I don't know how your bike was set up when you bought it (1:40), but I can assure you the K100RS handlebars didn't touch the tank when they were new. Obviously someone had either swapped to incorrect bars or rotated the standard bars too far down or something.
@@russparker71 The bars are correct for the RS trim, they’re very narrow. I I’m certain they were adjusted to be lower (I may have even done this, I don’t remember). The point is that tilting your handlebars a few degrees to your liking is pretty common, and I’ve never seen a bike where that’s caused such a notable problem. -N.O.B.S.
I acquired a 1991 rs a few years ago with 24k on the clock. Does everything that I want it to do very well except being moved around in the garage, which closely resembles the combat scenes from game of thrones. A great low cost, good looking touring bike that won’t put you to sleep.
They’re great bikes! Moving it around the garage can be a challenge sometimes, that’s when you really feel the weight! I recall seeing a company that makes a little rack you can put under each tire for easy maneuvering in a small space! The name escapes me but could be a good option for multiple bikes.
@@n.o.b.s.8458 I saw those, looked good but my garage is fully packed with all manner of this and that so everything has its personal piece of real estate and encroachment is grounds for war.
Every time I ride a friend's bike or something at the shop, getting back on the K feels like coming home - rough around its vintage edges enough to feel old, but so crisp and unhesitating and smooth and unbelievably satisfying: the ULTIMATE riding machine. It's heavy, sure, but once you're used to the mass it's incredibly comforting, trucking ahead with unwavering volition. Passing power ALWAYS on tap up to about 110mph where it's a bit close to the ceiling to give much more...it WILL blip up that extra 15mph, but that's the cap. For mine at least. Underrated machines.
@@slablab768 they’ll get you moving as fast as you ever need! Part of why I like older bikes is I never want to be so out of touch that I feel like I need passing power at 120+ ha ha ha I keep it to reasonable speeds, but it’s got the power for pulling ahead when you need it!
My '91 K100RS gave around 50 mpg at any speed and never used any oil. I put 40k miles on it before trading it in on a then-new R1100GS. Always a few regrets, but one thing that I didn't miss was the tingling sensation in one's feet from the engine vibration. Still, it was a great mile muncher, and had great aerodynamics at extralegal speeds.
Yeah, I owned a K100RT back in the late 80’s, bought from a friend who was a big BMW rider. It was my first big street bike. Liked everything about it except the vibration. Fast forward to this year, I picked up a 2000 K1200RS, which is also a brick engine, though with more modern fuel injection. Scored the bike for only $2k with 47k miles in the clock. Turned out that the bike had the dreaded slipping clutch, which happens on these bikes if you get oil on the dry clutch. If I brought it to the local BMW shop it would have been about $3k to fix it. So, I learned all about the repair and did it myself. The oil leak was from an old $2 rubber o-ring in the clutch housing splines that had hardened. Replaced the o-ring with a Viton rubber replacement ($5) and also replaced the rear main seal since I was already in there. I ended up also replacing the clutch disk since it was oil contaminated, and did some hand resurfacing of the pressure plates. Bike runs like a scalded cat now. Much faster than my old K100 ever was, and smooth as butter.
One instance I like the music. That 80s synthwave stuff is great. Really takes you back in time. Probably some swap out there that would improve gearing and mileage. I have an 1150GS that has a goofy long first gear and same for 6th. Swapping a R1100 final drive supposedly fixes it. Someday I'll do so.
let it rev. It took me some encouraging by the BMW shop, but my R100T became extra happy at about 500 rpm below redline. The people I knew in Tucson drove their K75 chill/ in traffic and also drove them near redline when they wanted the bike to "live". Have fun!
@@kneadedmassage9751 This engine is great wherever you are in the rev band, pretty torquey down low and it doesn’t run out of breath up top! I don’t usually see a need to rev very high, but I do love a launch from a stoplight now and then ha ha
Excellent video. I'm looking at getting me one as I have a club ride next year across Australia from Melbourne to Western Australia (about 7500km each way). The SV1000 I have now could do it, but I'm not sure my body would cope. I'm looking at the full faired tourer. There seems to be a few with about 180,000kms on them for about $5000AUD. I believe that these kinds of km under the belt are not high for the engine, but if anyone has some clues about what gremlins to look out for, I'd most appreciate hearing from other riders. Keep up the good work.
I have one of the very first made in 1983 August , it is number 000000249 and I got it new in 1984, my wife used to drive it more than I did. It is now 40 years old and officially a classic in the UK.
1:12 "The kick stand sucks". I've heard that BMW may have deliberately made it awkward to use so that the bike is parked on the centre stand more often than not. The engine layout is susceptible to oil accumulating in the "top" of the motor if the bike is parked leaning to the left - check for a cloud of smoke on startup after leaving the bike parked on the side stand.
