Author Topic: I know it ain't a K, but...  (Read 22699 times)

Offline TaosBrick

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I know it ain't a K, but...
« on: April 15, 2012, 01:17:51 PM »
http://santafe.craigslist.org/mcd/2944335292.html

Anybody know anything about this particular species of boxer, and if that's a good deal for a cherry one?
Flog It Every Day - I mean, the BIKE!
'92 K75, '73 R75/5 Café,'89 Yam XT350
Expect Nothing, Be Ready For Anything.
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Offline mystic red

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #1 on: April 15, 2012, 01:37:59 PM »
For 2 grand less you could be sportin' that K11LT around!

Offline TaosBrick

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2012, 01:46:47 PM »
Yah, yah - I hear ya MR, I just wanna check out the boxer side of things...
Flog It Every Day - I mean, the BIKE!
'92 K75, '73 R75/5 Café,'89 Yam XT350
Expect Nothing, Be Ready For Anything.
- Samurai Maxim

Offline Chaos

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #3 on: April 15, 2012, 02:12:38 PM »
I had one of those in henna red before I got my K.  Buzzy, SLOW, nice balance and brakes.  Never regretted getting rid of it.
  • sw ohio
1987 K75S    VIN 0231
Original owner, Original litter
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sold 6/23
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Offline motodude

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2012, 04:26:01 PM »
I have not owned one but my understanding is that they're decent bikes.  Weak electrics (in case you want to load it up w/ electrical accessories) and I've heard folks complain about the, "hinge in the middle of the frame".  But, I've also seen them fly through the twisties in the right hands.  I would only consider one w/ nickasil (sp?) cylinders (like our K-bikes have).

But as mystic red indicated, for two large less you can get that LT.  Which is A LOT more bike for the money.

Tom
'95 K75RT
'90 K75RT
'87 K100RS Motorsport
No, I am not cool.  Yes, it really is the journey.

Offline BobZ(IL)

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #5 on: April 15, 2012, 08:58:33 PM »
If it's in your neighborhood, take it for a ride. And don't be afraid to twist the throttle. Of course you might not be able to walk away.
  • Bourbonnais IL
'93 K1100LT
'78 R100S
'05 R1200GS

Offline TaosBrick

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #6 on: April 15, 2012, 10:35:19 PM »
If it's in your neighborhood, take it for a ride. And don't be afraid to twist the throttle. Of course you might not be able to walk away.

That limb-numbing, eh?
Flog It Every Day - I mean, the BIKE!
'92 K75, '73 R75/5 Café,'89 Yam XT350
Expect Nothing, Be Ready For Anything.
- Samurai Maxim

Offline BobZ(IL)

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #7 on: April 16, 2012, 07:48:26 PM »
I wuv my R100S.
  • Bourbonnais IL
'93 K1100LT
'78 R100S
'05 R1200GS

Offline Jumpin Jimmy B

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #8 on: April 16, 2012, 11:37:50 PM »
For cherry, it's OK. That don't look cherry.  Less your glasses are dirty.

 Super easy to work on. Weak electrics. Bike will run fine, don't add big lights or electric clothing.

It can be smooth, it is slow going. Not mack truck slow, but coming from a K75 it's pokey.

For another grand you can pick up a newer K1100RS and really go go.

I have an 81 R100RS that is dual plugged. 132,000 miles. Put it away when I got my 93 K1100RS.
That was in 2008.
I'd rather be riding.

Offline frankenduck

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #9 on: April 17, 2012, 12:05:49 AM »
When I was looking for a bike for someone to learn on I went and test rode one.  Let's just say I wasn't impressed.
Once I had a Collie pup. Dug a hole and covered him up. Now I sit there by the hour. Waiting for a Collie-flower.
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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #10 on: April 17, 2012, 12:09:15 AM »
I had one much the same.  Simple to work on, reliable and sure footed as a mountain goat, had a seat like a rough sawn block of hardwood and if you want excitement then you will be really really really disapointed. Best thing I did was unload it and get a brick.

Offline Ocelot

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #11 on: April 17, 2012, 07:27:53 AM »
You guys need to stop comparing airheads to bricks to boxers. Used bricks sell for well below their intrinsic value. Always have. Nobody wants them. Used airheads, on the other hand, sell for well above their intrinsic value, and appreciate in value year after year. Always have. Everybody wants them. Used oilhead boxers sell for about the miles left in them. People want them, but they are not yet collectable.

