[ssls6]

First off, I like the new site and have enjoyed lurking for a few weeks. I'm not new to BMW but I am new to K bikes. Somehow I ended up with a 2002 K1200RS and I really like the bike. I got rid of an ST1300 which I never really bonded with.

I have a few questions on the bike that I hope some of you can answer.

1) Why is the oil filter enclosed? It looks like the bike was designed for a cartrige type filter but converted to a sealed canister at a later date. At least now I know why BMW oil filters aren't painted. Weird.

2) What are some of the common torque values (final drive, tranny, oil drain plug, brakes, lug nuts). My owners and service manual don't give those values.

3) Can the front shock/spring preload be adjusted?

4) Who makes the best risers/bar backs? I need about an inch back and up.

5) Where is the best place to buy a service manual CD?

Thanks and see you on the road.....RLK

 

[htheater]

Welcome to the site! Glad you joined us!

Visit Pirate's Lair and you will answer many of your questions. He has a "How To" page that answers the torque value question. He also sells the Service CD for $95 (MSRP is $125, I think) and sells barbacks, plus a lot of other neat stuff.

You might also check out the Classified Forum for both the CD and the barbacks....post a WTB (Want to Buy) ad if you don't find anything.

Randy

 

[Lucky88]

Bar risers

I'm new also and really enjoy this site. Also new to the BMW's. Prior to my BMW purchase, I had once wanted to buy the Honda ST1300. Went a different route this time. In addition to Pirate's Liar , Suburban Machinery makes bar backs.

http://www.suburban-machinery.com/

Welcome to the forum

 

[Razel]

3) Can the front shock/spring preload be adjusted?

RLK

No, there is nothing there to adjust (preload, rebound, or compression) on the stock shock. If you're adding a lot of weight to the front, you might want to consider getting a stiffer spring, or like quite a few people do after 12k miles, get new front and rear shocks from Öhlins, Wilbers, or Bitubo and have them set up the shock for your weight and anticipated riding style. They can come with the adjustable settings, so you can make the needed tweaks as required.

 

[george_in_KG]

Consider riding the bike for a few months before you go the bar-back route. The RS seating position may seem radical at first, but you may find (like I did) that you can adjust to it pretty quickly. One disadvantage of the bar backs is that the mirrors will come in contact with the windshield. Not enough to damage things, but annnoying in tight turns.

 

[jack69boots]

Good question on the oil filter. It has been that way since 1984 when the K motor 1st came out. I think it was just the way of thinking for BMW back then. The old R-bikes had their filter under a cover on the side of the motor. It would just slide in and you had to make sure you put it in the right way. R bikes with an oil cooler used hinged filters because it was otherwise too hard to put them in. Having a spin on filter even if it's under a cover was still a big step forward for BMW's filters in 1984.

 

[DPSCOTT]

Front brake caliper to fork tube torque is 30 Nm which is less than prior years. Starting in '02 you have the EVO brake system.

The rear caliper to rear drive torque is 40 Nm the same as in prior years.

Look closely at the bolts holding each on and you will see there is a difference in size.

These torque values are noted in your owner's manual. You may not have run across it yet. Some common torque values are buried in the instructions for reassembly, there is no table in the owner's manual.

 

[DangerMoney]

One disadvantage of the bar backs is that the mirrors will come in contact with the windshield.

I don't have this problem with mine. Don't know the brand... I bought them off someone at I-BMW who had them on his K12.

 

[jtcurt]

Riding it for a while.....

GeorgeinKG has a good point about riding your bike for a while. When I first got my 02, I thought of looking for barbacks right away. But I resisted that urge and found keeping the seat in the low position and grips completely forward is how I like it for the twisties. For a long trip I found putting the seat in the high position and time permitting I may move the grips all the way back to be all I need. Recently, at the last DGR I shaved the peg scrapers right off. (Love that place) After a suggestion from Jim in Tallahassee I moved the pegs to the higher level and I seem to like that better too. So, I went from thinking I would like a more relaxed position to the most aggressive my K has to offer.

Enjoy your new ride.

Jeff
VA
02', RS
"Listen to understand, not refute"