BMW K75 Questions

[stonea]

Well my buddy just got a 1981 BMW R65 and well now I want a bike.... I've been looking at the BMW K75, it seems to fit my style, taste, and budget. SoI'm wondering whats everyones opinion on it, and if anyone has any experience. I'm wondering what reliability is like, how much are parts, and did you enjoy the bike? This will be my first bike and I'm not looking for a the fastest thing in the world or even the most convenient thing, just something fun to ride. I got the e30 for being practical and the Z3 for my need for speed so just looking for a decent fun and cheap bike.

And just because I hate threads without pics, hers a pic of my buddy's new bike.

[Stanley Rockafella]

awesome bike for the patina factor alone

that's all I have to say about that

[ThatOneEuroE30]

I want that bike....

[Gerta]

The K bikes are all great. My 50 year bmw mechanic thinks they are the best bikes BMW has produced.

[Dozyproductions]

Would this be you're first bike? Are you fine with restoring yet another heap of metal? ;)

[jalopi]

you'd probably fit on it but it's always best to check first

http://cycle-ergo.com/

also, no offense, but unless you've got a z3m or a turbo on it or something your definition of fast is actually kinda slow. the k75 is by no means super fast in the bike world, but comparatively speaking it'd be a rocket vs what you're probably used to. that and unless you're a big dude, 550ish pounds is kinda heavy for a first bike, it's alot of weight to keep from hitting the ground just in case you have an "oh shit" moment at low speeds.

jalopnik recently did an article on good bikes for beginners and i wholeheartedly agree with their #1 pick

http://jalopnik.com/the-ten-best-motorcycles-for-a-beginner-1704713067

i've ridden a few gs500's and they have a very, very natural seating position. that combined with their light weight makes them very first-time-biker friendly. they also, unlike most "beginner bikes", actually have enough power to have fun with them while not having enough to kill you. they're also cheap, which is nice

now don't get me wrong... i've yet to hear bad things about BMW's bikes. one day when i've got some extra coin i'd like to get a GS for myself. unfortunately they're just really, really shitty beginners' bikes (IMO)

[stonea]

Would this be you're first bike? Are you fine with restoring yet another heap of metal? ;)

Yes it would be my first bike and I'm fine with restoring more heaps of metal, lol. I would actually like something to tinker with on the side.

also, no offense, but unless you've got a z3m or a turbo on it or something your definition of fast is actually kinda slow. the k75 is by no means super fast in the bike world, but comparatively speaking it'd be a rocket vs what you're probably used to. that and unless you're a big dude, 550ish pounds is kinda heavy for a first bike, it's alot of weight to keep from hitting the ground just in case you have an "oh shit" moment at low speeds.

No offese taken, I got a 2.5 Z3, its the quickest thing I've owned so its my "fast car" I don't like to see how fast I can go, but how fast I can get through the corners. The Z3 is getting ready to get coilovers/wheels/sticky tires/swaybars/and poly bushings. One day I'll eventually drop in a S54, but for now I'm happy with my 200 hp roller skate, lol.


Thanks for all the replies!! This will be my first bike and I would like to stick with the BMW theme I got going on. I'm not really sure why, but I guess I bleed white and blue.

[jalopi]

be careful man... just don't become a statistic. IIRC 30-40% of the really bad motorcycle accidents happen to people with less than three months' worth of riding experience.

as long as you've got a level head on your shoulders (i.e. at least 21-22 years old) and treat the bike with the respect that a vehicle capable of curbstomping 95% of cars on the road deserves you'll probably be fine.

the number one thing to watch out for is FUCKING SOCCER MOMS AND ELDERLY DRIVERS, THEY'LL ALL END UP TRYING TO KILL YOU

[M3and2002]

K75 as a first Bike?

Stonea,
My first road bike was a 92 K75s. A great bike that I had for almost 4 years until I traded it for an 87 M6. I did all the maintenance on it myself and most parts are still available from the dealer. I bought it with 50K miles and rode it almost 10K miles. No issues with reliability and the last ride was a cross country ride of 5600 miles. I did add an electronic cruise control and it had all the hard luggage which made long hauls much easier. I grew up on the dirt, both riding and racing through my teens and twenties. I had the K75s in my 40's and now own a 04 K1200gt. The K75 is a little taller than my newer bike but very good handling bike with low center of mass due to the motor orientation. If you enjoy the e30s you will love the K75, very smooth motor and has a lot of the character of the e30 cars. I would recommend the defensive riders class for motorcycles. It teaches you how to be safe on a bike, you will look at traffic differently. Good luck.
Tim Allred

[stonea]

Thanks for the info Tim!

And Jalopi thanks for looking out for me! I'm 21 and like to think I've got a solid head on my shoulders. Granted I've done some stupid stuff, but I'm very serious about driving. Also surprisingly I actually know the difference between a track and public roads unlike some kids my age. I definitely plan on taking classes for both cars and bikes after I can save up some money for them.

[Dozyproductions]

My friends first bike was a 70's cb600 and he did well. Heavy and slow. Don't be a jackass to others or to yourself and use your 360 degree paranoa at all times and you "should" be fine. Ask your friend about how hard it is to find parts and go from there. I have a 98' honda vfr and I just found out one bolt will cost me +$15.

[jalopi]

I have a 98' honda vfr and I just found out one bolt will cost me +$15.

i've always thought v4 bikes were interesting. no surprise parts are expensive though, considering how they're not very common.

what's the bolt for? $15 is pretty damn high for a bolt... must be for something weird

[TimeMachinE30]

Get a vert for the wind in your hair.

He with the most lugnuts wins. Give yourself the benefit of more machine. Life is precious.

[Stanley Rockafella]

I would recommend the defensive riders class for motorcycles. It teaches you how to be safe on a bike, you will look at traffic differently. Good luck.
Tim Allred

agreed

[Hooffenstein HD]

Life is precious.

and quite short. Why waste it being scared?