[Ep 01] 1986 BMW K100 Cafe Racer Project - Introduction - Review

For episode 1, We will establish the tone of this series while taking you through the sale, first ride and first impressions of the BMW k100 in sort of a review format as well as how the crazy first two weeks of owning this bike went. Such an oddball motorcycle...This is genesis for where I plan to take this bike!
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Twitter - / illestratornyc

[@Noahh_jp]

THAT INTRO THO. NUT

[@Theillestrator1050]

beepboopbeepboopbeepboopbeepboop

[@joelikeskawasaki5215]

She's so hot wrapped in Saran wrap

[@backyardhooper06]

F@$! whatever you're going to school for, directing is your calling. This editing and material is top knotch. Keep it up.

[@Theillestrator1050]

😂 honestly, I'd say my political science background helps my writing and researching experience.

[@bonno16]

The 80's themed music/video combination was perfect for this bike. In fact, all the videos coming from this guy ooze creativity. Keep up the great work!!

[@OKMotorcu]

Dude this is legit the best video I've seen all month. I started watching you because I got an FZ1 as well. This cinematics + voiceover is da 💣

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks for checking out this one even though there was no fz1 lol

[@OKMotorcu]

@@Theillestrator1050 no problem man, thanks for the video. I make videos myself and know how much of an effort it is to edit all of this, add the voiceovers etc. Good job

[@jakinfoto1]

Hi there. I bought a K100RT 1986 July-model last year for commuting 50 km in total every day, and I have had absolutely no problems for the last 6000 km’s so far. I am 54 years old and When I attended High School in the eighties this bike was the ultimate luxury bike to buy. Being a working class person, no Way I could buy it back then. Know some persons with brand new bikes, and I am always laughing inside When their pc-controlled space ship shaped future monster mashines break down...and my trusty old Bertha just keeps on working and working and working. Fantastic intro of your vid, brought me right back in High School :-)))) Keep Them smooth vids acomin’, Thank you for your Pro Channel and good stories! Best regards and wishes to you from Tino, Denmark :-)

[@ajbellis4016]

Been watching you for a while now and your progress has been truly incredible. It baffles me that your channel isn't bigger. You've got a real gift for this stuff. Thank you so much for amazing content. Keep it up!

[@Theillestrator1050]

I'm blushing lol, thank you for all that!

[@johnnypuetz]

Nice!!! Looking forward to see the full journey, you customizing the beamer!

[@ducatinyc]

German connection.

[@johnnypuetz]

hahaha. true!

[@sv650nyc7]

Ze Tshermans are watching (I'm one as well).

[@FrozenEspada4]

It's gonna be exciting to watch this thing transform. Congrats man! Also that intro was fire.. Your editing is getting better and better..

[@njmoto6473]

The single biggest reason I'm attracted to your channel is: "you have the bug". It's so obvious you have the bike bug it's redonkulous. But that's what make your video's so dope. Congrats on the new old K bike. I'm really looking forward to your build.

[@andrewkoastephens210]

I’ve been all about the flying brick for a very long time. It was in production a few years earlier but the first year it was imported to the states I think was 1985. I was 16, so of course this was MY era bike. I’ve had at least one since the 90s. Here are some tips from an old brick-head: I can tell you those aren’t stock pipes, stock one is square with a stupid heat shield that always rattles. Green headlights aren’t stock. The gauges always fail on these. The odometer is the first thing to go so that’s why they always have low miles. The signal cancel button stops working when it gets the slightest corrosion. Look out when you clean it, that component is 25000 spring loaded pieces of pain in the ass and you need all of them. You’re going to be tempted to ditch the center-stand when you do your build, don’t do it. That small bit of smoke you mentioned is amazingly small. They usually make a London fog when you start em up when they’re on the side stand for longer than a minute. And yeah, that short assed side stand is stock. Oh, and the alternator is horrible at charging the battery. When you light it up, go ride for a while or park on a hill. I love these bikes but they’re super quirky.

