[Ep 18] So You Wanna Build a BMW K-bike - Sharing A Few Things I Learned
Вставка
- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- Just a chill exposition consisting of some info for model differences when looking for one, compatibilities, things to look out for, parts sources, and general subjective advice after building on myself.
----RESOURCES IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE OR MENTION-----
K-Bike History Video
• BMW K-Bike History (K1...
My K100 Build Episode 1
• [Ep 01] 1986 BMW K100 ...
Article highlighting history of K bikes
www.motorcycli...
Quick forum post discussing differences in 2v and 4v models and Jetronic/Motronic
www.k100-forum...
Monolever and Paralever Info (The Physics)
largiader.com/p...
Monolever to Paralever Conversion info
www.motobrick.c...
Cognito Moto for fork swap stuff
cognitomoto.com/
Quick forum post discussing Rear wheel swaps.
www.k100-forum...
Old BMW wheel to USD forks kit
cognitomoto.co...
R1100GS wire wheel on a k100 outline
www.motobrick.c...
1200cc engine swap outline
www.k100-forum...
Larger output Alternator swap info
www.kbikeparts....
Retrorides subframe and suspension guide
retroridesbylo...
Chris Harris, A BMW bike guru
/ @chrisr.harris
Starter sprag clutch issues outline and info
bmwmotorcyclet...
Ebay
www.ebay.com/
Max BMW Parts
shop.maxbmw.co...
EuroMotoElectrics
www.euromotoel...
BMW K100 Jetronic Fuel injection info and troubleshooting
bmwmotorcyclet...
My Fuel injection rewire video with M unit
• [Ep 12] 1986 BMW K100 ...
MIKEYFROMPIHA's rewire videos
• BMW K100 MOTOGADGET M-...
CafeRacer Web shop
www.caferacerw...
Caf4racer shop
cafe4racer.eu/en/
BSK Speedworks shop
www.bskspeedwo...
BMW K100 turbo info
rbracing-rsr.c...
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My social media!
Instagram - / theillestrator_nyc
Facebook - / the-illestrator-191640...
Twitter - / illestratornyc - Авто та транспорт
I can listen to this guy talk about how paint drys
I'm late to the party, but never too late thought. A week ago I picked up my 1986 K100RS in pretty much good condition (apart from few oil leaks, just BMW things). Plan is to build it to be pleasant to look at. I might have lucked out with the budget since the fairings were painted 2 years ago and look brand new. Selling all useless parts.
After watching this video I am still going to keep my original plan. I gave myself time upcoming winter to build the bike, but not going to mess with any electronics now. I will brief myself with your video series on the build, thank you.
Someone need to be paying you for your abilities, I feel like RevZilla could absolutely use you in their content department. Your thoroughness, presentation, and aesthetic style are unique and so enriching to the UA-cam motorcycle space. In a world where everyone is yelling at the camera proclaiming their enthusiasm for motorcycles, the illestrator is here calmly bludgeoning me with a wall of text script that proves it.
Said it once I'll say it again this build is 🔥💯
The passion you put into this bike shows. Illestrator's Custom Bike Shop coming soon 👍
Honestly bro this was all a labor of luv and we appreciate you making us a part of it. Now we all know the trails and tribulations of building, Sourcing and finishing a k bike project from a person state side. I wouldn’t do it because I can’t even imagine how much Guap you shelled out to see the end of this one. I’d prefer something Japanese, Old Italian or older American being they’re easier to source parts, simpler to find and cheaper to maintain while building. Needless to say, thank you 🙏🏽 for making this one!
As a mechanic and fabricator for over 16 years can honestly say that's a pain the arse. Kudos to you though for attempting it. Nice!!!
Definitely the hardest part
The history of the K bike was awesome!
Hey mate, I’m from Australia. Bought a K100 which should be arriving in a few weeks. You’ve given me a lot of insight into what I need and makes me feel very comfortable with what to do and what to look for! Thank you so much man!
Dude I love your K, especially being your first build is nothing short of incredible. Well done
Dude this has got to be the most informative video on a motorcycle series I’ve ever seen. Big props man you killed it
You’re the best my friend! I actually fell in love with the original design of my k11 when i started not liking the bike at all! I guess that’s what the flying brick was made for, fall in love! Keep it up! Props From Lisbon!
I have run my K100RS/4V to the north cape(Norway), Gibraltar and Turkey. The only problem I ever had that needed an instant repair was a clogged up fuel filter, my bad. Easy to replace. Best thing to carry with both my K100 and R1100GS are laminated wiring diagrams of the bikes. Electrical problems can be a nightmare on these bikes and the diagrams can really help you out. The engines will run almost forever when well maintained. Both bikes are well over 240,000 km now (each) and still going strong.
