67289
New member
Progress?
Well, I managed to change out the tires and and a complete fluids change EXCEPT brake fluid. Appears to run well enough for a road test so off we go. I was only going to run it up the road a piece and return for a check. It began to really run well so we decided a trip around the block. Throttle was a bit sticky...couldn't seem to make smooth roll ons and return was sporadic. Not normal for this design for sure. But we can deal with that for now. About to the point of no return (when it was equal distance to return or go on 'round the block) I noticed the machine continued to lose power...more throttle, speed drops, more throttle...engine is laboring...more throttle...hmmm...
At a safe wide spot I roll off to take a look see. It was evident now what the issue is! The bike dives as throttle rolled off...saaaayyyy. Front brakes are locking.
We pried on the calipers enough to release them and drove back using rear brake. Front calipers disassembled, cleaned and returned to service. Nothing remarkable to note. upon attempting to bleed brake system the master was noted to not "pump" fluid and sticky feeling. We'd better tear this thing apart. I think BMW built the entire motorcycle around that right hand grip! After lots of swearing and every tool in the box out on the floor, I get the master off (heated grips do not ease the situation!) and indeed the DOT4 fluid had seeped past the lip seal and hardened into the white crud as typical of those types of fluids. I think the master bore can be saved and the piston/lip seals look fine. I'll start by salvaging the assembly as is. If it does not seal with the existing cups then it is the bore and a new master is in order.
Upon closer examination, I now realize it has been 4 years that this bike has been laid up. To bring it back on line , is turning out to be a substantial amount of money and copious amounts of labor...mainly because these are tasks I have never before performed. We have nigh on $778 in this at this point. Rapidly approaching 1/5 the bike's value (at best). But that 5 minute ride was inspiring. Instantly, I felt at home on that thing. This bike fits me. A fit worth the effort to keep!
Well, I managed to change out the tires and and a complete fluids change EXCEPT brake fluid. Appears to run well enough for a road test so off we go. I was only going to run it up the road a piece and return for a check. It began to really run well so we decided a trip around the block. Throttle was a bit sticky...couldn't seem to make smooth roll ons and return was sporadic. Not normal for this design for sure. But we can deal with that for now. About to the point of no return (when it was equal distance to return or go on 'round the block) I noticed the machine continued to lose power...more throttle, speed drops, more throttle...engine is laboring...more throttle...hmmm...
At a safe wide spot I roll off to take a look see. It was evident now what the issue is! The bike dives as throttle rolled off...saaaayyyy. Front brakes are locking.
We pried on the calipers enough to release them and drove back using rear brake. Front calipers disassembled, cleaned and returned to service. Nothing remarkable to note. upon attempting to bleed brake system the master was noted to not "pump" fluid and sticky feeling. We'd better tear this thing apart. I think BMW built the entire motorcycle around that right hand grip! After lots of swearing and every tool in the box out on the floor, I get the master off (heated grips do not ease the situation!) and indeed the DOT4 fluid had seeped past the lip seal and hardened into the white crud as typical of those types of fluids. I think the master bore can be saved and the piston/lip seals look fine. I'll start by salvaging the assembly as is. If it does not seal with the existing cups then it is the bore and a new master is in order.
Upon closer examination, I now realize it has been 4 years that this bike has been laid up. To bring it back on line , is turning out to be a substantial amount of money and copious amounts of labor...mainly because these are tasks I have never before performed. We have nigh on $778 in this at this point. Rapidly approaching 1/5 the bike's value (at best). But that 5 minute ride was inspiring. Instantly, I felt at home on that thing. This bike fits me. A fit worth the effort to keep!