The BMW K1 is a controversial machine. Looking like Buck Rogers crossed with a “Pimp my ride” paint job, the K1 was produced in limited numbers and bought by even fewer buyers. Despite the fact that they were not sought after by the BMW faithful (or anybody else), those that have owned or ridden the K1 praise it for all the qualities you would expect from BMW: good fit and finish, high grade components, overall usability and lack of performance. For all of its spaceship good looks, the K1 was meant to maximize its use of 100 HP for cruising purposes. The bike is heavy (500+ lbs) and suffers some heat build-up as the result of the inline four buried under the multi-piece fiberglass bodywork. The K1 does sport the first instance of the BMW Paralever swingarm, which incorporates both the swingarm and the drive shaft in unison and removes much of the typical drive shaft jack that plagues earlier examples of the marque. In cruise mode the K1 is relatively efficient and within its design envelope, meant to eat miles all day long. If you don’t like attention when you ride, perhaps this is not the ride for you. For all others, these are relatively rare (fewer than 7,000 produced), and most have high miles and/or bodywork damage (after all, there is a LOT of bodywork). You’ll have to travel to NZ for this one; but if you are already close, it could be a great find.
1990 BMW K1 for sale in New Zealand
From the seller:
This is a 1990 BMW K1 in immaculate condition.It has had two owners since new, both New Zealand Police Officers.
New in NZ it has travelled 22,300 kms (about 14,000 miles) and is in excellent condition. It has always been garaged and rarely taken out in the rain. Both owners are motorcycle enthusiasts and have used the bike sparingly to keep the miles down.
This bike is good enough to be a show piece in a BMW motorcycle dealers shop
I have original tools and owners manual, even have the original paint touch up kit.
I doubt you will find a better example anywhere.
MI
still reminds me of the bike in Superforce….bad 80’s televesion was SOOO bad that it was great.
What an ugly monstrosity these things are! BMW took a big risk approving this design for production, and it didn’t pan out. They’ve aged very poorly: controversial at launch, no real increase in appreciation or demand over the last 25 years, with little expectation for collector opinion to change in the future. There are so many other beautiful, appreciating, desirable, fun to ride European classics (including BMWs like the R90s, R69, the first GS) out there to own before even considering this oddball.
Sixth gear you are being pretty tough on these old girls. I have ridden BMW’s since the 80’s and I remember the buzz when these things were introduced. Outrage from the old timers for sure. I always kind of liked the things. Would I own one ?, maybe for the right price. You would certainly get noticed out and about.
Maybe I am, but it’s only an opinion and I appreciate being able to do so on this wonderful forum.
“I remember the buzz…”- how ironic you say that, when you consider the buzzy nature of the motor on the K bikes.
To my eyes, this bike has excessively bulky, angular shapes that don’t work well. Look at that front fender alone- to you, does that look pleasing to the eye? The huge graphics and jarring color choices only draw attention to it, and for the wrong reasons. Now factor in the excessive weight and the engine drawbacks, and I know I would never invest in one for my own collection before an R90S or any 70’s-90’s Italian sportbike. Maybe others would (BMW fans for sure), but I say leave it in New Zealand!
Sixth , you always amuse , enlighten and entertain me ! I chuckled out loud this time ! I can’t say anything naughty in agreement , because I opened my fat trap a while back over a Luftmeister 750 and took some serious gunfire for it . However you do make valid points . So suffice to say I will summise my comment by saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder . This site never disappoints , there is always something for everybody !