BMW Service - BMW K75 & K100 Valve Clearance Check

[@markhilton1360]

Wonderful info. Love how you make it plain and simple. Some people never listen. "Leave it the fuck alone" plain and simple.

[@tcartsba_namuh]

Just picked up an '85 8v RS. Videos like this have me confident and excited in my tedious restoration process. Thanks!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Congratulations on your new project. 85's can be challenging some times so I wish you a gremlin free project, Chris

[@brutis888]

Came for my k100rs, left because not needed. Thanks for info 🤘

[@MrPomdownunder]

Hi Chris My "84 K100rt is running sweetly. Here in West Aus we changed the learner laws in January. There have always been 3 classes of bikes 1.mopeds(50cc) 2.restricted and 3.unlimited. In Jan the restricted class went from 250cc to 660cc. There is a power limit - so no GSXR 600 etc for one year.. Anyway to cut a long story short I had to get a large bike and a mate sold me the K for $1500.....I plan to get a smaller bike but so far everone who's used the K liked it..... so far so good !

[@ChrisR.Harris]

The 16 valve head first was used on the K1 in 1989 followed by the 1992 K100RS and then all K1100 models. 16 valve engine covers were always black and a bit more rounded than the 8 valve cylinder head cover. Thanks for your question, Chris

[@whadeffa]

Chris, I bought a 1985 K100RT off Craigslist in Cincinnati last week. Picked it up from Cadre Cycles. 26k miles. No spline issues. Rode it home to Saint Louis. Your videos are awesome. I can't tell you how much better I feel about my choice. My first bike was a 1986 R65. Always liked BMW. All the best, Andrew

[@ChrisR.Harris]

The K100 will go for more miles than the R65, enjoy!

[@martinchandler71]

Chris. Thanks for advice on leaving the valves alone on the k1100rs. Your videos are priceless. Thanks matey.

[@eiserntorsphantomoftheoper2154]

No nonsense approach. I would bring you my bike in a heartbeat..

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Maine, thanks!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Bill, You either have a worn out ignition switch (bottom portion of where the key goes) or a bad hall sensor (front right of engine). Next time it fails wiggle the ignition key and see if the dash lights come on & off. If you can reach under the ignition and press the white plastic portion up see if the lights flicker.

[@aabafd51]

Greetings from Denmark. I have a K 1100 LT. You videos are EXACTLY what a beemer owner could ever want. You explain VERY good - you video film exactly the right details. I’m sure that you could make repair DVD, that a lot of us would love to buy. Shame, that your affordable beemer service shop is so far away from my country :-)

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Loose is fine. Even .10 mm over is acceptable. More than that and I'd consider swapping a shim to get closer to maximum clearance. But remember, this only applies to the 8 valve head. 16 valve heads can be left alone.

[@claudefortin23]

Thanks Chris , I buy a K 1100 lt 4 years ago and you answer my question about the valve

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You will only need to remove the right side lower panel. Michelins are OK in those sizes. Thanks for your questions, Chris

[@ChickAmbertje]

Great video Chris! I have a K1100LT so do this job do not seem to do. And in the Netherlands you are so populair! Keep on going!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Check your K1100LT valve clearances every 50,000 miles. You'll likely find the clearances not change over time. Thanks!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

The K1100 models had rubber damped seat, handlebars and foot pegs. Still buzzy until close to red-line though. If you want ultra-smooth delivery get a K1200RS but that comes with a separate pile of problems.

[@marksimpson4258]

Brilliant 👍 thanks from the UK 🇬🇧

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome.

[@MrPomdownunder]

very informative. I bought a K100RT in January and use it for bike training. I also own a R65 which is like an old friend ! I have owned a R75/6 and 100/7 and thought the K's a bit to modern and high tech ....car on 2 wheels etc.... I like my K super comfortable and torquey ! the gear indicator is useful for learners too !

[@portofino44]

Thanks so much for this. Aloha from 91 K75S

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Specs are Exhaust 0.25 mm - 0.30 mm / Intake is 0.15 mm - 0.20 mm. If your measurements are correct you are slightly below minimum clearance. Ride it but don't run it hot and don't delay correcting the clearances for long.

