My beloved motorbike, a 1985 BMW K75c turned 22 years old today and at the same time clocked up 302,000 kilometres. The interesting part is that the motor has virtually never been touched, it still has the original pistons, rings and valves in it. The only thing it is in danger of is being over serviced by me but I don't trust anyone enough to do the work.
It certainly is a testament to german engineering.
Although I don't personally like Beemers (always been a Harley man), they are built like a Tank! And very well engineered.
Also, the Russians build a bike (a copy of the Beemer) called a Ural, (also known as a Dnieper in Russia), and it is built just as strong! Only problem with the Ural is the finish is rubbish. Most are unpacked 'Brand New' from the factory crate with the paint peeling off and corrosion on the alloy parts. But on the other side, they are dirt cheap and you can flog them to death (but they won't die).
They also come with an interesting tool kit. In the supplied kit you get spare pistons, rings, gudgeons and clips, Valves and guides. You'll probably never need them, but they are there!
I have to agree Ric. The first time I heard a K75 run was in the early 90's, and i remember being hugely impressed with the sound of it just sitting there idling. The valve and gear trains were sewing-machine-smooth and just whined gently as it ran. It reeked of quality and precision. I'd have one in a heartbeat if I got back on to bikes. I used to run big Japanese bikes back in the 80's (Suzuki GSX1100, Yamaha FJ 1200, Suzuki Katana 1100 and a Honda CB1100R [I'll leave out the Yamaha 650 Turbo... a horrible machine]) and none of them were built as well. They were all compromises in their own way - and did one thing well - they went fast. None did everything well like the Beemer though.
I remember the Urals Ken, I also remember them being nicknamed the Urinals as well they were tough though as you say. I remember you could get the base model for $799, their was the touring version also which came with a sidecar that looked like a wicker basket on wheels, that cost $999.
Hi Chris, I put a aftermarket exhaust on mine which dropped its weight by 8kg, increased midrange power by 15% and gives it a wonderful street legal growl that still turns heads today. I also removed the small bikini fairing and then adapted a full sports fairing from a Honda CB1100R then added 100w spotlights and a custom sports touring trailer.
Looks awesome now, I'll post a picture tonight if I can find it.
... and then adapted a full sports fairing from a Honda CB1100R then added 100w spotlights and a custom sports touring trailer.
Looks awesome now, I'll post a picture tonight if I can find it.
Cheers
Dang right I want to see it! The CB1100R was (and still is) my favourite-looking bike of all time because of that system. Damn they looked awesome for their day. My other fave of the day was the Mick Hailwood replica.
I'd post a pic of my old favourite Harley, but I don't have a scanner.
It was originally a 1938 California Highway Patrol police bike, so I painted it myself in its original Black&White, and then added ape-hangers, and I made a belt-drive primary, and a jockey-shift gear shift lever and custom foot clutch.
Thanks Ken, It certainly would make an interesting thread. I think there are quite a few of us that are bikers
Cheers
Geez, I could fill several pages of posts with just the bikes I've had!
I have had over 50 Jap bikes, 7 Harleys and a Triumph
(and a Harley dealership but that doesn't count, although I did own all the 2nd hand Harleys, BSA's and Triumphs in the shop, but not for myself, I bought them for the shop, so I don't count them)
Blimey, that's an impressive list Ken. Not counting the trailies I've had three roadie a Kawasaki Z1000 MkII (still kick myself for selling that one )
then a BMW R80RT (lost that to gravel in a corner ) and now the K75.
One of my pipe dreams is to own a bike shop but it's all too commercial these days.
The old fella just up the road from me is about to retire, and he is looking forward to spending his time restoring his . . . wait for it . . .
82 vintage and classic motorcycles!!!!!!!
He has always been a mechanic, and for over 40 years as a farm mechanic, he kept spotting old bikes in barns, sheds, etc, and asked about them, usually getting them given to him.
Here you go gents some pictures of my mistress as Kee calls her.
Ken I'd love to see a piccy of your Harley, It sounds like a real classic.
Cheers
Shots like that will get me back into bikes Ric. What a great setup. The Honda fairing looks fantastic on the K - almost designed for it! Gottqa love the trailer and sheepskin. How comfy would it be touring on that!
Ken - it's been 22 years since I've hopped on to a motor cycle, so my tastes have mellowed over the years. These days I see nothing nicer than a big twin (or v-Quad ) thumper running a nice fat belt-driven primary slung a couple of inches off the ground. I have to say that certain American TV series on Fox have rejuvenated my interest in Harleys and, even moreso, choppers. Jeez I'd love one of these beasts to tool around on - rather than fang like I did the Jap bikes or yore.
they were tough though as you say. I remember you could get the base model for $799, their was the touring version also which came with a sidecar that looked like a wicker basket on wheels, that cost $999.
that's an impressive list Ken. Not counting the trailies I've had three roadie a Kawasaki Z1000 MkII (still kick myself for selling that one 
) and now the K75.
