These classic K's were one of the most dependable bike BMW ever made, but you do have to tear the whole back of the bike apart all the way to the clutch housing to clean and grease the splines every 30,000 miles or so, using special grease. I used a grease Beemer Boneyard sold years ago called Guard Dog, and then mixed in as much ...What was that stuff?...Titanium Disulfide Powder that a company called Lower Friction sold? I think that's what it was called. It's an excellent lube that doesn't dry out or fall off. Some of the interesting things about these bikes are aluminum fuel tank and stainless steel exhaust. The bulky block motor does give it a relatively low center of gravity, the way the longitudinal 4 is laid flat. Cylinders were coated with a Silica-Carbide or whatever, so they do last as long as they do. Has anyone heard of these motors blowing up? I've heard of plenty of Harley's blowing up. I don't recall hearing of any of these motors failing. I put 148,000 miles on a '85 K100RT and was impressed at how free and smooth the front wheel spun. Original sealed wheel bearings. The wheels themselves were very light. Impressively light. Was so used to that bike that I bought a K1100 LT after that one. Kids in the neighborhood made a game of tipping it over in my apartment lot. It looked like hell having had a hard life sitting out in the weather all the time and it was time to move on. The K1100LT is so much like the old K100, it almost makes me think it the same old days. That's over 35 years riding these bikes, which are almost the same to ride. Old friends are hard to part with, I guess. Lots of trips, and lots of memories. If you buy one of these old bikes, all the rubber stuff is subject to...well let's just say it's suspect to be in need of replacement, all the rubber lines and hoses as well as the brake lines. Replace those with steel braided lines. However the radiator hoses last what seems like forever. The fuel injectors will likely need to be replaced or professionally cleaned. BMW makes a fuel system cleaner which is basically an overdose of Techron. Look for PEA, that's the stuff to use. Use it every year or so at least.
I have a 94 k1100rs had it about a year now, wanted one when they came out but couldnt afford one at the time as they were very expensive, i am over the moon with it how it rides, goes, stops, far better than I ever imagined it could be, and it's in perfect condition even after all the years, it has documented 45k miles and still feels like a newish bike. I love it.
Dude. I can relate ! I bought my dream touring bike 2 years ago, a R1150RT special edition, and I love it !😻. Never could have afforded it back in my younger days, but she’s mine! Mouwahaha!!!!! 😝 The missus loves it too !!!!
I had a 1989 BMW K75S the same Polaris Red color. It also had the two-tone horns, heated grips, 4-way flashers, but it didn't have ABS. A lovely comfortable, relatively fast and very planted bike on the fast corners. Seeing this one brought back the memories. Thanks.
I owned a ‘96 in the early 2000s. It was my first bike. Out of MSF class and onto a used K1100RS. Mine was a crazy vibrant green called “Palmetto Green”. Once a guy stopped next to me commented “that is the ugliest bike I’ve ever seen - I LOVE IT!”. Haha. Well, I loved it too. I found it quite attractive, except for the front end, where it’s a bit ungainly looking. Other angles are good. I did quite a bit of touring, commuting, fun riding on it, in Colorado and neighboring states. The engine is the “flying brick” because it’s an inline four sitting on its side. Good thing they hid it behind fairings. Pay special attention to the helmet-cam view, because you can see that the instruments and mirrors are in the same horizontal plane. Excellent, thoughtful design. I test rode many bikes while I owned my K1100RS, and I enjoyed quite a few of them. But every time I got back on “the Goblin”, I was happy to return to it. I took a 15+ year break from riding, but am now back into it, and own a ‘17 R1200GS Adventure and an Indian FTR. Watching this video makes me want my K1100RS back, too! Here I go, to eBay …. 😃
You really need to wind it out. You are just about lugging the engine on that whole ride. Live above 5K for awhile, run it up to redline before you shift... Then you'll see her real performance.
The flying brick is in reference to the inline 4 mounted on its side, the engine is the flying brick. The older k100s and k75s had the engines more on display. Have you seen how the engine is configured? The newer k-bikes have conventional inline engines, but the early k-bikes have the engines mounted length-wise in the frame with the cylinders perpendicular to the ground... Probably the first and last time this was done!
@@spiderbeardancing my 1986 K100RT didn't have ABS. I think '88 was the first on the RT. I took one out for a test ride and the ABS was pretty crude. My ABS test was to get up to 120 km/h on grass on an airfield and then just hit it. The first year BMW ABS system ripped up a divot of grass about every meter/yard and felt like you were sliding or jumping over icy puddles. Quite unpleasant. Within a couple of years the ABS improved so that you couldn't feel it pulsing and it would just tear up a continuous strip of grass (with road touring tyres). That's what my 1995 R1100RT (which I still have today) is like. There's an initial *pinggg* sound as the ABS activates and you feel it unlock the wheel once, but then it's just smooooth -- you can even safely hit the brake hard -- either end -- while cranked over in a corner. The affected wheel will step sideways maybe a couple of inches on the initial lock and unlock, but then just tracks smoothly. Really funky to see even 250 bikes with ABS (compulsory in the EU!) now.
@@BruceHoult 1988 K100RS SE was the first bike to have ABS. That particular model was only made/sold for two (2) years, 1989 being the last. Crude, first gen tech, undoubtedly. No question, as compared to what we now have with today's tech. Fantastic bikes. That is all. I've 3. Will likely acquire more beforee i am done, cheers. Ride on and leaning the fuq into it, me...
Best bike ever! I own a lot of bikes that are a ton of fun, but after a month or two, I always start longing for my '89 K100RS I already put 125K miles on. It's fast, comfy, and very direct. Even directer than the K1100's due to the pegs mounting direct to the gearbox & harder rubbers in the handlebar mounts. btw: highest mileage I've ever seen on a K100? 470K.. miles that is (750K kms)!
Wow, 125k on yours and that was 2 years ago. Impressive. I just inherited my dads bike that he bought in October of 2021 to downsize from his 2000 K120T but never got to ride it may he Rest In Peace. It has 28k on it and it’s a ‘93 so I guess I’ve got a lot of life left to it. The blue color is sweet. 🤜🏼
@@klausknudsen106 On the 2 valve K models (all before '89), the only common problem is the spline toothing on the final drive, but with only 28K miles, that will not yet be a problem. Be sure to dismantle the FD and lube them before putting any serious mileage on it. Good luck!
