A recap of the 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?
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The k1 is immediately distinguished between any other groups of motorcycle...
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The k1 is extremely rare these days. When have you last seen a k1 on the road?
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The k1 was one of the 1st motorcycles with an anti lock braking system (ABS) -
usually today!
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The k1 was one of the 1st motorcycle with a controlled cat converter - usually
nowadays
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Due to its fairing the k1 provides an extremely high level of protection against
wind/ weather!
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Due to its fairing the k1 provides a remarkable low noise level to the rider!
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Due to the redirected wind pressure you can ride the k1 fast and effortless for a
long distance
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Regarding the age, the k1 which has a top speed of 240-250km/h is still a quite fast
motorcycle
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The k1 is quite economical. The fuel consumption is 4-6L/100km. Not
a lot for 100hp/74kW & 259kg
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The 2/3 of the max. torque = 66Nm provided at 2500rpm, for a 4 cylinder engine incredible
low!
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The max. torque = 100Nm provided at amazing low 6750rpm!
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The k1 offers a class leading passive rider protection.
Due to the developed geometric ergonomics the rider jumps in case of a front collision over the crash point ...
That's the only chance of survival !
Why has no bike magazine ever covered this topic? ;-)
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.
After decades <700 have left globally:
If you are interested in buying a k1 you have to know that to less
mileage might be just as bad as high mileage.
It is a matter of regular maintenance...
The k1 is quite
reliable and durable.
The record mileage is 573.000km!
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 a k1 !
Advice is available at Facebook
BMW k1 community globally
Please find BMW group archive docs here:
https://bmw-grouparchiv.de/research/detail/index.xhtml