Thinking of a K100 or K75

[georgej]

I've been looking at some K bikes lately,almost bought one last season but went with another airhead. I'm trying to sell my 1976 Triumph Bonneville to get one. anyone want to trade? Anyway I've heard that the 1985 year are the one to avoid due to a lot of problems with the machines of that year.Any truth to this?
George

[GSTom]

Where do you live? I have an '88 K100LT I possibly would trade.
I live in Joplin, MO.

[Beemer01]

To the contrary, the 2V 1985 K100s are sometimes referred to as the "Finest Year". Few emission controls and a lot of grunt. It's nothing to this bike to ride up steep grades, fully loaded - in fifth at low RPMs. Good torque.

The only non-recalled problem I'm aware of (and I have restored one and ridden it many miles) is the occasional sticking sprage clutch - a problem that can be avoided with good oils and common sense.

I'm keeping mine - but good luck in your search.

[godzilla]

I have over 140K on my K. Sure, things have been fixed/replaced since I got her with about 70K on the odometer, but she runs like a top. Probably the most annoying problem has been the instrument cluster. The original one finally died and I put a used one on her, so I had to 'roll back' to 31K. Other than that, no really evil problems. I have heard that the '85's were the best year.

[deilenberger]

To the contrary, the 2V 1985 K100s are sometimes referred to as the "Finest Year".Some history might put the FYK in perspective.

Back in the dark ages - I owned an '85 K100RT. Undoubtedly the most reliable bike ever made - it's still running around in our local club after suffering lots of abuse at the hands of several owners, and just runs as well as ever. It also runs as hot as ever, which was the primary reason I sold it.

Anyway - back to the history. Once upon a time - the BMW-RA held a rally in Greenfield MA. I was going to the rally - and due to my keyboard diarrhea on the IBMWR list on K bike subjects, I was asked to help out at a K-tech-seminar. Offhand I don't recall who else was talking.. but probably someone like Paul Glaves..

During the question/answer section of the seminar - someone asked "Hey, I see a lot of '85 K's for sale cheap.. and I think there is a reason... what do you have to say about that?" or something to that effect. My off the top of my head reply started out with "Oh - you mean the FINEST YEAR K?" - said somewhat sarcastically since a lot of what was rumored about the '85 model year - I'd suffered. In that short instant a new term "Finest Year K" was coined.

So - to the question. There is a writeup I did a long time ago on the IBMWR K-tech site on buying an '85 K bike. What to look for, what should have been fixed already (and not all got the fixes) and some of the modification history of the series with BMW. You can start at http://www.ibmwr.org - look for K-tech, and poke around, I'm sure you'll find it.

Quick synopsis of the FYK vs the later models

FYK has an odd-ball worked in the lab just great, sucks in the field fuel level guessing system. It's bad enough that I removed both bulbs on mine and put in a fuel plus. You can't retrofit the later system which worked without a new tank, instrument pod and wiring harness.

FYK mounted the exhaust differently than later models, leading to footpeg vibration in the left footpeg. BMW did modify the mount - before the modification, the footpeg bracket was loosely mounted to the transmission and the exhaust hung off it. Supposedly a few people had feet vibrate off so they changed it (not really - but..)

FYK is the fastest K100 in the US until the short lived 4-valve K100. This was due to a more aggressive intake cam. The extra performance came with more heat on the rider due to the hot running engine, and more vibration to the riders. Such is life - some people find the heat and vibration so bad they can't stand it (me after 35,000 miles or so..)

FYK mileage is better determined by brake-pedal wear than the odometer. There isn't one of them in the US with a functioning odometer that came from the factory. They all broke, and all got rebuilt - sometimes many times, and frequently the true vehicle mileage was lost along the way.

The rest is all on the writeup I did.. those are just a few highlights. You won't find more bike for the $$ than a FYK, but make certain you can put up with the foibles.

[roy]

Depending on which model and your leg length your knees may hit on the fairing. I have the FYK RT and with a 30" inseam my knees touch the fairing edges. Easy fix, wear padded knee riding pants.

Other than that I prefer this bike to my 1200LT for solo riding.

Roy

[madcatdad]

I always had mid 80's airheads, happened to fall into buying a "FYK".....and I've had more fun on this bike than I probably deserve!

Its locked onto a rail in fast sweepers, gets me to the front of the group from a stoplight and is absolutely bombproof (despite my heavy handed wrenching)

Of course I've never been on a hotter running bike than this one and the starter, clutch, instrument panel etc are things to be aware of before buying a FYK.

re: the K75...if you did a quick survey and asked K-bike owners for the bike they never should have sold.... I bet the majority will say the K75.

If you can find a clean, reasonably priced K75, you'll probably never regret that decision....especially when you're sitting in traffic in July on top of a "FYK Rotisserie".

