K Bikes Tell Me More - K75S Or K100RS? | Adventure Rider

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Discussion in 'Road Warriors' started by Gregventure, Nov 27, 2010.

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1. Gregventure, Nov 27, 2010 #1

   Gregventure Adventurer

   Joined: Sep 8, 2009 Oddometer: 41 Location: Canberra, Australia

   The K bike thread now has me considering a K bike, after not really paying much attention to beemers...maybe I'm getting old!!! Particularly like the either the K75S or the K100RS. Is there a huge difference between the two? Is the smoothness of the K75 that much better than the 'vibe' of the K100? Is the extra HP of the K100 the way to go? Have had a '86 Connie for a few years and while it's a great bike it's a bit soulless I guess. Also, I expect I'll need higher bars on either K bike, can you swap RT bars etc?

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2. DC2wheels, Nov 27, 2010 #2

   DC2wheels Castle Anthrax troll

   Joined: Jul 11, 2008 Oddometer: 11,398 Location: Retired in Pa.

   Gregventure, I used to have a '93K1100RS and now ride a '92 K100RS. I have never ridden a K75. I have never found the 4 cylinder brick to have much vibration, so the well balanced 750 must be really smooth. My current K100 has slightly more than the K1100, but I wouldn't consider either one buzzy. Others will be along shortly with 3 vs. 4 cylinder comparisons. From what I read and have heard- the 750 motor is more than strong enough unless you might be doing 2 up touring with loaded bags- then the 4 cylinder would be the way to go. Others may agree/disagree. I find the reach to the stock bars comfortable but I have very long arms- I just traded in an '09 Concours because the bars were too close to me. Again others here will have handlebar swap info but I have seen several K100/1100 with bar-backs. You should also check out http://k11og.org/forum/index.php for lots of K75/K100/K1100 info. Great group of folks. Good luck on your possible K search. John

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3. jdiaz, Nov 27, 2010 #3

   jdiaz .

   Joined: Feb 27, 2002 Oddometer: 32,454 Location: Flyover State

   My wife and I have had five K75's and K75S's over the years, and bought a K100RS-ABS when a friend didn't want his anymore. I'd lusted after that K100 since he'd gotten it 17 years earlier and jumped at the chance to get it. Unfortunately, we both hated that K100. Loved looking at it, but the heavy handling and constant heat in the lap really disappointed both of us. And it wasn't that must faster than our little K75's. We sold it off within a year.

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4. lukeman, Nov 27, 2010 #4

   lukeman Cool Hand

   Joined: Nov 22, 2008 Oddometer: 468 Location: Washington DC

   I suppose it depends on if you are going to do any 2up riding. I was in a similar situation earlier in the year when looking at a k75 and k100. I like the extra power and given that I ride two up from time to time i picked up a k100. As far as heavy handling, there isn't that much weight difference between the two (10 lbs) i believe and the k100 has 15 more hp. I really don't notice the vibes too much and really enjoy the extra power. You can work out some of the failings of either bike with a set of progressive fork springs and a new rear shock as the oem ones are shit.

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5. RideOn2, Nov 27, 2010 #5

   RideOn2 Long timer

   Joined: Nov 26, 2006 Oddometer: 1,044 Location: Londonderry, VT

   I started with a K75 4yrs ago, It was a great bike smooth as silk. It just didn't deliver the kick in the pants that I was looking for. 2yrs ago I bought a 2000 K1200RS. I'm in K-Bike heven. My 16yr old son spent two yrs with the bike. We just traded it for a 2006 FZ6. Check the thread "Trade 1994 K75 for FZ6. All in all I really liked my K75 but just didn't need two K-Bikes.

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6. Gregventure, Nov 27, 2010 #6

   Gregventure Adventurer

   Joined: Sep 8, 2009 Oddometer: 41 Location: Canberra, Australia

   Some great replies...thanks for your help and opinions. Doubt I will see much 2 up riding as the wife doesn't go anywhere near the bikes!!! Maybe my daughter in a few years time..hmmm. The K75S is sounding like a nice bike. Now..finding a decent one down under is going to be a challenge I think!! Anything specific I should be looking for on these bikes, I see from other threads, splines in particular, any timing chain issues on the Ks????