I've heard this as well! It's an interesting way to solve the problem. It's mostly an annoyance when you're trying to make a quick stop and have to awkwardly dismount on a tipped over bike.
Yeah I miss old analog gauges. I love it when manufacturers blend the old with the new. That's what I love about my 2022 Triumph Street Triple: it has the older analog Tach and digital speedo combo. My Daytona Moto2 just has the screen, which is very nice, but I still would have liked to watch a needle sweep across the RPM's.... 😊
Most solid piece of machinery ever put on the road, easy maintenance , great longevity, that’s my history and experience, ps experience maintenance plant engineer, with 39 years experience on all type of machinery,your video is done by an very young person who doesn’t know .come backinyour 40s and fifties and tell me different!!!
@@grantrowney4401 ha ha ha I may be young but I love my old bikes! The simplicity and build quality always bring me back. The K100 is a phenomenally reliable and easy maintained bike. This one was not in rideable condition when I got it, but I had her working in 2 days. Been rock solid since!
@@n.o.b.s.8458 sorry bud ,Iitwas late at nite and I didn’t interpret your video and headline correctly,my mistake,wishing you many miles of safe and happy motorcycling
Just picked one up for $500 on marketplace. Valves were all in spec, no wear on the cam lobes. Rebuilding fuel injectors, replacing fuel pump and filter and waiting on a fuel sending unit. Then im hoping she will fire up
Good luck to you! Sounds like yours may have been a bit abused, but these engines are extremely reliable. I gave mine a good inspection after I bought it. I have not touched the engine yet (aside from time the new intake). I’ve gone on several day-long trips and she’s never skipped a beat!Change your shaft drive oil! Aside from that these bikes just run.
@n.o.b.s.8458 thanks! It was well maintained from 1988 to 2012 but has been sitting since then with gas in the tank. So far, the only real issues I have found are in the fuel system
I have my K100RT from 1985 since 1995. Since this year with better ignition coils. Since then less consumption and better ride. Fuel consumption depends how you drive. On German Autobahn you can reach 10l/100km when going 200km/h all the time. At normal speed I drive her now with about 6,5l/100km. The Aprilia Pegaso from my sun, 13 years younger also needs 6,5l/100km when we drive together. So for mid80sBike I think it's okay.
I had an k100 rt, and because of the higher steering you have less pain in the arms. I'm driving a k75rt now, and it's an 3 cylinder version. A bit smoother and less havy to manoeuvre. Nice thing to know is that the engine is a spin off from the Peugeot 106.
It amazes me how long the 6 speed transmission has been around and yet how many manufacturers refused to spend a handfull more dollars per unit to employ it on so many models that so richly deserved aka really NEEDED such! In many cases it is just criminal IMHO! I would like to slap some mean counters! AND engineering directors that AT LEASR could have left enough ROOM in the engine cases for one someday! ya know! RUINED various models
bought an rs new in 86 living in a remote part of Quebec I stretched its legs a lot . I changed the fork springs right away otherwise it would tankslap the shit out of you without warning . I could cruise in between 180 - 200 k (110 - 125 mph ) all day long especially after buying a radar detector .Protection from the fairing was awesome i would wear a open face helmet unless it rained the mirrors protected the hands perfectly.. the tool kit was more than complete they charge you over a 100 bucks for the same kit nowadays the bike worked best with metzeller tires than pirrelis the comfort zone started at 130 k bellow that the bars would numb your hands to pulp. I got rid of it when i moved to montreal finding it too hard driving it in the city (vibrations) and the surrounding countryside had rough roads and sharp curves which this bike did not like ( driveshaft jacking ) Enjoy yours and when you get tired of fighting the elements put back the fairing on and get a radar detector lolol
I ride a '95 K75RT every day. It's coming up on 80,000 miles and has survived a somewhat serious accident without showing signs of stopping. If only they'd bring these bikes back.
I don't know how your bike was set up when you bought it (1:40), but I can assure you the K100RS handlebars didn't touch the tank when they were new. Obviously someone had either swapped to incorrect bars or rotated the standard bars too far down or something.
@@russparker71 The bars are correct for the RS trim, they’re very narrow. I I’m certain they were adjusted to be lower (I may have even done this, I don’t remember).
The point is that tilting your handlebars a few degrees to your liking is pretty common, and I’ve never seen a bike where that’s caused such a notable problem.
-N.O.B.S.
Nice to see them without a brown seat and the frame hacked up
I acquired a 1991 rs a few years ago with 24k on the clock. Does everything that I want it to do very well except being moved around in the garage, which closely resembles the combat scenes from game of thrones. A great low cost, good looking touring bike that won’t put you to sleep.