BMW was known for making lightweight touring bikes, simple and basic. Then they got too much stuff on them, and got too heavy and with more weight they needed a bigger motor, and then they got even heavier. The old K's were best on the highway, the faster the better is where they like to run, all day long, day after day. Suspension was weak, though. Very dependable.
These were the more refined alternative to the VFR (of the day). They are a fantastic value and definitely fit the bill for a great 'do everything' machine with mountains of character and credibility.
It feels more "planted" because of the low center of gravity of that horizontal mounted engine. The Germans know best how to build engines. Everyone else just copies them.
years ago a bike magazine put over 200,000km on a K1100 engine then pulled it apart. What they found is next to no wear. I have heard BMW guys brag they have done well over 350,000KM on a K1100 before anything serious broke. The only issues the bike has were rear end diff seals leaking if you thrashed it too much.
I enjoyed watching your video. I am the original owner of a 1994 K1100RS and she is still going strong after 30 years. Looks brand new runs brand new. The bike was way ahead of its time in its styling and I still find myself looking back and admiring the lines after all these years. 👍
I was looking for a review on this bike, my local BMW dealer has a 1996 with 48,000 miles on it. I have a friend who has the older K75, and he's got over 140,000 miles on his. But, you asked, who would buy this bike. Me. I'm 59 years old, this will be my first bike. I'm 6' and about 250 pounds. Don't have a lot of disposable income right now, so I'm not able to shell out $20K for a new R1200RT, and the K1600GT is not what I would consider to be a good first bike. Now, I can get a medium mileage K1300GT, about 69,000 miles on it, and that engine is so great, compared to the pre-2006 K bikes. But, I don't want that many miles. I could get the 1996 for $3,300 or so, depending on how hard I bargained. This would make a great commuter bike, mostly highway riding, enough power to get the job done, heated grips for the winter season, nice fairing, as you pointed out, very stable and planted. I've known several people with earlier K bikes with the 'brick engine' in it, and they've all been rather happy with them. So, yeah, this would be a great first bike. Sure, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles a newer BMW has, but it's still a good choice and a good buy for the $3,000 price range, or less.
Jeremy, BMW motorcycles are more prevalent in Europe than they are in the U.S., and they carry a premium price because of that. I could easily by a Japanese motorcycle of the same vintage for a few hundred dollars. I will agree that $3,000 may be a bit high, and I could probably get the dealer to come down in price, but not half.
These bikes are made to be ridden, a lot . Low mileage bikes when woken up often are not be happy. Seals start to leak galore. A decently maintained higher miles is a good way to go. My ‘91 had 64k. Probably should’ve checked it out better. Ended up with a rear engine leak. So ALL related parts were related, clutch too. The final drive need a rebuilt too. Engine itself is in great condition. Bottom line $3k isn’t bad especially with maintenance records. Mine, had none. So I have way more in it than it’s worth. I’ll be keeping her to get my money out of it. Oh and yes run them over 5k. She likes shifting 6k to redline.
I dont think anyone ever called a K1300s na couch! BMW started using ABS on their bikes in 1988 on a K100RS Special eddition. It became standard on a model when the K1 was introduced.
SadBunny this video is funny at least... I run a 96 K11 RS for more then two years now as my everyday and every job transport, living in a hilly capital It's hilarious him surprised with the horn noise.
These bikes are iconic. Sad thing is, you hardly see them any more. I have a '95 myself. The build quality is amazing. It makes my Honda VFR feel like a cheap toy, even at 24 years old. And honestly, the technology isn't that much better on the VFR, except it is nice to be a bit lower to the ground. The only disappointing thing about these bikes is the visibility in the mirrors.
I have a 1996 BMW K1100LT, it has 197,000 , and I have the paperwork from where it's just been rebuilt in 2020. It's got two tanks, seats and even new set of plastics. A brand new set of Goodyear tires, that have never been mounted. This bike is beautiful, and has been well tooken care of. I bought it from the original owner, who's only reason for selling was his age. He's 82 years old, and he couldn't get on it anymore. I have all the documents from, everything ever done to it. I can't decide if I want to keep it for myself , or sale it for three times what I paid for it. Good video Sean thanks? 🙏🏻
They were really before their time with the K bikes, they had EFI and ABS in the 80s! As said earlier, you need to wind it out to at least 7-8k rpm to get the real power.
I owned one of these for 13 years and for some stupid reason I sold it! I want my K1100 back :-( Seriously used this machine to commute all year round, rode it two up a across Europe, did 850 miles in Single day without breaking me, just an awesome all round machine. And after all those years the bike still looked new because of the build quality. Sold it aaarrrghh
Some minor problems with these old K engines because the cylinder heads are on the left side and oil can drain into the head of the engine if the bike's left on its side stand for a long time. Because the engine's laid on its side, it has a lowish centre of gravity hence the bike's nimble feeling.
Lol @ the end sequence...there's no bag dragging on a K bike. Not for the rider's handling but the bike is so high up that I don't even know if its possible to happen on these bikes. Fun video - feeling the genuine appreciation for the bike...do a K75 ride when you get one in ;)
sorry, but that compression thing you ramble about is bullshit. I myself own a K1100rs -93 and i love it... My first BMW, and during this winter i'm restoring it. Too many people build these as Cafe's now-a-days... Considering they made only 12k of these RS models worldwide... I love the funky looks (Retro is in) and the bulletproof reliability (examples ridden way over 250k miles are out there and srill on the road), and how torqey the engine is. if you are considering these bikes for yourself, i absolutely recommend it. Buy one and cherish it ❤ In 5-10 years, the resale value of these gems will increase.
I couldn't agree more with the increase in value. It's gotta happen with an icon like this. Like you said, long after everyone has butchered these up for Cafe Racers, mine will be running along in stock form (except for Helibars and Corbin seat).
