89 K100RS SE?

[bobw]

I'm still looking at area K bikes. Bob's BMW has a 1989 K100RS SE listed that will be available at the end of the month.

A nice opportunity to acquire a bike you just don't see much anymore and this one is the desireable Limited Edition '89 model that even comes with period literature. To quote BWW, "BMW introduces the K100RS "Special" - the first motorcycle with the revolutionary new electronically controlled anti-lock braking system (ABS)", "Perhaps the most significant advance in motorcycle safety since the helmet." This bike is very clean with the shortest list of minor imperfections including a few small stone chips on the front of the bellypan, the black trim panels between the fairing and tank/motor were shortened here to improved cooling (a typical period modification), is missing the small panel between the forks under the fairing (again, improved cooling), and an age appropriate nic or two here or there but nothing else of note. This really is a stunning bike and came close to being in the museum as it is noticeably lacking in K bikes. This bike has service history here having received a full bi-annual service in March of '09 at 9,520 miles and we just resealed the waterpump and crank cover, installed a new wind deflector, and repainted the left mirror. This bike does come with the optional paint to match side cases and and a Sargent seat. It has passed MD State Inspection. For '89 the tried and true fuel-injected 987cc liquid-cooled inline-4 also received BMWs all new 4 valve head and made 82hp and 64ftlbs. It of course features shaft drive, disc brakes all around, a 5 speed 'box, and 5.8 gallon tank all weighing in at 596lbs wet with a 31.9" seat height. You will notice this is listed on both the Vintage & Classic page and Pre-Owned page, it is over 10 years old so does not qualify for an extended vehicle service contract it is ready for the road and daily riding. We just sold this bike a year ago and were given the opportunity to sell it again and jumped on it. This bike will be available around July 23rd.

From what I've read this appears to be the last year before the K1 goodies were shared? Is this a non issue or are the upgrades worth waiting for on a newer bike. This thing appears almost new with low miles,,,, http://www.bobsbmw.com/motorcycles/usedbikes.html (it's in the middle of the page).

Appreciate any thoughts.

Cheers

[Red]

My other bike is a Kawa Concours. I'm new to the K bike. My bike is a 1985 K100RS, and is non-ABS. It has low miles and in very nice shape overall. I've spent approximately $700.00 on misc rubber, some plastic parts replacement and the biggest cost was front and rear brakes, (rotors). I still have to pull my rear master brake cylinder apart, clean. It has developed a minor leak. My current highest priority is taking the bike apart to do the spline lube. Personally, my biggest challenge has been learning the electrical connections for this bike and it has been allot of fun tinkering with my bike and cleaning these connections due to corrosion, etc. At this time I've got all the lights and things operational. You can see from my bike and experience, age is the enemy and spending the time in cleaning and refurbishing the working parts is the biggest part the game. I love my bike and recently have taken a 600 mile ride up in the Sierra Mtns of CA. I just love the way this bike rides. Your bike looks nice based on the pictures, description and it is good that the oil/water pump has been replaced ???? on this bike you are looking at. I hope that you find a way to obtain this bike...the RS is really a fun bike to ride. Best of luck.

Bill
aka "Red"
San Ramon, CA.
(San Francisco Bay Area)

[bobw]

Red,

Thanks for the feedback. I sometimes get caught up in the "new and improved" bits which can be a distractor from pursuing perfectly good technology/designs. I love the forums as double checking with others enables me to keep my bikeaholic impulses in check (sorta ;D).

I'll be out of state when this is said to be available so I have to give them a little premature prod to see what horse trading may be available.

BTW, I love your Cali Mountains. Here's a couple shots from my ride last year,,,


Cheers

[frankenduck]

Just me but I'd get a K100RS4V or K1100RS over a 2V RS.

Why?

MUCH better front brakes.
10 more HP.
Paralever final drive - no rear end "jacking" and better rear end handling.
Radial tires that handle oh so much better. (Recommend Micjelin PR2s or PR3s.)

It's worth it for the front brakes and radial tires alone.

[bobw]

Thanks again!

It is such a low mileage bike and she was tempting me............... Admittedly a very easy thing to do  ;D