Ted's House: Garage: My K75S

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Ted's House
The Red K75S

The Red K75S
by Ted Verrill

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		23,672	10/14/1995	YAY New(ish) Bike!
Oil and Filter Change [1]	BMW Oil 20-50, BMW Filter Kit	24,111	10/21/1995	Oil 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)	25,919	01/24/1996	Removed 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 Washer	27,011	02/22/1996	Fluid clear and color was light caramel
Final Drive Fluid Change [1]	Spectro 80W90 API GL-5 Drive Oil, Crush Washer	27,011	02/22/1996	Fluid clear and color was light caramel
Front Fork Oil Change [1]	Spectro Fork Oil, 7.5 Weight	27,011	02/22/1996	Fork 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 washer	27,011	02/22/1996	Removed 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 Water	27,011	02/22/1996	Examined 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 Kit	27,185	03/03/1996	Oil changed at 3174 miles - Oil color was dark caramel	3,074
Fuel Filter [1]	BMW Fuel Filter	28,131	03/28/96	Better acceleration/engine response!
Front Brake Fluid [1]	Bel DOT-3/4	28,131	03/28/96	Bled 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 Oil	28,210	04/02/96	Fork oil was clean. Fork Oil was changed along with the Seals (see below.)
Air Filter [1]	BMW OEM Air Filter	28,886	04/11/96	Thouroughly cleaned airbox also. (Slack Pack)
Rear Brake Fluid [1]	Bel DOT-3/4	28,886	04/11/96	Bled rear brakes and replaced fluid. The old fluid was a very light tan.
Oil and Filter Change [3]	Castrol Syntec 20-50, BMW Filter Kit	31,677	05/20/96	Wow, the bike sure likes synthetic oil! Oil was a dark chocolate.	4,492
Oil and Filter Change [4]	Castrol Syntec 20-50 & BMW Filter Kit	35,990	08/04/96	Oil was dark though more clear than usual.	4,313
Transmission Fluid Change [2]	Mobil-1 Full Synthetic GL-5 75/90 & Crush Washers	35,990	08/04/96	Mobil-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 Washers	35,990	08/04/96	The old fluid was a little dirty. The difference in switching to Synth is noticeable.	8,979
Battery Maintenance [2]	Topped Battery Cells with Distilled Water	35,990	08/04/96	The battery took a little water in each cell.	8,979
Oil and Filter Change [5]	Castrol Syntec 20-50 & BMW Filter Kit	41,174	09/03/96	No Notes.	5,184
Oil and Filter Change [6]	Castrol Syntec 10-30 & BMW Filter Kit	45,301	11/17/96	Seems 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 Washers	45,511	11/21/96	Notable absence of any metal particulate on the magnetic drain plug. Still haven't gotten used to the STINK of Mobil-1	9,521
Valve Adjustment [1] (work by Bob's BMW)		47,340	02/21/97	One shim needed, #2 exhaust valve.
Steering Head Bearing Servicing & Adjustment [1] (work by Bob's BMW)		47,340	02/21/97	No notes.
Oil and Filter Change [7]	Castrol Syntec 10-30 & BMW Filter Kit	47,540	02/22/97	No Notes.	2,239
Transmission Fluid Change [3]	Mobil-1 Full Synthetic GL-5 75/90 & Crush Washers	47,540	02/22/97	The old oil was clear and looked fresh. Mobil-1 still stinks.	11,550
Front and Rear Spline Lube [2]	BMW #10	47,540	02/22/97	Removed Drive Shaft, thoroughly cleaned Splines, lubricated with BMW Lube.	21,621

