Produced in 1988-93 at a rate of just over 1000 per year, BMW’s 90’s flagship was sporty though quirky. They have a cult following of BMW die-hards and engineers, enchanted by the aerodynamics and 100 hp. Also offered in red with yellow graphics ( ketchup and mustard ) and basic black, the blue metallic with yellow is a good compromise. The condition, originality, and accessories make this K1 something special.
1990 BMW K1 for sale on eBay
Responding to impending emissions rules, BMW developed the straight-four in the early 80’s for the K100. The K1 was the first K-bike with 4 valves per cylinder. With a steel backbone frame using the engine as a stressed member, the stable K1 was made for extended 150 mph runs on the autobahn. BMW’s new Paralever shaft drive is in a single-sided monoshock rear suspension, with more conventional front forks. Early ABS brakes use 305mm front disks and 285mm rear.
The 7-piece fairing achieved a drag coefficient of .38 ( a record .34 with rider tucked in behind the windscreen ), though the slippery fairing traps heat from the engine. The 1000cc K-engine also generated a secondary vibration in the midrange, causing complaints from some riders. The seat fairing has built-in panniers, though soft bags might be required for a long trip.
The owner has put a wealth of information and history in the eBay auction:
I purchased the bike from an avid BMW collector in Boise. I had the bike delivered directly to the dealership and had them go from front to rear of the bike and fix/replace anything that was in need of repair. I told them to not even attempt to start the bike as it sat for almost 2yrs.. told them to replace fuel pumps/filters/fluids/battery, and do a complete service on the bike, and tires are 85% new. This bike at 25yrs old runs good as new, and handles as new. The only thing this bike needs is a new home.
Included with the bike:
– Tool kit and tire repair kit. (original)
-3M Protection around rear box lids to prevent scratching (applied on date of original purchase)
– Cee Baileys Headlight protector (applied on date of original purchase)Australian made Staintune Stainless Steel Performance Exhaust. ($1,200.00 to purchase now, and Staintune does not carry this part number any longer, refused offer of $900.00 and exchange for OEM exhaust at last bike rally)
Wonderful Bonus to this bike is the ORIGINAL Tank Bag with both original Rain Covers. Additionally, the original saddle bags and original K1 Rain covers.
The first 20,000 miles on this K1, must’ve been extremely careful, as there doesn’t appear to be a mark on it. Very original, the only aftermarket parts appears to be the Staintune exhaust. The collection of accessory soft bags and rain covers are unavailable except on the used market and a useful addition. Forward looking in design and engineering, the K1 marks a time when BMW peeked over the slippery slope of sportier bikes, which they would address later in the 1990’s with the -RS and -S 1100cc twins…
-donn
still attractive in the teutonic kind of way, these are still big, heavy, kind-of-under-powered bikes. Worst thing about them was the heat that cooks the riders legs due to the fairing design. Also probably not going to appreciate that much. It will appeal to a certain group of riders but for collectors, I would pass
one of the most fugly bikes ever produced, a face for radio as they say
I’m with Shad on this one! Fuggles the clown… Wouldn’t be caught dead riding this pile.