Remember that if you move a rear wheel out to one side by a thicker spacer you will throw off the way the bike tracks, or it's center of gravity which will be shifted slightly to one side and when you let your hands off the bars it will go to that side. While riding you will likely notice you have to exert more effort on the bars on one side, unless you did something to compensate for that thicker spacer.
What a GFV, a great vid. I am into all sorts of cars, bikes and whatnot, and aside from a few books I bought in the last century (literally), this is by far the best resource I have seen on any vehicle. I was trying to decide what the next build project will be, and this sealed it for me. THANK YOU!
Man, I won't get that 26 minutes back. Worth it! 👌
Great content man! Thank you for taking the time to put all this info together. I've been fallowing you from the beginning and I'm so happy to see that you didn't give up! you've inspired me to start my K1100 project and for that I thank you again.
Update: I'm Finally finishing up the k-bike and it got excepted into the Hand-built show in Austin TX 2023!
outstanding, sir! So much important info you packed in............glad I held on to my 85 K100 / havent yet taken the custom dive
I'm gonna buy an K100RS from 1990 in the Netherlands tomorrow, it has the 16 valve engine and the Paralever.
great stuff mate! as usual :) i finished my k1100 and i'm glad i took a more recent one
Very helpful. Trying to decide if I want to build one
Hey man, you have an immense amount of knowledge on these bikes. I live upstate from you, in catskill. I just picked up an absolute beauty 1989 k100rs-se. For free!!!!!!! Was left on a property for years, abandoned in a shed. Was given to me by the property owner. It seems to be in really good shape. Maybe somehow we can link up and go over this bike. I'd happily pay you for your time. I have a truck and could bring the bike to you. Or you could take a nice ride up here. Anyhow, I'd love to meet you and learn some cool shit about this bike.
I totally feel your pain with hunting down a virago, I think if all goes well with thes hurricanes today, I think I'll pull the trigger on one.
Excellent as ever
You didn't even watch it yet 😭😭😭
@@Theillestrator1050 I have faith man :)
Faith was borne out, i admire your tenacity to get this done despite the challenges,
Thanks man
awesome content Holmes, and this is from a Harley dude.
I recently picked up a 1988 BMW K75 and I'm on the fence about converting it into a cafe racer. My basic concern is:
1. If I go all out a get a fork kit which used fork kit will work with my bike? By for kit I'm talking craigslist or eBay of course.
2. My bike is a 3-banger and it appears to have the motronic kit for fuel injection. How custom looking can I go with the airbox or hopefully future air pods?
Thank You....your videos are inspiring me to get off the fence.
Great video. You sir have earned a subscriber
I bought a K75 yesterday. :D
As Always. Magnificent!
Fantastic video.
oh i thought we were already finished with this series
welp one more for the playlist
Awesome breakdown man! Just got a hold of a k100 with a rebuilt title. It’s a 1990 LT with what looks like an 8 valve motor though so I am confused. So excited to start wrenching on it
Great job man
Would you say this is an okay bike for a first timer? I’ve heard people say it’s heavy and too much power for a beginner. On the other hand…I REALLY WANT IT. I’m torn!
Great info sir, thanks!
I'VE WATCHED THE WHOOOLE BUILD....Man, you've done an awesome job...One thing is sure though...I WILL NEVER, EVER BUY A BMW K-BIKE !!!!!! Take care, bro, enjoy your bike, and thank you for the videos!!!!
The bike is so beautiful, but thats alot of time and money. Perhaps for my second build.
Hello,
I’m working on my build on the k100rs base from 1992.
I’m thinking of changing the fork as I don’t like the way the old one looks. Do you have any recommendations or suggestions on where to find them on which fork should I use if I want to maybe improve the handling of the bike or at least keep it as it is?
So you gonna tell us how much it cost to build?
#The illestrator Did you use the same K100 electrical wiring loom in your conversion or get rid of it all?
great video man
Thanks
Can a 88 k75c be made to have an increase in performance? Thank you for your videos!
and the overall build cost?
Where do I get an Illestrator sitcker!?
Anyone know a link or more info on the copper #31 K100 cafe racer shown at 12:24?
cool clip 👌
Where are you located and how much do you charge for this build
I don't even like Cafe bikes, but these are cool as hell and I'd love to own one. It'd be that one motorcycle I own that isn't sport or sumo
Why do you say 3 spoke like its a little sexier?
only thing I learned was that I dont want to build a k bike anymore. thank you lol
www.car.gr/23801160-bmw-k-100-rt
are you using the same head light ?
