removed Drive Shaft, thoroughly cleaned Splines, lubricated with BMW Lube.21,621
      

Unscheduled Maintenance History

Coolant Sight TubeBMW OEM Part, BMW OEM Clamps.27,18503/03/1996Original tube was clouded and the OEM clamps are one-use type.
Battery Ground CableBMW Upgrade Battery Ground Cable.27,18503/03/1996The new cable is a significantly thicker upgrade from BMW.
Crankcase Breather tubeBMW OEM Part.27,54803/18/1996Old tube was dry-rotted at the base of both clamp areas.
Front Brake PadsPremier Kevlar Pads from Capital Cycle.27,68003/24/1996Inboard pads more worn than outboard pads. Should change the brake fluid soon.
Fork Seals, Fork Oil and Fork Gators OEM fork seals, Bob's BMW's custom K-Bike accordian Gators, BMW 7.5w Fork Oil, "deep-head" 8X80 hex fork bolts.28,21004/02/1996RH fork Hex bolt head was partially "rounded out" - replaced both with "deep-head" hex bolts to make any future removal easier.
Alternator Drive Bushings, Clutch Housing & Spring Washer.
[REPORT]
BMW OEM Rubber Bushings, OEM Alternaotr Clutch Housing, 16mm Spring Washer.28,78104/25/1996Originally set out to simple change drive bushings but found clutch had missing fin. Replaced Clutch & 16mm Spring Washer.
New Rear TireDunlop 59130,53605/02/96Very Nice, but I prefer the ME-99 as I think it will last longer.
Kickstand Bolt Tightened [1]n/a31.05105/04/96Sidestand fell off while bike on centerstand being fueled. Easily reattatched.
"C" Handle Bar Conversion
[REPORT]
BMW OEM K75 "C" Handle Bar, Aftermarket Foam Grips33,21606/29/96Much more comfortable!
Coolant Resevoir TubeBMW OEM Coolant Overflow Tube, (2) BMW Single-use Clamps.33,21606/29/96Old One Was Cracking
New Front TireMetzler ME-33 Laser33,52007/09/96No More Wobbles!
New Rear TireMichelin M50 Macadam36,73008/15/96No more Metzelers for me, I LOVE these tires!
[REPORT]
New Front TireMichelin M50 Macadam36,73008/15/96No more Metzelers for me, I LOVE these tires!
[REPORT]
Kickstand Bolt Tightened [2]n/anot
noted
08/29/96On ferry over to PEI, in front of a HD contingent..."Where do I get one of those toolkits?"..."Buy a Beemer."
Used blue-loctite this time.
Heated Grips & Pre-Drilled "C" Bars ConversionBMW K-Bike Heated Grip Conversion Kit, [With "C" Bars, Bar End Weights & all neccessary switches & wiring.]44,72010/24/96Warm! Should NOT have waited so long! Special Thanks to Lou Conley for guiding me through this procedure.
New Accessory Socket & WiringReplaced Accessory Socket & Wiring with "New" Style.44,72010/24/96No notes.
New Corbin SeatReplaced Cover & Rebuilt Foam. Kept original Corbin seat pan (older, stronger style.)46,00812/17/97Muuuuch Better
Clutch Cable & Adjustment
(work by Bob's BMW)
BMW OEM Cable47,34002/21/97Much smoother clutch action.
Side-Stand Linkage Adjustment
(work by Bob's BMW)
N/A47,34002/21/97No notes.
New Rear TireMichelin M50 Macadam47,34002/22/97I love the M50 rear.
[FINAL REPORT]
New Front TireMetzler ME-33 Laser47,34002/22/97Returned to Metzeler, In my opinion, the Michelin cupped too severely to be a dependable front tire.
[FINAL REPORT]
Front Brake Light Switch ReplacementBMW OEM47,54002/22/97No notes.
Fairing ServiceVartious screws, BMW OEM Rubber Cluster-bumpers, dielectric tune-up grease & Blue Loctite47,54002/22/97Totally dissembled the fairing, replaced gummed-up screws, rubber "bumpers", greased all electric connections & loctited all structural screws.
Driveshaft ReplacementBMW OEM Driveshaft49,94304/05/97Old shaft was quite notchy at the U-Joint and had wear at the output end.
     