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7. A. T. T-W, Nov 28, 2010 #7

   A. T. T-W Can't be bothered.

   Joined: Aug 24, 2004 Oddometer: 4,422 Location: Centre of my universe

   Unless it's a 16v K100RS, I'd go for a 75C or S every time (16v 100 has a Paralever rear, better brakes and tyre options). The 8v K100 doesn't have enough advantages over the 75 to make a difference. Oh yes, 'lubing the splines' seems to be the stock response to anyone contemplating such a purchase on this forum. It probably won't do any harm but it's not as urgently necessary as some would have you believe.

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8. gdspdblkdemperor, Nov 28, 2010 #8

   gdspdblkdemperor Captain Bavaria

   Joined: Mar 13, 2010 Oddometer: 590 Location: York, PA

   My vote is for the K75! I may be partially biased though... Anyway, the K75C that I have has been 100% reliable and 100% fun. Once you really get the feel of these bikes, they become an absolute joy to ride. As for the clutch splines...when you find one, ask the owner if he/she either has service receipts or knows when the splines were last lubed. If they look at you with a blank, confused stare, i'd be cautious about that bike. It's not as serious as some folks here would make you think, but it is rather important (unless you've got the change to replace the driveshaft on a regular basis). And the actual process for lubing the splines is not all that difficult. The few issues, as mentioned in previous posts, tend to be with the suspension. Progressive springs, proper valving, and proper oil weight/amount make a world of difference in the forks. And the OEM rear shock is shit, replace it if it hasn't already been replaced. The other issue seems to be with the brakes...though I don't own an ABS-equipped model, so I can't speak for those. All in all, you've made a great choice in thinking about a K75 or K100. Looking forward to seeing pics once you get it! I'm sure Duck will be along soon enough to school us all with his K-bike knowledge...

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9. Gregventure, Nov 30, 2010 #9

   Gregventure Adventurer

   Joined: Sep 8, 2009 Oddometer: 41 Location: Canberra, Australia

   Ok have read every K bike thread on the board i think!!! Seems to be a few more 94-95 75RTs around at the moment than the 75S model over here (with ABS too...hmm)....was wondering if I got an RT can I ditch the huge fairing and fit an 75S or 100RS sports fairing (if I can get one!!).

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10. duck, Nov 30, 2010 #10

    duck Banned

    Joined: Mar 19, 2004 Oddometer: 10,403 Location: Seattle (Berkeley with rain)

    Buy one of each. They're not that expensive. Ride 'em both for a year and keep the one that floats your boat. K75S: Ride it above 4,500 rpm. K100RS: Get one of the later 4 valve models. 10 more hp, radial tires and MUCH better front brakes.

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11. duck, Nov 30, 2010 #11

    duck Banned

    Joined: Mar 19, 2004 Oddometer: 10,403 Location: Seattle (Berkeley with rain)

    Gregventure said:

    Ok have read every K bike thread on the board i think!!! Seems to be a few more 94-95 75RTs around at the moment than the 75S model over here (with ABS too...hmm)....was wondering if I got an RT can I ditch the huge fairing and fit an 75S or 100RS sports fairing (if I can get one!!).Click to expand...

    You're much better off just buying the bike with the fairing you want in the first place. Converting an RT to an S is a bigger endeavor than most people think. The K75RT has a K100 tank and radiator/hoses so if you want to do that not only do you have to do a fairing swap but you have to swap those as well. Possible? Yes. Intelligent? I don't think so.

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12. Gregventure, Dec 1, 2010 #12

    Gregventure Adventurer

    Joined: Sep 8, 2009 Oddometer: 41 Location: Canberra, Australia

    Buy one of each!!!? :eek1 I have too many UJM bike projects now and I can't really afford 2 K bikes in the garage when I'll only be riding one (plus registration etc). 16v K100s I expect will be too expensive for my budget. So based on the tanks a K100RS fairing would fit a K75RT? Just wondering.... Called about a K75RT and its sold...still waiting to hear back on another. I think the riding position of the RT looks perfect for me but I like the sportier look of the S and RS models. Hmmm. There are 3 K100RSs all 1984-86 models also for sale here but I just dunno yet...need to ride one for sure.

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13. duck, Dec 1, 2010 #13

    duck Banned

    Joined: Mar 19, 2004 Oddometer: 10,403 Location: Seattle (Berkeley with rain)

    Gregventure said: ↑

    So based on the tanks a K100RS fairing would fit a K75RT? Just wondering....Click to expand...