If they sit for over the winter or longer and they don't start up right away, put some oil in each spark plug hole. No bs. They do dry out if left sitting too long and won't have the compression to run.
@@raybrensike42 You're right. K100 8 and 16v motors are more prone to not having enough compression if the oil seeps out. K1100 mostly just puffs smoke out the exhaust if left on the sidestand... Live and learn (meaning myself). My bike never had that issue though... Always started up nicely after the winter
Actually they took the Peugeot engine b/c they did not have a small 4 cylinder in their portfolio. They built a "proof of concept" bike with it (that was destroyed after testing) and then went on. The K100 engine they then developed has nothing to do with the Peugeot engine they used.
Last year, I bought a first K100RS(1984 2V) and it seems mostly the same engine and machine (No ABS with 1984), with $1100 and maintained beside this I have Triumph and Suzuki but I found it is better for highway with more than 200KM distance ride. Yesterday she stopped everything with relay switch issue, and I found she has a special relay (4pin and 5 pin) the position of (86) and (30) is different from the normal one. I ordered a (USED relays with unbelievable price ($20/each) at the same time now making a (hand made Adopter, converting (30)-(86) ) Maybe BMW dealer is using such a (Cheap Trick) to make money. - I were little bit annoyed but decided to keep using it for the while., as my girl fried likes the rear seat feeling
I grew up around this bike. my dads friends had 300,000 miles on that bike. Such a awesome video.. If I could tell you all the great memories about this bike,..... It would take years.
Hi Sean. I'm looking at buying one of these Flying Bricks but I have heard that parts are on the expensive side and that is if you can find them. From your experience can you tell me if either of those things are true about the K100 or it's little brother the K75. I have found one but have never even seen one before and am trying to find out as much as I can before I shell out my hard earned dollars. Great video as usual. I always enjoy what you have to say about motorcycles and I just finished watching one that you did with your brother that I got a real kick out of. You and your brother went to some place in Ohio in a van to pick up an older Honda off of a guy that collected motorcycles but never actually road them and it turned into quite an adventure trying to keep the bike running. Your roadside mechanic skills were really put to the test on that trip. Take care and God bless.
keep up the great work, I agree that your videos are getting better and better as you record them, the word for the day is what keeps me watching. The only thing I can say is that you never talk negative about any bike. I know your a salesman and you're trying to sale the bike that you're reviewing, but you can't love every bike known to man, sometimes I feel that you're not telling the truth about the bike, you love and talk good about them all. There has to be some cons to every bike, no matter how old or new. Talk about the cons and what you don't like.
I loved the 1100rs I had. They just have an intangible almost personality to it. My ZX1100 was a much more modern feeling machine and a lot faster for sure. But I really love the BMW 1100 4 cylinder RS from the hard bags to how well that little fairing protected me from the wind blast but windshield is so small compared to the protection it gives you. Great bike to ride from coast to coast!
The guy who buys that bike wants one that will run forever. Those bikes engines are unkillable. You'd have to TRY to kill it. They are popular for that reason. Plus, it's one of the smoothest riding experiences you'd ever have. Most people who own them don't sell them, and those who ever do sell them regret it.
1st viewer, I really enjoyed the energy about the bike. I saw a 93' 1100rs for sale which brought me here looking for reviews. You have me sold, lol just want a bmw bike to ride when I don't drive my e90 328i
you see one of these K series bikes being ridden by Pierce Brosnan (or a stunt double lol) in "The Forth Protocol" I think the movie was about 1987 or so, I think his was a K75 perhaps! they were a really good bike whatever size of one you bought! ride safe!
I had a K1100LT. It was light and geared tall, but the four cylinder engine was only smooth at one rpm. In top gear that worked out to about 72 mph. Well, I don't always want to go 72 mph. A Gold Wing is more accommodating to how fast you want to go.
Some of the smoothness u dont eeally notice until u go on a long trip or ride a bike for awhile, smoothest bike i ever traveled on was a 1996 Ducati 900ss, rode it around Lake Superior. It was a nice cruising machine. I had a BMW R65 and it was very buzzy in the foot pegs. I rode it around Lake Michigan
Sounds just like my old Mazda RX-7. That rotary engine needed oil dumped directly in the intake to start a couple of times. Sounded like a power drill and wouldn't start, but would fire right up after adding oil to the cylinder. Crazy
Hate seeing videos where the "presenter" has done zero research. And apparently does not know the line-up of bikes. The "Brick" (K1100, K75 models) is a heavy bike compared to the competition of its day, the RS being 562 lbs. And power was restricted to just 100 bhp. I have two of these, an '85 K100RS and a '96 K1100RS SE, and they are great bikes. But I wouldn't describe them as "modern" when compared to the truly modern Ks. To suggest that BMW does not have a sportier K in the newer line-up ignores the S models. The K12/13S is a sportier riding position than this bike, why doesn't Srkcycles know this? Ugh, what a disservice to the viewer to not get better information. Here's the thing, if the presenter doesn't know enough about what he's on, and what's offered, why would anyone accept his word about anything about the bike he's on? But at least he likes it, I guess that's something.
I AM 50 YEARS OLD AND I AM FROM GREECE.I WOULD BUY THIS BIKE/THAT KIND OF BIKE.I HAD A K100RT ,1987 MODEL, 15 YEARS AGO.VERY GOOD BIKE.100 MILES SPEED RUNNING IS NOTHING FOR THIS KIND OF BIKE,WITH TWO PEOPLE ON IT.
You should really try the next model - the K1200RS. Have one in the garage and love it. As I have not ridden the K1100RS and older ones, would be interesting how you compare it.
I have just bought a 1986 k79c that was last on the road in 2008... after a quick service, which I will be starting in 3 weeks time, I’ll let you know how it goes.77,000 on the clock...
The old self perforating aluminium fuel tank , so cheap to replace and easy/cheap to repair , Any stock K75 S models over that side the pond ? Still to be found
Love your channel !! Listen every nite !! Love the words of wisdom,, I play a video just to hear a verse.. I got a 93 K75 low miles I kinda wanna trade in.. I’m Ohio so I enjoy knowing your close..
