The Million-Mile Motorcycle that BMW Abandoned - K75 Review

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BMW built one of the best motorcycle engines of all time; an inline triple/four laid on its side: The Flying Brick. The motor was smooth, powerful and easy to work on. It should be everywhere today but BMW abruptly abandoned production in the 1990s. Why?
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Directed and Edited by Edwin El Bainou

[@jondiaz3475]

I've had my K75 for 34 years. I bought it new the week after I graduated university, and then rode it to my last day of work 32 years later. I've owned many other bikes, but this is the one I've kept around for 230,000 miles. Thanks for the video!

[@mrkang4080]

The first 2 sentences is the shortest, and best, motorcycle story I've ever read. Thank you for sharing.

[@VelkePivo]

Awesome story. Almost emotionally moving. A whole life encompassed in two sentences

[@florislok]

Wow, you are a pensionada after working for only 32 years?

[@jondiaz3475]

@@florislok Yes, probably because I rode the same bike for 34 years. :)

[@1985safraz]

Dad......

[@icouldntthinkofagoodname7216]

Ryan never fails to make me want a bike I never heard about in my entire life.

[@erichannes6392]

This is an amazing bike.

[@rallen7660]

I was riding a '78 R100 when these came out, and thought of them as "the new kids". Wasn't sure how well they ran, as I was used to the older style cylinder "jugs" sticking out the sides. Now I wish I'd gotten one.

[@JF-lt5zc]

Rode one for a few years doing the daily commute. Oil changes are a mess. The filter is IN the sump. 3 5mm hex bolts to remove a cover, then pull the filter. Such idiocy. Brakes are terrible - and that was with braided lines and EBC rotors. Chassis is like a wet noodle under any spirited cornering. But.... Comfortable, easy to ride once you get used to that crank shaft and drive shaft spinning against your steering input one way, and helping you out the other, started every time, and got reasonable gas mileage. And no chain maintenance.

[@spotmaxdog1]

@@JF-lt5zc I remember my first oil change. Removed the oil filter cover and covered my entire garage floor in 3.5 liters of oil!

[@donaldpyper4627]

It would be great to get some of the Indian manufacturers like Bajaj or even Royal Enfield to watch a series of F9.. If they started producing 100,000 bikes ‘inspired’ by these classics they would modernise some great bikes!

[@andrewearly4589]

Once again, Ryan and the team produce a film so far beyond what anyone else is doing in motorcycling. Thanks guys.

[@Borodin410]

"And what do we always do with the good things that don't make money?"

[@michaelvandeborne9382]

These are not KZbin video, this is poetry

[@gzone11ify]

Absolutely Amazing Production

[@ainmeile]

In motorcycling, or just about anything else

[@danielshawver1112]

Agree, these should be award winning.

[@chuckmiller8977]

I love my '92 K75 and there was very little in this video that was new to me. But Ryan has taken a 9-minute mini-documentary to a spectacular cinematic level. The photography, the presentation, and the storytelling are nothing short of amazing. Thanks.

[@voornaam3191]

Did he mention the government version (police, military police, army) have a different gear ratio? In all gears it is revving more revs, compared to the "tame" civil bikes. And that comes with a slightly different oil and water pump. And last but not least, my ex military police K1100LT had the faster type of the Bosch injection computer. There was a 100 bhp limit those days, and police did not want those. Now K1100 had that, you should really check if K75 bikes have had these mods, too. This gear ratio mod is simple and effective.

[@norberthaase1697]

@@voornaam3191 Ich hatte die kurze Übersetzung eingebaut.Der Durchzug war besonders in den oberen Gängen sehr angenehm.

[@bernardscott3650]

I owned an 85 K75 for 30 years. All it ever needed was normal maintenance, tires and batteries every few years. Fantastic bike. It had heated grips and a large alternator that powered heated clothing. It was a very comfortable ride. You failed to mention how smooth it was. Absolutely no vibration. You could ride all day and not be sore when you arrived at your destination. It felt very light and was easy to maneuver at any speed. It was easy to work on. At the end parts were expensive and hard to find and BMW dealers didn't want to work on it. Every time I brought it in for service they pressured me to buy a "modern" bike. When it finally came time to buy a new bike the BMW dealers had alienated me to the point where I didn't even consider a BMW.

[@stevenwilliams1805]

That's a pitiful way of running off a loyal customer.

[@raybrensike42]

Be sure to do the spline lubes as recommended. It's important.

[@chadkline4268]

I was one of those BMW mechanics then. We didn't like the change from the boxers. We, at least me, viewed them as complex and gimmicky compared to the well established boxers, and I still feel that way 40 years later. The 70s and 80s boxers were just about as perfect of an engine as could be made. IMHO 😊

[@FoxyCAMTV]

I stopped buying Canon cameras for the same reason.

[@bseidem5112]

Except hardened cylinder walls did not show up on boxers until 84'. Complex and gimmicky but 600K clicks. Also the bike was not known for typical bike get-up-and-go.@@chadkline4268

[@platypus1443]

The K75 was my second ever bike, bought in the summer 2 years ago. Had 112,000 miles on the ODO, previous owner took her on a boat to europe and drove across the continent, finally decided to sell it to me after her father/riding partner passed away, she hooked me up with a membership to the BMW MOA club. Good times.

[@dirtcopdualsport]

That is a very cool story!

[@kannanharigovind]

Oh wow! Thats amazing. Where is the bike now?

[@wtfgebeurdmij2991]

I dont know why, i have never had this bike, but this videomade me kind of emotional

[@user-ju7dx8mu6d]

Very nostalgic feel. Love it. I almost bought one when they came out and have always regretted not doing it. Perhaps I can find one still.

