1985 K100 versus 2000-2002 K100 4 valve

[louisiana]

Group,
Please lend me a hand in evaluating each of these bikes. I'm thinking comparative pros and cons, in the context of deciding which one to look for. I've had my new/old K75S for a few weeks and I enjoy it so much that I'd like to buy into the power of the four cylinder Ks.

I admire the 1985 K100 for its hotter cam, and for the fact that you can find one in trimless NAKED style. I realize, courtesy of this forum, that I'd have to spend some time and money to fit a low seat. Is it more difficult to source parts for an '85, than other build years?

The 4 valve design gets my attention for its extra horsepower, and the updates in suspension and frame. There must be other changes too. If I chose the newer K100 as either an RL or RT, I'd want to completely remove the fairing on either one.
Can I remove them without a list of complications without solutions?

I am pretty familiar with Saabs, and drivers used to puzzle between the 9000 T car sold thru 1992, and the final Saab 9000 Aero design sold thru 1997. In this case, newer was the better choice for most Saabers.

Thanks in advance. I need your insights!!! Alf

P.S. Thanks to 98lee I have noticed that I mistakenly wrote 2000-2002 where I meant to write 1990-1992 in the message header. My apologies to 98lee and the group as a whole.

[PHMarvin]

Hi, Louisiana,
There are a number of parts which are '85-only, such as tank, seat and seat cowl. If you try to fit the low seat, you will probably need an '86 or later cowl. I don't know if the low seat will fit at the front, where the rubber tank cover goes. Were it me, I would look for a nice low-mileage later model. Or if you really want a non-faired bike, look into the R1100R or R1150R.

[nh7robmw]

You pose a very good question and I will be getting out my popcorn for this one.

I sure miss my '85 K100RS and I have to say that the fairing and windshield design really kept my bike glued to the highway (once I'd reached a cruising speed above the annoying buzziness below 70mph). I think that aerodynamic design was superb---much better than my K75S's that I ride nowadays.

I hear that the later models are a little more difficult as far as adjusting the valves (but you seldom need to do that on most any brick with less than 60k on the clock, right?) and that the "ABS factor" also comes into play---sometimes the ABS will go out on the bikes that have it so that's something else to consider.

My choice would be another FYK with low miles and a good batch of regular maintenance receipts. Bite the bullet and do the low-seat conversion, cowl and all. The buzz is not all that bad and that hotter cam is worth the price of admission, IMO. What a fun bike!:clap

That's my 2 Deutschmark's worth, now onto what others here have to opine.

[2old2rockNroll]

If you like a naked bike, I'd say find a '85 basic K...stripping the fairings on an rs/rt leaves a number of essentials to fabricate, like lights, controls, stuff like that. A Corbin saddle works well on the '85 to get your butt closer to earth and there seems to be a fair number around on ebay for a couple hundred bucks. You can carve down the stock saddle also...I'm a short (not a shorthorn) person and I think the Kbrick rep of being hard to handle is kinda overstated. Once you're comfortable with the bikes' balance, it doesn't seem a problem. I think the 'topheavy' rap came from those people riding Lazyboy Recliners....(H-ardly D-angerous)

The lumpy cams in the '85 sound cool, having ridden both early and late I don't notice much difference in performance though. The four valves seem a tad tamer to me, but I'm sure you could get some argument on that. Either one is boilerplate with low miles and decently maintained.

Check out Larry's custom 'Special K' ... [url]http://www.specialks.net/[url]
now that is nekkid!

Good Hunting!

[lostboy]

A naked 16 valve K is very tempting, and there were many improvements from the original K100 to the 16 valve-the Marzocchi fork, the Paralever (there might be some contention there...) Motronic engine management, wide tubeless tires, a stiffer frame..

On the other hand, an '85 K100 will go faster than my neck can stand.

[louisiana]

The 1100R and 1150R are handsome bikes to be sure. I'd prefer a K with an inline 4, over the Boxer design twins. Which year K100 is where I'm stuck.

Thanks for the mail. I hope there are yet a few more points of view out there.

