Accessories for the K series

You´ll hardly find any other bike with so many possible add-ons like the K series. Genuine BMW parts or third party suppliers, your dealer offers a great range of parts.

To get an overview, www. flyingbrick .de is giving some hints wheter parts are usefull or not. The description is not written by BMW, but reflects my own experience. Therefore, you may find that some items are missing. I had to reject my idea of mentioning the parts number and price of each item. It comes to light that, for example, eight different crash bars are available. Other parts depends on different models and years and so on. Thus, an order should been done regarding the actual parts catalogue in your country.

For some parts, a manual is available by a click onto the picture !

Genuine BMW parts

Crash bars

The crash bars, available in black or chrome-plated, are protecting the engine covers which would be scratched even if the bike is dropped in a parking lot. They could not be compinated with an (additional) engine spoiler. The top mounting point is hidden by the RS fairing, so, if the crash bars are retrofitted, the fairing must be cut out.

Detachable seat
(seat height 760mm)

This kit reduces the seat height from 800 to 760 mm. Thus, the K75/100/1100 (from 10/85, with handles integrated in the rear cover) can be attractive for smaller bikers, too. The toolbox under the seat has to be removed when mounting the seat disengagement. The lower seat is detachable, but not turned up. The gas tank ist protected by a cover to avoid scratches, this cover replaces the original battery covers. This cover is fixed with three holders which are glued onto the gas tank and two plastic clamps that are clipping to the frame tubes. It is recommended to protect the tank with foil to avoid chafing. The seat is as comfortable as the standard seat, but the knee angle is smaller. On the other hand, you may find the seat position more comfortable on bikes with a low hadnlebar.

Extra instrumentation
(Picture shows
RT/LT version)

Starting with the 1986 series, the gas tank of the K bikes contains a float. These bikes can be fitted with a precise fuel gauge additional to the fuel warning light. For all models, a water thermometer can be added. Regarding the RS, two blind covers inside the fairing are covering the mounting holes. For the touring bikes, a housing for the inner fairing is available, containing the instruments, a card light and a cigarette lighter. And for the naked bikes, BMW is offering housings that can be mounted to the handle bar.

First aid set

Absolute recommended, fits easily into the tail trunk. But it isn´t necessary to have a “BMW” label on it as a similar set is only half as expensive in every drugstore.

Hard bags
with mountings
(elder version shown above)

This is surely the most popular add-on, as a standard regarding the RT/LT types, available for an extra charge in case of the others.The mountings are two “S-shape” plastic parts which are fitting easily to the main frame and the footrest plate. It is not necessary to move the rear flashers or drill parts as in case of most other bikes. The hard bags have been built in two different versions, the newer type has been introduced with the K1100, but both types fit on every K75-1100. Three locks secure the bags at the mountings and the luggage inside of the bags. Regarding the old version, the keys are made of cheap sheet metal whick makes the lock difficult to handle. For an extra expense, better locks are available which are matching the existing bike keys. These locks may be retrofitted and are much easier to handle. A helmet is fitting into the second bag generation only. For these bags, whose BMW sign is mounted in the rear top corner of the cover, crash protectors are available. Putting the bags onto the mountings is not easy in some cases, and after some years of use some bags clatter when traveling bumpy roads. The bags are not really water-proof -but most other bags aren´t, too. Anyway, as there is no alternative, we like the bags...

Hazard flasher
(the switch in the middle)

Actually, the hazard flasher is no add-on, it´s standard -but the switch is not included. Therefore, you have to buy it as a “accessory kit”, including the wire harness. For retrofitting, the switch has to be inserted into the handlebar cover. The three-pin connector is located on the left side, underneath the gas tank -so connecting is “plug and play”. The function is great: activating the hazard flasher  is possible only when the ignition is turned on (to avoid sabotage). Thereafter, you may take the key with you, the flasher keeps activated. The switch must not be a BMW type, but it is easier and looks professional. If you´d like to help yourself: The connector is only allocated on the outer pins, they are shortened by the switch.

Luggage rack

Small and inexpensive: the luggage rack, made of alloy, is available in black or, hard to get, chrome plated. The cover behind the K75-1100 seat has to be drilled four times for installation. A top case with 22 litres fits onto the rack. In case of the K1100 LT, a bigger rack is used, made of plastic and fitted on top of the hard bag mountings. This rack, which can be retrofitted on other K bikes, is big enough for the 35 litres top case.

Power socket

An unspectacular “extra” with great advantage: not only for electrical users, but for charging the battery contineously during the winter. Matching connectors are available in many stores. Depending on the bike model, up to two sockets are standard. If not, retrofitting is easy. They fit into the ignition coil cover and, regarding the touring bikes, inside the fairing. The socket has got a 15A fuse and is energized permanently.

Rear fender extension

The fender extension is protecting bike and rider from rain water, whirled up from the road. But, most important, there is some space for our flying brick sticker ;-) The extension is fixed by three screws.

Sport seat

Tehe sport seat is available in red or black. It fits to the K100RS / K1100 RS from 10/85 and is intended for single use.

Top case
(22 Litres)

The top case comes with a plate which can be inserted into the luggage rack. The case is locked by a bolt into this plate. The shape of the case covers the rack perfectly, but this causes a rugged interieur which is quite small. Therefore, it should be used only in addition to the hard bags, not instead of. Comfortable: the case comes with a back rest for the passenger. The lock has a good quality, it can be ordered matching to the existing key. The locking bolt in the case bottom is avoiding a key lock, but the disadvantage comes to light when you have to take a loaded top case off.

Parts from other brands

Hattech exhaust

The new Hattech exhaust, made of stainless steel, is made for the 1000 and 1100cc models. It has been developed in coordination with Rolf Ludwig from the  Z.f.Z company. Advantages are better sound, the detachable silencer and a slightly better performance (an extra of 2-3 hp above 4000rpm). Wider tyres are no problem; a version with Lambda sensor thread (for catalytic converter) is available on request.