Save to Favorite Searches
1987 BMW K-Series
| 1 for sale: $1,575
Added to My Favorite Searches You have reached the saved search limit Your search was not saved, try again later. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Average Member Rating: (5 Reviews)
| • Overall Satisfaction: | |
| • Performance: | |
| • Reliability: | |
| • Comfort: | |
| • Quality and Craftsmanship: |
Sort by:
Top Member Reviews
1987 BMW K-Series: 1987 K 75 S
10/17/07
) | • Overall Satisfaction: |
I'm a BMW fan in general - both cars and motorcycles. I currently own two BMW motorcycles. One an R1100R 'Boxer', the other a K 75 S. The S is far more comfortable on a long trip than the R. The seat on the K is flatter and better suited for touring. The seat on the R is more of a saddle and, I think, at least, is better suited to more aggressive riding.
Handlebar position on the K seems to be slightly forward of those on the R but not so much that it causes wrist problems.
My R has ABS. My K does not. Have I ever had the ABS kick in? No, but I like to have them. Both bikes handle very well and they both seem to have a very similar low center of gravity that BMW's are known for.
The R 'sounds' like a 'typical' BMW. The K has a distinctive 'whistle' that took a bit of getting used to. The K also has a lower pitched, more rumbling exhaust note especially noticeable on down-shifting.
Both bikes are exceptionally smooth - the R from the start. The K, being water-cooled takes some warming up.
Power-wise I know that both bikes have approximately the same horsepower rating. With that being the case, I think that the K 'feels' faster.
Serviceability? Well each BMW can be a little quirky to work on. For example, replacing air filters are difficult on both bikes. Oil changes are easier on the R for a couple of reasons: firstly, it doesn't have a fairing that has to be removed to get to the filter. The filter, however does have to be a BMW filter of reasonable facsimile or it won't fit. The K (mine, at least) has a faring to remove before changing the filter. Then, the oil has to be drained from the sump. Next, the sump (pan) is dropped to expose the oil filter which is totally immersed in oil. My point is this: changing the oil on the K takes longer and it is much messier to complete on the R. It may be easier to take it to the shop to have a BMW tech do the job but, yegads! are they pricey!
Next, if you have to replace a fuel pump on either bike get ready to de-pressurize the system, remove the gas cap assembly and have your wife (because she has smaller hands than you) dig out the pump. Also, be prepared for sticker shock regarding the price of the parts. Can the shade-tree mechanic handle it? Sure but, again, it's time consuming and can be difficult.
If you have to replace injectors, look around the web for rebuilt injectors - injectors from a late model Ford V-6, for example are identical to those on an '87 K 75. My point? Do the research first. It can save you a fortune. Also, a Clymer's Manual for both bikes is worth it's weight in gold.
The good news on both bikes is that they're well-built and if you maintain them through the years they'll provide you with years of trouble-free service.
I've spent 42 years riding all sorts of bikes and the BMW are, by far, the best bang for the buck on the market!
Handlebar position on the K seems to be slightly forward of those on the R but not so much that it causes wrist problems.
My R has ABS. My K does not. Have I ever had the ABS kick in? No, but I like to have them. Both bikes handle very well and they both seem to have a very similar low center of gravity that BMW's are known for.
The R 'sounds' like a 'typical' BMW. The K has a distinctive 'whistle' that took a bit of getting used to. The K also has a lower pitched, more rumbling exhaust note especially noticeable on down-shifting.
Both bikes are exceptionally smooth - the R from the start. The K, being water-cooled takes some warming up.
Power-wise I know that both bikes have approximately the same horsepower rating. With that being the case, I think that the K 'feels' faster.
Serviceability? Well each BMW can be a little quirky to work on. For example, replacing air filters are difficult on both bikes. Oil changes are easier on the R for a couple of reasons: firstly, it doesn't have a fairing that has to be removed to get to the filter. The filter, however does have to be a BMW filter of reasonable facsimile or it won't fit. The K (mine, at least) has a faring to remove before changing the filter. Then, the oil has to be drained from the sump. Next, the sump (pan) is dropped to expose the oil filter which is totally immersed in oil. My point is this: changing the oil on the K takes longer and it is much messier to complete on the R. It may be easier to take it to the shop to have a BMW tech do the job but, yegads! are they pricey!
