This is one of those bikes that really deserves a place among the rare and collectable here on RSBFS. It has all of the elements of a future classic: Styling, performance, low production numbers and initially high price tag. The fact that it looks like it escaped from a sci-fi movie and was subsequently painted by Ronald McDonald does not help make my case, nor does the lack of BMW experience in the “limited edition” motorcycle set. I don’t care. And given the activity on this auction, I am clearly not alone.
Think of this K1 as BMW’s version of the Ducati Paso. Actually, given the public’s acceptance of the Paso, it’s better that you don’t think of it that way. The Germans have never really had the passionate expression of form like the Italians, but when it comes to technical functionality they are unsurpassed. This K1 exudes technical features and innovation you would expect from BWM: 1000cc four cylinder with fuel injection, ABS, aerodynamics to reduce rider fatigue and maximize top speed cruising, and integrated and lockable storage. This was a technically superior machine that simply fell down flat on the showroom floor.
From the seller:
The motorcycle that you see in this ad may be one of the most perfect K1s in existence. It is extremely low mileage of 4,261 as you can see from the picture of the odometer that is believed to be correct. The bike looks like it is almost brand new out of the box just after being put together by a dealer. The pictures will show you the high detail and the excellent condition of just about every part on the bike. The bike runs just as it should, stops as it should and sounds phenomenal, especially when accelerating rapidly. This bike has never been abused and has always been somewhat of a trailer queen. It has spent much of its life in the equivalent of somebody’s living room.
This particular bike appears to be one of the cleanest and best preserved examples of the breed, and sports very low miles. Most of the K1 bikes we see have some tip over damage or minor rash (there is a LOT of bodywork on a K1), or have been ridden as they were intended and have very high mileage. Neither condition is good for a collectable – if, in fact, that is what this bike is. Some bidders think so, as the current bid is over $6,000 USD with moderate bidding. There is still a reserve in place, so the seller obviously thinks it is worth more. What does a pristine K1 go for in 2013 dollars? Click the link to jump over to the auction and let’s find out!
MI
personally I always preferred the blue/yellow version of this bike, also from what I read about them they were the 1st with the new engine and were quite heavy and generated a lot of heat towards the rider. Of course, if it was easy to live with then it would have sold a ton of them and it wouldnt belong on RSBFS.com… 🙂
I’ve got a ’92 Hot Dog w/ Mustard colored K1, and I plan to repaint it in pearl white with M pin striping. Should look a little less conspicuous out on the road… But that’s what my Burnt Orange ’75 R90S is for! 😉
Ronald McDonald called – he wants his bike back.
Ba da bah bah bah……I’m not loving it ! Mc Ds’ paintjob not so sexy . I agree that it looks much better in the blue and yellow paint scheme or even pearl white custom as McRacr suggests . Still cudos for another survivor .
All technological & historical significance aside that thing really is the Elephant Man skeleton of sport bikes, just as hideous as it is rare… It’s like BMW went to the designer in 1982 and said “Do the opposite of what Pininfarina would do, then hit us up in 8 years.