[@jameswhite67]

legend

[@diesdas3226]

Best vids ever allways informatif

[@jochenscheel6907]

Hi Chris, I really appreciate your videos and was looking for a hint why I have minor vibrations on my old / newly purchased '94 K 1100 RS. This video has helped me in the first 1:27!! I have a 16valve K-bike and assuming vibrations may at all stem from "loose" valves I will now "leave them the fuck alone"! Thank you! Jochen (from Germany ha ha)

[@ChrisR.Harris]

A great collection of bikes!

[@jiwcoronado]

Thanks man we need more videos ,

[@billthedill9929]

love your tutorials chris i have a k100rt,1988 model love this bike however recently it has started dying,pull over n it restarts no probs happened 3 times now,anyway back to mechanic plz post more stuff for simpletons like me re

[@ChrisR.Harris]

The timing does not move so this is not an item that needs to be checked often, if at all. Once it is set correctly you should not need to adjust it again until the hall effect sensor is replaced. Thanks, Chris

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You need to checK them every 30,000 - 40,000 miles. Thanks, Chris

[@ChrisR.Harris]

1983 - 1986 smoked heavily, especially when left on the sidestand. Later 2 valve K's (1987 - 1990) only smoke a little. Run the engine hard to break the rings in and the oil smoking should stop around 25,000 - 30,000 miles.

[@areshuan]

Thanks for your videos Chris. I have a K1100RS that sat for 17 years? in 5 intake valves i get 0.12. They are tight

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you for your comments :)

[@grabir01]

Why do the K1200rs valves get more gap with time? They should seat more and more with time and close the gap. or? I do not get why the 4 valve K1200rs would not get tighter gap with time.

[@2coolal]

great video DO MORE

[@jontierney705]

Chris, I have been working on my k1200rs 1997. used ur vid (great) as a guide, anyway after checking all valves I am surprised to find that nearly all the inlet valves are way tight. Thinking I must be doing it wrong so checked the valves 3 times and yep I have 7 inlet way below bottom limit. I would understand having one where the valve seat had worn but after doing some research on forums no one has come across so many so tight. Exhaust valves are reading bottom limit so ok there. I had noticed the last owner had done this job in the past and didn't do the research as they ended up putting the valve bearing caps on in totally the wrong order. anyway I have just put it all back together the right way in the hope it may have made some difference to the clearance..... but as you probably are telling me now......Not gonna make a difference! anyway I'm up to changing the 7 buckets needed.....what I'm concerned about is am I missing any underlying problem here. have you came across this many being out by so much....... they are inlet 1 = .152 & .101...... 2= .025 & .101.....3=.025 & .076.......4=.025 & .025. it's a 1997 54000 miles on the clock. part service history. surprisingly runs nice. other than the cam chain cover oil leak which is why I decided to work on it in the first place.

[@virusofthedeath]

I have seen already two K11 and K100RS with tight valves already... I told them what you said about 16v K bikes, and then they showed me the graph with the tolerances. So watch out man.

[@michaelvankirk6077]

I have a k1100lt that some dumbass tried converting into a cafe racer and I believe he fucked with the valves because now I have low compression on multiple cylinders and have negative clearance on most of the valves

[@masterofbikes2747]

Good job

[@beemrdon52]

I love it! Leave 'em the fuk alone! Cheers Chris...

[@kevinfurness1741]

I have a 1986 K100 rs which had the head removed. The valve shims were not identified as to their location! Is there a base line seting so i can start checking, adjusting clearance? Cheers, realy enjoy your videos, good pace down to earth and very helpful.

[@grabir01]

What weight oil do you run in your K1200 bikes? 10w-30? 15w-40? 20-50?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

No. You need to checK them every 30,000 - 40,000 miles. Thanks, Chris

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You would need to replace shims. This is fairly rare though and the reason why I still do not have a video available regarding shim changes on the 2 valve K engine.

[@ohreally1021]

Awesome info, thank you for this. Dumb question - I live near the sea, would it be prudent to pop the side cover and spray some ACF in the area you're working on?

[@cencalrigger]

Alright. So I'm too tight. How do I determine the correct replacement? Just go one size down?