Unscheduled Maintenance History
Coolant Sight Tube	BMW OEM Part, BMW OEM Clamps.	27,185	03/03/1996	Original tube was clouded and the OEM clamps are one-use type.
Battery Ground Cable	BMW Upgrade Battery Ground Cable.	27,185	03/03/1996	The new cable is a significantly thicker upgrade from BMW.
Crankcase Breather tube	BMW OEM Part.	27,548	03/18/1996	Old tube was dry-rotted at the base of both clamp areas.
Front Brake Pads	Premier Kevlar Pads from Capital Cycle.	27,680	03/24/1996	Inboard 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.	28,210	04/02/1996	RH 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.	28,781	04/25/1996	Originally set out to simple change drive bushings but found clutch had missing fin. Replaced Clutch & 16mm Spring Washer.
New Rear Tire	Dunlop 591	30,536	05/02/96	Very Nice, but I prefer the ME-99 as I think it will last longer.
Kickstand Bolt Tightened [1]	n/a	31.051	05/04/96	Sidestand fell off while bike on centerstand being fueled. Easily reattatched.
"C" Handle Bar Conversion [REPORT]	BMW OEM K75 "C" Handle Bar, Aftermarket Foam Grips	33,216	06/29/96	Much more comfortable!
Coolant Resevoir Tube	BMW OEM Coolant Overflow Tube, (2) BMW Single-use Clamps.	33,216	06/29/96	Old One Was Cracking
New Front Tire	Metzler ME-33 Laser	33,520	07/09/96	No More Wobbles!
New Rear Tire	Michelin M50 Macadam	36,730	08/15/96	No more Metzelers for me, I LOVE these tires! [REPORT]
New Front Tire	Michelin M50 Macadam	36,730	08/15/96	No more Metzelers for me, I LOVE these tires! [REPORT]
Kickstand Bolt Tightened [2]	n/a	not noted	08/29/96	On 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 Conversion	BMW K-Bike Heated Grip Conversion Kit, [With "C" Bars, Bar End Weights & all neccessary switches & wiring.]	44,720	10/24/96	Warm! Should NOT have waited so long! Special Thanks to Lou Conley for guiding me through this procedure.
New Accessory Socket & Wiring	Replaced Accessory Socket & Wiring with "New" Style.	44,720	10/24/96	No notes.
New Corbin Seat	Replaced Cover & Rebuilt Foam. Kept original Corbin seat pan (older, stronger style.)	46,008	12/17/97	Muuuuch Better
Clutch Cable & Adjustment (work by Bob's BMW)	BMW OEM Cable	47,340	02/21/97	Much smoother clutch action.
Side-Stand Linkage Adjustment (work by Bob's BMW)	N/A	47,340	02/21/97	No notes.
New Rear Tire	Michelin M50 Macadam	47,340	02/22/97	I love the M50 rear. [FINAL REPORT]
New Front Tire	Metzler ME-33 Laser	47,340	02/22/97	Returned to Metzeler, In my opinion, the Michelin cupped too severely to be a dependable front tire. [FINAL REPORT]
Front Brake Light Switch Replacement	BMW OEM	47,540	02/22/97	No notes.
Fairing Service	Vartious screws, BMW OEM Rubber Cluster-bumpers, dielectric tune-up grease & Blue Loctite	47,540	02/22/97	Totally dissembled the fairing, replaced gummed-up screws, rubber "bumpers", greased all electric connections & loctited all structural screws.
Driveshaft Replacement	BMW OEM Driveshaft	49,943	04/05/97	Old 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 Description	Trip Notes
27,680	03/24/96	27,972	03/24/96	Rode to Harper's Ferry, Martinsburg, W.V. 259 and Skyline Drive.	New front brakes worked well. Front fork seals need replacing soon.
28,154	03/31/96	28,182	03/31/96	Rode to Mount Vernon and down the Potomac River.	Bike peppier after the fuel filter change.
28,261	04/03/96	28,559	04/03/96	Rode 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.
28,604	04/06/96	28,772	04/06/96	Rode to Annapolis and then to St. Michaels with Dave & Carol Keuch	no notes
28,886	04/11/96	28,939	04/11/96	Rode to Slack Pack	The bike is running nicely
28,991	04/13/96	29361	04/13/96	Rode 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.
29,962	05/01/96	31,675	05/05/96	The Georgia Mountain Rally [My Trip Report] The Entire BRP, Deals Gap, Wolf's Gap, superslab home. [STATS]	New Rear Tire.
33,575	07/09/96	35,055	07/14/96	The MOA National Rally The BRP, Chimney Rock, Ashville, Rt. 181, Superslab (40, 85, 95) Home. [STATS]	New Front Tire Works Magnificantly!
37,630	08/16/96	41,174	09/02/96	Canada 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.
41,633	09/20/96	42,889	09/22/96	Chattanooga Gathering Slab & Foothills Parkway, Deal's Gap down, mostly slab back. [STATS]	I finally discover first-hand what a cupping tire looks like...
N/A	09/28/96	N/A	09/28/96	Ride Through Md., & Pa. (Gettysburgh) with Dave & Carol Keuch and Larry Fears.	No notes.
44,035	10/12/96	44,341	10/12/96	Fall Ride with Dave & Carol Keuch. Did "the Loop."	No notes.
45,261	11/17/96	45,437	11/17/96	Rode with Lou Conley & John Keating up to the Cozy for the BMWBMW Breakfast meeting.	No notes.
46,980	02/19/95	?	02/19/95	Larry 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.
47,838	03/04/97	49,211	03/10/97	Autotrained 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
DATE	PLACE	VOLUME	MILEAGE	ELAPSED	MpG
05/01/96	Home		29,962
05/01/96	Linden, VA	2.87	30,030
05/01/96	Buena Vista, Va	2.69	30158	128	47.58
05/01/96	Floyd, Va	2.60	30290	132	50.77
05/02/96	Blowing Rock, NC	3.05	30434	102	47.21
05/02/96	Asheville, NC	2.07	30536	242	49.28
05/03/96	Hiawassee, GA	3.75	30708	172	45.87
05/03/96	Hiawassee, GA	4.35	30918	210	48.28
05/04/96	Hiawassee, GA	2.70	31051	133	49.26
05/05/96	Waynesville, NC	1.66	31139	88	53.01
05/05/96	Bristol, VA	3.33	31288	149	44.75
05/05/96	Roanoke, VA	2.78	31432	144	51.8
05/05/96	Linden, VA	3.48	31606	174	50.0
05/05/96	Washington DC		31675
		36.22	1,712		48.89