Those front end views of this BMW as you ride remind me of the first Mad Max movie. NIGHT-RIDER!!! LOL. I think those were Kawis' in the movie. I really like the looks of this bike, very nice and refined looking and ol skool to boot. Like to see who buys it. peace, e
💥 Is anyone having trouble shifting this bike.? I’ve ridden dirt bikes since I was 11 years old. I own a 550 HP 70 Camaro with a stick. I know how to ride but I’m having trouble shifting this bike. Going into 1sf is all good. Shifting into 2nd and 3rd is no problem. But when going into 4th and 5th it goes into neutral and the gear indicator screen on the gauge cluster goes blank about 60% of the time and I have to pull up again to get it to go into gear. I can shift if into those two gears without using the clutch no problem by just letting off of the throttle but that does not sit well with me. I’ve focused so hard on really pulling up on the gear shifter but it doesn’t help. It’s so frustrating because I really love the bike and I recently inherited it from my dad who bought it last July but never got the chance to drive it.
You have enthusiasm and that's good, but you might do a little more research before making senseless statements about why a K1100 RS won't crank. If one has been sitting for a couple of years, your fuel, unless treated with Stabil, is old and needs to be drained and new gas put in. Squirting oil in the cylinders didn't hurt but was unnecessary.
Had a 93 K75RT/LT with ABS, loved it but the dog that took it out didn't like it. Even being a sports touring bike it would humble a Honda 750 and did on a regular basis.
These bikes are midrange power monsters. The story about oil in the cylinders and it starting right up is bull. Most likely it was a fuel pressure problem or bad fuel in the fuel injector rail and lines that finally was pushed through. Even though you clean out the fuel tank you need to bleed off the fuel lines and rail of bad fuel when they sit for 6 months or more, before you try to start. Also everytime you hit the starter you need to wait forthe fuel pump to represurize the fuel rail before hitting the starter button. Fuel pressure drops during start cycles and needs to rebuild the pressure. The fuel pressure on these bikes is actually ver low for a fuel injection system, around 35 psi. The pressure regulator and pressure control is not really that good. A bike of this age should have all the internal fuel tank rubber lines replaced and the fuel pump pulled cleaned, screen inspected and filter serviced. The fuel pump is mounted in a rubber boot and the fuel disintegrates this rubber boot over time from the ethanol in todays fuel ruining the fuel in the tank and plugging up the fuel screen, filter and pump. Even ruining the pump. Todays gas is very bad for this generation of BMWs because they all use this fuel injection system and components that are not designed to be exposed to todays ethanol fuels.
![[Ep 18] So You Wanna Build a BMW K-bike - Sharing A Few Things I Learned](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Rx4w80pcg2o/mqdefault.jpg)
These classic K's were one of the most dependable bike BMW ever made, but you do have to tear the whole back of the bike apart all the way to the clutch housing to clean and grease the splines every 30,000 miles or so, using special grease. I used a grease Beemer Boneyard sold years ago called Guard Dog, and then mixed in as much ...What was that stuff?...Titanium Disulfide Powder that a company called Lower Friction sold? I think that's what it was called. It's an excellent lube that doesn't dry out or fall off.
Some of the interesting things about these bikes are aluminum fuel tank and stainless steel exhaust. The bulky block motor does give it a relatively low center of gravity, the way the longitudinal 4 is laid flat. Cylinders were coated with a Silica-Carbide or whatever, so they do last as long as they do.
Has anyone heard of these motors blowing up? I've heard of plenty of Harley's blowing up. I don't recall hearing of any of these motors failing.
I put 148,000 miles on a '85 K100RT and was impressed at how free and smooth the front wheel spun. Original sealed wheel bearings. The wheels themselves were very light. Impressively light. Was so used to that bike that I bought a K1100 LT after that one. Kids in the neighborhood made a game of tipping it over in my apartment lot. It looked like hell having had a hard life sitting out in the weather all the time and it was time to move on. The K1100LT is so much like the old K100, it almost makes me think it the same old days. That's over 35 years riding these bikes, which are almost the same to ride. Old friends are hard to part with, I guess. Lots of trips, and lots of memories.
If you buy one of these old bikes, all the rubber stuff is subject to...well let's just say it's suspect to be in need of replacement, all the rubber lines and hoses as well as the brake lines. Replace those with steel braided lines. However the radiator hoses last what seems like forever. The fuel injectors will likely need to be replaced or professionally cleaned. BMW makes a fuel system cleaner which is basically an overdose of Techron. Look for PEA, that's the stuff to use. Use it every year or so at least.
I have a 94 k1100rs had it about a year now, wanted one when they came out but couldnt afford one at the time as they were very expensive, i am over the moon with it how it rides, goes, stops, far better than I ever imagined it could be, and it's in perfect condition even after all the years, it has documented 45k miles and still feels like a newish bike. I love it.
Dude. I can relate ! I bought my dream touring bike 2 years ago, a R1150RT special edition, and I love it !😻. Never could have afforded it back in my younger days, but she’s mine! Mouwahaha!!!!! 😝 The missus loves it too !!!!
Been riding and wrenching on bricks since they first came out
I naw own a few of them
2v and a 4v these bikes just love to ride
I had a 1989 BMW K75S the same Polaris Red color. It also had the two-tone horns, heated grips, 4-way flashers, but it didn't have ABS. A lovely comfortable, relatively fast and very planted bike on the fast corners. Seeing this one brought back the memories. Thanks.
I owned a ‘96 in the early 2000s. It was my first bike. Out of MSF class and onto a used K1100RS. Mine was a crazy vibrant green called “Palmetto Green”. Once a guy stopped next to me commented “that is the ugliest bike I’ve ever seen - I LOVE IT!”. Haha. Well, I loved it too. I found it quite attractive, except for the front end, where it’s a bit ungainly looking. Other angles are good. I did quite a bit of touring, commuting, fun riding on it, in Colorado and neighboring states.
The engine is the “flying brick” because it’s an inline four sitting on its side. Good thing they hid it behind fairings.
Pay special attention to the helmet-cam view, because you can see that the instruments and mirrors are in the same horizontal plane. Excellent, thoughtful design.
