1985-1996 K-Bikes

The flush removes any water from the tank. Water being heavier than fuel, sits at the bottom of the tank and corrodes the aluminum tank from the inside out. This causes a dangerous fuel leak and the tank is ruined. An annual flush can prevent this unnecessary failure from occurring.

All Motorcycles

We have found a very well written reference manual regarding fuels and the effect they have on drivability and cold start issues in vehicles. If you have questions regarding fuel quality and the effect it might have on your bike you will probably find the answer here. It is relatively long, two particular areas to pay attention to are page 5, paragraph 4 & 5, and Chapter 4.

1985-1996 K Bikes

Most K-Bikes we see come through our shop has a cracked and rotted breather hose. This causes an air leak in your crank case pressure and makes the bike run poorly. This part is inexpensive and not difficult to replace.

All Motorcycles

When wheel bearings fail due to wear or lack of grease, they can seize and spin the races in the wheel hub. This causes very serious problems and can be a dangerous safety issue if not addressed. Two Valve Twins without a Para-Lever are very susceptible because they require grease repacks before ultimately wearing out. More modern bikes like Four Valve Twins and K-Bikes have sealed bearings and require replacement every 40,000 miles. This is a commonly overlooked yet very critical service item.

All Models, K1200LT also see supplement

Telelever front suspension makes the procedure for tying-down on a trailer a little different than for other motorcycles. Loading a motorcycle on a trailer is a two person operation. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOAD A MOTORCYCLE BY YOURSELF.

This procedure details the method of tying-down a BMW Motorcycle once you have positioned the motorcycle on the trailer. When loading motorcycles onto the trailer, be sure to locate the motorcycle(s) to maintain sufficient tongue weight and to balance the side to side weight distribution.The trailer that you use should be designed for motorcycle transport and must be equipped with a front wheel chock (not available from BMW). Several wheel chock options are available; the most secure type is a U-shaped style that matches the contour of the tire and prevents side movement. Use only straps designed for use with motorcycles. NEVER USE STRAPS THAT TIE-DOWN FROM THE HANDLEBARS. THESE WILL DAMAGE THE HANDLEBARS OF YOUR BMW.

1. Begin the process by running the motorcycle onto the trailer with the front wheel firmly against the wheel chock. The suggested method of tying the motorcycle down is to have one person sitting on the motorcycle with the other attaching and tightening the tie-down straps. The person sitting on the bike should remain seated until the front tie-downs are both attached and fully tightened.

2. While one person remains on the motorcycle, attach straps around each of the front fork tubes just above the lower fork brace (refer to photo, note the position of straps). Do not place the motorcycle on the center or side stands. WARNING: Pay very careful attention to avoid routing the straps over the brake lines or wiring harness. Severe damage to the braking system and or electrical wiring harness of the motorcycle will occur if the straps are routed incorrectly.

3. Attach the straps to tie-down points on the trailer a minimum of two feet on either side of the motorcycle as well as no further back than the front edge of the tire. With the person sitting on the motorcycle holding it upright (and both the side and center stands retracted) tighten both front straps evenly so that they are snug but not tight. CAUTION: If the straps are touching any painted panel, insert a soft rag or towel between the strap and the bodywork to avoid chaffing the painted surface. Make sure that the front tire is pointing straight ahead and that it is firmly against the wheel chock.

4. To tighten the straps, the person sitting on the motorcycle pushes the bike to the right while the other person tightens the right strap. Then the person on the motorcycle pushes the bike to the left while the other tightens the left strap. Repeat the procedure until the front suspension is compressed and the straps remain tight even when the motorcycle is pushed firmly from side to side. Check, to ensure that the motorcycle is vertical and that the front tire is still pointing straight ahead and that it is firmly against the wheel chock.

5. The rear tie-downs are used to stop the back wheel of the motorcycle from moving sideways as the trailer goes over bumps. Therefore they do not need to be as tight as the front straps. Also, tie-down point locations in the trailer are more flexible. If you are carrying several motorcycles, the motorcycles can be tied to each other with the intent of stopping sideways movement.

6. For single motorcycle tie-down, wrap the straps (one per side) around an accessible portion of the rear tubular subframe being careful not to crimp any rubber tubes or wiring routed along the subframe. Avoid using a rear footpeg bracket as a strap attachment point. These brackets are not designed to handle tie-down loads and may break. Tighten the straps by sitting on the back seat of the motorcycle and removing the slack in the straps.

Tie-down positions specifically for the K 1200 LT

Front Tie-Down Points: Attach straps to front fork above lower fork brace (refer to photo, note position of straps). WARNING: Be sure that straps do not crimp or bend the brake lines or press down on the front fender. CAUTION: Protect the painted panels with soft rags or towels to avoid chaffing the paint.

Rear Tie-Down Points: Loop the tie-down straps around the rear tubular subframe beneath the saddle bags. WARNING: Muffler will be hot and may cause severe burns if touched.