k100rs - opinions wanted

[ahpd1992]

I found a low mileage 92 k100rs in my area for sale. Although they never caught on I always wanted to own one of the k100/1100rs series and love the way they look. I am looking for input on the ups n downs of this particular bike. I already own a k1200lt so the touring side of the equation has been taken care of. I suppose other than getting a bike I always liked, I would mainly ride it to/from work on the warmer days and to my annual trop to deals gap. The mileage is very low, 14k, for a 15 yr old bike. Is this dream worth chasing or am I a victim of wanting something that reminds me Im 15 yrs older than I was when I 1st wanted this bike

[TXbug]

Go for it. The engine is indestructible with proper maintenance.

I have 1991 I bought 4 years ago. Great bike. I just rode 5000 miles on it the past two weeks.

[mwnahas]

I had a 1987 k100rt. Loved it except on hot days. Over 80 degress it would cook you. I think they addressed that with insulation and wind deflectors in later years. I have the LT now because my wife approved a bike with more comfort for her. :D

[VitesseLT]

I'd second that -- go for it.

I have a relatively similar 93 K1100RS as well as a K1200LT. The RS is a different BMW ride from simpler times, but remains modern enough to get the job done, capable of traveling long distances while being mechanically quite robust and pretty easy to maintain. For trips, I can quickly install or remove many of the "extras" my LT has such as GPS, satrad, etc. It has ample luggage capacity with factory bags and sports a serious, full-size tank bag.

It's quite a bit lighter than the LT but the stand-over is not quite as low to the ground as the LT. The ABS brakes while top notch are not anything like my 06LT's awesome stoppers. Parts, and surprisingly ... accessories, remain relatively abundant and dealer service if needed is still a reality. (In fact, the service guys like to see my scoot -- "it's so clean, so original", etc.)

They can get a tad warm on a hot day in stop-and-go traffic and a wee bit of vibration permeates the bars, most noticeable if you have a "firm grip" on the throttle for long periods. Neither of these are show stoppers, they are easily mitigated or endured, and I've done lots of happy local rides as well as extended two-up touring (although my wife prefers the LT for that, as well.)

People (that don't really follow motorcycling) often comment that they thought it was a new model when they come over to chat about it. So, I guess that you could say these early K-bikes have "classic" looks.

Sometimes low-mile units might have had the major inspections/services but don't have a lot of "annuals" behind them. What that can mean is that you might have a minor problem with a coolant system or brake master cylinder that wasn't attended to properly, but hey, it's an old scoot and you should expect some of that. None of that is likely to be super expensive to address. Tire and battery selection also remains quite good.

Lastly, I'll bet if you get a good deal, you should be able to get the same or a few hundred USD less if you had a change of heart; the depreciation is mostly over on these earlier Ks. If you want one data point for your find, I saw a 95 11RS with 52K miles in (what I thought was) average condition for sale in my area recently for 3500USD.

[RobertNolan]

I have a 94K1100RS ,its got 99,798 on her still strong my son is going to ride her now ,but Ill steal her now and then What a ride.
I ride a 03 k1200LT and a91 K75 that has 48,??? on her all Ks are fun!!!!!!!!!
I bet if you take her for a ride you will half to make room for her in your stable. :cool: