The Bikeshite Thread

[Jerzy Woking]

So on my 21 day, 14 country, 3,719 mile ride (plus 686 miles on the Motorail) the Guzzi managed to acheive 57.89 mpg. Not bad for a 1200cc v-twin with only 500 miles done on motorways, and a dozen or so speed runs on the abandoned airbase runways.

 

Have to report that the Guzzi has suffered-I have lost a nut from the left hand exhaust stud, and dip beam has gone on the headlamp bulb.Italian reliability is shit.

 

Would have changed the bulb when I noticed it had popped, but looked like the whole fucking bikini fairing and headlamp assembly had to come off to change it. And I never carried any tools except for two combination spanners, a screwdriver and cable ties.

[hairnet]

can you get solid tyres in 160/60/17

[Bfg]

.

My early retirement plans involve selling-up to live on my old catamaran (ie. get out of paying rent and poll tax, etc., for the next x-number of years / the rest of my life) ..but the boat won't be habitable for another nine months yet.  In the meantime I'm seriously struggling with the prospect of selling everything I've wanted and worked to afford over the years.  But I'm running out of savings - so I need to do something. 

 

The Yugoslavian Citroen Ami-Super owes me much more than I could sell her for, so she'll have to be kept - to earn her keep (which she has been doing these passed months) and most of my remaining bikes need work on them before I could sell those for decent money.  So my ever faithful BMW K75 Ultima, with full pannier kit, is in line for being put on the market - for sale.  

 

 

^ photo taken in May this year after being in store for the previous seven years.  You can re-read the posts here on the bikeshite thread < here > and < here >.   I subsequently used the bike for a month ..and then the farmer scraped and widened the farm track I live down.  With the very dry summer, the loose soil with stones on the lane was just too dangerous for me to ride (on a fully-faired road bike).  After a few thunder storms last month and subsequent decent volumes of rain the lane is rideable again, and so the bike was used a couple more times., but that's all.  

 

Before I put her on the open market I thought I'd first ask if anyone is interested here.  If so, please look at my previous posts and examine those photos, and you'll get a fair idea as to her condition. In the meantime I'll have a look around and see if I can ascertain a fair value.

 

By the way.. before she was put into hibernation for all those years she did take me across Europe to visit friends in Germany and then down to others in Slovenia.  I camped half the time during the trip, which was a very pleasant in BMW comfort behind the excellent fairing.  I then had a superb ride back through the Dolomites and Alps.  A couple of years later I used her for my Advanced Riders.  She's a very capable bike with a great presence on the road, and more nimble handling / better braking than the K100's.  I just know I'm going to regret selling her ..but I could say that about almost everything I now have 'to clear' for life in a boat.

 

Non-standard / optional parts include :

. belly pan fairing (modified from the K75S).

. tank / knee pads

. heated handlbar grips

. fork gaiters (to protect the sliders).

. stainless braided brake hoses.

. the fuel and temperature gauges have been moved from the handlebars to being in the leg parts of the fairing (but I never got around to reconnecting them !).

. Spyball Alarm

Extra items not seen in the previous photos include :

. colour matched panniers and top box

. full set of BMW soft luggage to fit inside those cases.

. lots of documented history / paperwork.

 

Drop me a line if seriously interested.

Bfg.  

[brandersnatch]

.

My early retirement plans involve selling-up to live on my old catamaran (ie. get out of paying rent and poll tax, etc., for the next x-number of years / the rest of my life) ..but the boat won't be habitable for another nine months yet. In the meantime I'm seriously struggling with the prospect of selling everything I've wanted and worked to afford over the years. But I'm running out of savings - so I need to do something.

 

The Yugoslavian Citroen Ami-Super owes me much more than I could sell her for, so she'll have to be kept - to earn her keep (which she has been doing these passed months) and most of my remaining bikes need work on them before I could sell those for decent money. So my ever faithful BMW K75 Ultima, with full pannier kit, is in line for being put on the market - for sale.

 

 

^ photo taken in May this year after being in store for the previous seven years. You can re-read the posts here on the bikeshite thread < here > and < here >. I subsequently used the bike for a month ..and then the farmer scraped and widened the farm track I live down. With the very dry summer, the loose soil with stones on the lane was just too dangerous for me to ride (on a fully-faired road bike). After a few thunder storms last month and subsequent decent volumes of rain the lane is rideable again, and so the bike was used a couple more times., but that's all.

 

Before I put her on the open market I thought I'd first ask if anyone is interested here. If so, please look at my previous posts and examine those photos, and you'll get a fair idea as to her condition. In the meantime I'll have a look around and see if I can ascertain a fair value.