I test rode many bikes while I owned my K1100RS, and I enjoyed quite a few of them. But every time I got back on “the Goblin”, I was happy to return to it. I took a 15+ year break from riding, but am now back into it, and own a ‘17 R1200GS Adventure and an Indian FTR. Watching this video makes me want my K1100RS back, too! Here I go, to eBay …. 😃
You really need to wind it out. You are just about lugging the engine on that whole ride. Live above 5K for awhile, run it up to redline before you shift... Then you'll see her real performance.
I was thinking the same thing. Really short shifting.
right, like almost every 4 cylinder with more then 90 HP. it kicks in above 6K.
Exactly. I've had 3 K75s, and they are two bikes in one - gutless and comfortable below 4K, then fire breathing Krakens up to 9K.
Agreed
16v ,s are quick
I rode this bike many years ago and when I got off it, I went home and described it to my wife as the ultimate riding experience.
Lol
The flying brick is in reference to the inline 4 mounted on its side, the engine is the flying brick. The older k100s and k75s had the engines more on display. Have you seen how the engine is configured? The newer k-bikes have conventional inline engines, but the early k-bikes have the engines mounted length-wise in the frame with the cylinders perpendicular to the ground... Probably the first and last time this was done!
"ABS on a motorcycle in '95?" Yeah. They had it ten years earlier too on the k100s. I have one.
'88 first year w ABS, no ?
Tim George I own a 1997 R1100GS with ABS and I think it was the first GS with ABS but I am not allowed ride it yet
i'm looking at an '89, should i pull the trigger?
@@spiderbeardancing my 1986 K100RT didn't have ABS. I think '88 was the first on the RT. I took one out for a test ride and the ABS was pretty crude. My ABS test was to get up to 120 km/h on grass on an airfield and then just hit it. The first year BMW ABS system ripped up a divot of grass about every meter/yard and felt like you were sliding or jumping over icy puddles. Quite unpleasant. Within a couple of years the ABS improved so that you couldn't feel it pulsing and it would just tear up a continuous strip of grass (with road touring tyres). That's what my 1995 R1100RT (which I still have today) is like. There's an initial *pinggg* sound as the ABS activates and you feel it unlock the wheel once, but then it's just smooooth -- you can even safely hit the brake hard -- either end -- while cranked over in a corner. The affected wheel will step sideways maybe a couple of inches on the initial lock and unlock, but then just tracks smoothly. Really funky to see even 250 bikes with ABS (compulsory in the EU!) now.
@@BruceHoult 1988 K100RS SE was the first bike to have ABS. That particular model was only made/sold for two (2) years, 1989 being the last.
Crude, first gen tech, undoubtedly. No question, as compared to what we now have with today's tech. Fantastic bikes. That is all. I've 3. Will likely acquire more beforee i am done, cheers. Ride on and leaning the fuq into it, me...
Best bike ever! I own a lot of bikes that are a ton of fun, but after a month or two, I always start longing for my '89 K100RS I already put 125K miles on. It's fast, comfy, and very direct. Even directer than the K1100's due to the pegs mounting direct to the gearbox & harder rubbers in the handlebar mounts. btw: highest mileage I've ever seen on a K100? 470K.. miles that is (750K kms)!
Wow, 125k on yours and that was 2 years ago. Impressive. I just inherited my dads bike that he bought in October of 2021 to downsize from his 2000 K120T but never got to ride it may he Rest In Peace. It has 28k on it and it’s a ‘93 so I guess I’ve got a lot of life left to it. The blue color is sweet. 🤜🏼
I am looking at buying a 1985 k100RT 28,5k miles, no reason to be worried then? it looks nice.
@@klausknudsen106 On the 2 valve K models (all before '89), the only common problem is the spline toothing on the final drive, but with only 28K miles, that will not yet be a problem. Be sure to dismantle the FD and lube them before putting any serious mileage on it. Good luck!
BMW was known for making lightweight touring bikes, simple and basic. Then they got too much stuff on them, and got too heavy and with more weight they needed a bigger motor, and then they got even heavier. The old K's were best on the highway, the faster the better is where they like to run, all day long, day after day. Suspension was weak, though. Very dependable.
These were the more refined alternative to the VFR (of the day). They are a fantastic value and definitely fit the bill for a great 'do everything' machine with mountains of character and credibility.
The Old K engines last forever!
It feels more "planted" because of the low center of gravity of that horizontal mounted engine. The Germans know best how to build engines. Everyone else just copies them.
As a (recent-2 years) R1150RT owner, I can confirm ! Love the low center of gravity and swinging into turns ! 😎👈🏿👌👉🏿
years ago a bike magazine put over 200,000km on a K1100 engine then pulled it apart. What they found is next to no wear. I have heard BMW guys brag they have done well over 350,000KM on a K1100 before anything serious broke. The only issues the bike has were rear end diff seals leaking if you thrashed it too much.
Richard Neal I once met a guy in person on a Red K11 LT with 313.000km
I enjoyed watching your video. I am the original owner of a 1994 K1100RS and she is still going strong after 30 years. Looks brand new runs brand new. The bike was way ahead of its time in its styling and I still find myself looking back and admiring the lines after all these years.
👍
I was looking for a review on this bike, my local BMW dealer has a 1996 with 48,000 miles on it. I have a friend who has the older K75, and he's got over 140,000 miles on his.
But, you asked, who would buy this bike.
Me.
I'm 59 years old, this will be my first bike. I'm 6' and about 250 pounds. Don't have a lot of disposable income right now, so I'm not able to shell out $20K for a new R1200RT, and the K1600GT is not what I would consider to be a good first bike. Now, I can get a medium mileage K1300GT, about 69,000 miles on it, and that engine is so great, compared to the pre-2006 K bikes. But, I don't want that many miles. I could get the 1996 for $3,300 or so, depending on how hard I bargained. This would make a great commuter bike, mostly highway riding, enough power to get the job done, heated grips for the winter season, nice fairing, as you pointed out, very stable and planted. I've known several people with earlier K bikes with the 'brick engine' in it, and they've all been rather happy with them.