Try to speak faster... It may be easier to fallows the video..
😳😟
I have never once looked at an old BMW bike and thought, "I'd love to own one of these". Then you came along, now I'm sitting here thinking about how i would do things differently than you did style wise. I can't tell if you're brilliant, evil, or both. Now I'm going to go to rewatch the whole build again.
Notice: this is not a build story. This is a love story. And it’s a legitimate masterpiece that makes Romeo and Juillette seem like a hack job. Thank you.
my own k75 has served me well.
2 valve vs. 4 valve... The two valve will supply more torque than a four valve at lower RPM. In the city I'd rather have a two valve. If you ride where the upper reaches of the RPM range is needed, then go with a four valve. But seriously....
Plus a two valve is a simpler engine which is appreciated when valve adjusting is needed.
All I got from this was ok, I don't wanna build a K bike
Dude this was worth the work 👍🏼 I enjoyed watching the build series and to hear this breakdown really pulls it all together. I’ve got a buddy that just picked up a K100 from CL. It was the classic “just needs to be wired up” add 😂🤣 I told him about you and your build series so he would be exceptionally thrilled that you were as thorough as you were with the entire series. Stay safe man ✌🏼
This is the 1st vid that i can honestly say... i watched the whole vid while eating a bowl of shredded Parmigiano cheese and maple syrup... 🇨🇦🇱🇷🇰🇷
I gotta try that combo. Which brands do you recommend?
I cant believe this is the same dude who bought that old green BMW with very little knowledge, but a clear vision. Its astonishing how familiar you have become with these. You probably put more hours into studying the K bike than other people have put into college degrees. And you best believe I'm gonna be in your DMs if I pick up one of these machines. Cant wait for the final reveal.
I don't know how many times I've watched this video... lol
I have one sitting in my garage waiting to be torn apart.
10/10 Really interesting video. I've always liked those K bikes, Now I'd like to rebuild one into a max cafe:D
Great video dude, some good info in there! If it was me and I was gonna do it again, I would go K1100 over K100 everyday!
Bro no lie you scared the fuck out of me with this video i’m not even sure if I wanna do it anymore lol
Good morning. I just recently took possession of my great grandma's '60s Honda Sport 50. In short, it's basically a scooter that's cosplaying as a "real" motorcycle. It has a manual transmission, clutch lever, and looks a bit like a CB style bike despite being 20 years older. I plan on resto-modding it in the near future. Your build series helped give me confidence to take this on. So, thanks man. Stay safe.
Been waiting for the update 🙌🏻
That 5 star wheel from the 1200cc is FIRE... That would be my choice if I were to restore a K-Bike. Your build came out really nice for not having a shop or garage to work in. You've inspired so many people to start there projects even if conditions aren't always ideal, it can be done. And have great results.👍👍
My brain hurts...I'm gonna stick with my boxer...I was confused after the first 30 seconds...but I watched til the end cos I loved the vid and narration...Great job...Kudos from the UK!
Why yes I do
I'm thinking of making my bicycle driving license in 2024 and I always wanted BMW bike since I was a kid. I used to be in love with WW2 R35, but it's a collector item nowadays. So my eyes are looking at K1100LT/RS right now.. And I think they are awesome looking!
You don’t happen to have the full vids of the sprag clutch / bell housing / clutch / gearbox reassembly do you? I inherited a mid-project K1 and could use a vid-how-to as an assist. Great vid collection btw, and great build!
This is one hell of a lesson on k bikes .fantastic ✌️🏍amazingly narrated with so much info .thank you 🏴
The most SHOCKING thing was having to PAY for petrol BEFORE you fill up 😳wtf....you must live in a Rough neighborhood man 😖😘🏴
We used to call these bikes the "flying brick!!!" on track days!! And for years I've secretly loved the k1. Would like to make a sleeper out of it. Turbocharged, intercooled, fuel injected, and stroke & bored. A low compression ratio, rubbing alcohol tank & water injection. I wouldn't be able to stop myself! Titanium valves, especially ground camshafts, (turbo) let's keep it European, Ohlins suspension, radial calipers, ect........ Where it ends in divorce. 🤣😆😂
Man this is so good bro. I’m planning on getting a k75. It would also be my first bike for the experience. Love the freaking look. Thanks for your videos. Hope it goes well, i found a nice one in really good condition, but like you said, i still have to take a look for myself.