 

By the way.. before she was put into hibernation for all those years she did take me across Europe to visit friends in Germany and then down to others in Slovenia. I camped half the time during the trip, which was a very pleasant in BMW comfort behind the excellent fairing. I then had a superb ride back through the Dolomites and Alps. A couple of years later I used her for my Advanced Riders. She's a very capable bike with a great presence on the road, and more nimble handling / better braking than the K100's. I just know I'm going to regret selling her ..but I could say that about almost everything I now have 'to clear' for life in a boat.

 

Non-standard / optional parts include :

 

. belly pan fairing (modified from the K75S).

. tank / knee pads

. heated handlbar grips

. fork gaiters (to protect the sliders).

. stainless braided brake hoses.

. the fuel and temperature gauges have been moved from the handlebars to being in the leg parts of the fairing (but I never got around to reconnecting them !).

. Spyball Alarm

Extra items not seen in the previous photos include :

. colour matched panniers and top box

. full set of BMW soft luggage to fit inside those cases.

. lots of documented history / paperwork.

Drop me a line if seriously interested.

Bfg.

Ultimas are sought after bikes nowadays, you might be surprised at the value. GLWTS.

 

 

One’s too many, ten’s not enough!

[Guest Hooli]

I've just been contacted by the shop who fitted my delaminating rear tyre. Michelin are gonna collect it from Switzerland to see why it failed, I'm beginning to see a free pair of tyres in my future...

[hairnet]

I've just been contacted by the shop who fitted my delaminating rear tyre. Michelin are gonna collect it from Switzerland to see why it failed, I'm beginning to see a free pair of tyres in my future...

And undies

[pilninggas]

No way of keeping that lovely K75? They really are appreciating fast. In 15-20 years, tidy ones are going to be worth a small fortune.

[bolognasal spray]

While this is bumped I'm going to just quickly post a couple of shots of my old CRM250 that got stolen out of my garage 2-3 years ago. It was a decent bike, and they're tough and good 2t fun. It was kick only, however - which to be fair, it did usually start from warm, but could be reluctant if stood for a few weeks or more. And with off-road bikes, they often do get left at the back of the garage for a month or several sometimes. It really smoked as well, at least until warmed through. Still miss it though - even if my much newer KLX250's EFI and electric start make for a more convenient proposition.

 

 

[Bfg]

No way of keeping that lovely K75? They really are appreciating fast. In 15-20 years, tidy ones are going to be worth a small fortune.

 

ha   ..in 15-20 years I expect to have long since even given-in pushing up daisies.   Age is a terminal illness in itself.!

 

If they really are appreciating fast then I could hold onto for another year, by selling something else now. But surely you are talking about 1% appreciation per annum rather than 25% ? 

 

In the meantime I expect you're considering making an offer.

[Psycho Charlie Knobcheese]

Always hankered after one of those CRM's. The KDX250SR's too. How did it go compared to the KLX? 

[DodgeRover]

With reluctant 2 stroke off road bikes that have been stood, turn off the fuel and lay the bike on it's side, let fuel drain out of the carb overflows, when it stops right the bike and give it a damn good shake. Turn on fuel, wait then kick

 

Sorry to hear it was stolen

[UltraWomble]

Gawd I need something smol and shonky for local pootling.

[Stinkwheel]

Ultimas are sought after bikes nowadays, you might be surprised at the value.

 

 

 

 

wow, that brings back memories - I worked in a BMW bike dealers when these Ultima models were new.

not only do I feel old, but I remember how much I like the K75 models. BMW had a bad reputation among motorcyclists back then, looking back though they made some really good bikes.

[brandersnatch]

wow, that brings back memories - I worked in a BMW bike dealers when these Ultima models were new.

not only do I feel old, but I remember how much I like the K75 models. BMW had a bad reputation among motorcyclists back then, looking back though they made some really good bikes.

They were very good. I took my K100 up to 250000 miles then sold it to a mate who retired it at 320000. It did look a bit* tatty by then

 

 

One’s too many, ten’s not enough!

[Bfg]

.

BMW had a bad reputation among motorcyclists back then, looking back though they made some really good bikes.

 

I'd have to agree. At the time BMW faced some formidable competition in terms of performance bikes in the 600 - 1300cc class. Many of those from Japan were exhilarating to ride because of their formidable acceleration ..and handling which wasn't quite up to their performance.!  BMW k-series were solid, low centre of gravity bikes which seemed more predictable ..and perhaps a little too staid. But to get the best out of them - they also needed to be ridden differently.  For example, I fitted knee grip pads to my bikes (I've owned six of the k-series over the years) because they respond best to leaning the bike over and the rider staying upright.  Other marques seemed to encourage hanging off the side of the saddle like a racer. 