So, yeah, this would be a great first bike. Sure, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles a newer BMW has, but it's still a good choice and a good buy for the $3,000 price range, or less.
3.000 Dollars for a BMW K1100 is to much. Here in the Netherlands, Those bikes, in mint condition, retail for about 1.500 Euro's.
Jeremy, BMW motorcycles are more prevalent in Europe than they are in the U.S., and they carry a premium price because of that. I could easily by a Japanese motorcycle of the same vintage for a few hundred dollars. I will agree that $3,000 may be a bit high, and I could probably get the dealer to come down in price, but not half.
These bikes are made to be ridden, a lot . Low mileage bikes when woken up often are not be happy. Seals start to leak galore.
A decently maintained higher miles is a good way to go.
My ‘91 had 64k. Probably should’ve checked it out better. Ended up with a rear engine leak. So ALL related parts were related, clutch too.
The final drive need a rebuilt too.
Engine itself is in great condition.
Bottom line $3k isn’t bad especially with maintenance records. Mine, had none.
So I have way more in it than it’s worth. I’ll be keeping her to get my money out of it.
Oh and yes run them over 5k. She likes shifting 6k to redline.
I dont think anyone ever called a K1300s na couch! BMW started using ABS on their bikes in 1988 on a K100RS Special eddition. It became standard on a model when the K1 was introduced.
Don't forget that they all had fuel injection. Some of the first motorcycles that did. The LT also had electric windscreen.
Fuel injected with a “choke” (really a fast idle). I look back on it with fondness.
You don't warm up a bike by idling it, you warm up a bike by riding it softly for a minute or two. Read the manual.
SadBunny this video is funny at least...
I run a 96 K11 RS for more then two years now as my everyday and every job transport, living in a hilly capital
It's hilarious him surprised with the horn noise.
@@ManuelAleixo81 Yeah, the horn is no slouch! I love mine except when I mistakenly use it to cancel the left turn signal... oops..
I've owned a K75 for 14 years it's a great bike plenty of power , and stable handles well for a heavy bike .
These bikes are iconic. Sad thing is, you hardly see them any more. I have a '95 myself. The build quality is amazing. It makes my Honda VFR feel like a cheap toy, even at 24 years old. And honestly, the technology isn't that much better on the VFR, except it is nice to be a bit lower to the ground. The only disappointing thing about these bikes is the visibility in the mirrors.
That is the stock horn. Which my Honda had that horn! I love my K75 BMWs.
ABS on a motorcycle back in '88, actually- check it out 1988 K100RS SE
a bike for someone who wants to cover large distances day after day after day at a good pace, without worrying if it will ever brake down....
“Break” not brake !
@@martinpolach1330 a slip of the mind.... when you do as much as I do then feel free to be pedantic.....
I have a 1996 BMW K1100LT, it has 197,000 , and I have the paperwork from where it's just been rebuilt in 2020. It's got two tanks, seats and even new set of plastics. A brand new set of Goodyear tires, that have never been mounted. This bike is beautiful, and has been well tooken care of. I bought it from the original owner, who's only reason for selling was his age. He's 82 years old, and he couldn't get on it anymore.
I have all the documents from, everything ever done to it. I can't decide if I want to keep it for myself , or sale it for three times what I paid for it. Good video Sean thanks? 🙏🏻
A cool one. I also like the K100 from the 80s. :) Great video mate. I like it.
They were really before their time with the K bikes, they had EFI and ABS in the 80s! As said earlier, you need to wind it out to at least 7-8k rpm to get the real power.
I’ve got 134k on my 1200, rides like it’s got 30k still. Heated seats and grips still hot as ever.
I owned one of these for 13 years and for some stupid reason I sold it! I want my K1100 back :-( Seriously used this machine to commute all year round, rode it two up a across Europe, did 850 miles in Single day without breaking me, just an awesome all round machine. And after all those years the bike still looked new because of the build quality. Sold it aaarrrghh
Me too! I had a 95 K1100RS, owned it for 20 years then foolishly sold it. It garned so many positive compliments. I really miss it.
Some minor problems with these old K engines because the cylinder heads are on the left side and oil can drain into the head of the engine if the bike's left on its side stand for a long time. Because the engine's laid on its side, it has a lowish centre of gravity hence the bike's nimble feeling.
90's bikes were much more beautiful than modern ones
Lol @ the end sequence...there's no bag dragging on a K bike. Not for the rider's handling but the bike is so high up that I don't even know if its possible to happen on these bikes. Fun video - feeling the genuine appreciation for the bike...do a K75 ride when you get one in ;)
sorry, but that compression thing you ramble about is bullshit. I myself own a K1100rs -93 and i love it... My first BMW, and during this winter i'm restoring it. Too many people build these as Cafe's now-a-days... Considering they made only 12k of these RS models worldwide... I love the funky looks (Retro is in) and the bulletproof reliability (examples ridden way over 250k miles are out there and srill on the road), and how torqey the engine is. if you are considering these bikes for yourself, i absolutely recommend it. Buy one and cherish it ❤ In 5-10 years, the resale value of these gems will increase.
I couldn't agree more with the increase in value. It's gotta happen with an icon like this. Like you said, long after everyone has butchered these up for Cafe Racers, mine will be running along in stock form (except for Helibars and Corbin seat).
If they sit for over the winter or longer and they don't start up right away, put some oil in each spark plug hole. No bs. They do dry out if left sitting too long and won't have the compression to run.
@@raybrensike42 You're right. K100 8 and 16v motors are more prone to not having enough compression if the oil seeps out. K1100 mostly just puffs smoke out the exhaust if left on the sidestand... Live and learn (meaning myself).
My bike never had that issue though... Always started up nicely after the winter
Your vlogs get better every day. Love the verse from the Word. Keep it up. I'll be buying my next bike from you.
+Stephen Vilotti thanks you very much
Yes, as a CMA member myself, I appreciated it!
It was a car motor, BMW bought the car engine off Peugot, developed the twin cam system (s I am told), laid it on it's side and the rest is history.
Actually they took the Peugeot engine b/c they did not have a small 4 cylinder in their portfolio. They built a "proof of concept" bike with it (that was destroyed after testing) and then went on. The K100 engine they then developed has nothing to do with the Peugeot engine they used.