    Yep, might require some custom bracket building for the side brackets but I don't see that as much of an obstacle. I have not done it myself but I'm about 98% sure that the main fairing bracket from a K100RS should bolt right up to the K75 steering head and that the fairing will fit the front of the engine well. Then do a belly pan from a K75S. I think you'll be happier with a K100RS fairing than an S fairing too. The RS fairing provides better wind protection for your body, hands and knees. Also the main bracket for the K75S is PLASTIC so that fairing can bounce around a bit. Not to mention how the S instrument cluster bounces around like crazy. This isn't me but it's a K75 with an RS fairing that will give you an idea of what your finished product might look like: http://www.motorcycletours.com/mctours/k75rs.htm

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14. carp, Dec 1, 2010 #14

    carp Adventurer Supporter

    Joined: Jul 23, 2007 Oddometer: 91 Location: Minnesota

    I have had a k75C - which is actually for sale and I have a k1100lt. For one up the k75C has been a great all around bike. I think the k75s bars would be a bit low for my kind of riding. The K75 is a very balanced all around bike. It would be great if you could ride one for 3 plus hours. BMW k bikes make more and more sense the longer you ride them. It also takes a long ride to see how the bike fits you. The k75 has adaquate power but doesn't get your adrenaline flowing much. It doesn't draw attention to itself, but it does what a good bike should. I have been drawn to a bandit 1250s and am selling the k75 - though I am sure I will miss it. The low end smooth torque of the Bandit has lured me away from my k. Make sure you get some good bags with them - they really make the bike a sensible all arounder. If I have a hard time selling the k75 I may end up selling my bandit.

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15. jdiaz, Dec 2, 2010 #15

    jdiaz .

    Joined: Feb 27, 2002 Oddometer: 32,454 Location: Flyover State

    duck said: ↑

    Yep, might require some custom bracket building for the side brackets but I don't see that as much of an obstacle. I have not done it myself but I'm about 98% sure that the main fairing bracket from a K100RS should bolt right up to the K75 steering head and that the fairing will fit the front of the engine well. Then do a belly pan from a K75S.Click to expand...

    I did this conversion in 1992. Everything bolts up. The hard part is finding an RS fairing in good shape that doesn't cost a fortune.

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16. Gregventure, Dec 2, 2010 #16

    Gregventure Adventurer

    Joined: Sep 8, 2009 Oddometer: 41 Location: Canberra, Australia

    Thanks for the link Duck....looks great!!! Yeh I was thinking the same thing regarding finding a good RS front fairing with mirrors etc....it may be easier/cheaper to buy a whole RS!!

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17. Gregventure, Dec 9, 2010 #17

    Gregventure Adventurer

    Joined: Sep 8, 2009 Oddometer: 41 Location: Canberra, Australia

    Ok well it looks like an K75S might be a long time coming and a bit out of my price range right now..but I have 2 K100RSs in my sights...just not sure which is the better buy...any comments.. Bike 1 - 140,000kms (80,000 miles) runs well, stored for last 12months, minor faring damage, ripped seat, dark blue, new tyres and brakes..other wise not too bad...$2000. Bike 2 - 50,000 kms (30,000 miles) non runner and left standing in garage with off fuel for 7 years but turns over ok. 1 owner bike, minor cosmetic issues but not much, Black color (my favourite) , older tyres, rest who knows??? $1500.. Both bikes are a few hours drive away so cant get there quick. Bike 2 sounds good but just aint sure what I might find...the fuel system will need a full going over at least, plus hoses, brakes etc.

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18. Gregventure, Dec 9, 2010 #18

    Gregventure Adventurer

    Joined: Sep 8, 2009 Oddometer: 41 Location: Canberra, Australia

    OK I just bought bike 2!!! :eek1 Now what??? Like I need another resto project!! BUT its my first BMW.......Pics when it arrives........

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19. bowerbird, Dec 9, 2010 #19

    bowerbird BMW R65

    Joined: Oct 20, 2008 Oddometer: 152 Location: Tucson, AZ

    Can't wait to see pics

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20. duck, Dec 9, 2010 #20

    duck Banned

    Joined: Mar 19, 2004 Oddometer: 10,403 Location: Seattle (Berkeley with rain)

    Gregventure said: ↑

    OK I just bought bike 2!!! :eek1Click to expand...

    Here's a web page I did on general maintenance to get get you started: http://tinyurl.com/fdkmaint

    #20

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