The R65 is a perfect example of an airhead worth more than its value. You'd be hard pressed to find a decent R65 selling for less than it cost new. Even more true for this rare LS model.

So the question becomes, what do you want to do with it? Do you want to collect it, flip it, or ride it? If you want to collect it, you could shine this one up with some TLC, admire it parked in the garage, and watch the value climb. If you want to flip it, you'd need to score one needing more work than this, so that you could add value. If you want to ride it, just be aware that BMW didn't wring anywhere near as much power per cc out of an airhead boxer back then as they do out of an oilhead boxer today. Also note that the LS is the least distance ride-able R65 made. Most of your R65s come with side bags and racks. Many an R65 owner will wax enthusistic about the week he spent carving the Blue Ridge Parkway. Not on an LS. Strictly a weekend afternoon warrior. If you want to ride an airhead on the twisties and be back in time for dinner, this is the model. Lighter and sportier than the raft of R100RTs still on the road. You won't lose a dime on it.

But if, as you say, what you want is to try a boxer, then go look at the slew of R1100Rs and such that you can pick up for less than this. They have tons more power, you don't over-pay, and they have progressed beyond the Rube Goldberg arrangement of leaky push rod tubes and 14 clamp fuel connections and oddball air tube elbows that plague the airheads.

1990 K75C Ocelot
2003 R1200CLC Annie
2007 KLR650 Biffy Bullfrog

Offline TaosBrick

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #12 on: April 17, 2012, 10:42:11 AM »
Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of an R60/5 (Many sets of eyes are rolling now).

I actually want something that is wonky, and slow is ok too. What, did you guys think I'd give up my brick or something?

Besides, on something that old, I think I can put on a low tractor seat so that 5'1" wife can ride it too. And believe me, she could care less about fast.

I was just curious about the R65LS as I though it might be kinda sporty the way a brick is. Thanks everyone for setting me straight on that.
Guess I'll stick with slow, wonky and hopelessly vintage in my musings for now.
Flog It Every Day - I mean, the BIKE!
'92 K75, '73 R75/5 Café,'89 Yam XT350
Expect Nothing, Be Ready For Anything.
- Samurai Maxim

Offline Ocelot

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #13 on: April 17, 2012, 11:17:02 AM »
Hey, there is absolutely nothing wrong with slow. Fast is vastly over-rated. Horsepower is an obsession far beyond its usefulness. I am reminded of the days when I was a boat builder. All round me were guys building trimarans and catamarans to go cruising in. I was building a sixteen ton displacement schooner. They were building flimsy two ton plywood race boats. All of us intended to go cruising. I would be able to tote spares, water, provisions for a year at a time, a library of books, dive gear, trade gear, the whole nine yards. They'd have to winnow it all down to a carry on and cross their fingers. "Why would you want to build something so light for cruising?" I would ask. Universally, they'd answer "Speed!" My response was: "If I go for a five year cruise at 5 knots and you go for a five year cruise at twelve knots, which of us gets to the end of our five years first?" Likewise when you see these morons idling a Maserati in a SoCal traffic jam. Who gets there first, the Maserati or the Mini?

No amount of speed will enhance your experience of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall. Chillax. Kick back. Enjoy.

That's why you need more than one bike. One for toting the ball and chain to a distant B&B, one for camping, one for speed, etc. They don't all need to go fast.
1990 K75C Ocelot
2003 R1200CLC Annie
2007 KLR650 Biffy Bullfrog

Offline DRxBMW

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #14 on: April 17, 2012, 11:20:06 AM »

No amount of speed will enhance your experience of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Fall. Chillax. Kick back. Enjoy.

That's why you need more than one bike. One for toting the ball and chain to a distant B&B, one for camping, one for speed, etc. They don't all need to go fast.

I totally agree, folks who ONLY ride street are missing out BIG time.
Gary
Williamsport,Pa

1994 K 75 ABS "custom"
2005 F 650 GS

Offline TaosBrick

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #15 on: April 17, 2012, 02:55:13 PM »
Hmm... well maybe I'll give the LS a test ride, jest fer fun.