[@1nowasol]

Thank You Chris

[@facciolite]

Thanks for the video buddy

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You are most certainly welcome :)

[@chemact1285]

My father's K100RS-16v had 11 valves tight, my K1200GT had one. The manufacturer's manual recommed to check them every 20.000 Km.

[@BIKERMETOO]

Excellent !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@virusofthedeath]

Hello Chris Harris, first of all, I really appreciate this video and it's helping me a lot. My bike (K100RS 16 valve) makes noises at idle when cold and on operating temperature at 68000 km, or 42K miles. To me, its the valves the rattle happens when it's cold, and when it's in optimun operating time (temp at middle), but when the bike is quite hot and the fan goes on (near the red on temp), the rattle dissapears and the bike sounds perfect. What can this be? Is it valves? Maybe they are tight? When I rev up to ~3000-3500 the sound dissapears and at high RPM I can't hear it rattling, it's just on idle and low RPM. I may upload a video so you hear them. In spanish forums they say those bikes tend to get tight valves (which is the opposite you say in this video). Thank you very much for your help!

[@beemrdon52]

Love the vocabulary!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you!

[@almccallie4314]

What about 93 K75 with 28k miles? Should I do this?

[@atlas3863]

hey chris Hope you’re not freezing your ass off too bad up there was watching watching some of your videos and was wondering if The term loose applies to Kawasaki’s? I have a 1999 Kawasaki zrx 1100 16 valve that had a couple tight valves on the exhaust cam. my problem is my minimum spec is 0.18 and max is 0.24 The chart in the book calls for a 2.65 but when I install that 2.65 I’m barely at my 0.18 minimum. my next size down in the kit is a 2.60 but that brings me to a 0.25mm Clarence so i’m 0.01 loose would that work or do I have to find different shims I just can’t see putting it back together at the bare minimum tolerance. any information you can throw my way would be awesome😎👍

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you.

[@stanchew9]

Have you ever addressed the surging issue for the 2002 RT1150. Any suggestions for improving this as it is annoying. I really like your directness in you repairs and explanations, it really isn't as complicated as most people assume. Keep up the good work.

[@505197]

My 2000 R1100R was awful. I could tell the moment it went into closed loop operation and started paying attention to the O2 sensor, it ran lean as hell. I disconnected the O2 sensor and adjusted the throttle sensor counter clockwise to the middle of the slot. I marked the starting position of the throttle sensor so I could go back if needed. You can find the O2 on the right side. it has a four wire connector, follow it up from the exhaust. The TPS is on the left throttle body and secured with two screws. When the O2 is off line the ecm thinks it's lean and adds fuel. Those modifications completely cured my surging. I believe I paid a small price in fuel economy, but it's livable. The surging drove me crazy. From what I've gathered the tuner kits tap into the O2 and modify the signal the ECM, engine control module, sees. When the o2 voltage is high the ECM knows it's rich, so it trims some fuel out, then it sees low voltage and trims it richer. The voltage varies between about .2 and .9, if it's like a car. I have an automotive diagnostic show, which is what most of my knowledge is based upon.

[@stanchew9]

Would you recommend a tuner kit and if so which one. Thanks

[@505197]

Stan Chewning I have no experience with tuner kits. There was one on the Louisville Craigslist for an 1150 for fairly cheap. I thought about using it but the people who make it swore up and down it wouldn't work on my 1100....which I really doubted. You might try searching the louisville motorcycle parts by owner and dig it up. It was a popular brand but I can't recall the name right now. It seems like they wanted less than half of new, and it'd never been installed. Unplug the oxy sensor and see if doesn't fix your problem.

[@flotars]

If I understand it correctly "loose" means a valve clearance above maximum. But if above maximum is okay, what is the purpose of this maximum, and why do you check it?

[@mruniverse5704]

Guys do i need to replace gasket after measurements? Or i could use old and some silicone?

[@kimberleywilcox2670]

Hey Chris. What about adjusting the throttle bodies on a 16V K bike? Have you seen these go out of whack? Need periodic maintenance of any kind? Thanks for the videos, helping keep my bike on the road without grabbing the ankles at the dealer. Cheers.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

There isn't much to synchronizing those and they don't go out of adjustment much, if at all. Ride!

