Things to consider. So I could have got a newer anything as far as a bike goes. I lurked around forums and did a little research. Yea many Bricks don't have fuel gauges, temp gauges but a little time and money can add those. I wouldn't mind an Arduino mod for a speedo, fuel gauge, tach but I'm focused on standard operation. I've seen aftermarket parts for Cafe's but to me it would end up costing more to do that in the long run.
These bikes do have idiosyncrasies, like anything. The good thing is a crapton (Metric crapton, not imperial) of original parts are available for the K-Bikes. The options available on motorcycles in general caught on for other brands much later. I lean more toward the original look and function of the K-Bike rather than Cafe bikes although some are quite nice. I do understand why Bricks are being built as Cafe Bikes. The engine looks especially agressive in those configurations. Stock, I've gotten more than a few compliments. BMW made quite an attractive bike and, in my opinion is a timeless design. One guy here built a Cafe from a brick in classic black with really cool pinstripping. It looked as thought it could have been a bike built by BMW in the 50's in an alternate universe.
I've gotten more "operationally" familiar with this bike that I have others I've owned (Harley, BMW, Honda). I've seen a lot of bikes with low miles that sit and a lot that's ridden past other bikes by a factor of ten. I note a lot of people that love them have a couple. I can see why. I wouldn't mind another when ones down for maintenance.
Of course they are other alternatives to fuel pumps and injectors as well as creative fixes for speedos etc. There are cost factors in getting a new OEM fuel pump but there are options. Your right, odo's can be Frodo's and getting aftermarket gauges can limited and costly in time and money.
I know there is a realm of people wanting to put their mark and customize bikes, more power to you, but maintaining a original configuration can be just as rewarding. Check out the Father and Son team that fully restored a K75. It's a beauty.
Not to be a critic, but the general rule of thumb is conversions are going to cost you time and money and you'll be lucky to recover the cost unless Jay Leno falls in love with it. Stock wins every time.
I'm 52, too old to be anything other than practical "for me." Harley was slow to innovate and Japanese are too quick in innovation and often have really short model life in comparison to others.
I wish you good luck on the project. The only thing that matters is what makes you feel good. Whatever you get and decide to do with a K-Bike it has already stood the test of time, but maybe not the previous owners neglect. That is why people are buying rubber, cleaning tanks and flushing radiators etc. That and age, which gets worse for the next owner if neglected.