OMG, my friend you are incredibly knowledgeable wow. I recently fell in love with both the K line and the R line of BMW , leaning more towards the K right now for a donor simply because the cost of any R100 is skyrocketed since their popularity has increased ... My hat is off to you, I have two friends who do custom Honda CBX builds and use the Mega Squirt in allot of builds , yet if I mention that all things are now controlled through the Mega Squirt to others , most times I get a blank look and a response of " A Mega what ???? " lol. For sure i'll check out some of your others video's ,thanks .....
I'm in the UK. When I took my 1984 K100RS in for her compulsory yearly Ministry of Transport road worthiness test (MOT Test), I had only just stripped all the fairing off , she failed due to the forks slapping the tank...I didn't know that the "bump stop" is on the fairing mounting frame.....the mechanic sorted it out by welding two small pieces of steel square section rod onto the headstock creating a new" bump stop" on either side
Thanks to UA-cam’s super random algorithms, this build was thrown in my face repeatedly. I finally watched it and the next thing I know I’m 4hrs away in Detroit buying a very ugly motorcycle that I never wanted. Now it’s just sitting in the driveway taunting me like a weird German version of Trailer Trash Tammy. What just happened?
The weird geometry of the tank, and the potential of having a non-flat seat with some character in it is half of why I really like the K series cafe racers. The other half is the brick engine, there's just nothing else like it, and it's an interesting solid shape as opposed to all the weird variations of twin engines that almost exclusively leave that weird gap under the back end of the fuel tank where the air pods are usually mounted.
So in a way, it's kind of a backwards aesthetic; the engine has really good lines and fills the right amount of space, and the tank and seat are the awkward shapes.
You have inspired to build a K bike 🏍 I want to start with a rs1200 and knock the ugly off it. Keep the good stuff and hp but wrapping it in a pretty RS1100 package 📦 any advice or info. Keep making these awesome video’s I’m sure I’m not the only one you have inspired 🥃😎
Ya know, I've never noticed my shaft driven bike (vt1100c2) doesn't lean back on acceleration. It is my first bike though, so it's what I'm used to. I love that feeling of its just goes forward no fuss no muss no feeling like I might wheelie if I push it too far. I will read up on the handling aspects though. That I didn't know about.
Great host for learning the process in this sort of project. The history lessen is a bonus for me as I am considering a K. I plan not to mod. Getting some of those issues sorted will take long enough. Cheers.
It felt like I was just watching this build can't believe it's already been 3 years. Are you still making videos?
this guy talks so incredibly fast, it becomes a real chore to follow along when English is not your main language.. I found myself skipping back a lot just to catch what my man just said ;;) other than that he's dropping some real knowledge for sure!
Hey Man!
I am doing my build now and I can say your chanel is not only helpful, but its is actually essential. Thanks huge and truly great work you've done here.
I have a question here. Where the pipe connected to the basket fuel filter is leading to? I just removed the pump to check on it and the pipe crunched before I was able to see where it went. And cannot really find it on any scheme.
It's kinda minor thing I guess but still it better goes where it should :) Thanks!
I want to build a k bike 🏍 in South Africa 🇿🇦 however parts are scarce please help
Great contest, nice hints and great value for newbies.
Just one point, you need a stand! 😂
I agree with Michael you are very easy to listen to I’m looking for episode 19 and possibly 20 or is 18 the last one you produced I’ve been looking but I cannot find anything
What the f, bro. This is incredible. How can I pay for your consulting services when I start my K100?
This was some good info I’m starting to build this 2000 k1200rs I have into a cafe racer
A lot of people must be thinking this. But what do you think of Doing EFI conversion on older carburated engines.
Hi regarding the off set with the tree clamp and forks did you end up moving the tank back
How far did you move it back
Or did you have another fix
Thanks bro
Oy. I respect your knowledge, but I do not need it. I am not rebuilding a K bike. So, I am making an early exit stage left.
Just found your channel, a wealth of great information which is refreshing. Thank you.
Next build. 80s Russian sub... from a park slope backyard... backyard
Great Video, I am preparing to convert my 1992 K75 we see how it go, thanks again
I know its been a minute since you posted about this bike (at least in this playlist) but could you make a cost breaking down for this bike?
Woof. Yeah, looks like I'm never buying a K bike. I'm just not built for all that 😅
You driving around my old hood lol that’s Brownsville. I went to high school over there too
Happy i found you, You’re awesome man. Just got a 1985 k100rs.
Thank you for this primer on K bikes. I am just beginning to go down this rabbit hole. Your video seems to cover so much!
Good ol Brownsville ENY corridor. We should link up. Great vids.