They’re great bikes! Moving it around the garage can be a challenge sometimes, that’s when you really feel the weight!
I recall seeing a company that makes a little rack you can put under each tire for easy maneuvering in a small space! The name escapes me but could be a good option for multiple bikes.
@@n.o.b.s.8458 I saw those, looked good but my garage is fully packed with all manner of this and that so everything has its personal piece of real estate and encroachment is grounds for war.
Every time I ride a friend's bike or something at the shop, getting back on the K feels like coming home - rough around its vintage edges enough to feel old, but so crisp and unhesitating and smooth and unbelievably satisfying: the ULTIMATE riding machine. It's heavy, sure, but once you're used to the mass it's incredibly comforting, trucking ahead with unwavering volition. Passing power ALWAYS on tap up to about 110mph where it's a bit close to the ceiling to give much more...it WILL blip up that extra 15mph, but that's the cap. For mine at least. Underrated machines.
@@slablab768 they’ll get you moving as fast as you ever need! Part of why I like older bikes is I never want to be so out of touch that I feel like I need passing power at 120+ ha ha ha
I keep it to reasonable speeds, but it’s got the power for pulling ahead when you need it!
My '91 K100RS gave around 50 mpg at any speed and never used any oil. I put 40k miles on it before trading it in on a then-new R1100GS. Always a few regrets, but one thing that I didn't miss was the tingling sensation in one's feet from the engine vibration. Still, it was a great mile muncher, and had great aerodynamics at extralegal speeds.
Yeah, I owned a K100RT back in the late 80’s, bought from a friend who was a big BMW rider. It was my first big street bike. Liked everything about it except the vibration.
Fast forward to this year, I picked up a 2000 K1200RS, which is also a brick engine, though with more modern fuel injection. Scored the bike for only $2k with 47k miles in the clock. Turned out that the bike had the dreaded slipping clutch, which happens on these bikes if you get oil on the dry clutch. If I brought it to the local BMW shop it would have been about $3k to fix it. So, I learned all about the repair and did it myself.
The oil leak was from an old $2 rubber o-ring in the clutch housing splines that had hardened. Replaced the o-ring with a Viton rubber replacement ($5) and also replaced the rear main seal since I was already in there. I ended up also replacing the clutch disk since it was oil contaminated, and did some hand resurfacing of the pressure plates. Bike runs like a scalded cat now. Much faster than my old K100 ever was, and smooth as butter.
One instance I like the music. That 80s synthwave stuff is great. Really takes you back in time. Probably some swap out there that would improve gearing and mileage. I have an 1150GS that has a goofy long first gear and same for 6th. Swapping a R1100 final drive supposedly fixes it. Someday I'll do so.
let it rev. It took me some encouraging by the BMW shop, but my R100T became extra happy at about 500 rpm below redline. The people I knew in Tucson drove their K75 chill/ in traffic and also drove them near redline when they wanted the bike to "live". Have fun!
@@kneadedmassage9751 This engine is great wherever you are in the rev band, pretty torquey down low and it doesn’t run out of breath up top!
I don’t usually see a need to rev very high, but I do love a launch from a stoplight now and then ha ha
Excellent video. I'm looking at getting me one as I have a club ride next year across Australia from Melbourne to Western Australia (about 7500km each way). The SV1000 I have now could do it, but I'm not sure my body would cope. I'm looking at the full faired tourer. There seems to be a few with about 180,000kms on them for about $5000AUD. I believe that these kinds of km under the belt are not high for the engine, but if anyone has some clues about what gremlins to look out for, I'd most appreciate hearing from other riders. Keep up the good work.
Drive shaft
Ground wires
@@atp1130 thanks Mate
My 1995 k1100lt is a gift that keeps on giving. Reliable as a … brick.
Ha ha ha they’re extremely reliable, they really make you want to go on an adventure.
I have one of the very first made in 1983 August , it is number 000000249 and I got it new in 1984, my wife used to drive it more than I did. It is now 40 years old and officially a classic in the UK.
I never thought such handsome and gentle man has adventurous spirit.
Almost got one years ago , It would be fun to see a new one , with paraleaver suspension proper gearing
1:12 "The kick stand sucks". I've heard that BMW may have deliberately made it awkward to use so that the bike is parked on the centre stand more often than not. The engine layout is susceptible to oil accumulating in the "top" of the motor if the bike is parked leaning to the left - check for a cloud of smoke on startup after leaving the bike parked on the side stand.
I've heard this as well! It's an interesting way to solve the problem. It's mostly an annoyance when you're trying to make a quick stop and have to awkwardly dismount on a tipped over bike.