Notable Milage Records

Begin
Mile
Begin
Date
End
Mile
End
Date
Trip DescriptionTrip Notes
27,68003/24/9627,97203/24/96Rode to Harper's Ferry, Martinsburg, W.V. 259 and Skyline Drive.New front brakes worked well. Front fork seals need replacing soon.
28,15403/31/9628,18203/31/96Rode to Mount Vernon and down the Potomac River.Bike peppier after the fuel filter change.
28,26104/03/9628,55904/03/96Rode with Dave Keuch through West Virginia, Maryland (anteitam), Pennsylvania (Caledonia State Forest and Gettysburgh)Heated vest plug very warm, cleaned out minor corrosion from the accessory plug socket.
28,60404/06/9628,77204/06/96Rode to Annapolis and then to St. Michaels with Dave & Carol Keuchno notes
28,88604/11/9628,93904/11/96Rode to Slack PackThe bike is running *nicely*
28,99104/13/962936104/13/96Rode With Dana Presing Down the entire length of Skyline Drive, over to Charlottesville and home via Syria, Va and several twisty backroads including 810, 231, 230.No notes.
29,96205/01/9631,67505/05/96The Georgia Mountain Rally
[My Trip Report]
The Entire BRP, Deals Gap, Wolf's Gap, superslab home.
[STATS]
New Rear Tire.
33,57507/09/9635,05507/14/96The MOA National Rally
The BRP, Chimney Rock, Ashville, Rt. 181, Superslab (40, 85, 95) Home.
[STATS]
New Front Tire Works Magnificantly!
37,63008/16/9641,17409/02/96Canada Trip
[My Trip Report]
Washington DC to Islesboro, Me., St. Stephen, NB, Halifax, NS, Baddeck, NS, Meat Cove, NS, Cheticamp, NS, Cabot, PEI, Quebec City, PQ, Morrow, PQ, Islesboro, ME, Washington DC.
[STATS]
Wow...what a trip.
41,63309/20/9642,88909/22/96Chattanooga Gathering
Slab & Foothills Parkway, Deal's Gap down, mostly slab back.
[STATS]
I finally discover first-hand what a cupping tire looks like...
N/A09/28/96N/A09/28/96Ride Through Md., & Pa. (Gettysburgh) with Dave & Carol Keuch and Larry Fears.No notes.
44,03510/12/9644,34110/12/96Fall Ride with Dave & Carol Keuch. Did "the Loop."No notes.
45,26111/17/9645,43711/17/96Rode with Lou Conley & John Keating up to the Cozy for the BMWBMW Breakfast meeting.No notes.
46,98002/19/95?02/19/95Larry and I rode Dave K's route to Gettysburg and back in honor of the first truly warm day of 1997.I got a $4 parking ticket in Gettysburg.
47,83803/04/9749,21103/10/97Autotrained it down to Daytona for Bike Week, rode back.Bike seems to enjoy higher-speed cruising.

Detailed Trip Logs

My Trip Log & Stats To The Georgia Mountain Rally In Hiawassee, GA

DATEPLACEVOLUMEMILEAGEELAPSEDMpG
05/01/96Home 29,962  
05/01/96Linden, VA2.8730,030  
05/01/96Buena Vista, Va2.693015812847.58
05/01/96Floyd, Va2.603029013250.77
05/02/96Blowing Rock, NC3.053043410247.21
05/02/96Asheville, NC2.073053624249.28
05/03/96Hiawassee, GA3.753070817245.87
05/03/96Hiawassee, GA4.353091821048.28
05/04/96Hiawassee, GA2.703105113349.26
05/05/96Waynesville, NC1.66311398853.01
05/05/96Bristol, VA3.333128814944.75
05/05/96Roanoke, VA2.783143214451.8
05/05/96Linden, VA3.483160617450.0
05/05/96Washington DC 31675  
  36.221,712 48.89

My Trip Log & Stats To The MOA National Rally In Morganton, NC

DATEPLACEGALLONSMILEAGEELAPSEDMpG
07/09/96Home 33,575  
07/09/96Mannassas, VA2.8733,60227 
07/09/96Lexington, VA3.5333,75315142.8
07/10/96Bluff's Lodge, VA
(BRP Mile 240)
4.2933,94419144.5
07/11/96Jonas Ridge, NC3.0034,09415050
07/11/96Morganton, NC4.7134,33624251.4
07/13/96Morganton, NC4.3834,53519945.4
07/14/96Greensboro, NC4.1834,73119646.9
07/14/96Petersburg, VA4.0834,91418344.9
07/14/96Home 35,055141 
  31.041,480 46.6

My Trip Log & Stats For My August, 1996 Trip to Canada & Maine.

DATEPLACEVOLUMEMILEAGEELAPSEDMpG
08/17/96Washington DCn/a36,855n/an/a
08/17/96Edgewood, MD4.136,9160n/a
08/17/96Montvale, NJ4.04???
08/17/96Wellington, CT3.4437,296  
08/17/96Dover, NH3.99
[NOTE]
37,443147 
08/18/96Waldoboro, ME3.5137,601158 
08/18/96Cherryfield, ME3.9437,752151 
09/19/96Saint John, NB15.63L?  
08/19/96Gaytons, NB14.06L38,099  
08/19/96Dartmouth, NS14.0L38,269168 
08/20/96Charles Cove, NS16.05L38,467198 
08/20/96Baddeck, NS13.00L38,609142 
08/22/96Pleasant Bay, NS13.20L38,791182 
08/23/96Cheticamp, NS13.15L38,939148 
08/23/96Heatherton, NS14.7L39,118179 
08/23/96Summerside, PE14.01L39,296178 
08/24/96St. Margarets, NB13.9L39,460164 
08/24/96Dungarven, NB?(8L?)39,54585 
08/24/96St. Antonin, PQ14.6L39,713168 
08/25/96Quebec City, PQ11.52L39,848135 
08/25/96Yamachichi, PQ14L?39,987139 
08/25/96Deauville, PQ?40,140153 
08/26/96Carrabasset, ME?40,287147 
08/26/96Islesboro, ME2.5840,474187 
09/02/96Islesboro, ME to
Washington DC
Records not kept.
17 Days  4,319  
NOTE: This should read approximately 3.1 gallons I siphoned approximately 3 litres
out of the tank.
Trip Log & Stats For My September, 1996 Trip to Chattanooga, TN
DATEPLACE

MILEAGE

VOLUME

ELAPSED

MpG

09/20/96DC

41,633

3.030

START DC

N/A

09/20/96 

41,794

3.630

161

44.35

09/20/96 

41,943

3.442

149

43.29

09/21/96Wyethville, VA

42,057

2.873

114

39.68

09/22/96Chattanooga, TN

42,225

3.590

168

46.80

09/22/96 

42,305

2.135

80

37.47

09/22/96 

42,474

3.617

169

46.72

09/22/96 

42,659

3.765

185

49.14

09/22/96 

42,778

2.726

119

43.65

  

42,889

 

END DC

 
3 Days 

1,256 (t)

28.808 (t)

 

43.89


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