1985 BMW reviews

I have owned the bike since new and put aprox. 160,000 km's (100,000 miles). Reliable ... you bet! Maintenance is straight forward. Just the routine stuff ... 22 tires, 10 sets of brakes, new roundels and pegs. Drive splines are still good (according to my mechanic) and he'll replace the clutch this winter, but shifts fine like any older BMW with a clunk sometimes. Phenominal bike. Show less

I have a 1986 BMW K100 with only 15,000 miles on it. The previous owner was 70 yrs old and maintained it meticulously. I have owned 9 Jap bikes from 100cc's to 1500ccs, a Moto Guzzi 1100, a 79 Harley 1000 Sportster, and a 1975 BMW R90/6 900cc's. The K bike is totally different. Quite agile and smooth. I enjoy the mountain rides where the handling really shines and the 82HP is adequate. Had to replace an electric fuel pump in the gas tank. (probably from sitting and not being ridden by the original owner) Anyway, I would recommend this bike for the conservative speed freak. I have had 36 years (on and off) of riding experience and can say, without reservation, the K bike is a winner! Show less

At 73, I've been riding longer than most. Think of it, and I've a good chance of having ridden it. From Ariels to Vespas. As to the Bimmer, not at all the state of the art machine now, but if you find a well cared for, low Km machine, you are unlikely to regret buying it. That seamless torque, once past the frenetic 1st gear, seems to go on and on.. So docile in traffic that you stop, think about it, then put your feet down. Previously, I rode a Ducatti. Lottsa fun. Lottsa bills. If you are not a mechanical whizz, just do the maintenance, and leave the headaches to someone who's paid to have 'em. If you can't afford to do that, buy a new 250 for around the same price and use the warranty. As one P Morgan is supposed to have said, "If you have to enquire how much it costs to operate a steam yacht, you can't afford it! Show less

Having many makes & models the K has grown on me. Early rides were awkward and too up-right. The gearing is close and leaves one searching for a 6th. I have grown to both respect and enjoy the power band and torque although she will not pull till 3500 revs. The engine sound is that of a "Black & Decker" tool. This a nickname given to her by Harley and Brit comrads I ride with. The full fairing and hard bags combined with the engines heat produce nothing short of a "woodstove" that is difficult to escape. This heat feature does keep me riding thoughout the year. Although in summer I suffer from "sausage" legs. The brake sqweel must be some warning device for deer as I have attempted several types of pads without any loss of this tone. don't get me wrong with fuel injection ,shaft drive, stainless exhaust,computerized spark & dwell, alloy wheels and triple discs the K was quite sophisticated for 1985. Come to think about it many models now are still shy of fuel injection. I enjoy motorcycles of all makes and type but the K is a class all alone. Not great at anything but good at everything. Thanks LUKE Show less

This is just a short & sweet personal opinion. I've owned two in the past 10 years & both have seen over 90K miles. Anyone shopping for a good used bike should consider this motorcycle for the beauty, reliability, function, and $$ for $$ on any other model of that year. Maintenance is fairly straight forward if you have a manual. The one challenging task is a spline lube (requires opening the transmission). Other than that, the valves should probably be left to the mechanic. Parts are plentiful with exception to one thing: 1985 are unique in a few aspects (seat- final drive). 1986 & on too I think 90 are the same. Well that's about it. After 15 years this is still a beautiful & powerful bike. Buy one & start going to BMW rally's. You won't be sorry. Show less