[@RonaldFinger]

I’m just adding to the noise by saying this, but that intro was wonderful. I almost picked up this same year and model, but it sold right when I reached out to the seller. Sticking with the 80s theme, I got my hands on a 1985 VF500F and I’ll be restoring that really soon. I’m looking forward to following this series 👌🏻

[@jumar360]

A VFR500! nice! i'm looking forward to that, when you finish the Fiero.

[@Blballerboy]

Any progress on the build?

[@ClutchFirst]

I’m very excited to see how this build turns out. I’ve seen some dope IG pics of this bike cafe out. 🔥

[@Theillestrator1050]

Yup, it definitely takes a little more effort as these bikes are past the flat seated era of bikes and are also a little awkward looking but what you end up with is something special

[@Healthfighthunt]

Just met a guy who recently inherited over 20 K100's. I am picking one up off him next week to start my project too. Cant wait to see your project evolve!

[@michaelknapp5394]

I have to say I feel this is your best video yet. Hurry up and get part 2 out, we are all eager to see it now more than ever

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks, and I wish I could but I want to boost my arsenal of tools before I go further... and I got some bills to pay 😧

[@michaelknapp5394]

@@Theillestrator1050 look into doing some merchandise like hats or shirts or something. I would be money that you would get a lot of support that way to help out with the project. If you do something like that I will gladly look forward with helping the build and tool bill

[@thejeocar]

I'm glad you chose a BMW, honestly one of the best bike brands out on the market

[@mannyestfresh]

Wow, I am just watching this series. First video, not even two minutes in and holy crap the editing and videography is incredible. Great work! I had to pause to comment and subscribe. That intro tho!

[@mototacularlife5267]

Amazing Video, your attitude and no nonsense way of knowing what you want and getting it done is encourageable.

[@guambra2001]

That’s determination. I’m loving the editing, it’s top notch. Just subbed.

[@VasyaIvanovichPupkin]

Dude.. I do not know if I should praise you for the edit, the narration, the courage, or getting your hands dirty... So I just sat through it like a kid through a bedtime story! Thank you!

[@Theillestrator1050]

Lol, thank you for the praise, and thank you for watching through it!

[@bfkrug]

Never seen a more cinematic motovlog. Hell YEAH

[@TheVerlaine]

I love how you're just pissing around pulling the thing apart on the footpath. 10/10. Entertaining as always.

[@kellenmatias4433]

The whole aesthetic of the 80’s styled intro was flawless!! Happy to see another video up!!

[@ducatinyc]

DAMN YOU, my dude. You're making me want a project bike so bad.

[@Theillestrator1050]

😂 as long as you can find somewhere to put it, go for it.

[@randynichols7525]

The voice over and editing skills this man possesses makes me feel like I’m watching a movie!

[@SB-fj7ge]

Hey man just want to thank you for putting out such great content. You’ve got great style and your editing is on point. Coming from a new rider. Keep doing your thing man!

[@Jaystice]

Easily the most underrated moto KZbin imo

[@HATECITYGrampa]

HELL YES. Very excited to see this project take shape. And as always, top shelf quality. Can’t convey how happy I am anytime a video by THE ILLESTRATOR the unparalleled shows up. Five stars always.

[@davespooney8472]

Loved it, that’s a pretty shade of green - dark greens look awesome on Cafe Racers. A lot of solid engineering for the money you paid... I’m hunting for a cheap project, thinking the plastic missile from the early 90’s. CBR1000f.

[@Theillestrator1050]

The green was actually pretty nice at the power washer when it was wet... But it was actually a poorly done rattle can job up close (the bike was originally red) That would be a sweet project bike, hope you find one!

[@GlorifiedPizza]

The burning oil from using the side stand was a design flaw which was fixed in 1988 or so. To combat this problem you can tilt the bike to the right for about 15 seconds before using the side stand, or you can always use the center stand (which is more secure anyway). A few folks have fabricated a side stand for the right side of the bike which is kinda dorky, strange, but effective.