Last year, I bought a first K100RS(1984 2V) and it seems mostly the same engine and machine (No ABS with 1984), with $1100 and maintained
beside this I have Triumph and Suzuki but I found it is better for highway with more than 200KM distance ride.
Yesterday she stopped everything with relay switch issue, and I found she has a special relay (4pin and 5 pin) the position of (86) and (30) is different from the normal one.
I ordered a (USED relays with unbelievable price ($20/each) at the same time now making a (hand made Adopter, converting (30)-(86) )
Maybe BMW dealer is using such a (Cheap Trick) to make money. -
I were little bit annoyed but decided to keep using it for the while., as my girl fried likes the rear seat feeling
I grew up around this bike. my dads friends had 300,000 miles on that bike.
Such a awesome video.. If I could tell you all the great memories about this bike,..... It would take years.
Hi Sean. I'm looking at buying one of these Flying Bricks but I have heard that parts are on the expensive side and that is if you can find them. From your experience can you tell me if either of those things are true about the K100 or it's little brother the K75. I have found one but have never even seen one before and am trying to find out as much as I can before I shell out my hard earned dollars. Great video as usual. I always enjoy what you have to say about motorcycles and I just finished watching one that you did with your brother that I got a real kick out of. You and your brother went to some place in Ohio in a van to pick up an older Honda off of a guy that collected motorcycles but never actually road them and it turned into quite an adventure trying to keep the bike running. Your roadside mechanic skills were really put to the test on that trip. Take care and God bless.
Lots of room on that tach, don't be afraid to kick the throttle a bit.
in terms of looks, it's a smart and civilised bike like my other fave bike the Kawa GPZ550
Totally agree with you. Bikes from an era when guys where actually drawing the bikes.
As a K100 it debuted in 1983... ABS since 1986. You should try a K75. A true gem.
keep up the great work, I agree that your videos are getting better and better as you record them, the word for the day is what keeps me watching. The only thing I can say is that you never talk negative about any bike. I know your a salesman and you're trying to sale the bike that you're reviewing, but you can't love every bike known to man, sometimes I feel that you're not telling the truth about the bike, you love and talk good about them all. There has to be some cons to every bike, no matter how old or new. Talk about the cons and what you don't like.
I love my K75S - the best of the K bikes. You have to rev these over 4K if you want power.
Lov how it’s sounds like a car because it’s a 4 banger lol and it has a literal car horn lol
I once rode 1991 PanEuro 1100 with ABS... Some of those guys, like BMW and Honda, were quite early out with abs on some of their machines...
One of the best designed fairings ever made. They are great bikes. I'd love to have another!
"The bead of oil around the cylinders is what gives them compression"
Hydraulic timing tensioners do that.
nice video mate. I had a K100lt once and I'm bying a K100RS tomorrow, so thanks for that.
hope you bought the bike, post us a video if you get 'alf the chance mate. Cheers from British Gibraltar
I loved the 1100rs I had. They just have an intangible almost personality to it. My ZX1100 was a much more modern feeling machine and a lot faster for sure. But I really love the BMW 1100 4 cylinder RS from the hard bags to how well that little fairing protected me from the wind blast but windshield is so small compared to the protection it gives you. Great bike to ride from coast to coast!
The guy who buys that bike wants one that will run forever. Those bikes engines are unkillable. You'd have to TRY to kill it. They are popular for that reason. Plus, it's one of the smoothest riding experiences you'd ever have. Most people who own them don't sell them, and those who ever do sell them regret it.
1st viewer, I really enjoyed the energy about the bike. I saw a 93' 1100rs for sale which brought me here looking for reviews. You have me sold, lol just want a bmw bike to ride when I don't drive my e90 328i
buddy, is there noise from the box in some modes? for example, higher transmission than necessary
Chris Harris is the guy!!!!! Say his name!!!
you see one of these K series bikes being ridden by Pierce Brosnan (or a stunt double lol) in "The Forth Protocol" I think the movie was about 1987 or so, I think his was a K75 perhaps! they were a really good bike whatever size of one you bought! ride safe!
Great ride-along on the K1100RS. I'm looking at a '93 now but my BMW experience is limited to airheads.
I have a 1985 K100 BMW
And I would love to own a airhead.
They look so classy
Long trip you do have to carry some oil,had the K 1100lt
Trashed final drive splines are $$$ to fix and the cost of oem replacement parts SUCKS.
Fiamm horns sure wake people up
they are a beautiful traveling bike !
You deserve way more subs, like your review vids better than chase on two wheels, not afraid to show what a bike can do
+The SherminatoRR the subscribers will come. And thanks for watching
544k now
Hey I see you have PA plates. Who is your BMW guy? I am looking for one. I’m in the glenside, Philly region.
What Seat is it?
That' bike your on in this video looks like the 16 valve model BMW not the first K series 100 8 valve which started production in 84 or 85
Cool! How tall are you? Just to estimate the size of the bike and sitting position..
The k series was suppose to face the inline 4s from Japan but it didn't had enough power and was too unique so it kind of just existed for a few years
I had a K1100LT. It was light and geared tall, but the four cylinder engine was only smooth at one rpm. In top gear that worked out to about 72 mph. Well, I don't always want to go 72 mph. A Gold Wing is more accommodating to how fast you want to go.
Some of the smoothness u dont eeally notice until u go on a long trip or ride a bike for awhile, smoothest bike i ever traveled on was a 1996 Ducati 900ss, rode it around Lake Superior. It was a nice cruising machine. I had a BMW R65 and it was very buzzy in the foot pegs. I rode it around Lake Michigan
I love those mirrors from a BMW 3 series.
You makin' funna my bike?
They keep the wind off your hands. Great in the SOCal winter during morning commutes.
The engine laid on its side gives a lower center of gravity.
Where is the saddle from?
what year is that bike
" the K1100RS is a tiny bike"... Seriously?
Was thinking the same, haha. He should ride my CB500. :D
Every bike that isn’t the size of a Ford 150 truck gets the “is it big enough for a man”- makes me think what insecurities are there.
