Waltz on the Wild Side – 1989 BMW K1

In a move very unlike the traditional and boring boxer twins of the day, BMW came out of left field with the K1 and garishly redefined the meaning of the “gentlemen’s express.” Utilizing wind tunnel-defined aerodynamic bodywork, the K1 sought to build the ultimate high speed cruiser despite adhering to German laws limiting motorcycles to 100 HP. As brutish horsepower was out of the question, BMW turned to technology. Utilizing an unmodified K100 powerplant and transmission, the ultra aero four cylinder Bimmer was good for an estimated 150 mph top end, making it a real sports bike in the staid BMW world of air cooled twins.

There is much to like about the K1 as a concept, and the execution was unlike anything from the Japanese or Italian manufacturers at the time. In fact, it was unlike anything BMW had ever offered, perhaps exemplified by the garish paintwork. Two liveries were available upon launch: a turquoise blue/green and yellow, or the “I’m lovin’ it” livery you see here of Marrakesh red with yellow accents. The stand out, look-at-me livery applied to a large, strange shape did not help performance in the showroom. Priced a few thousand over the top-of-the-range BMW touring bikes, the K1 was too expensive and too strange for most. And sadly, with 100 HP pushing over 516 (dry) pounds, the performance could not live up to the hype.

In an effort to keep weight gain to a minimum, the bodywork on the K1 is extremely thin and lightweight. That is usually one area where you will start to see issues, as cracks can easily develop. Also, given the length of the machine and the extreme turning radius, expect to find some minor rash around a well used machine. These are largely minor nits, although rider reports indicate that the enveloped fairing subjects the rider to a significant amount of heat, and the touring vibe is spoiled a bit by vibration from the solid-mounted motor. Otherwise, the K1 is K100 reliable, and looks unlike anything anyone has ever seen – before or since.

Pricing on K1 models remains in flux. This is a bike that wants to be rare and exclusive, but usually tilts a bit too far to the side of eccentric to really make inroads with collectors. Yes, they are rare-ish in terms of total numbers sold, but that was not a limited edition scheme in the true sense. The truth is – much like the Turbo era – these bikes are rare because they didn’t sell well in the first place and have a somewhat limited market. That being said (and with the right leathers), I would happily rock this technological tour de force in a riding group comprised of Ronald, Grimace, the Hamburglar, Mayor McCheese and the rest of the Happy Meal Gang. Or I would enjoy this at a local bike night, the K1 standing out from the crowd even when parked. Offered by a bike dealer in Las Vegas, this K1 looks to be in great condition and is listed for $15,995 in a Buy It Now format with the seller open to offers. Check out all of the details here, and Good Luck!!