[@conbry6388]

Just bought myself a K100 today after this series being my daily viewing for months. Going to be doing something very similar, wish me luck!

[@mooseroom]

love the black lines that makes the vid fit perfectly on the newer phones :)

[@caleblevi3695]

I love this intro so much.

[@edjd0]

Best intro ever on a bike build. Subscribed!

[@tomendert9807]

Damn, inspired me sooo much, buyed myself a K100 RS 85 two weeks ago and try it may way. Greetings from Germany!

[@d.fresh.750]

Hell yes, man....well done. I can tell I am going to love this series!

[@Theillestrator1050]

I'll try to update as often and as well as i can. I wish things were free 😂

[@daaknait]

It's refreshing to see a classic bike project and not least because the city setting you're in couldn't be more different from where I'm from. Good luck with the project!

[@mjpeeved]

I absolutely love this shit! You're putting out better edits than people who've got millions of subscribers. I've got nothing but love for you and your work man 👌 Looking forward to the next Beemer video.

[@Theillestrator1050]

😁 Thanks man

[@Galian6686]

I'm super late on this because of vacation but, that intro is so good! Can't wait to see how this thing turns out!

[@randybone3148]

I had one of these back in the 80s. Looking forward to see the cafe version.

[@CaptainTyler-xi9zs]

Perfect. A1 content. Exactly what I’m looking for as far as motorcycle vlogs go.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks, I'm glad to hear that

[@-Rambi-]

Best storyteller I heard in this type of video, Subbed.

[@benzahm8220]

Thanks man. I am so excited for you and to see this progress. Great bike for a cafe racer.

[@opens11]

So glad that in my area we literally can get to our backyards by walking through a gate, it's the small things we take for granted I guess. Sick ride bro!

[@tylerwingate1370]

Production value! Gains! Great job Mr. Illestrator. Love it. Can't wait for the rest!

[@TheTorlock]

Excellent starting point. Loved this exact bike since as far back as I can remember. Color me jelly

[@Theillestrator1050]

Never got your hands on one?

[@TheTorlock]

@@Theillestrator1050 yet to try to grab one ill. My sv and drz have me too busy for a project like yours. I will be enjoying it I'm sure. Good luck

[@Michael-yq9jn]

I am one minute into this video and can say that you have a super cool style!!! Great job!!!

[@1teem]

I love that you have one pannier, one pannier looks cooler than two

[@endersothergame]

WOW, what a video to have just pop up, this is so well done I can't wait to watch my way through this series and the rest of your videos.

[@pmjosh]

Just got a K75. No immediate plans to Cafe it but I do love the style. Looking forward to keeping up on this. As a few others said, that intro edit is sick and your vibe while riding is great. I could watch this for hours. Haha. Super cool video

[@GunFunZS]

I am enjoying your channel, and kinda started this series backwards at episode 6. TBH, I really like the styling of the bike to start with. I like the 80s square lines style, and the original quarter fairing. Big gauges are easy to read. IMO in a few years, all the people are going to be thrilled when they find a bike with the original big clocks, and pegs and stuff like that. Making the pannniers easy to remove quickly will slick up the bike but they are nice to have as well. IMO the really nice custom work make the bike more usuable not just stylish. Delete weight, upgrade to LED, and solid state on any old electricals. Fuel injection would be sweet if you want to do hard core custom stuff. I like what you've done with the bike so far. I think you need to make a seat that is actually comfortable, maybe some kinda quick release way to carry stuff that doesn't leave ugly brackets on the bike, and just dial in the tune and it's good.

[@GunFunZS]

Reply to say that I feel like a moron. It already IS fuel injected.

[@R0BL0W]

Your channel just keeps getting better and better 👌

[@eanrodriguez2406]

Welp! The first 2 min of this video. I subscribed an liked! You are an absolute inspiration on editing an filming hats off can’t wait to watch the rest of the video😂😂

[@elvisfnhendrix]

First of all im not even done watching this video but that intro is pure 🔥

[@blu3vilable]

Great video man, can't wait for the next!

