About the BMW k1  

 

 

Well, now it’s known that the wind tunnel design and the introduced colors of the k1  as well as the 4-cylinder engine, to be very honest, was not very much appreciated by the BMW customers in the 80s.

 

Actually the k1  was a shock to the quite conservative clientele, still in love with and accustomed to the existing 2-Valve Boxer motorcycles well known for decades, never have been asking for anything else.

 

Additionally the k1  was not able to mount solid panniers for touring, as was usual for the BMW clients.

 

Finally the k1  was extremely expensive in the 80s, let’s say quite exclusive for most of the people, but especially for those customers who would prefer the cheaper Japanese motorcycles anyway.
Myself, I had to starve for two years before I could finally afford to buy a two-year-old k1  in 1992.
Nonetheless it was still more expensive than a new Japanese sports bike or even a small-range car!

Recapitulating, it can be said that the k1  was too expensive and the design too far ahead of it's time.

According to the given key points, what is unique about the k1  then?

  • The k1  is immediately distinguished between any other groups of motorcycle...
  • The k1  is extremely rare these days. When have you last seen a k1  on the road?
  • The k1  was one of the 1st motorcycles with an anti lock braking system (ABS) - usually today!
  • The k1  was one of the 1st motorcycle with a controlled cat converter - usually nowadays
  • Due to its fairing the k1  provides an extremely high level of protection against wind/ weather!
  • Due to its fairing the k1  provides a remarkable low noise level to the rider!
  • Due to the redirected wind pressure you can ride the k1  fast and effortless for a long distance
  • Regarding the age, the k1  which has a top speed of 240-250km/h is still a quite fast motorcycle
  • The k1  is quite economical. The fuel consumption is approx 5L/100km. Not a lot for 100hp/74kW.
  • The k1  has a lot of torque, 2/3 of the maximum, 66Nm/2500rpm, max = 100Nm/ 6750rpm
  • The k1  offers a class leading passive protection in case of a front collision through jumps in the knee area and on the tank.  ... in tests of today's motorcycles no one talks about it  ;-)

Even after decades, there are still spare parts for the k1  available!
Thank you very much BMW for the support to keep the k1  alive.

 

From 1988-1990 the k1  was just available in marrakech-red / broom-yellow or laguna-blue / broom-yellow.

Approx. 77% of the k1  were sold in one of that two initial colors.

Classic-black, royal-blue + silk-blue with silver drive, wheels+decals were available from end of 1990 on.

 

A last 100 k1  Ultima's were offered in dakar-yellow/ black seat+decals and silver wheels in 1993.

Rumors has it that they were made of parts to reduce the huge stock, because not required due to

not achieved sales forecast.

 

- 50 of the k1  Ultima's  were built with ABS, contolled catalytic converter + heated grips
- 25 of the k1  Ultima's  were built with ABS + heated grips

- 10 of the k1  Ultima's  were built with ABS

- 15 of the k1  Ultima's  were built without any of those three options
The fuel meter and water temperature gauge was series.

You can take it that even the edition of last 100 k1  were not sold over night.

 

After decades a quarter have left:
If you are interested in buying an used k1  you have to know that to less mileage might be just as well or bad as high mileage.
High mileage is not an issue to the k1  at all as you can see at "Records".
Basically the k1  is quite reliable and long-lasting. The record keeps a Danish owner with 573.000km!

It is just a matter of regular maintenance ... and its reports.

There are some blind spots and costly wear parts you might have to spend an amount of four-digit Euros/ Dollars after purchasing.


Pay attention or ask a specialist what to look at before you buy one of a rare k1  !
You will find advice in the net or click one of the folders links, experts, hints or join us at Facebook
BMW k1  community globally and contact related specialists on demand. 

 

Please find BMW group archive docs here:
https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml