Follow Up
FOLLOW UP
BMW oil-pressure false alarm
While riding our test BMW K100RS in the rain recently, our technical editor noticed the oil-pressure light flicker and then come on brightly. He immediately shut the engine off and stopped. A few minutes later, when he restarted the engine, the oil-pressure light stayed off, allowing him to continue his morning journey to our offices. Unfortunately, the trip was interrupted by several more episodes of the now-it's-on, now-it's-not oil-pressure light.
Our initial speculation was of a rather expensive engine problem in this $7200 motorcycle, but that wasn't the case. Instead, water had found its way into the rubber boot around the oil-pressure switch on the front of the engine, located almost directly in the spray coming off the front tire. The water was shorting out the switch, causing the oil-pressure light to come on without any loss of oil pressure. Drying out the switch wiring ended the problem, and some silicon seal to waterproof the wiring should prevent its reoccurrence.
The Cagiva chronicles
L ast month, when we celebrated the start of a new year's worth of motor cycles, some of the champagne bot tles were, perhaps, opened a little prematurely in the case of Cagiva. We reported that Cagiva would offer five new Ducati-engined streetbikes and two new motocrossers. Now, however, the Italian firm has revised some of the information on its up coming models. The initial 1985 lineup will have only five bikes total, although others will be available later in the year. Cagiva's streetbike line will consist of two models: the 3 50cc and 650cc Alazzurras.The dual-purpose Elefant will be around, too, but in 650cc form, not 750cc. The 125 and 500cc motocrossers will be available after the start of the year as reported. Not available, at least for the beginning of the year, are the 3 50cc Elefant, the 900cc and 1000cc streetbikes, and the 250cc motocrosser. But even without those models, Cagiva still can lay claim to having the widest range of motor cycles not made in Japan.
Gremlin busters
I'Vhen last we left our test XT600 it was in the hands of Yamaha's en gineering department, having its in nards probed in hopes of exorcising an electrical gremlin that was caus ing a mid-rpm stumble.
The problem turned out to be a faulty sidestand kill switch, designed
to prevent anyone from riding off with the sidestand down. A new switch was installed and the annoy ing hesitation was gone. There still is, however, a slight miss every now and then at highway speeds when the throttle is rolled open. As we stated in our original test of the bike, we suspect the dual carburetors.
And, if observations from the Cy cle World garage are any indication, the faulty sidestand kill-switch dis ease may be contagious; our Kawa saki KL600R also had problems in that area. The KL would quit run ning altogether, and could only be revived by pulling in the clutch lever or shifting into neutral before kickstarting. The bike could then be shifted into gear without stalling, but the whole process had to be repeated several miles down the road (or trail) when the engine would again quit. As a temporary fix, the sidestand switch was disconnected, after which the bike ran fine.
For safety reasons, we don't ad vocate that all owners of dual-pur pose machines disconnect their bike's sidestand switches; but those who ride off-road, where the switch is exposed to dust, water and vibration, would do well to keep an eye on that component.
Lectron carb errors
There were two errors in the New Ideas section of our August, 1984, issue, both of them in the segment dealing with Lectron's new 2-barrel carburetor setup for TT600 Yamahas and XR500/XL600 Hondas. The correct suggested retail price is $250, not $200 as we printed, and the correct phone number is (313)664-0800.
Reader Information
Editorial offices are located at 1499 Mon rovia Ave., Newport Beach, Calif. 92663 Editorial contributions are welcomed, but cannot be considered unless sent only to Cycle World. Not responsible for return of unsolicited material unless accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelope. Rates on request.
Letters cannot all be answered. Nor can all Service inquiries be answered. We appreci ate correspondence sent to the editorial of fices and will use the most interesting and
appropriate letters in the magazine. Subscriptions in the U.S. and possessions are $13.94 one year, $22.94 for two years and $29.94 for three years. Canada add $2.50 per year. All other countries outside U.S. add $5 per year. From Canada and foreign countries remit by money order or draft on a U.S. bank payable in U.S. funds. Single copy $1 .75 in U.S., $1 .95 in Canada. Address all subscription mail to P.O. Box 5338, 1255 Portland Place, Boulder, Cob. 80322. For faster service call toll-free any business day 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. mountain
time, (800) 525-9511. In Colorado call (303) 447-9330. Subscription problems should be directed to these phone numbers. Back issues from 1981 to 1984 (except 4/81, 5/81, 7/82) are available for $3.75 postpaid each from Old Del Mar Emporium, P0. Box 1126, Redlands, Calif. 92373. Advertising: See SRDS. Circulation au dited by ABC.
MIMBIR I I~ LHI~