 

I also find that the bike responds best when ridden in the traditional fashion of using the rear brake ! And then there's the sit up riding position (with almost no weight on the rider's wrists).  The shaft drive is inevitably smoother than chain drive, and then these BMW's were designed for two up riding (spacious stepped seat, good hand holds, sit-up riding position, insulated foot pegs, helmet locks, optional intercom and flip front helmets, his n' hers clothing, and even a padded backrest for the top box), whereas the pillion seat on many others was for occasional use, and often covered over.  The fairing and usefully spacious panniers of the k-series BMW were exceptional and set the standard for Honda and others to aspire to.  

 

All in all - while the competition shot away like a ferret up a trouser leg, the K-series took off like a heavy jet accelerating along the runway and then powerfully lifting into a turn. An hour later the competition bike's rider is all hyped up with his mates in the cafe, or turning excitedly into the GP track, whereas the BMW's rider and pillion are nicely in their grove, fast-cruising a really great road through rolling hills and an endless horizon.   It was a case of  'different mounts for different courses', which didn't come across to many riders from the magazine reviews of the time. 

 

I might also add that of all the car's I've owned my two all-time favourites were the BMW 733i and my Jaguar XK150 - both of which were also powerful but smooth, long-legged, and had a driving 'presence' rather than flash.  Admittedly when I moved across from the R-series BMW's to the K-series I generally liked to have a second bike, at first a little Honda CB125 - just for its lightweight fun.  Many years later I test rode an early 90's R-series with the view of having it as a classic bike. Tbh in every aspect - it really felt as if it were from a bygone era, but by then I'd gotten into 1950's Sunbeams and the BMW twin offered nothing very different. Instead I bought another Norton Commando Interstate.   

 

I feel the competition learnt from BMW's K-series and subsequently turn out some really exceptional bikes.  But BMW had taken a market-share beating with these expensive-to-produce bikes ..as their tradition client was so used to the much slimmer (feeling) air-cooled twin.  Fortunately, their long-distance durability and Paris-Daker experience, combined with excellent quality finishes - opened up a clear market sector for their future.  The K-series were always popular with police, dispatch, and other riders who were in the saddle for more than a couple of hours at a time ..and out in all weathers.!

 

Bfg

[Guest Hooli]

I posted my stator off to be rewound about 15mins ago, exciting news eh?

[bolognasal spray]

Always hankered after one of those CRM's. The KDX250SR's too. How did it go compared to the KLX? 

 

The CRM is a very good bike but it is a little heavy. I think iirc the KDX was slightly lighter, but not *quite* as gutsy. The CRM has a nice indestructible feel to it somehow - in part, a consequence of its comparative heft, probably. As for the modern shite KLX, it's night and day to be honest. Well almost. They feel similar in the weight department, for sure - and of course the ergos and geometry are very similar too. But mechanically it's the proverbial apples and oranges. The CRM is just as tractable low down as the KLX (perhaps even more so, believe it or not), but when wound on it will keep on winding on, getting more and more feisty. The KLX by comparison signs off early, and doesn't really want to know above - what - 6k-ish. I mean, it will give you a tiny bit more here and there, as you crack on. But the CRM really wakes up and gets nicely excited, ready for a proper scrap. Oh and weirdly the CRM is comfier on the road - its seat is slightly wider where it matters, and the further you edge back, the more accommodating it becomes. Whereas the KLX is pretty much the same width everywhere. Then again, the KLX is mechanically a bit more content to sit on the road and plod around at 50-60, whereas despite its higher arse comfort levels, the CRM feels a bit hunty and never quite as happy as its 4t counterpart.

 

This is an obvious point, but realistically speaking, a twenty five year old 2t 250 - no matter how decent its pedigree - is almost never going to feel as fresh and tight as a recent 4t singles. All those bushings and linkages on the mono shocks - even though there's no discernible play - the newer bike feels better. Slower, yes. Less "interesting" too. But when it comes to actually heading off down a muddy lane, those things count for less afaic.

[Bfg]

Ultimas are sought after bikes nowadays, you might be surprised at the value. GLWTS.

 

 

No way of keeping that lovely K75? They really are appreciating fast. In 15-20 years, tidy ones are going to be worth a small fortune.

 

Any suggestions where I might get a real value for an Ultima ? Most touring spec K75's are the RT.

[pilninggas]

the NC700 has hit 25,000miles (i bought it end of october with 10,700 on it!). Changed the oil and filter twice and done the tappets once. Decided the air filter was due - only £8 too, cheap by motorcycle consumable standards.

 

ordered one and it arrived yesterday.

 

Was looking at NC forums and other riders seemed to be saying what a pig it is, so got back from work this afternoon and got into it - fully expected to be at it for a long while. It wasnt a pig, it was 20mins work. Not sure what all these idiots were on about. very straight forward, Honda had clearly considered the maintenance program when designing the machine.

