K75 or K100 ?

[mjy78onR90S]

Hi (again):
I'm thinking of adding either a K100 or K75 to my 'collection'. Currently I have an R90S, but want something a little differtn also.
I've heard the K100's vibrate a little more...
I rode a K100 and K75 at the BMW rally (somewhere in FL) in maybe 1986. I thought the K75 was smoother, maybe a little less power.
Any other differences ?
THX for your time.

[osbornk]

My first BMW was a 1985 K100RT and I replaced it with a 1992 K75RT. They were exactly the same bike except for the engine and ABS on the K75. I switched parts and put the best parts and accessories on the K75 before I sold the K100. There was a big of difference in the power as well as the vibration. On the K100, the grips were buzzy at the 55-70 MPH range and it bothered me. I didn't live near the interstate at the time and the buzz was right at the speed I needed to go. At speeds of 80 or more, the buzz went away and it was great. The K75RT was electric motor smooth but had less power. The power was more than adequate for riding alone (I never take anyone with me). The 85 K100s had more power than the newer ones and it was really a hot rod.

The K100 had an older Corbin seat on it and it was OK. The K75 had the most uncomfortable stock seat known to man. I had a Russell made for it and I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

[Isamemon]

k bikes are fine.........but......
add a old airhead to your group
like a old rs100 or rt for more upright comfort
or for smooooth riding ....an old r80:heart


had to throw that in since your on the airhead threads and asking about K bikes


oops, yesa boss Im gettin back to work

[zoridog]

My first ride was an 83 R100RT. I was at an airhead event and drove by an 85K100RT with a For Sale sign. I rode it down the block and bought it. It was so smooth that I sold my airhead. I replaced the airhead later because I missed the airhead character.

I have never ridden a K75 but a well maintained K100 is fine for touring. Two up no problem. Will pull a trailer no problem. Will last 300K miles no problem.

The only negative to the K100 is the engine heat on a 95 degree day. But for 80% of your riding you'll be happy. Life is too short to have only one bike anyway.

If you see a K100 for a good price, buy it. If vibration is a problem you can always get a cushy set of grips.

[GregFeeler]

I've had K100's, have K75's and I think the K75 is the much sweeter of the two bikes. They are butter smooth, but they are also lighter in the front end because of the shorter engine, which to me makes the K75 just a wee bit more agile. In this context I'm talking about a nekkid bike or and "S". The weight of the RT body work would easily cancel out that difference I suspect.

OTOH, a well tuned K100 should only have a couple of minor buzzy spots. Although there does seem to be a range of difference here from bike to bike. The K100 is noticeably quicker - and has a much stronger top end, but the K75 is very good up to just under 100. To get the K75 to go you really need to wind it up past 5,000 RPM. Too many people ride one and don't get it into the power band then think they are a dog.

[monkeywork]

Pah, K75 all the way. Smooth as buttah.

The K75 is the bike that many riders wish they had never let get away. They'll trade up and miss the old machine.

I have an 86 K75C, and I love it. I also am working on an R75/5 cafe, for when I want to be a hooligan. (and hang out with the weirdo Triumph guys down the street)

Is the K75 going to break speed records? nope. Can you ride it all day and put 300k miles on it before opening it up? Yup. Get a nice Corbin seat, the right bars for your height and enjoy "The Appliance"

[GregFeeler]

Pah, K75 all the way. Smooth as buttah.

The K75 is the bike that many riders wish they had never let get away. They'll trade up and miss the old machine.

I have an 86 K75C, and I love it. I also am working on an R75/5 cafe, for when I want to be a hooligan. (and hang out with the weirdo Triumph guys down the street)

Is the K75 going to break speed records? nope. Can you ride it all day and put 300k miles on it before opening it up? Yup. Get a nice Corbin seat, the right bars for your height and enjoy "The Appliance"


I agree - but where do you get one of these "nice" Cobin seats of which you speak? :stick That's not how I'd describe most I've ridden on. :p Although my K75S has a BMW OEM Corbin which isn't too bad. Good enough that I'm going to get it recovered and keep it.

[monkeywork]

Hmmm, maybe my genetics gave me more padding?

[rdalland]

S, RS, RT?

If I were looking for a sport model, I would go for the K100. It's just faster and more powerful.

I own a K75RT. It's sporty enough for me when I want it to be. It provides full weather protection. And it has allowed me to keep my drivers license clean.

I remember test riding a K100RS before buying the K75, every time I looked at the speedo I was doing 70 miles an hour (this was on secondary roads). I decided it would be prudent to buy the K75.

[mjy78onR90S]

Thanks for your suggestions.
Reposting in K group.