[bikerfish1100]

as far as deciding between "some year K100" and "some year K75", you'll find that: a K75 handles better (due to being lighter), with the K75S having the best factory front suspension of the lot. A K75 is also (arguably) the smoothest bike BMW ever built- it feels like you have an electric motor underneath you! A 2 valve version (K75 or 100) is piece-of-cake easy to do a valve adjustment on, expecially as compared to any 4-valve K bike. Power is down on a K75 compared to it's big brother, but that really only comes into play in the triple digit speed realm or when touring 2-up (I sold my last K75 to get a K1100 when my son had gotten too big for spirited hill/mountain work as a passenger, but was not yet old enough for his own steed). Most other aspects of these 2 models are pretty similar(both for good and bad), as they share over 50% of their parts. Also, a K100 is a hotter ride, given that the bigger motor produces more heat.

[zoridog]

I own a "finest year" K100RT. I have never owned a K75 but many rave about it's virtues.

The K100 is too hot to ride in traffic above 80 degrees but is a sweet ride for anything else. Mine runs like a train and starts in any weather. It is a great winter, spring and fall bike. You probably will not ride it much in the summer.

If I had a second K, I would trade for the Bonnie in a heartbeat. My 85 is not for sale.

[mbrickell]

I've been looking at some K bikes lately,almost bought one last season but went with another airhead. I'm trying to sell my 1976 Triumph Bonneville to get one. anyone want to trade? Anyway I've heard that the 1985 year are the one to avoid due to a lot of problems with the machines of that year.Any truth to this?
George

I actually heard that the '85 bikes were the best. Total hearsay, though...

[GregFeeler]

I've been looking at some K bikes lately,almost bought one last season but went with another airhead. I'm trying to sell my 1976 Triumph Bonneville to get one. anyone want to trade? Anyway I've heard that the 1985 year are the one to avoid due to a lot of problems with the machines of that year.Any truth to this?
George

You've heard about the history of the '85 K100. I've had an '87 K100RT (hot) a K100RS, and have now a K75S, standard K75, a K1, and a K1200RS. I came late to the K-bike party but now have some affection for these bikes. :brow

Compared to an airhead the Klassic K's have a much more rigid frame (read: better handling), more power, are smoother, and take a lot less maintenance. The K75's are very smooth and and a very well balanced all-round bike. The K100's have more power, but the K75 is "sweeter".

If you buy one right you can ride it for a year or two and if it's not your cup of tea, then sell it for what you paid for it. That's the only way you'll find out if one is for you. I suspect you'll have fun with one whatever the eventual outcome. :thumb

[cayuse60]

I have a basic K75 with some farkles.
If I had it to do again a late model K75RT would be my bike of choice. Any K75 is smooth and reliable and not difficult to maintain.

URL=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2312973140102328661SEhIDn]http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/20640/2312973140102328661S600x600Q85.jpg[/URL]

[bandman]

Most riders would probably say the K75. I am not unlike the rest. I had 1987
K75C before I bought my K1200RS. Although I absolutely love my KRS I also loved my K75. If I had it to do over, I would still own my K&% and my K1200RS. The K75 is thought of as being one of the finest engines BMW ever made. It is very smooth and easy to maintain. Most will also say that it is smoother than the K100. My vote is for the 75.

[smilingcouple]

Never owned a K75 but have ridden most other types of motorcycles. My 85 K100 is the finest, well built and sweetest overall ride I have ever had. The motorcycle seems complicated but the parts all work well together. I don't worry about the speedo, my GPS works great. Either bike you cannot beat for the money at any price.

[MESINCITY]

And hot??? Woo-wee!!!

And summers in Las Vegas? Woo-Wee!!!

I always thought it was darn hot...now I have a bit of an answer.

Also, have always heard similar comments regarding the K75 as others before me have posted. Although I'd love to have a later K75RT, the garage space and budget do not currently allow it.

I also agree with the comment made regarding purchasing one, riding it a year and selling it for just about what you paid. In terms of economy, there is absolutely no better deal for a solid bike, in my opinion, than a 80's-Vintage K-Bike!

I paid $3200 for mine back in 1997...with 72K on the odometer...it's currently got 106K-plus on the odometer...and in the ON, I see they continue to sell for a similar price...

Why does the public-at-large not have a greater awareness of such value?!?!?

[GregFeeler]

I paid $3200 for mine back in 1997...with 72K on the odometer...it's currently got 106K-plus on the odometer...and in the ON, I see they continue to sell for a similar price...

Why does the public-at-large not have a greater awareness of such value?!?!?

Be glad they are not, or the prices would go up. :brow

[BuddingGeezer]

Last Saturday I sat (did not ride) on every model BMW has on the show room floor today, not to mention a couple Triumphs and a Ducati. As far as the ergonomics I would not have traded any straight up for my K100LT. It fits me.

Ralph Sims