Alf

[osbornk]

I see you also have one or more Honda Magnas. I replaced my 84 V45 with a 85 K100RT (years ago). The K bike performed very well but my Magna was smoother but didn't handle nearly as well and burned considerable more gas. The K100RT did sell me on BMWs though. I sold the K100RT and replaced it with a K75RT for several reasons. The 85 K100RT is HOT (as in fry an egg). It is also buzzy in the grips and footpegs below 75-80 MPH (after 80, it is smooth as glass). Also, as has been mentioned, several parts are unique to the 85 model. Seats and other things listed for K100s are for all K100s except for the 85 model.

I must be getting old because I went from the high performing K100RT and have progressively gotten a slower BMW the last 3 times. I don't think they make anything slower than the what I have now (and I'm perfectly happy).


Ken

[godzilla]

Heat Issue: My '85 K100RS is now a nekkid bike due to an accident... No heat issues to speak of. Sure, you can feel some heat on the left-side, but nothing like the RT guys get from that fairing.

Parts: My mechanic seems to be able to get any parts she has ever needed with no problem. I don't know his source, but if he doesn't have in stock, he makes a call and has the part on hand a few days later.

This is the only bike I've ever had, so I can't compare handling or power to anything else. All I know is I've been well over 100MPH and there was plenty of throttle left to go. The buzziness is gone at 80.

The instrument clusters were bad on these bikes. My speedo was wonky from when I bought her (69K indicated) until 113K when it finally broke for good. I found a used one that had 31K on it. I have put over 20K on that one, so I think she has probably around 150K. have things gone bad? Yep. Hall Effect sensor. Oil/Water pump. I think my clutch is slipping a bit and she does seep a bit of oil.

On the other hand, she's a great bike. My brother has an 85 RT and he has owned and ridden many bikes since the 60's. He says that his 85 is the best bike he's ever had. He wants to buy another one with low mileage.

Russell and Corbin can make a custom seat for your butt. I don't know how much they can lower one, but I had my Russell redone and it is very comfortable. I am tall, so height isn't an issue for me.

I am fighting in intermittant problem on my bike right now, but I would not hesitate to chenge the oil in her and take off for a cross country trip.

[98lee]

I can't believe his thread has gone this far without someone pointing out that they did not build a K100 4-valve in 2000-2002. Those were K1200RSs. That is a COMPLETELY different animal that does not lend itself to going naked. While ANYTHING is doable, it would require a lot of one off fabrication and design work beyond the capabilities of a lot of people.

They did build the K100RS 4-valve in 1989-'92. These would be easy to go naked by using earlier K100 headlight supports, turn indicators, mirrors and instrument supports.

K1100RS 4-valves were built from '92-'96. K1100LT 4-valves were built from '89-'99.
Both of these could be converted using the same early K100 parts.

They never made a 4-valve K in RL or RT configuration.



:dance:dance:dance

[2slowwheels]

I think it would be easier, maybe cheaper, to find a naked K75, sell the K75S, and get a late 80's K100RS. But after 6 SAAB's I finally got a one owner 1997 9000 CSE Turbo last winter so I don't claim to be logical but last of the euro SOB's, I couldn't resist.:bottle

[louisiana]

Hey there 98lee. I don't know where the 2000-2002 reference came from. I'm looking at K100s from '85 'till '92. Where do you weigh in on the choice between an '85 K100 and a say1991 K100 RS that I'd want to get naked. I know that you know your K's. As an aside, I just received the correct Glassurit 162 touch up paint from ColorRite. I am anxious to use it on the radiator cowel. It will make quite a difference!

[nh7robmw]

Thought I'd post a picture of this customized naked 4-valve K for inspiration....I believe I ran across this on the flying bricks.de website months ago.

Looks like it might possibly be a fun ride:D

http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww18/Zagando/Ronny_Zachmann_Gross.jpg

[TCHLFXVT]

I bet your shiny alumina tank would look pretty nice on that bike.

[louisiana]

Now that is a WILD bike! Imagination and ability go a long way. BTW I had a peek at the Specialks.com site, and phoned Larry with a couple of questions. He's a terrific fellow, and so ,so talented. The creamy white K on his home page is a honey. Take a look if you haven't already.

[58058D]

Glad 98lee chimed in on the K12 issue...I was trying to picture how to make it a neckit one......Other than that, I got my popcorn and my eyes peeled to see what comes of this.:lurk