Next, if you have to replace a fuel pump on either bike get ready to de-pressurize the system, remove the gas cap assembly and have your wife (because she has smaller hands than you) dig out the pump. Also, be prepared for sticker shock regarding the price of the parts. Can the shade-tree mechanic handle it? Sure but, again, it's time consuming and can be difficult.
If you have to replace injectors, look around the web for rebuilt injectors - injectors from a late model Ford V-6, for example are identical to those on an '87 K 75. My point? Do the research first. It can save you a fortune. Also, a Clymer's Manual for both bikes is worth it's weight in gold.
The good news on both bikes is that they're well-built and if you maintain them through the years they'll provide you with years of trouble-free service.
I've spent 42 years riding all sorts of bikes and the BMW are, by far, the best bang for the buck on the market!
37 of 37 people found this review helpful.
Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our 
1987 BMW K-Series: BMW K100RS
09/14/07
) | • Overall Satisfaction: |
Minimum maintenance for maximum miles yield. 238,000 miles on my brother-in-laws, 117,000 miles on mine not once did we need to add oil between changes. Wind protection, luggage, seat comfort, handlebar location are all well thought out for a rider who plans to own one for a while.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
All Member Reviews
1987 BMW K-Series: 1987 BMW K100RS
01/18/11
| • Overall Satisfaction: | |
| • Performance: | |
| • Reliability: | |
| • Comfort: | |
| • Quality and Craftsmanship: |
This bike is fabulous! I purchased it 2 years ago with 131,000 one owner miles on it! I had no idea a motorcycle could last that long. I asked the original owner how anyone could possibly put that many miles on a bike, and his answer was telling. "First, you must start with a very good motorcycle!".
Since then, I have added another 15k trouble free miles to the odometer. Other than a little smoke at start-up when left on the sidestand, it uses very little oil. These bikes smoked from the very beginning as the engine is basically standing on its head when on the sidestand. Oil and air filter changes are harder than they could be, but worth it. It does require a BMW filter wrench. There is another issue with spline lubrication, both the transmission input shaft and the final drive splines. The tranny spline lube needs to be done ever 30kmi. or so, and is an 8-12 hour process. It can be accomplished by a shade tree mechanic, but a BMW shop will want $600-800 for the job. The final drive is much easier, but crucial. If there is no documentation of the last spline service, watch for difficult downshifts on a test ride.
On the road, the bike is sublime! I have many 300 mile plus days on it. It thinks a sport bike, but is much more roomy and comfortable. The windier the road, the better! I have thrashed it hard, and it only asks for more. Sure, an R1 or a ZX11 pilot could leave it in the dust, but I have no problem keeping up with my riding buddies on newer, larger bikes...actually I am usually waiting for them! I get virtually the same MPG as the 1100 and 1200s (low 40s).
If you want an inexpensive, fast, comfortable, long distance sport touring machine, and have a long inseam (they are tall), consider one of these K bikes!
Since then, I have added another 15k trouble free miles to the odometer. Other than a little smoke at start-up when left on the sidestand, it uses very little oil. These bikes smoked from the very beginning as the engine is basically standing on its head when on the sidestand. Oil and air filter changes are harder than they could be, but worth it. It does require a BMW filter wrench. There is another issue with spline lubrication, both the transmission input shaft and the final drive splines. The tranny spline lube needs to be done ever 30kmi. or so, and is an 8-12 hour process. It can be accomplished by a shade tree mechanic, but a BMW shop will want $600-800 for the job. The final drive is much easier, but crucial. If there is no documentation of the last spline service, watch for difficult downshifts on a test ride.
On the road, the bike is sublime! I have many 300 mile plus days on it. It thinks a sport bike, but is much more roomy and comfortable. The windier the road, the better! I have thrashed it hard, and it only asks for more. Sure, an R1 or a ZX11 pilot could leave it in the dust, but I have no problem keeping up with my riding buddies on newer, larger bikes...actually I am usually waiting for them! I get virtually the same MPG as the 1100 and 1200s (low 40s).
If you want an inexpensive, fast, comfortable, long distance sport touring machine, and have a long inseam (they are tall), consider one of these K bikes!
