Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1987 BMW K100 Custom. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
After the oil crisis of the 1970s, many countries around the world began to implement stricter emissions regulations in order to curb the worsening air pollution. At the time, Japan was dominating the motorcycle industry with its practical and clean-burning (not to mention exceedingly reliable) UJMs, fitting them with modern conveniences like electric starters. Such competition spelled trouble for the British manufacturers, but BMW was determined not to go down without a fight.
Because the boxer motor had reached a technical ceiling — at least with regards to emissions — the Germans had to go back to the drawing board. Instead of trying to compete with Japanese designs, however, BMW instead opted to mount its in-line four longitudinally. In practice, this allowed the bike to have a lower center of gravity, a near-straight drivetrain, and a much smooth-running ride thanks to the virtually vibration-free performance of a four-cylinder. What’s more, the engine was extremely convenient to work on, as the valve cover and transmission were both accessible from the side.
As CycleWorld found in its review of the RS model, “It’s easy to see, then, how a rider can lock himself into a smooth, relaxed, but extraordinarily fast rhythm on the K100RS without even trying hard. That’s a fair description of sport-touring, an activity at which the RS performs brilliantly. The seating arrangement is better even than that of the fabled R100RS sport-tourer, for while the two are roughly equal in the swervery, comfort-wise, the K-bike is roomier and more luxurious for use on the open road.”
This example is VIN: WB1051407H0054082. The seller acquired the bike from a private seller in 2014.
Prior to the rebuild, the seller reports that the odometer showed 30,456 miles. The seller estimates that he has covered less than 500 miles since he removed the odometer; however, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
The seller reports that he has changed the oil and installed new Bridgestone Battlax tires with date codes of 4715 and 1217.
Modifications:
“This BMW project started out as a “sight unseen” purchase while the seller was deployed to Afghanistan. The previous owner described the bike as: “an old BMW, I think the air cooled boxer style” and a handshake deal was made. Upon delivery, the K100 with large windscreen, saddlebags and trunk was discovered. After the initial disappointment, other “cafe” style K bike builds were researched and the project got underway.”
BSK Speedworks exhaust.
YSS rear shock.
Custom subframe, integrated LED taillights/turn signals, and aftermarket solo seat.
Aftermarket handlebars.
Custom paint with BMW Motorrad stripe.
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes one key.
Extras:
The sale includes a set of clip-on handlebars, along with original BMW repair and owner’s manuals, as well as the original tool kit.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Williamsburg, Virginia, this BMW is offered on a clean Virginia title. Have any K100 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
