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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 10 Apr 2014
MEZ MEZ is offline
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BMW K75gs RTW bike build
BMW K75gsa......


This thread is about my vision to design and build a Travel Bike using the three cylinder 750cc bmw K75 engine. It's a long term project and the end goal will be a touring bike for two to go off on a RTW trip, a motorcycle that has been custom built with its primary objective being overlanding with a no compromise approach....


Feel free to comment with advice, constructive criticism or general banter...





Cheers MEZ
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BMW K75gs RTW bike build-img_0392.jpg  

Last edited by MEZ; 13 Aug 2018 at 23:22.
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  #2  
Old 10 Apr 2014
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There is a vast amount on the web about the K100/75 motors/clutches/gearboxes on the web. Lots.

Chief failings - motor ...
Water pump. By now I suspect they all have the stainless steel shafts.
Monkey nuts. Rubber drive to the alternator, they ware out.

Clutch .. easiest thing to do is replace it and you know where you are.

The K75 motor is a sweet runner. Pity they did not take it to a 4 valve. And put motronic rather than jetronic EFI on it. Someone put the DIY EFI on one ... megasquirt IIRC.
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  #3  
Old 11 Apr 2014
MEZ MEZ is offline
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Warin nice one mate, exactly what I need, info..!! I could also beam trawl the net but personnel input always better..!!
The alternator anomaly again in detail plz...???


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  #4  
Old 11 Apr 2014
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There have been several attempts by various people to create a K75GS which may be the sort of thing you are looking for. The only photo I can lay my hands on at the moment is this:
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Old 11 Apr 2014
MEZ MEZ is offline
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Hi Magnon, yes there are lots of pics on goog-im, I know the set up of the bike I'm building just haven't ridden a K75 or more unforgiving have dismissed them over the years...!! I'm after the weak points so I can iron them out from people who have owned ridden experienced...!!!

Mez


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Old 11 Apr 2014
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K100 and didn't have it long but you are welcome to the info here:


https://sites.google.com/site/yorksh...rogues-gallery


Weakpoints? Can't think of many. The fact they are all ancient and honestly not made of the best materials can be an issue, but that's just a bike thing. I'd move the fuel filter to an external position if likely to become blocked and make sure the previous owner had greased the drive shaft. The wiring includes some mad features like a brake light test which just add complexity and result in failed annual inspections in the UK.


If you get one with a rectangular air snorkel the later round one will fit. This can be fitted with a pod filter, thus you can bin the BMW air filter and not need to remove the engine on service day or employ child labour to get the telephone directory sized lump of paper out through the rock-drummer auto-biography sized gap between the frame and airbox half.


Andy
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Old 11 Apr 2014
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Check out this old thread:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...0-1200-a-29697

Starts out as a R bike thread ... but ends up as a K75 thread.

Old K75's are super cheap here in the USA ... even ones in really good shape.
Like $2500 to $4000 usd range. I always liked the motor, know nothing about it.

Seems to me it's too heavy for an off road travel bike? :confused1:
Obviously ... it can be done (above threads prove that) but will you be happy? Riding a heavy bike in tough conditions is NO FUN. But some need to learn everything the hard way .... and they always know best!
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Old 11 Apr 2014
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MEZ View Post
just haven't ridden a K75 or more unforgiving have dismissed them over the years...
Go ride one. They are not light. They are smooth. Can be economical fuel wise.

You want the details .. google bmw k bike technical .. leads you to BMW K-Bike Motorcycle Tech Page

I forgot about the fan .. fit an over ride switch .. operate it a minute or two before you stop the bike ... that exercises the fan, cools the motor so it reduces the heat soak when you stop.

The photo shows a Paul Rooney special.
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Old 12 Apr 2014
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Seems to me it's too heavy for an off road travel bike? :confused1:
Obviously ... it can be done (above threads prove that) but will you be happy? Riding a heavy bike in tough conditions is NO FUN. But some need to learn everything the hard way .... and they always know best! [/QUOTE]

The weight isn't an issue here, I've put a fully loaded gs12adv in places that some wouldn't dream of hence my choice and disregard, thanks for the other stuff mind..!!

The learning curve is the engine, keep it coming gents, big thanks cus just like Tesco's, "Every Little Helps"...!!!!!!
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Old 12 Apr 2014
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The weight isn't an issue here, I've put a fully loaded gs12adv in places that some wouldn't dream of hence my choice and disregard, thanks for the other stuff mind..!!

The learning curve is the engine, keep it coming gents, big thanks cus just like Tesco's, "Every Little Helps"...!!!!!!
Yea ... your right! You are, of course "always right!". Ride on mate!
Far as places I wouldn't dream of ... I think I saw you there! I even got a pic!







So convenient ... with "easy pivot" cylinder for easy 180º rotation!



This will be the 5th pick up today dude! you owe me big time!
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Old 12 Apr 2014
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Mol old bean, you need to stop being a penis seriously, find a different site bud ok... I can only assume by your geographical misfortune that you are judging GS riders by your own BMI & offroad incapabilities so keep your trigger happy friendly fire mouth for someone who gives a f#@k...!!
Apologies to others on here for this garbage...!!! ;~]


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Old 12 Apr 2014
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Mez-o, as it happens.......! That comment I made will no doubt cause a stir but truth is ( if were gonna turn this into a GS war ) I love my 12adv to bits, it's a hooligan tool with slight off piste capabilities. I also love my XL600 and no doubt will love these K's to bits..!!
I would imagine quite a high number of GS owners would back your comment up mind, big old debate always on simmer.. ;~]


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Old 12 Apr 2014
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Gentlemen please. If we are going to go all ADV rider at least start a thread about Britney Spears wardrobe and Dunkin donuts.

The K100 is an odd combination of Japanese 4 Peugeot buzz box revvyness and BMW ride. Not very R bike like IMHO, so definitely try before you get into all the work.

Andy
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Old 12 Apr 2014
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I ran K100 for a couple of years commuting covering some 70k miles with only one rear shock failure. I've ridden a couple of 75s which are smoother and buzzier but a bit weak by comparison.

I would say that a k75 suitably adapted would make a good rtw bike if it's ridden with a rtw attitude. If you are looking for a bike for extreme off road then as you say it will be much too heavy - no matter how much of an off road god you are.
Last edited by Magnon; 12 Apr 2014 at 10:41.
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Old 12 Apr 2014
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Well I for one hope that this thread stays vaguely on topic rather than ending up as a slanging match with people flouncing out because I'd be interested to see what Mezo comes up with.

I know a K75GS has elements of silk purse and sows ear about it but trying to make it work as a project has been one of my if "I had more time and a better workshop" ideas. People have RTW'd on the most unlikely bikes - a 75GS seems like one of the better constructs.
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