I DO have a 350XT Yamaha for my dual sport needs. Great fun for mesa and mountains around here. The LS would be OK for a townie and canyon twister, I reckon.
Flog It Every Day - I mean, the BIKE!
'92 K75, '73 R75/5 Café,'89 Yam XT350
Expect Nothing, Be Ready For Anything.
- Samurai Maxim

Offline TaosBrick

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #16 on: April 21, 2012, 01:39:36 PM »
Now this one's got some semi-vintage steez, and appears to be a bit sporty too. Perhaps somewhat better suited for longer rides than the R65LS?

http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/mcy/2969777712.html

Opinions?
Flog It Every Day - I mean, the BIKE!
'92 K75, '73 R75/5 Café,'89 Yam XT350
Expect Nothing, Be Ready For Anything.
- Samurai Maxim

Offline Ocelot

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #17 on: April 21, 2012, 02:55:13 PM »
Perhaps somewhat better suited for longer rides than the R65LS?

That seat looks flat and hard as a bench. But surprisingly, loads of guys have gone hundreds of thousands and that flat bgench and report that it's a dynamite long distance chair.

The only thing is that, where do you put anything else other than your butt? No rack, no bags, no place to put a bag. Where's your rain suit go? This particular R75 has been stripped for a cafe racer. The purpose of a cafe racer is to pop round town quickly.

You need to settle your mind on what you want. Do you want a distance rider or a sport round town toy?
1990 K75C Ocelot
2003 R1200CLC Annie
2007 KLR650 Biffy Bullfrog

Offline TaosBrick

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #18 on: April 21, 2012, 03:13:23 PM »
Well, Mr. O -

  I've got the K75, which is super comfy and has a ton of gear-carrying options beyond the included hard cases. So yes, this second acquisition would be more about quick runs into town, and mountain twisties. I'm guessing that as this engine has a standard stroke-length and crank, as opposed to the R65LS, that it would not have the same vibration issues and would be decently comfortable for all-day rides, yes?
Flog It Every Day - I mean, the BIKE!
'92 K75, '73 R75/5 Café,'89 Yam XT350
Expect Nothing, Be Ready For Anything.
- Samurai Maxim

Offline wmax351

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #19 on: April 24, 2012, 01:23:22 PM »
I had an R65 for a while. Crashed it on the first ride when someone cut me off and locked the brakes. Insurance paid for BMW dealer cost to repair the frame and front end. I put it back together with ebay stuff. Was a  nice bike. Kinda slow, but you can rev it up, and it has power. Mine also had twin plug heads, lightened flywheel, mikuni carbs, and probably some other stuff I didn't know about. Got it for 700 bucks, too. Handled well. It pretty much has a K bike front end. The frame is a shorter wheelbase than most airheads, so it is more flickable. No slouch in the corners either.

It is a perfect starter bike that can still tour, as well as a good city bike. Its really light. 400 pounds.
  • Albuquerque, NM
  • 91 BMW K75 Standard, 98 Moto Guzzi California EV
Bikes:
Current:1991 BMW K75 Standard, 1998 Moto Guzzi California EV11
Past: '83 BMW R65LS, '75 Honda CB550F, '69 Honda CB175, 1999 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, 1973 Triumph Tiger TR7V, 1971 BMW R75/5 in Toaster outfit, 1979 Harley Davidson XLS-1000 Sportster Roadster

Offline 2slow

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #20 on: April 24, 2012, 03:09:05 PM »
There's always room for another bike I like my brick and the boxer

I dedicate this beer to "Pittsburgh Nellie"; a Welsh Lady of the night who could do things with her one good arm that'd make you forget that *thing* on her neck

Offline Ocelot

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #21 on: April 24, 2012, 03:42:16 PM »
One thing for sure... You can't lose money playing with an old airhead. If you don't like it, someone else will.
1990 K75C Ocelot
2003 R1200CLC Annie
2007 KLR650 Biffy Bullfrog

Offline BobZ(IL)

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Re: I know it ain't a K, but...
« Reply #22 on: April 24, 2012, 09:37:03 PM »
2Slo---Great looking Airhead.
  • Bourbonnais IL
'93 K1100LT
'78 R100S
'05 R1200GS

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