Sounds just like my old Mazda RX-7. That rotary engine needed oil dumped directly in the intake to start a couple of times. Sounded like a power drill and wouldn't start, but would fire right up after adding oil to the cylinder. Crazy
Hate seeing videos where the "presenter" has done zero research. And apparently does not know the line-up of bikes. The "Brick" (K1100, K75 models) is a heavy bike compared to the competition of its day, the RS being 562 lbs. And power was restricted to just 100 bhp. I have two of these, an '85 K100RS and a '96 K1100RS SE, and they are great bikes. But I wouldn't describe them as "modern" when compared to the truly modern Ks.
To suggest that BMW does not have a sportier K in the newer line-up ignores the S models. The K12/13S is a sportier riding position than this bike, why doesn't Srkcycles know this? Ugh, what a disservice to the viewer to not get better information.
Here's the thing, if the presenter doesn't know enough about what he's on, and what's offered, why would anyone accept his word about anything about the bike he's on? But at least he likes it, I guess that's something.
I AM 50 YEARS OLD AND I AM FROM GREECE.I WOULD BUY THIS BIKE/THAT KIND OF BIKE.I HAD A K100RT ,1987 MODEL, 15 YEARS AGO.VERY GOOD BIKE.100 MILES SPEED RUNNING IS NOTHING FOR THIS KIND OF BIKE,WITH TWO PEOPLE ON IT.
The flying brick 😂🧱
You should really try the next model - the K1200RS. Have one in the garage and love it.
As I have not ridden the K1100RS and older ones, would be interesting how you compare it.
That's my bike.
I love my motorcycle. Rides sooooooo nice. Every ride is nice.
The comfort and handling is superb.
It steers that way because it has a low center of gravity due to how the engine is mounted.
A wonderful bike. Hardly anything negative worth mentioning.
I have just bought a 1986 k79c that was last on the road in 2008... after a quick service, which I will be starting in 3 weeks time, I’ll let you know how it goes.77,000 on the clock...
The old self perforating aluminium fuel tank , so cheap to replace and easy/cheap to repair , Any stock K75 S models over that side the pond ? Still to be found
+Tony Pate some I think, but hard to find
It feels planted and nimble because of the absurdly low center of gravity
Love your channel !! Listen every nite !! Love the words of wisdom,, I play a video just to hear a verse.. I got a 93 K75 low miles I kinda wanna trade in.. I’m Ohio so I enjoy knowing your close..
Those front end views of this BMW as you ride remind me of the first Mad Max movie. NIGHT-RIDER!!! LOL. I think those were Kawis' in the movie. I really like the looks of this bike, very nice and refined looking and ol skool to boot. Like to see who buys it. peace, e
Yep Kwakas in Mad Max
Same horns on the car you can tune them. Love my BRICK!
FWIW, BMW first shipped ABS on a K bike in the 80s.
Greetings from Germany to all K 75 bikers
💥 Is anyone having trouble shifting this bike.? I’ve ridden dirt bikes since I was 11 years old. I own a 550 HP 70 Camaro with a stick. I know how to ride but I’m having trouble shifting this bike. Going into 1sf is all good. Shifting into 2nd and 3rd is no problem. But when going into 4th and 5th it goes into neutral and the gear indicator screen on the gauge cluster goes blank about 60% of the time and I have to pull up again to get it to go into gear. I can shift if into those two gears without using the clutch no problem by just letting off of the throttle but that does not sit well with me. I’ve focused so hard on really pulling up on the gear shifter but it doesn’t help. It’s so frustrating because I really love the bike and I recently inherited it from my dad who bought it last July but never got the chance to drive it.
That bike suits you! What a lovely bike to have.
You have enthusiasm and that's good, but you might do a little more research before making senseless statements about why a K1100 RS won't crank. If one has been sitting for a couple of years, your fuel, unless treated with Stabil, is old and needs to be drained and new gas put in. Squirting oil in the cylinders didn't hurt but was unnecessary.
Had a 93 K75RT/LT with ABS, loved it but the dog that took it out didn't like it. Even being a sports touring bike it would humble a Honda 750 and did on a regular basis.
I've noticed that about dogs. They don't like them. I thought maybe it was the square headlight.
The red color on this bike suits it so well. From the side it reminds me of Ferrari Testarossa.
It would help to have the bike model in the title! This is a 1995 BMW K1100RS.
Back when BMW made reliable bikes
These bikes are midrange power monsters. The story about oil in the cylinders and it starting right up is bull. Most likely it was a fuel pressure problem or bad fuel in the fuel injector rail and lines that finally was pushed through. Even though you clean out the fuel tank you need to bleed off the fuel lines and rail of bad fuel when they sit for 6 months or more, before you try to start. Also everytime you hit the starter you need to wait forthe fuel pump to represurize the fuel rail before hitting the starter button. Fuel pressure drops during start cycles and needs to rebuild the pressure. The fuel pressure on these bikes is actually ver low for a fuel injection system, around 35 psi. The pressure regulator and pressure control is not really that good. A bike of this age should have all the internal fuel tank rubber lines replaced and the fuel pump pulled cleaned, screen inspected and filter serviced. The fuel pump is mounted in a rubber boot and the fuel disintegrates this rubber boot over time from the ethanol in todays fuel ruining the fuel in the tank and plugging up the fuel screen, filter and pump. Even ruining the pump. Todays gas is very bad for this generation of BMWs because they all use this fuel injection system and components that are not designed to be exposed to todays ethanol fuels.
Oil smoke was a big problem on the '85's. They redesigned the piston rings after that to fix the oil smoke problem.
The 1100rs is quite a bit smoother than the 1000 for some strange reason.
I love it I have a k 75 I love the way it feels
Me too.
Love the words of wisdom :D
there is a lot of stuff this guys doesn't know.. yet he keeps making videos !
How tall are you? Looks like it's almost too tight for your knees
I want to know the game you called the flying brick, sounds hilarious.
MattkovGaming You take turns throwing bricks at people. First person to get arrested is "it."
LOL
They threw bibles at each other. If you were hit in the head you felt the word of God