 

Glad i did it, the old air filter (99% certain the original) was filthy, very very black, now starts a little more promptly.

[brandersnatch]

Any suggestions where I might get a real value for an Ultima ? Most touring spec K75's are the RT.

I guess eBay or maybe try the owners club.

 

 

One’s too many, ten’s not enough!

[Dave_Q]

I have no knowledge on BMWs but this is the only Ultima to have sold on ebay in the last 90 days or however long they keep completed listings for.

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F183325330603

 

It wasn't relisted or anything so it probably did sell for that price.

[brandersnatch]

This step through has been parked/abandoned at City Airport for about two years. Long enough for the cover to fall apart. Just below the sign saying they’ll remove any vehicle left for more than there months.

[They_all_do_that_sir]

This step through has been parked/abandoned at City Airport for about two years. Long enough for the cover to fall apart. Just below the sign saying they’ll remove any vehicle left for more than there months.

I'd love a c90 but I'm not prepared the pay the ludicrous money they seem to command now.

 

I'm not saying good ones aren't worth that sort of coin, just not to me as id likely use it a handful of times and leave it in the shed.

 

They are probably getting to be useless for their intended purpose now (work hack) because I would spend all day in the office worrying about someone lifting it into the back of a van

 

Sent from my F3211 using Tapatalk

[Guest Hooli]

the NC700 has hit 25,000miles (i bought it end of october with 10,700 on it!). Changed the oil and filter twice and done the tappets once. Decided the air filter was due - only £8 too, cheap by motorcycle consumable standards.

 

ordered one and it arrived yesterday.

 

Was looking at NC forums and other riders seemed to be saying what a pig it is, so got back from work this afternoon and got into it - fully expected to be at it for a long while. It wasnt a pig, it was 20mins work. Not sure what all these idiots were on about. very straight forward, Honda had clearly considered the maintenance program when designing the machine.

 

Glad i did it, the old air filter (99% certain the original) was filthy, very very black, now starts a little more promptly.

 

You get that a lot with bikes I find. Some of the jobs people claim are difficult makes me wonder how they manage to put fuel in without help.

[brandersnatch]

I'd love a c90 but I'm not prepared the pay the ludicrous money they seem to command now.

 

I'm not saying good ones aren't worth that sort of coin, just not to me as id likely use it a handful of times and leave it in the shed.

 

They are probably getting to be useless for their intended purpose now (work hack) because I would spend all day in the office worrying about someone lifting it into the back of a van

 

Sent from my F3211 using Tapatalk

They used to be everywhere for twenty quid. Where have they all gone?

 

 

One’s too many, ten’s not enough!

[They_all_do_that_sir]

They used to be everywhere for twenty quid. Where have they all gone?

 

 

One’s too many, ten’s not enough!

My dad and I were discussing this earlier in the week. For what was the world's best selling motorcycle for years, there are bugger all about.

 

You'd think anyone who wanted one would have one, and values would be low due to supply and demand but clearly not so.

 

And yes over the years I've turned down a fair few when they were less than £100 for a runner. Sigh.

 

Sent from my F3211 using Tapatalk

[plasticvandan]

in the UK,a huge number rotted away,were scrapped,or used and abused.Demand has outstripped supply for a good few years now,perhaps why Honda have seen to reintroduce it to the uk after stopping imports in 2002.

[brandersnatch]

My dad and I were discussing this earlier in the week. For what was the world's best selling motorcycle for years, there are bugger all about.

 

You'd think anyone who wanted one would have one, and values would be low due to supply and demand but clearly not so.

 

And yes over the years I've turned down a fair few when they were less than £100 for a runner. Sigh.

 

Sent from my F3211 using Tapatalk

A few years ago all the kids in Ipswich had them, local trend I think. Loud pipes and running around in big groups like FS1E kids in the ‘70s. All gone now.

 

 

One’s too many, ten’s not enough!

[brandersnatch]

City airport bike park. Winner of the bike I’d most like to take home prize.

[Guest Hooli]

I serviced my mum's Virago 250 at the weekend. She's only had a few months from her local bike shop and I found the pinch bolt for the front axle wasn't even finger tight! the battery was fitted backwards so the acid vent pipe wasn't attached, the inlet manifold is badly cracked (but not leaking yet) and it's got a camchain rattle. Oh & the front caliper was seized & the forks had what appeared to be smelly water in.

 

Is it wrong of me to expect better on a bike bought from a showroom? It's all fixed bar the camchain & manifold. I'll get the bits & gaskets to swap the manifold & reset the chain tensioners ready for next time.