BMW K75 Questions

[scabzzzz]

K bikes are pretty fast. Faster than your 318i!

[pb34]

Well I'm the guy that bought the bike :P thanks for warning me Stone.

I had originally been looking at the K series because they are relatively cheap, high quality, fuel injected, shaft drive, all disk breaks, and can be make to look better with only a little effort. Not to mention, they are literally smaller displacement M42s on their side!

I had wanted an airhead for their simplicity and classic appeal, but the prices have been following the E30 tax: Through. The. Roof. But then this airhead popped up and a few weeks later the guy drastically lowered his price so I jumped on it. He was a younger guy trying to buy a house, but it is in impeccable condition, says he bought it from an older guy plus theres over $3k in service records.

I really wanted a classic cruiser. Im not about speed, I drive a 318i :).
And I plan on taking a rider safety course.

Any other good suggestions?

[scabzzzz]

ill bite...

i had a k100 rs for a year or so. it had about 40k miles on it when i got it but i've seen others like mine in the same shape with over 100k miles.... hell, my bike ran like trash but still started and got around even with melting wiring harness and everything. somebody installed a 16v battery and the bike slowly went to shit because of it. they're solid bikes and a niche and worth buying. not as iconic as the R series bike IMO but worth having and riding. very reliable and robust. great to ride in general.

[jalopi]

O_o that's weird. mcmaster or fastenall don't have something that'd work?

[Dozyproductions]

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

It's fun under the sun and the last of the cam driven of that line. The bolt is one of the 6 bolts holding up the rear fairing. Nothing special :(

[Gerta]

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

That's a great post there Tim. I may have to hit you up to discuss as I am thinking of getting a couple for the wife and I.

[TimeMachinE30]

and quite short. Why waste it being scared?

Everything is a calculated risk.

If I make a mistake OK. I can live with that. When someone else's mistake costs me I cannot draw the same conclusion as you.

My advice was not out of fear but from wisdom.

May you never experience the pain of a loved one's life lost in this way.

[Hooffenstein HD]

Life is precious.

and quite short. Why waste it being scared?

[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

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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

[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