[@mitchcieslak9476]

What an opening. That was incredibly interesting.

[@_zzpza]

This should help me restart an '86 K75C build I haven't touched in 2 years. Subscribed. :)

[@jmhellison]

That intro is lit, I'm 90s kid, but I love the 70s and 80s You got me looking at Craigslist motorcycles now

[@Theillestrator1050]

Lol same here, more of a 90s BABY though. I like old things more than I should

[@jeepingneatus]

BOOM! That is bad ass dude! I live out west and I never even thought about how space could be an issue like that. Men get shit done...necessity drives innovation. Looking forward to watching your build. Great story telling as well.

[@goldfishman2]

i just found your channel from your old video about how you love older bikes, and its crazy to see how much of an improvement in production there is. Keep is up man im for sure gonna tune in to the rest of this restoration

[@jaredccain]

I absolutely love the editing and voiceovers for your channel. Thanks so much for sharing. You have a gift for it. I hope you get to go full time at some point, because I could listen to your take on moto content all day. Much appreciated!

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thank you !

[@jaredccain]

@@Theillestrator1050 ...southern California is somewhere to consider since you've become so boss...it's a different world from where you are...but the sun...AND THE LANE SPLITTING...OH THE LANE SPLITTING!!! haha

[@SLBPerformance]

This is going to be good. Also editing as always is on point. nice work.

[@MeatandMotorcycles]

Great intro! Excited to see what you do with it.

[@kasperlindholm5498]

You've really improved on the editing, big fan. The intro was great, looked like something out of a FortNine video :D

[@AngusLepus]

Great video, have an 86 K100 myself that is in the process of getting hacked up this spring, so looking forward to your progress, always something to learn from others. Thanks in advance.

[@Tebaz8584]

First 30 seconds. You are soo good at bringing back nostalgic feelings. Awesome opening now shhhh I need to finish this!!!!!

[@DriftPirateD]

I can't wait to see more! I love that you're expanding and growing the channel to include more content! I'm just about to start my own first rebuild of a 2-stroke Kawasaki so it'll be fun to watch and compare progress.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Will you be posting videos of the rebuild?

[@DriftPirateD]

@@Theillestrator1050 my dad and I are gonna do it together and while at first I didn't wanna he totally is obsessed with the idea of making a channel so... probably but on a different channel. I'll link you if you're interested once we get it going!

[@Mobiusshazarr]

You probably thought i wouldn't actually go a re-watch all of this. You were WRONG. Damn fine video, and you are right the music was perfect.

[@n3mos]

you on that intro bro. love the content. visuals always enjoyable. so happy when i saw ep1. we gonna get some steady content lol

[@ChumsKnifeblade]

New intro is fire, Can't wait to see how you get the bike out when you're done 👀👀

[@Theillestrator1050]

Many many many less pieces is how lol

[@jacobcordova9818]

So glad i found this series. Literally just bought a k75 today, same cafe plans going down. Excited to see where you go on your project

[@mattsmallshot]

Your channel is one of the most underrated motovlog channel ever. Great stuff and mad content.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Thanks man!

[@pmg2590]

Need a filming gear rundown. Excellent production!

[@Theillestrator1050]

Canon 70D with 18-55 lens Kamerar slider Some Chinese-made 3D pivot mount Manfrotto tripod... although I wouldn't recommend it for sliding shots as it's too lightweight for a heavy setup on top of it....made do with it though.

[@pmg2590]

@@Theillestrator1050 lovely stuff!

[@consubandon]

Butter? In that tunnel, Man, you need some KY100 Jelly. Thanks. You're a great audience. I'll be here all week. Illest, you've done it now. Two words for you: Union Garage. Especially at any of their events. Thank me later. Such a good citizen. You've convinced me: Tomorrow morning, I head to the DMV to renew my license. (Hey, it's only four weeks lapsed.)

