Specialks.net BMW K75 Custom

[madisonreid]

Originally Posted by BLACK VELVET

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbQhb...e_gdata_player

[madisonreid]

Well.....Last Tuesday I took my K out for a little spin around the neighborhood and noticed a small unusual clicking sound coming from my bike. Now remember, I haven't spent any time on a K since owning my last one six years ago. The way I remember the sound of a K was that of a hummmm and the smooth and effortless click of the gears....no more, no less. Beautifully Boring . So, I called Larry for guidance, and with his suggestion, I turned the bike on and placed the phone near the sound. This technique of diagnosis usually ends up disasterous with a faulty conclussion. However, without skipping a beat, Larry said, not completely sure, that I should run over to RideWest BMW and pick up a set of "MONKEY NUTS" and I'll see you Saturday. Slightly shocked, I suggested to Larry it wasn't neccessary for him to fly up from L.A. that I could handle it and "WHAT THE HELL ARE MONKEY NUTS"? I'm sure you seasoned K boys know exactly what they are....please forgive me. Larry insisted he must come up and that I should do nothing other that to kindly pick him up at the airport. He said the bike should be perfect and what ever the issue is, he would deal with it.. So I did what I was told and met Larry at the airport yesterday morning. He had with him only a back pack. The pack was filled with replacements parts ranging from a new 50 amp alternator, Clutch plate and assorted clutch goodies, full run of BMW tools, and a few electrical diagnotic meters I assumed were for shits and giggles. No.....totally on a mission. My only concern was I wouldn't have the right tools for him and his effort.....NOPE had everything he needed and frackly didn't realize I had.
So after a short breakfast together Larry dug in and within a minute of having the bike run he knew exactly what it was....MONKEY NUTS to the rescue. While a somewhat easy fix, it was challenging as well. small spaces to get to the problem. Pulling out the perfectly running alternator, he could see as he went in deeper some black shaving indicating failure of the monkey nuts. I think Larry came prepared to rebuld everything. I will say I learned a lot in those few hours and got a chance to see how clean some of the interior elements of the bike were....better than new. Larry took it upon himself to continue detailing and examining every aspect of the bike as he went. He had a chance to check and recalibrate the odometer and speedometer to the digital guage. He had to do a special fabrication because the guage, normally used on Harley's, was not compatible with some of the BMW wiring. He had placed a magnetic sensor in the reardrive housing that all I can say looked OEM. When tested, it ran and read flawlessly. Larry only had to replace the housing unit that held the monkey nuts together
After lunch we decided to take a ride into Seattle and check out Touratech and then RideWest BMW. Touratech was closed . When we arrived at RideWest the questions came. I of course stood back and let Larry field the questions. I went over to the new F800R I was planning to buy rather that the SpecialK two years ago and quickly came to my conclussions.....I made a very good choice . The K will be more satifying to me in the years ahead. It was nice to see so many appreciate this old K and the builder who brought her together. Of course, Larry had no business cards. Next time I suppose.
It was a great day chillin and chatting with Larry. he clearly has great integrity and loves his bikes. It was a over the top effort with a outstanding outcome. This K sounds exactly as I remember from 6 years ago... just a beautiful hummmm as only a K can. Well done Mr. Romestant!

"No Larry you can't buy her back"







MONKEY NUTS

[seantx]

Originally Posted by madisonreid

Your centerstand is cleaner than my toothbrush.

[madisonreid]

Originally Posted by seantx

Your centerstand is cleaner than my toothbrush.

Detailing with a eraser....who knew ?

[lukeman]

Very nice. Its so clean, it hurts my eyes.

[A. T. T-W]

I've been missing my K75C (sold last year) so much that I've just bought a replacement.

[madisonreid]

Originally Posted by A. T. T-W

I've been missing my K75C (sold last year) so much that I've just bought a replacement.

We remember.....congrats on successfully finding a replacement......what did you miss about it?

[A. T. T-W]

Originally Posted by madisonreid

We remember.....congrats on successfully finding a replacement......what did you miss about it?

TBH, it better suits my needs these days more than my GSA (a medical problem has reared its ugly head since selling the 75 and the GSA is now sold).

I've owned other K's and been lucky enough to have been paid to ride them for a long time. I just think that the 75 represents simplicity, low running costs and yet is more than capable of coping with modern traffic.

This one is a 75S. It was originally registered in Germany but privately imported into the UK. It has an interesting belly-pan that allows engine bars to be used. I've never seen one like it before.

Photo's will follow when I get around to collecting it.

[madisonreid]

OUT OF THE PARK........custom GS75



http://tagesbruch.de/gal_3/k75gs.html

[madisonreid]

Before



After



Thing about Seattle's grey weather.....makes for nice photos.

[frogy]

Originally Posted by madisonreid

OUT OF THE PARK........custom GS75



http://tagesbruch.de/gal_3/k75gs.html

Love that muffler setup

[frogy]

Originally Posted by madisonreid

Before



After



Thing about Seattle's grey weather.....makes for nice photos.

OK , I want those gauges too

[madisonreid]

Originally Posted by frogy

OK , I want those gauges too

I agree...very sweet. They would have stayed on if Larry didn't push for the digital. Love the functionality and look of the old school white. excited about new headlight digital. Stock guage lacks in both categories.

[madisonreid]

Hi Guys
Hope you don't mind if I introduce you to the other reason I bought a SpecialK from Larry and started this thread. The Last time I sat on a K75, my wife, Eva, was recovering from breast cancer surgery and treatment. I had just finished refurbishing my K75 at the time......not perfect but good enough. While researching Ks, I saw photos of Larry's bikes online and saw some extraodinary talent and attention given to these very well deserving motorcycles. It was very impressive. However, as a result of the fear and uncertainty of the time, my kids came to me and asked if I would stop riding for a while,,,,,I agreed and sold the K.

Eva is celebrating 5 years of being cancer free. We cherish everyday or at least we try to. This K75 reminds me of the strength my wife demonstrated everyday in her recovery and the hidden treasures we received when we were so challenged. Can't explain why, but that old K helped me understand how lucky we were, gave me focus and reminded me there is much to celebrate in life....even when life seems to be against you at times. My patience and optimistic demeanor and wanting to own a SpecialK is a result. Looking at those ridiculously beautiful K bikes was good medicine for me and I knew that someday my chance to own one would come.

We all have our reasons for riding. I ride because I want to feel inspired. I've had a lot of motorcycles.....alot . But my SpecialK is something else. Thanks to everyone for participating the last year making this thread colorful and as I hoped....inspiring. To Larry......thank you for showing me the passion in your work and the desire to do your best by people. You never fell short on creativity and determination. My K is sensational and exactly as I had imagined 5 years ago......Well done!!!

OK...enough of that...

[JimVonBaden]

The heck with the bike, you have a beautiful wife, and apparently tough too!

Jim