On the hunt

[Bon Jon Bovi]

Mellow greetings. Hoping to join the ranks of Brikkers everywhere in the near future. Not (m)any older Ks around these parts so I'm looking nationwide at this point. I'm mainly interested in K75s but there's a K1100 on TLH CG that I'm wanting to look at when I get to town next week, if it's still available. I've actually seen it posted here as it turns out.

So the hunt is on. There's a K75RT in Michigan that I'm investigating on cycletrader.com but a little nervous about buying another bike without seeing it. It's worked out before but you never know. I think I'd prefer the K75 over the bigger brick due to the weight and the less buzziness of the three cylinder's. Current main ride is a 97 RT, and with my 11 stone weight and leprechaun-ish inseam it gets interesting when my foot reaches for the ground and there's no ground close by. Haven't dumped it yet but 

So that's it, wish me duck. Cluck. Something. Yeah, I'm another one of those, sorry.

[volador]

Welcome great moniker & performer/musician that guy

How tall is your stack of hundreds in quest of the rare K75S?

[Bon Jon Bovi]

My stack of kronars is variable, currently 20-ish Benjamins high. There's more but trying to limit old Ben to his proper place. The '95 K1100RS in Tally Town has a 2K asking price, the '94 K75RT in Grand Rapids can be had for 1800. Both while require transport to Old New Mexico for however much that will cost. 

There's a guy in Maine you folks have probably never heard of, name of Chris something-or-other, says the K1100s are one of the best Bricks IHO. K75s were next but don't remember any years mentioned. Fahrvergnügen on, everybody.

[Laitch]

Hoping to join the ranks of Brikkers everywhere in the near future. . . . Current main ride is a 97 RT . . .

Which model of RT is that?

[Bon Jon Bovi]

Which model of RT is that?

It's a 1997 R1100RT with right at 50,000 miles on it. Last owner had it since 2005 and put 38,000 miles on it. He was riding it and keeping up with oil and drive changes but not too much else. I bought it at the beginning of summer and took it apart for a spline lube, new brake hoses, upgraded injectors and so on. Very nice machine but I have to get used to the telelever each time I ride. I live 5 miles up a canyon road so always interesting.

[Laitch]

It's a 1997 R1100RT with right at 50,000 miles on it.

Go to this page to compare weights and seat heights of various models. Both models you're considering are lighter, but if you're riding on gravel mountain roads like I do, the ride will still be interesting because highway tires tend to float on gravel, ABS tends to interfere with stable braking on descent, and 60/40 highway/dirt tires tend to be tube-type.

[Scott]

Are you searching CL as well?  I see various k75's and their bigger brothers quite frequently in Az. and Ca editions. Although I don't look at New Mexico CL, they should show up there once in awhile on that list too I would imagine.  Usually between 2 and 3K.  Good hunting.  There is a couple listed here today, if you want to look.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/search/mcy?query=bmw&searchNearby=1

[Martin]

http://cycle-ergo.com/ is also good for doing comparisons.
Regards Martin.

[stokester]

Usually between 2 and 3K.

Agree.
I would also suggest that it is better to spend the extra money upfront on a documented, well maintained bike that has been ridden than going for a low-priced bike with unknown history.  Just the cost of a replacement FD and driveshaft for one adds up quickly.

[Bon Jon Bovi]

Go to this page to compare weights and seat heights of various models. Both models you're considering are lighter, but if you're riding on gravel mountain roads like I do, the ride will still be interesting because highway tires tend to float on gravel, ABS tends to interfere with stable braking on descent, and 60/40 highway/dirt tires tend to be tube-type.

Thanks for the link, good stuff. As for the ride, I have ten miles of gravel, rock, dirt, cow pats and elk poop to contend with every ride. The PO of the RT kept OEM Pilot Road 2s on it and they have around 3K miles on them. They are a bit on the slippy side, but so are the Dunlops on the GL1000s and the CB750. Haven't dumped any of them yet, but I had a HD V-Rod for a year that I dropped while trying to make a uey in the gravel. I had to wait for someone to come along to get it back up.

The GLs are a handful to move around, even with most of the weight in the bottom. The RT is surprisingly easy, even with a full tank of gas up top. And I'm REALLY impressed with how easy it is to get on the center stand. I'm hoping whichever Brick I end up with is similar.

[Bon Jon Bovi]

Are you searching CL as well?  I see various k75's and their bigger brothers quite frequently in Az. and Ca editions. Although I don't look at New Mexico CL, they should show up there once in awhile on that list too I would imagine.  Usually between 2 and 3K.  Good hunting.  There is a couple listed here today, if you want to look.
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/search/mcy?query=bmw&searchNearby=1

Thanks, yes I am also searching CL around the country.

The CB750 I have is an '81, and is quite buzzy between 3500-4500 rpm. I've been reading that the K100s are buzzier than the K75s. Is that a fair assessment or an oversimplification?

[Laitch]

The RT is surprisingly easy [to move around], even with a full tank of gas up top. And I'm REALLY impressed with how easy it is to get on the center stand. I'm hoping whichever Brick I end up with is similar.

