K75 or K100 - I'm buying one or the other.

[mjy78onR90S]

...moved over here from airhead section...

Hi
I'm thinking of adding either a K100 or K75 to my 'collection'. Currently I have an R90S, but want something a little different 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 ?
What about years ?
Are all the K100 (or K75) engines the same ?
After seeing the K100 listed currently, I think it HAS to be white !
I'm in VA currently.
THX for your time.

[deilenberger]

K100 = hotter
K100 = more vibration, which some people (me) found annoying
K100 = marginally heavier
K100 = more power (noticeable)
K75 = smoother, no vibes

Not all K100's are the same.. last year of the K100 had a 4-valve head and more power than prior years. ABS is an option starting in '88. '85 K100 was the "finest year K" (FYK) :) - Had some quirks all of it's own.. more info on the IBMWR K-tech website. :p

[OfficerImpersonator]

I'll trust Don's observations over my own. I've never ridden a K100 but I owned a K75S for about six months of daily riding before trading it in on my current bike. Everything anyone has ever said about the smoothness of the 75's engine is true. Smooth, powerful, civilized, easy to work on, relaible, easy to find used parts, easy to find new parts - my K75S was simply just a wonderful introduction to BMW motorcycles.

Mine was red, but the blue is gorgeous. I spotted the blue one below at my local dealer's swap meet this past weekend:
http://dvandkq.net/images/20080329-009.jpg

[BuddingGeezer]

I will throw my 2 cents in. I have a 1987 K100LT and just sold a 1987 K75C.
Both have under 37k miles.

The K100LT is very hot in warm weather. The K75 was a naked bike. I imagine a K75RT would be almost as hot, since the fairings are basically identical. A K100 naked bike would be cooler.

The K75 engine was smoother, but not by much. Maybe I have an extra smooth K100.

The K75 sounded like the cartoon Jetson's space car it whined so loudly. Some like it, I couldn't stand the whine. My K100 doesn't whine near as much as other K100s on Youtube. Maybe I have a quite one.

I really can't compare the handling of the full fairing bike to the naked bike, but the K75 handled much better in town. On the highway the K100LT was much more comfortable. I'm sure a K75Rt would be the same.

I however became addicted to the larger K's power. No contest at any rpm range, but down low the K100's torque blows the K75 away and will run off and hide from the K75 on top too. I can actually take off on level ground at idle (950rpm) without slipping the clutch and I weigh 215lbs. Once you have had a D cup, it;s hard to go back to a B.

If I only wanted to ride locally and in town the K75C would be my choice.

Ralph Sims

[Kayseventyfive]

I've had both.

I prefer the K75's nimbleness and smoothness for solo, but the extra power of the K100 is nice for packing double if you both are heavy or the hills steep.

My present K75 whines, too. But, the whine reminds me of my moral superiority over the posers on their sociopathicly loud Harleys.

Or did I mean sociopathetic? :)

.

[jobee58]

I'm in the process of unloading a K75C which was my first Beemer and served me without a hiccup for 6 years. I opted for the bigger k100 LT, which I found used at a very reasonable price w/reasonable mileage because I guess I have a need for a meatier low end. I'm also not a big fan of riding in higher (like 5000+) rpm range. The 75 was naked, the 100 obviously decked out; for me the 100 feels more "planted" on the road. I'm a big guy, nearly 6' and 200+ and I simply feel at home on the 100. I believe either bike has BMW reliability bred into their genes. I don't have any issue w/vibration or buzz (maybe I'm rather numb myself). I don't see how you could really regret getting either. Happy trails

[RandallIsland]

Once you have had a D cup, it;s hard to go back to a B.

:ha

Find an '85 K100 and you'll have a D :heart

[rlswim]

I have had a K75S for a couple of years and 19,000 miles but have no experience with the K100. I am completely happy with my K75S considering my budget for getting back into cycling. I take it on multi-thousand mile trips and it does great. I weigh 175 and am 5' 9" and my bike has more than enough acceleration and climbing power than I need. I'm getting around 45 MPG and sometimes more in the high country. It gets attention often when I stop, and many people not in the know can't believe it is now 16 years old. I have a buddy in Colorado with a 87 K100RS and he is very happy with it.

I'm sure you would be fine with either model. Just look at what your needs are and make your decision.

But, I don't really understand what this whining is all about ; - )

[BeemerMike]

I'm thinking of adding either a K100 or K75 to my 'collection'. Currently I have an R90S, but want something a little different also.

I have an R90S and a K75S. Can you guess what my suggestion is? ;)

[zoridog]

Interesting .... The April 08 BMW Owners News has the mileage contest winners for 2007.

First Place Male was Bob Higdon who did 59,834 on what looks like an 80's era K100RT or LT. Third Place Male was Reno Del Ben who did 47,004 miles on a 93K75 with over 650,000 miles on the odo! Two tough men on a pair of tough bikes.

Choose either a K75 or K100 ... It will do what you ask it to do!

[monkeywork]

as I've said before, the K75 is the bike that many riders regret selling.

it wants to be your friend. It does what you ask, for thousands of miles.

buy what makes you happy. You know deep down inside what you want. Let the Universe guide you.

[Warthog]

I purchased a used K100LT a couple of years ago and after the initial fix up it has served me well. My first real long distance ride was to the rally last year (my first) and I was very lucky that I did not get pulled over on the slab in Nebraska and Iowa. Without much effort I would find myself about 15 over the limit.

I can confirm it is hot in the summer, however, I ride everyday its not snowing or raining in during the winter months here in Colorado and the fairing really is nice. Only thing I don't have on it is heated grips and that is on my list for this summer.

I have a KLR 650 that ride during the summer when it gets hot.

I have found it relatively easy to work on.

[119240]

K75- my first bike - heavy - start lifting weights now, smooth.
K100- neighbors bike - even heavier still - start lifting weights now and start bulking up. Just DO'NT run out of gas or have the bike land on ya. They both will last a l o n g t i m e. Enjoy which ever you pick.

[osbornk]

One other little thing. My K75RT got about 5 MPG better fuel mileage than my K100RT. But, 45 MPG still ain't bad.