BS I can leave mine as long as I want leaning and it never smokes
Does anyone else LOVE that gauge cluster? To be fair, I also like calculator watches.
😂😂😂😂
Yeah I miss old analog gauges. I love it when manufacturers blend the old with the new. That's what I love about my 2022 Triumph Street Triple: it has the older analog Tach and digital speedo combo. My Daytona Moto2 just has the screen, which is very nice, but I still would have liked to watch a needle sweep across the RPM's.... 😊
Most solid piece of machinery ever put on the road, easy maintenance , great longevity, that’s my history and experience, ps experience maintenance plant engineer, with 39 years experience on all type of machinery,your video is done by an very young person who doesn’t know .come backinyour 40s and fifties and tell me different!!!
@@grantrowney4401 ha ha ha I may be young but I love my old bikes! The simplicity and build quality always bring me back. The K100 is a phenomenally reliable and easy maintained bike. This one was not in rideable condition when I got it, but I had her working in 2 days. Been rock solid since!
@@n.o.b.s.8458 sorry bud ,Iitwas late at nite and I didn’t interpret your video and headline correctly,my mistake,wishing you many miles of safe and happy motorcycling
Well done!
Just picked one up for $500 on marketplace. Valves were all in spec, no wear on the cam lobes. Rebuilding fuel injectors, replacing fuel pump and filter and waiting on a fuel sending unit. Then im hoping she will fire up
Good luck to you! Sounds like yours may have been a bit abused, but these engines are extremely reliable. I gave mine a good inspection after I bought it. I have not touched the engine yet (aside from time the new intake).
I’ve gone on several day-long trips and she’s never skipped a beat!Change your shaft drive oil! Aside from that these bikes just run.
@n.o.b.s.8458 thanks! It was well maintained from 1988 to 2012 but has been sitting since then with gas in the tank. So far, the only real issues I have found are in the fuel system
i have a K100 RT the without fairing on it.. amazing bike, runs and ride like a dream.
I have my K100RT from 1985 since 1995. Since this year with better ignition coils. Since then less consumption and better ride. Fuel consumption depends how you drive. On German Autobahn you can reach 10l/100km when going 200km/h all the time. At normal speed I drive her now with about 6,5l/100km. The Aprilia Pegaso from my sun, 13 years younger also needs 6,5l/100km when we drive together. So for mid80sBike I think it's okay.
I had an k100 rt, and because of the higher steering you have less pain in the arms. I'm driving a k75rt now, and it's an 3 cylinder version. A bit smoother and less havy to manoeuvre. Nice thing to know is that the engine is a spin off from the Peugeot 106.
BMW used a Peugeot 104 engine in a proof of concept bike only. The production engine was an entirely new design by BMW themselves.
6.19.24. If you think the brick is poor on fuel mileage, ride a 4 cylinder Goldwing.🎯
Ride a ducati v4
It amazes me how long the 6 speed transmission has been around and yet how many manufacturers refused to spend a handfull more dollars per unit to employ it on so many models that so richly deserved aka really NEEDED such! In many cases it is just criminal IMHO! I would like to slap some mean counters! AND engineering directors that AT LEASR could have left enough ROOM in the engine cases for one someday! ya know! RUINED various models
Yep, fully agree. I love the CB1300 but the lack of sixth gear put me off
+1 DRZ400SM Comes to mind
some bikes are meant to be revved, but not raced. Close-ratio six-speeds are fit for the track, or for smaller displacement machines.
cool video😁
The 'music' distracts from the narration.
bought an rs new in 86 living in a remote part of Quebec I stretched its legs a lot . I changed the fork springs right away otherwise it would tankslap the shit out of you without warning . I could cruise in between 180 - 200 k (110 - 125 mph ) all day long especially after buying a radar detector .Protection from the fairing was awesome i would wear a open face helmet unless it rained the mirrors protected the hands perfectly.. the tool kit was more than complete they charge you over a 100 bucks for the same kit nowadays the bike worked best with metzeller tires than pirrelis the comfort zone started at 130 k bellow that the bars would numb your hands to pulp. I got rid of it when i moved to montreal finding it too hard driving it in the city (vibrations) and the surrounding countryside had rough roads and sharp curves which this bike did not like ( driveshaft jacking ) Enjoy yours and when you get tired of fighting the elements put back the fairing on and get a radar detector lolol
The side stand is designed to be bad
The BMW K-bikes is the most innovative design since the 1930's, You are just a moaner and a whiner
@@briangtester2536 way to not watch the whole video bud
I ride a '95 K75RT every day. It's coming up on 80,000 miles and has survived a somewhat serious accident without showing signs of stopping.
If only they'd bring these bikes back.