I've been reading that the K100s are buzzier than the K75s. Is that a fair assessment or an oversimplification?

It is likely you'll discover that Bricks take more focus to move around than the R1100, based on what has often been written here. They tend to feel top-heavy to many riders when operated at low speed, duck-paddled or pushed around a garage. Moving them onto their center stands is relatively easy if their suspension height hasn't been altered.

If by buzzier you mean more vibration felt in the handlebar and foot pegs, that's a fair interpretation of what has been written on this site; however, some riders are more sensitive to vibration than others. The K75 engine has a counterbalance shaft that accounts for its reputation as a smooth ride.

[natalena]

Where are you in NM? I recently saw a K75S near the Juan Tabo/Candellaria intersection (Albq), with a "for sale" sign and $1200". It's a runner, although the cosmetics are heat ravaged (black paint that's sandblasted and faded, Aero windscreen is amazingly good)), I'd say it's a 7.5-8 in condition. The owner was knowledgeable and although I wasn't a buyer, we chatted about bricks for some time. Good Luck.

[Laitch]

Here is a K75S with the low seat option—an option that improves footing for you. Its price is on the steep side of the scale.

[beemuker]

Its price is on the steep side of the scale.

So steep methinks he really doesn't want to sell it, though it looks to be a nice bike

[Bon Jon Bovi]

greetings...

thats a 2k$ moto... no multivario... no iconic 22... no 50a nator... no hawt grips... no steel brake hoses... no modern shock... no catz xlos... no spline photos...

will need everything... at least it no gotts nasty hemorrhoid hanging off the bung...

j o

Um. New to the site so I don't speak johnny yet, and didn't see a "johnny for Dummies" pdf anywhere. Someone help a brotha out??

[herseyb]

Um. New to the site so I don't speak johnny yet, and didn't see a "johnny for Dummies" pdf anywhere. Someone help a brotha out??

Salutations,

You may want to continue your search, or consider a lower offer because that motorcycle lacks the BMW Motovario tank bag, 22l bmw top box (fits the tail cowl shape unlike aftermarket), and has the smaller duty alternator that will struggle with heated gear.

By the time you locate these items on the secondary market, you'll wish you had only spent $2K on that ride.

Regards,

Johnny Ostrich.

[Bon Jon Bovi]

Where are you in NM? I recently saw a K75S near the Juan Tabo/Candellaria intersection (Albq), with a "for sale" sign and $1200". It's a runner, although the cosmetics are heat ravaged (black paint that's sandblasted and faded, Aero windscreen is amazingly good)), I'd say it's a 7.5-8 in condition. The owner was knowledgeable and although I wasn't a buyer, we chatted about bricks for some time. Good Luck.

I'm in Cloudcroft "9000 Feet above Strees Level" as the local folks have it. I've bought two GL1000s in ABQ so that's adoable drive for me. Alas, I'm in Ole Miss till after Christmas for an inpromptu wedding so may miss out on this one. There was a K100 in Placitas that was on ABQ CL for awhile; guy was the second owner I believe but I decided against it due to a substantial leak that developed in my wallet around that time.

[Bon Jon Bovi]

Salutations,

You may want to continue your search, or consider a lower offer because that motorcycle lacks the BMW Motovario tank bag, 22l bmw top box (fits the tail cowl shape unlike aftermarket), and has the smaller duty alternator that will struggle with heated gear.

By the time you locate these items on the secondary market, you'll wish you had only spent $2K on that ride.

Regards,

Johnny Ostrich.

Thank you sir.

[volador]

Desirable marracash red color.

"You get what you pay for" the Brick has become rarer to find especially in a low mileage offering.
Most sellers in the know will price accordingly to the NADA book values. Missing a mulitvario, fugly 22l top case, heated grips, with 3-spoke rims (radials), with ABS,
32A alternator and paniers, are considered options. Easier to find accessories and upgrade parts then good looking/working moto. Good luck

[Bon Jon Bovi]

Thanks to all for the courteous suggestions and comments. I'll be doing more digging to figure out some of the terminology associated with these models, not gonna bother the forum with stuff that I'm sure is available with just a little search effort. Once that's done then it's on to the fun stuff: "What's the best tire for all terrain and seasons with occasional rides on the moon, across glaciers, and oversea bottoms?" "What's the best oil and the correct fill procedure?" "OEM or aftermarket?" You know, fun stuff! 

[Bon Jon Bovi]

So I have spoken to these folks, I can get it for $1800 plus thisnthat:
https://www.bmwmcgr.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=7603968&p=1&make=bmw&s=Year&d=D&year=1994&fr=xPreOwnedInventory

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Looks like Ilsa's sister.  A seat will set you back about $200, otherwise, if the splines are okay it's not a bad deal.  RT's aren't all that popular anymore outside of the cafe hacker crowd.

[Laitch]

Serial number indicates 09/93 year of manufacture. It has the larger Type 3 side cases. Ask if it has the 50A alternator.

[Bon Jon Bovi]

I sent them an email asking about the alternator and if they know when the last spline lube might have been done. Thanks for the heads-up.