My Trip Log & Stats To The MOA National Rally In Morganton, NC
DATE	PLACE	GALLONS	MILEAGE	ELAPSED	MpG
07/09/96	Home		33,575
07/09/96	Mannassas, VA	2.87	33,602	27
07/09/96	Lexington, VA	3.53	33,753	151	42.8
07/10/96	Bluff's Lodge, VA (BRP Mile 240)	4.29	33,944	191	44.5
07/11/96	Jonas Ridge, NC	3.00	34,094	150	50
07/11/96	Morganton, NC	4.71	34,336	242	51.4
07/13/96	Morganton, NC	4.38	34,535	199	45.4
07/14/96	Greensboro, NC	4.18	34,731	196	46.9
07/14/96	Petersburg, VA	4.08	34,914	183	44.9
07/14/96	Home		35,055	141
		31.04	1,480		46.6

My Trip Log & Stats For My August, 1996 Trip to Canada & Maine.
DATE	PLACE	VOLUME	MILEAGE	ELAPSED	MpG
08/17/96	Washington DC	n/a	36,855	n/a	n/a
08/17/96	Edgewood, MD	4.1	36,916	0	n/a
08/17/96	Montvale, NJ	4.04	?	?	?
08/17/96	Wellington, CT	3.44	37,296
08/17/96	Dover, NH	3.99 [NOTE]	37,443	147
08/18/96	Waldoboro, ME	3.51	37,601	158
08/18/96	Cherryfield, ME	3.94	37,752	151
09/19/96	Saint John, NB	15.63L	?
08/19/96	Gaytons, NB	14.06L	38,099
08/19/96	Dartmouth, NS	14.0L	38,269	168
08/20/96	Charles Cove, NS	16.05L	38,467	198
08/20/96	Baddeck, NS	13.00L	38,609	142
08/22/96	Pleasant Bay, NS	13.20L	38,791	182
08/23/96	Cheticamp, NS	13.15L	38,939	148
08/23/96	Heatherton, NS	14.7L	39,118	179
08/23/96	Summerside, PE	14.01L	39,296	178
08/24/96	St. Margarets, NB	13.9L	39,460	164
08/24/96	Dungarven, NB	?(8L?)	39,545	85
08/24/96	St. Antonin, PQ	14.6L	39,713	168
08/25/96	Quebec City, PQ	11.52L	39,848	135
08/25/96	Yamachichi, PQ	14L?	39,987	139
08/25/96	Deauville, PQ	?	40,140	153
08/26/96	Carrabasset, ME	?	40,287	147
08/26/96	Islesboro, ME	2.58	40,474	187
09/02/96	Islesboro, 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
DATE	PLACE	MILEAGE	VOLUME	ELAPSED	MpG
09/20/96	DC	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
09/21/96	Wyethville, VA	42,057	2.873	114	39.68
09/22/96	Chattanooga, 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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