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
1987 BMW K-Series: Just completed my first 5000 miles on a K75
09/07/09
) | • Overall Satisfaction: |
We have four riders in our family, wife has a 2007 FZ6, one son has a 2009 CBR6 and other son has just put on 4000 miles on an 2008 SV650. We have numerous other bikes, ten others including a 1200cc Sportster and I sold a 99 883 Sportster in order to buy this 1988 BMW K75 and I now own one of the most unique bikes in this region.
No ordinary older bike, this bike that would look appropriate in a futuristic movie or next to the Batmobile. Style wise it is difficult to define. Handling and stance is similar to a Sport Bike but larger and conservative. Bars are narrow and the AeroFlow windshield makes the world almost silent except for the very interesting sound that I assume is coming from the fuel injection system.
It is designed for long rides although it goes well on a twenty mile trip to run some errands or 200 miles to camp out with tent and sleeping bags bungeed to the large rear section (if you have the side bags).
My Bike is so old compared to the rest of the families' and yet it stands up to them in style and performance. I find that this bike can probably do 10 times as many miles as it has now. I got it 5 months ago and it had 11,700 miles on it and it's at 17,000 now.
On the rating system there is no "serviceability" graph, if there was I would put that at average. I am sorry BMW Guys but I have be honest. Changing the oil filter is an ordeal and the air cleaner would be a lot easier if access was from the side, not the center. We are talking about a tedious chore.
Aside from what should be minor maintenance becoming an entire morning of your life you can never have back, this machine is awesome and I would have another if anything ever happened to this one.
It is mostly red and black and seems to lack flash and bling with so little noise emanating from it, yet stands like a monument, sophisticated and strong.
When i want to be loud and feel like walking on the DARK SIDE I ride the Harley......
No ordinary older bike, this bike that would look appropriate in a futuristic movie or next to the Batmobile. Style wise it is difficult to define. Handling and stance is similar to a Sport Bike but larger and conservative. Bars are narrow and the AeroFlow windshield makes the world almost silent except for the very interesting sound that I assume is coming from the fuel injection system.
It is designed for long rides although it goes well on a twenty mile trip to run some errands or 200 miles to camp out with tent and sleeping bags bungeed to the large rear section (if you have the side bags).
My Bike is so old compared to the rest of the families' and yet it stands up to them in style and performance. I find that this bike can probably do 10 times as many miles as it has now. I got it 5 months ago and it had 11,700 miles on it and it's at 17,000 now.
On the rating system there is no "serviceability" graph, if there was I would put that at average. I am sorry BMW Guys but I have be honest. Changing the oil filter is an ordeal and the air cleaner would be a lot easier if access was from the side, not the center. We are talking about a tedious chore.
Aside from what should be minor maintenance becoming an entire morning of your life you can never have back, this machine is awesome and I would have another if anything ever happened to this one.
It is mostly red and black and seems to lack flash and bling with so little noise emanating from it, yet stands like a monument, sophisticated and strong.
When i want to be loud and feel like walking on the DARK SIDE I ride the Harley......
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
1987 BMW K-Series: 1987 BMW 75K
05/03/08
) | • Overall Satisfaction: |
everything about the bike is cool and all my EuoTrash friends are raving about the deal I got.
Thanks, EBay,
Yosauce
Thanks, EBay,
Yosauce
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
1987 BMW K-Series: 1987 K 75 S
10/17/07
| • Overall Satisfaction: |
I'm a BMW fan in general - both cars and motorcycles. I currently own two BMW motorcycles. One an R1100R 'Boxer', the other a K 75 S. The S is far more comfortable on a long trip than the R. The seat on the K is flatter and better suited for touring. The seat on the R is more of a saddle and, I think, at least, is better suited to more aggressive riding.
Handlebar position on the K seems to be slightly forward of those on the R but not so much that it causes wrist problems.
My R has ABS. My K does not. Have I ever had the ABS kick in? No, but I like to have them. Both bikes handle very well and they both seem to have a very similar low center of gravity that BMW's are known for.
The R 'sounds' like a 'typical' BMW. The K has a distinctive 'whistle' that took a bit of getting used to. The K also has a lower pitched, more rumbling exhaust note especially noticeable on down-shifting.
