My first K bike, a `83 K100RS

...has been my first BMW after sixteen years of motorcycling. I made my license in 1984, riding a Honda CM400T (which was the most usual learner bike at this time). As an extract from the bikes I rode I´d like to mention the Honda CB400 Twin, XL 500S, Yamaha XS 850 and Suzuki DR 650. Especially the XS 850 was close to my ideal with shaft drive and a torque engine. Unfortunately, good XS 850 are rare in the meantime, and spare parts are quite expensive if you get them at all.

As a result, the K100 was getting more interesting for me. In addition, Michael Allner´s book “Gebrauchtmotorraeder” (“Used motorcycles”) has been convincing telling about the durability and longevity of a K100. I soon was after a K100 basic as I don´t like fairings. Plus, the “Basic” was mentioned to be less expensive and less requested. So, there should be a bargain out there ! I was alarmed about the odometer failures as some previous owners may “forget” the odometer replacement receipt and won´t tell the true mileage.

I was astonished when I realized that the naked K´s where as expensive as the other ones. And every test of the K100 series (I´ve read a lot of them !) was starting with “…no doubt, the best of the K series ist the RS…”. As a result, I was looking after the RS as well, still hoping to get a K100 basic. I was interested in any offer, even if it was 700 kilometers away. “My” desired K100 had to be strictly original, equipped with hard bags and low-mileage. I was willing to spend about 5000 DM (or, in the meantime: about €2500), so I could choose only from the early models.

Some days later, I got a phone call. A K100RS was offered, good shape, hard bags, a ´84 model. The owner asked DM 6000 (€3000). Not unusual. So, by the way, I asked for the mileage. 13,500 km, I´ve been told. Sorry ? 13,500. You mean… ? 13,500, yes. This was the moment I wasn´t able to fall asleep anymore. Could this mileage be possible ? How would it be like to ride a “RS” ? How could I get DM 6000,- ?

The RS was owned by a tax consultant who dropped the BMW with less than 10.000 km. Due to lack of time, the RS was not repaired for some time. The second owner purchased it for quite little money, fixed the fairing, but –had no time to ride either. In spring, 2000 the BMW was for sale again –with the second set of tyres within 16 years ! Examination and a test ride cleared my doubts, and BMW assured that there were no odometer warranty replacement done on this bike. To make a long story short: now I am the third owner of this bike, a K100 RS in madison green with hard bags and an engine spoiler (which was sold to an enthusiast in the meantime –I don’t have expenditure for it…). As an early ´84 model, it still has to use leaded fuel or unleaded with lead replacement. Apart from the fact that the gas cap was replaced, the bike is strictly original and wasn´t called back at all. As a reminder for the fact that BMW produced both, the K and R models, at the same assembly line, my K has a frame plate designed for the boxer series, saying it´s a “Type 247, R100RS” ! Don´t worry, the frame number is correctly shown as a K100RS…

By now, I´ve rode about 10.000 km (of course, a maintenance has been done first !) without any trouble or breakdowns. In the meantime, the fairing seems quite usefull to me. I was surprised about the low fuel consumption, and the engine that pulls like a tractor finally answers the question “does it have to be a 1000 cc cycle”.

Due to the fact that the “RS” has a different transmission ratio than other K´s, 3000 rpm means 80 km/h. This is important to know in my case as I do not exceed 3000rpm with a cold engine (within 10 kilometers after starting the cold engine). The average fuel consumption is only 5,2 Litres per 100 km or 45,3 miles per US-gallon. I use premium unleaded fuel with 98 ROZ and lead replacement.

It´s amazing how the RS is reaching its top speed. The K100 accelerates absolutely effortless until the rotation limiter is doing its job at 8750 rpm. In fact, this means about 240 km/ at the  speedo ! Of course, I don´t act like this very often, but the unspectacular power of the flying brick is really great. Its like a BMW 750i on two wheels…

Of course, time has left some scraps on the bike. The first owner lowered the seat upholstery, the second owner bought a used replacement part with a small rip in the cover, so I purchased a used seat (which has the lower style). The mounting on the rear of the frame covers are repaired in a “self-made-style”. But, after all, those failures were recognized prior the purchase, so I´m not disappointed at all.

There are some things to say about the operation of a K100: many people are not satisfied about BMW´s handlebar switches. I  got used to the flasher switches, I really like the light-, starter- and stopswitches, but…I shurely believe that the assistance of a whole university was necessary to find a solution like the horn button which has to be pushed from bottom to top –incredible ! You will find this button only late at night in front of a hospital, willing to switch the left signal off…

On the other hand, take a look at the 4-way-flasher: the ignition has to be “on” to switch on the 4-way-flasher (in order to prevent sabotage). After that, you may switch off the ignition and take off the key. I like the flashers as well, as they will switch off automatically, depending on the elapsed time and the distance. But, best of all: the clutch. Anyone who got in contact with this dry clutch will only shake his head about those wet clutches. Is it really necessary to hear those “cracks” and “clongs” every time you´re shifting down or put in the first gear ? No, of course not, there is no noise at all in case of a K100.

In my opinion, the handlebars are to narrow, but, as I said: this RS should stay original. Since I changed the Metzeler ME99A into a  ME55A tyre on the rear wheel, the bike is less sensitive about lane markings. Anyway, the Bridgestone BT54 tyre is judged to be best by the forum users.

In August, 2003, I´ve sold the bike with 23,500 km. Most hopefully, the new owner is as happy with the RS as I was. Perhaps, we´ll meet at the Flying brick meeting ?