New to Motobrick and K-bikes

[idahoblueskies]

New to Motobrick, and shopping for a K-bike.  I've been lurking here and soaking up all things K.  The only other BMW I've owned was a 650 Funduro, I've been into dirt and dual sport bikes for a while with my kids but want to get back into an inexpensive bike that I can commute to work on and take an occasional road trip on through the central Idaho mountains.

Looking at two different K75 bikes that are available within a reasonable distance, looking for opinions-

The first is a naked '95 with 36000 miles, only a few miles away. I've looked it over and ridden it:  https://boise.craigslist.org/mcy/6067383761.html

It has a bunch of cosmetic issues: dent in the front corner of the tank, front fender needs paint, needs fork seals and brake pads, seat doesn't fit all that great, and is fairly dirty.  It runs good, but might need head bearings or fork work. It has the hard cases which I really want, but it has a low seat, aftermarket low bars, and three spoke wheels that I don't.  Seller will take $1250.

The second is more of a project, a '90 RT with 86000 miles:  https://boise.craigslist.org/mcy/6071140987.html

I haven't seen this one yet in person, it is a couple hours away.  It has been sitting for 2 years under a tarp.  It looks dirty, but like it may clean up well.  I'm ok with nicks and scrapes here and there.  The owner bought it to get it dialed in, rode it a few times, and then parked it, so no known history.  It has a standard seat, fairing, I like the color better, and multi-spoke wheels that I really want, but no hard cases.  Owner said it ran when parked, but had a hesitation under full throttle and thinks the fuel system needs to be cleaned.  I haven't made an offer yet, seller price is negotiable.

Both would need tires and deferred maintenance, the '90 would need more work to get it running right and the mileage is more than double of the '95.  I'm not afraid of a project, but don't really want to get into engine rebuilding or spending $$$ on a worn out bike.

Your thoughts and wisdom are greatly appreciated...

Thanks,

Pete

[D.Bachtel]

Welcome Idaho!

No doubt about it, I'd go for door number 1 !



Don in Nipomo

[Chaos]

The non runner sounds like a money pit.  No telling how long it's sat, or what all might be wrong with it.  The low miles on the 95 mean the splines are probably good, and getting the right seat and bars for it would probably be easier than reviving the RT.  Head bearings may just need adjusted or greased, unless they're notchy.  Tires and shock can also cause handling issues.

[Dennis de Vries]

I'm with Chaos on this one. If those 2 are the only ones out there i'd jump on the 95, a cheap project usually turn into an expensive project fast... Or look a bit longer, i'm sure there are more out there...

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[Filmcamera]

I agree with the others of the two the 95 for sure.

[jakgieger]

The question you need to ask yourself is, "Do you feel lucky?"  :hehehe Parts do cost money...lots of parts cost lots of money.  Working on a running/low mile bike will yield quicker satisfaction, unless you are a born gear-head.  The factory seat is uncomfortable if you are not 18 years old.  Thus, we change them.  Not everyone likes the comfort seat on my bike, but there are many options.  I bet you can find someone to take those wheels off your hands  .   Several years ago usually = 5 or more!  On my bike, after I gave him the money, it happened to equal over ten years  :eek: .  Good luck.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I may be the odd one out here, but I would consider the possibility of getting both bikes. 

If I could get the seller down to $7-800 on the RT I would get it for a parts bike.  That bike has the seat, wheels and possibly some other parts you need/want all in one package.  It will certainly simplify sourcing the parts you need for the '95.  Take what you need, and sell the rest to recover a lot of the cost of the second bike.  If you clean the parts well before listing them, you may even be able to turn a small profit on it.  Or with a bike to ride, you can make a project out of restoring the RT with no time pressure.  Depends on how much you like screwing around with an old bike. 

But then, I have three bricks in the garage and a ton of spares to support them. 

[idahoblueskies]

Thanks for the replies and insight.  Seller of the RT is going to email me photos on Saturday.  I don't think I'll want it, my gut tells me that it will be more work and $$$ than it is worth.  Now, maybe if the seller will let it go for a few hundred as a parts bike, I'd grab it.

Pete

[idahoblueskies]

I pulled the trigger on the '95 this afternoon. Looking forward to diving in to the bike. It needs to be thoroughly cleaned first, and then assess the little stuff that it needs.   It came with the factory handle bars and an extra set of side cases. I'll probably put the bars on first, and then decide if I want to trade for a regular seat. I'm sure I'll have a bunch of questions as I go, happy to have this forum for answers.

[idahoblueskies]

[The Mighty Gryphon]

That's a good looking bike.  Super clean. 

[Laitch]

Congratulations! If you could only choose between the two because you didn't want to fill the space in your life with a wallow of greasy parts, you made the best choice. Please update your profile with the bike's model and year. You'll probably have a good time with this critter.

[Martin]

Good choice a seat swap is always a possibility, I have been tracking one on Ebay for a couple of months. Second hand started out at $650.00 Au now down to $450.00 Au. It can be fun watching some things. 
Regards Martin.

[kris]

That was the one to go with. Life is short! Get on and ride...and, if space and budget permit, see if you can't get the second bike. I'm with Gryph on that. The second one is not only great for parts but a great teacher as you tear her down. Never know....could be better than you thought and you end up with two bikes.....then three....then four.....then........DIVORCE! That or your wife goes on a shopping spree. (three's my limit....small garage!)


Have fun.

[idahoblueskies]

Noticed today that the bike is titled as a K75S...  Is it really a K75T?  Or maybe it was converted?

Is it the euro spec bikes that have the regular headlight bucket instead of the odd louvered filler piece above the headlight?

Pete