Both bikes are exceptionally smooth - the R from the start. The K, being water-cooled takes some warming up.
Power-wise I know that both bikes have approximately the same horsepower rating. With that being the case, I think that the K 'feels' faster.
Serviceability? Well each BMW can be a little quirky to work on. For example, replacing air filters are difficult on both bikes. Oil changes are easier on the R for a couple of reasons: firstly, it doesn't have a fairing that has to be removed to get to the filter. The filter, however does have to be a BMW filter of reasonable facsimile or it won't fit. The K (mine, at least) has a faring to remove before changing the filter. Then, the oil has to be drained from the sump. Next, the sump (pan) is dropped to expose the oil filter which is totally immersed in oil. My point is this: changing the oil on the K takes longer and it is much messier to complete on the R. It may be easier to take it to the shop to have a BMW tech do the job but, yegads! are they pricey!
Next, if you have to replace a fuel pump on either bike get ready to de-pressurize the system, remove the gas cap assembly and have your wife (because she has smaller hands than you) dig out the pump. Also, be prepared for sticker shock regarding the price of the parts. Can the shade-tree mechanic handle it? Sure but, again, it's time consuming and can be difficult.
If you have to replace injectors, look around the web for rebuilt injectors - injectors from a late model Ford V-6, for example are identical to those on an '87 K 75. My point? Do the research first. It can save you a fortune. Also, a Clymer's Manual for both bikes is worth it's weight in gold.
The good news on both bikes is that they're well-built and if you maintain them through the years they'll provide you with years of trouble-free service.
I've spent 42 years riding all sorts of bikes and the BMW are, by far, the best bang for the buck on the market!
Handlebar position on the K seems to be slightly forward of those on the R but not so much that it causes wrist problems.
My R has ABS. My K does not. Have I ever had the ABS kick in? No, but I like to have them. Both bikes handle very well and they both seem to have a very similar low center of gravity that BMW's are known for.
The R 'sounds' like a 'typical' BMW. The K has a distinctive 'whistle' that took a bit of getting used to. The K also has a lower pitched, more rumbling exhaust note especially noticeable on down-shifting.
Both bikes are exceptionally smooth - the R from the start. The K, being water-cooled takes some warming up.
Power-wise I know that both bikes have approximately the same horsepower rating. With that being the case, I think that the K 'feels' faster.
Serviceability? Well each BMW can be a little quirky to work on. For example, replacing air filters are difficult on both bikes. Oil changes are easier on the R for a couple of reasons: firstly, it doesn't have a fairing that has to be removed to get to the filter. The filter, however does have to be a BMW filter of reasonable facsimile or it won't fit. The K (mine, at least) has a faring to remove before changing the filter. Then, the oil has to be drained from the sump. Next, the sump (pan) is dropped to expose the oil filter which is totally immersed in oil. My point is this: changing the oil on the K takes longer and it is much messier to complete on the R. It may be easier to take it to the shop to have a BMW tech do the job but, yegads! are they pricey!
Next, if you have to replace a fuel pump on either bike get ready to de-pressurize the system, remove the gas cap assembly and have your wife (because she has smaller hands than you) dig out the pump. Also, be prepared for sticker shock regarding the price of the parts. Can the shade-tree mechanic handle it? Sure but, again, it's time consuming and can be difficult.
If you have to replace injectors, look around the web for rebuilt injectors - injectors from a late model Ford V-6, for example are identical to those on an '87 K 75. My point? Do the research first. It can save you a fortune. Also, a Clymer's Manual for both bikes is worth it's weight in gold.
The good news on both bikes is that they're well-built and if you maintain them through the years they'll provide you with years of trouble-free service.
I've spent 42 years riding all sorts of bikes and the BMW are, by far, the best bang for the buck on the market!
37 of 37 people found this review helpful.
1987 BMW K-Series: BMW K100RS
09/14/07
| • Overall Satisfaction: |
Minimum maintenance for maximum miles yield. 238,000 miles on my brother-in-laws, 117,000 miles on mine not once did we need to add oil between changes. Wind protection, luggage, seat comfort, handlebar location are all well thought out for a rider who plans to own one for a while.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
Page 1 of 1