[@michaelhernandez6088]

I hit like before i even watched. and didnt regret it after i was done. cant wait to watch your next video.

[@knerdrider]

Nice! I’m looking forward to following the project. Thanks for the shoutout too!

[@spetersonmusic]

Killer. Everything about this - editing, music, the bike(!), your personality - killer. Well done! Longtime subscriber and looking forward to this series.

[@FXDLSBrooklyn]

Excited for this one!!!!

[@OccultEngineering]

Righteous vid bud. Looking forward to seeing this project progress. That intro was next level!

[@dushyantkarthikeyan]

Looking forward to seeing the transformation. Interesting choice!

[@valon212]

Just found and saw this vid. loving the project and your editing skills. looking forward to seeing the rest of the project :D keep it up bud!

[@JenkemSuperfan]

You always bring such awesome presentation to your videos.

[@The3Kway]

Intro was beyond litttt. Props my guy.

[@r.k.6536]

Top! Ready for Part 2!!!

[@KevinVDM]

Amazing intro, even more amazing determination. Can't wait for the next one!

[@oreopanda2755]

Now this is some high quality content!

[@elvisfnhendrix]

I know there are thousands of bike builds out there but this one has the excitement of new yorker space issues. When that bike had to go through your place i was rollin

[@Theillestrator1050]

😂 you was laughing, I was literally dying 😆

[@elvisfnhendrix]

@@Theillestrator1050 it reminded me of the time i had to drop the engine out of my old vw. Didnt have a stand or anything. The entire engine dropped in my lap lmao

[@subzero5318]

whats crazy is i remember seeing this bike on craigslist when i was buying my first bike. Cant wait to see how it turns out!

[@Theillestrator1050]

Really? Small world 😂. It went off Craigslist a few times and I was worried everytime that someone had scooped it up

[@subzero5318]

@@Theillestrator1050 yeah man i live brooklyn, i decided to get a suzuki gs500 to start off on.

[@rowdyrhodie]

Bud thanks for the great video, I love the way you tell the story, keeps you wanting to hear what's going to happen next. really looking forward to watching the whole series. I have to admit, I am happy I don't live in the big city anymore and have space to work on my bikes.

[@pandajamzz5269]

That intro tho! Complete with the old school VCR lines going down the screen. Lol. Always enjoying watching your vids. Excited to see the journey of this build and see the bike in person! Can't wait for episode 2. :)

[@caleblawler7636]

That's awesome dude! I got a '79 Honda CB750K and I love it. I don't have the money or resources to be able to fully make it a cafe bike, but the older bikes are such great platforms.

[@Theillestrator1050]

Definitely bro, that's a dope bike as it is. Hold onto it, they're in season now lol

[@tonyk7899]

Bad ass. GJ. Will be waiting for the next installment.

[@dehCremus]

Just found you, this video was like a movie! Loved it!!

[@chipshonk]

production level is insane!

[@ce_rouse]

I'm jealous. Looking forward to see more build videos!

[@HunMadav]

YES! That bike will be sick!

[@Mercgo]

That’s intro tho! Made me feel like a kid again watching PBS. Keep up the good work

[@Tenaciousdomi]

Can't wait man. This thing gonna be sweet

[@phdtobe]

Love this project! Looking forward see it develop!

[@dtaylo4517]

I have the same issue, no garage or secure garden, so I keep my bike in the dining room, looks better there anyway!

[@MickPsyphon]

Great video! Dang! You did it again, too! Made me laugh out loud. Good thing I worked from home today. This look like its going to be a fun project. 😎

[@Theillestrator1050]

😂 glad you got a kick out of it, mission accomplished

[@MickPsyphon]

@@Theillestrator1050 I love your sense of humour, mate! Sometimes you say shit that seems like it came right from their inside my own head; and the way you express yourself: 👍👍👍👍👍 I also love the idea of the project coming from a fresh mind... a different perspective. You do the voodoo, that you do so well... and we'll all enjoy it. 🍺😋👍