[@nealmckinley7255]

Chris Harris I bought an 87 k100rs and at about 3k rpm it seems to misfire and between gears it backfires, I e changed the oil and plugs and it continues to do this what could be my problem

[@kitson287]

Hello chris, I just bought a 85 k100rt that need a valve adjustment. Just wondering what I should expect to pay to have it done?

[@andrewflasco]

Hello Chris, Love the channel ,and all the highly detailed work you do .I am interested in buying a good sport touring bike for under 3 grand, and I got it narrowed to a few bikes . The k-1100 Lt .The K100 rt ,or the Honda st 1100 .Which model(or other model) do you think would be the best to own in that price range,easiest to work on,and most straight forward to find parts for?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

The ST would require the least maintenance but the K1100LT puts a much larger smile on my face. The K100RT will cost the least of the three.

[@andrewflasco]

Chris Harris Thank you very much. This is one of my top 5 channels!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Wow, you're welcome!

[@andrewflasco]

Just bought a 95' K1100 LT with low miles ! Thanks for getting back to me !!!! I'm very exited to learn about the K-Bike over the next couple years .Thank you for all this great information.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Congratulations, the K1100LT is a great machine. I'll have more videos up whenever I get to where we're going.

[@klausbs36]

Hi have a problem with my K 100 rs There is a little bit of oil in one of the exhaust pipe white cylinder head what could it be. big fan🇩🇰

[@petersweeney5870]

nice thank you again

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome!

[@14wntr]

10-4. The beatings will commence as soon as I get it back together!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thanks.

[@83226505]

Out @#$% standing. Thankyou.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You are welcome, Paul. Stay tuned; there's a lot more yet to be released. Take care, Chris

[@demartinan]

Love your videos. I have a '85 k100rs how often do you recommend doing value checks? Thanks

[@14wntr]

Thanks. I see in one of the lower comments that you note that these bikes are known to smoke. Does this include the 88's? This bike has an oil burning smell and some smoke at all times while its running. My gut tells me not to worry about it since it has such low miles but I figure I may as well ask..

[@Apeezeh]

Happen to have wiring schematics for the two connectors on the speedo? You're the shit btw 🤙

[@stevensegaloetdemelderse5059]

I'm actually going to buy a K100RT with 168.970 kilometres on the clock. It's an 1988 model. The owner says it has sat still for 6 years now, and it needs new tires, fluids and possibly brake pads. It won't start at the moment but was put away in good running condition. however, I'm wondering if this model needs a valve check with that high mileage. In doing my research, I've figured out that all the RT models, regarding the year, have 8 valve cylinder heads. How will I know that these are too loose or tight? Does the engine sound give off an indication?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Hi Jeremy, too loose is OK. Tight is not as the valve would be unable to close completely when hot. CHeck them, it is easy. If you need adjustment that can be done after you obtain the proper shim (s). Don't worry, it's not difficult. You'll likely need a new fuel pump and hoses. Beemer Boneyard can help: www.beemerboneyard.com/fuelsystem.html Enjoy your 'new' ride, those are great machines, Chris

[@stevensegaloetdemelderse5059]

@@ChrisR.Harris thanks man!

[@socialoracle]

Come for the F bombs, stay for the tech.

[@isofly28]

What happens if there tight. Can I slightly bring a shim down. And what should be the thickness of the shim. Thanks

[@ChrisR.Harris]

If the clearance is at or below minimum you need to replace the shim with one of proper thickness. This task becomes expensive as purchasing a shim 'set' is quite costly and you'll likely never use more than a couple of sizes. The 2 valve K head uses a shim exchangeable without cam removal. The 4 valve K1, K100RS, K1100RS and LT models and later K1200RS and K1200LT head uses buckets and you'll need to remove the camshafts. If you have other valves that are loose you can exchange shims /buckets between cylinders until you get what you are after. Good Luck.

[@isofly28]

Chris Harris I have the whole motor apart since I’m changing the head gasket. I’m doing as what the manual is telling me. Cams are off. Before I did that I check clearance and it read at 13mm. 15mm a little tight. I seen on another video where this guy grinds down the shim. I read the thickness of a shim should be between 2.0mm-3.0mm. Mines at 2.55 but still seem to tight when checking for valve clearance. I have a 85 k100 RS. Help will be much appreciated. Thanks

[@ChrisR.Harris]

@@isofly28 You need a different shim. They are available in 0.05 increments from 2.0 through 3.0 about $15 USD each from a BMW dealer.

