Rob Davies a writer for several UK Classic Motorcycle magazines looks at the brutal beauty of the BMW K100 and what can be done to turn it into a real work of art
I have a 1994 K1100LT that had been stored for 10 years before she came into my ownership. A change of all fluids, filters etc along with some new fuel, connect the new battery and pushed the starter button and after a couple of tries away it went purring like a kitten. That was 7 years ago and after moving to live i Tunisia in 2021 we returned later in the year to the UK to collect the K11 and given travel restrictions in place we had to travel from Yorkshire to Genoa in 3 days to catch the ferry over to Tunisia. This was done 2 up fully loaded and using motorways all the way through France and into Italy and she never missed a beat. She now lives in the sunshine and is still purring along like the day she came of the production line.
I can attest to getting on in years part I have had my '85 model over 20 years and I do have to hit the gym to stay strong enough for garage maneuvers, out on the road no problem. I don't see a day when I would ever sell it.
Another good video Robert, these k100 bmw's are a good sturdy, reliable work horse of a machine, I guess that's why a lot of police forces all over the world including the UK, had these for years, look forward to the next episode.
I'm not a mechanic, just familiar with things, but I think, if you jerk the back wheel and there is a knock, you discovered a faulty wheel bearing, not a faulty drive shaft. And in the drive shaft housing there is oil, not grease.
Buffeting at speed is considerably reduced if you adjust the little deflector at the top of the windshield. Slacken the two screws and tilt it forward slightly to deflect airflow over rider's head. In the video you have the deflector closed up against the screen which will not deflect the air over your head - hence buffeting. The difference is quite noticeable just by moving this small piece of plastic, it's part of the clever design of the K-series.
Strangely and unusually a nice bike. Looks like a solid workhorse. I do like the more recent BMW bikes. I suppose that's why the police use them. Good video and enjoyed the ride.
Ive had both a K75 and K100 (the 75 is the gem) and I truly believe these are the most robust and predictable bikes I've ever owned. You can feel the quality to the core, one of the last bikes built to a standard not to a price. Very linear acceleration though, not something for speed demons.
Great video and very well explained! Thank you for all the effort put into it! :) I have a K1100 myself and I both love it and hate it at times. One thing I don't understand is why people don't like the indicators. They just make so much sense to me and are so much easier to use than having to toggle a switch with your thumb. I'm upset not more bikes come with it :))
Those K100’s for the track looked absolutely amazing. Really a treat. What was the name of the shop, please? Way better than these sad examples of a homebrewed caf’racer.
Loved the video and am considering buying one for daily use. My only worr is parts availability. Where could one get parts if anything was to go wrong?
I have a 1994 K1100LT that had been stored for 10 years before she came into my ownership. A change of all fluids, filters etc along with some new fuel, connect the new battery and pushed the starter button and after a couple of tries away it went purring like a kitten. That was 7 years ago and after moving to live i Tunisia in 2021 we returned later in the year to the UK to collect the K11 and given travel restrictions in place we had to travel from Yorkshire to Genoa in 3 days to catch the ferry over to Tunisia. This was done 2 up fully loaded and using motorways all the way through France and into Italy and she never missed a beat. She now lives in the sunshine and is still purring along like the day she came of the production line.
Fortunately, I have the most indestructible of all BMWs, a 1986 K 75 s. And I'm happy about every well-made flying brick video.
Thanks for that.
I can attest to getting on in years part I have had my '85 model over 20 years and I do have to hit the gym to stay strong enough for garage maneuvers, out on the road no problem. I don't see a day when I would ever sell it.
Please put some gloves on mate.
I was thinking the same
Especially on an unknown bike, but also in general; use the gloves. Your hands are bloody difficult to repair.
@@kasperkjrsgaard1447 And the first thing that hits the floor, made me cringe.
Another good video Robert, these k100 bmw's are a good sturdy, reliable work horse of a machine, I guess that's why a lot of police forces all over the world including the UK, had these for years, look forward to the next episode.
Wonderful video. I like the K100 with the Pichler fairing.
I'm not a mechanic, just familiar with things, but I think, if you jerk the back wheel and there is a knock, you discovered a faulty wheel bearing, not a faulty drive shaft. And in the drive shaft housing there is oil, not grease.
Not a fan of the standard styling but love the race and cafe ones! Another great vid Rob :)
Jon's friend here great video mate. These bikes are still going for a good price you can get one for about 4.700 k
Buffeting at speed is considerably reduced if you adjust the little deflector at the top of the windshield. Slacken the two screws and tilt it forward slightly to deflect airflow over rider's head. In the video you have the deflector closed up against the screen which will not deflect the air over your head - hence buffeting. The difference is quite noticeable just by moving this small piece of plastic, it's part of the clever design of the K-series.
Strangely and unusually a nice bike. Looks like a solid workhorse. I do like the more recent BMW bikes. I suppose that's why the police use them. Good video and enjoyed the ride.
that paint job is sick
The K75 triple is even better :)
Ive had both a K75 and K100 (the 75 is the gem) and I truly believe these are the most robust and predictable bikes I've ever owned. You can feel the quality to the core, one of the last bikes built to a standard not to a price. Very linear acceleration though, not something for speed demons.
Great video and very well explained! Thank you for all the effort put into it! :)
I have a K1100 myself and I both love it and hate it at times. One thing I don't understand is why people don't like the indicators. They just make so much sense to me and are so much easier to use than having to toggle a switch with your thumb. I'm upset not more bikes come with it :))
Those K100’s for the track looked absolutely amazing. Really a treat. What was the name of the shop, please? Way better than these sad examples of a homebrewed caf’racer.
i like these bikes...
for those who are not retarted, this is a 1000cc motorcycle
FYI The turn signals are selfcancelling.
Nice review, now you're ready to try a K75RT. And honestly, once you're used to the indicators, you find the 'normal' style soooo clumsy.
93 K75 here. Solid bike, had to get used to the shifting. The indicators fall naturally in place.
Loved the video and am considering buying one for daily use. My only worr is parts availability. Where could one get parts if anything was to go wrong?
At BMW.
I'm considering a clean 87 for a 2nd bike but the pricing is high enough to be in/near 99-01 best of the 5th gen honda VFR territory...
That design is timeless. Love my K. I've got a ride video up. Check it out, if you care.
It had adjustable seat height. 7:23
I've got a K-75 that rides so much smoother than the K-100, and I'm sorry to say, but that paint job is hideous.
And putting it on its side stand can turn it into….
Had one that got to 350,000
I heard the K100 was developed from a SAAB engine
No, a Peugeot engine was used for the very first prototypes, but the K100 engine is all it’s own.
Peugeot 104.
100cc, eh? (from title) ;)
Can’t be much punch in a BSA A65 then?
Doesn't look like the handlebars are original. Look nothing like mine
Ah I have the 16v abs may be that
RS/RT/LT variants I'd assume.
*1000cc
Average everything 😁
Please put some gloves on.