[@isofly28]

Chris Harris thank you sir.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

@@isofly28 You are most welcome.

[@jontierney705]

great vid Chris.. just learing about my k12rs its a bit tappie more at low revs......i was going to check but i hear you "Leave the Fuck alone... Dare i ask why ? And a big thanks for the vids they are a Great help

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Go ahead and check them Loose is fast.

[@jawarider2243]

I have a K1200RS. Tight valve clearances happens :) So watch out!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

K12's do!

[@motooilermotooiler9597]

Hi Chris - how much 'loose' is OK? Is there a gap we should worry about and replace the shim?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Not really unless you're hearing a lot of noise.

[@MrPomdownunder]

Hello Chris Q. when cleaning the air filter on my K100RT will I need to remove the fairing ? If so can I remove the lowers without the upper part ? I've been too busy to investigate it ! Also I went for Michelins - a wise choice ?

[@MrPomdownunder]

The K smokes terribly on the side stand - which I try not to use... It's covered only 85000 kms. Would new valve stem seals fix this ? A big job I suspect ? Ta Chris..

[@jfv65]

Hi Chris, i used to own a K100 8V , it was a nice bike but it had one annoying characteristic, on long rides my hands and ankles got numbing from engine vibrations. Now i am thinking of getting another K-bike. Is the K1100 16V better? Or do these engines also vibrate?

[@zappa916]

doesnt loose mean 'clackety clack' ?

[@mikegilbert5434]

Just checked the valves on my new to me 85 K100. Intakes are mostly good #2 is at .127mm. But exhausts are all either .203 or .229. Is this a stop riding situation or can i take it easy while waiting for the shim tool to get here? Thanks!

[@clarktferrill]

I have 90 k75...fuel pump damper ring...was rubber,perhaps...it has turned into a tar gooy f##king mess...u have any tip on replacing this item? It did not get into fuel pump or screen..miracles never seace..

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Remove old material, install new damper, wipe rubbing alcohol onto the rubber damper where the fuel pump fits through it and install the fuel pump.

[@1nowasol]

hi Chris,I have a bmw k100 1987 years, unfortunately, I do not know if it's 8 or 16 valve engine please have any hint how to recognize?

[@14wntr]

Hey Chris, How loose is too loose? I have an intake coming in at .25mm on an 88 K100RS with 24K on it.

[@mcarter7245]

Hi I'm looking to purchase a used BMW k100rs 1991 with 50 k mile .I would like to transformer it to a cafe racer and what should i Iooked for areas of problems . the seller is asking price is 1999.00. I love to take on a project like this with little experience on bike building . Need Help

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Hacking up a 91 K100RS is retarded, sorry. Only a few hundred of those machines came to the United States (800) and at that price I'd assume the machine to be complete and in fair condition. Don't trash that girl, seriously.

[@DaytonCarCare]

$2k? Wow got my 2000 K12RS for that much. From original owner and very good condition. 41k miles all it needed was brake lines and tires. Upgraded to Speigler steel braided lines and bypassed the stupid ABS that's known to fail. ;)

[@alainboucetta404]

Le film paraît très bon... Mais comme je ne parle pas anglais... Je comprends pas... Que faire ? En tout cas Chris Harris doit être très sympa... En français. Continuez...

[@ChrisR.Harris]

No. I would check 2 valve engines every 30,000 ~ 40,000 miles.

[@dsruddell]

I have receipts for a 91 k100rs 16v from new and the previous owner paid the dealer dozens of times to "adjust" the valves

[@jiwcoronado]

1993 k1100rs 16 valve , am i hearing this clear "leave them the fuck alone"

[@jalatecompa]

to adjust valve Clearance you have to replace shims?? or how do you adjust them???

[@bobmaurits1726]

Vimototv victor montes de oca i

[@divineayene4660]

bsr a tous jai un problem avec ma k100 elle demar ravaille flams

[@roadwraith6]

1 Dislike = 1 Hade his spring removed xD

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Please visit my website AffordableBeemerServices - dot - com and e-mail me your question.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you.