[@ChristopherT_]

@@wtfgebeurdmij2991 that's Ryan's writing for ya, gotta love him

[@sunrisejak2709]

We all love Ryan's stuff and rightfully so. Simply the best. But Ryan is not a 1 man show. His videographer/editor creative counterpart partner is also truly exceptional. The guy behind the scenes getting little credit for doing phenomenal work. He was mentioned early in one the videos recieving praise from Ryan. I really appreciate the extraordinary talent and abilities both in front of and behind the camera. This team is is at the top of the league.

[@gohjohan]

You mean Mechanic 44?

[@kbho_media]

i can and will always apriciate people that point out the team that isn't on screen. Probably because I'm also one, but still. Because there is mostly 1 face and 1 voice, you tend to negate how much work goes into these video's. This isn't JUST 1 man doing it, it's a whole team, and they are doing absolutely fantastic 😤 These video's shouldn't have to be on KZbin

[@Stoney3K]

I have to agree, the cinematography, writing and directing of each of the videos is on a level that even a lot of Hollywood production companies can only dream of. I would be happy to pay money to see a feature-length of these guys at the cinema.

[@nealmercer1590]

I don't know about you...but I think a video about the team is warranted

[@KentRodgman]

These videos consistently remind me of old Top Gear. Just absolute top of the class videography and the quality never wavers.

[@fuzzyspeedo3652]

To Ryan and Edwin, You have really outdone yourselves this time. What a fantastic video. I think it's the best piece you have made yet. Thank you for making such a wonderful film, I really love it!

[@ChetanRao]

"This time"? "THIS time"? Really? "THIS TIME"? Every single one of these films is a masterpiece!

[@roverchap]

A couple of points for clarification. The Peugeot engine was used only to test the concept of a laid flat four-cylinder engine suspended from a motorcycle frame. The engine which made it to production was a ground-up new design. Also the K75 you feature has the low-seat option which is why it has the black plastic panel around the rear of the tank. It is not a heat shield, it covers electrical items displaced by the low seat, and doesn't feature on the regular seat height version. The laid flat flying brick design was in production for 22 years from 1983-2005 in the K75/100/1100 and 1200. Not universally popular but not a failure either.

[@michaelmarshall2958]

Yes correct My k 1100rs never ever puffed any smoke regardless of how long it was left on the side stand?

[@Ridd333]

@@michaelmarshall2958 I had an 85 100RS with around 130k miles. It would smoke a tiny bit if I put it on kickstand while hot and just left it. I almost never use the kickstand. Even with the 91 I have now, center stand almost exclusively. No oil in this one though. Just recently cracked 20k miles on it. She was not used much in her life until me.

[@Roadghost88]

@@Ridd333 If I understood correctly, BMW found a correction for the oil problem on later models. I always considered it a brilliant design. Made servicing the head and the crank section of the engine extremely easy. As it turned out they never needed servicing.

[@JoranGroothengel]

​@@Roadghost88That's because they are easy to service. Works just like a raincoat, if you bring it won't rain but the one time you forget...

[@patrickkoch3617]

I agree with roverchap, BMW did not pirate the engine of the Peugeot 104. BMW's interest in the 104 engine was likely due to a similar concept - small displacement inline 4, crankcase and head made from aluminum and IIRC engine and transmission sharing one oil sump. So, a lot like motorcycle engine. This engine, while not totally rotated on its side like in the BMW K's was rotated at about 70*. The 104 did not share the BMWs undersquareness and at the same displacement of K100 had about 50% the HP output. I think it is safe to say that nobody ever accused the 104 of having a long lifespan.

[@sdrayin]

I bought the "only running" K75S in the sub-saharan Africa, about 6 months ago. Hoping I would convert it into a "cafe racer", I rather took my friend's advice to restore it into its former glory. 6 months later she shines like a big bright sewing machine. But it is no doubt a good engine albeit several age related issues. I love the rides and I will keep maintaining her as long as possible.

[@veggiemoto]

My K75S caught fire, twice. But I sold it not because of the proclivity for spontaneous combustion when the rubber hose to the fuel rail got dry and cracked but because I was too young to appreciate a 500lb bike with less than 100 horsepower even though it was sweet handling and as comfortable as a couch.

[@enb3810]

My KLR has 55k miles on it and I love it. Is it 400lbs? Sure. Does it have ~30hp? Sure.

[@sasha-taylor]

oh wow I feel called out. my first bike is a katana 600, >500lbs

[@scottcates]

Sounds like a few relationships I've had.

[@englishsteve1465]

@@sasha-taylor Def keep the Kat. Winter bike, camping bike, nipping to the late night shop without getting all your gear on bike, the jixer has fried it's wiring, reg/rec again bike, I don't want to attract attention bike etc etc etc ad infinitum ! Oh, and 2 bikes are almost the same insurance as 1 (at least they are where I am in the industrial NW of the UK) 😃

[@sasha-taylor]

@@englishsteve1465 it'll also be my third bike haha I've got a 1974 Honda CB200 I got for $75 cuz it hadn't run in decades, fixed it up

[@danbeck5296]

My uncle was a test pilot for BMW during the development of the K-bikes and he had stories to tell. He's main take-away was that you could not kill the engine and they tried really hard😀. Once again an outstanding video by Ryan and the F9 team!!!

[@mikedelo6785]

Super interesting! tell us more stories!

[@theenzoferrari458]

Sure you can't kill the engine but the other components of the bike can be which makes BMW unreliable.

[@alm4132]

@@theenzoferrari458 Neglected maintenance will kill anything.....

[@ferrumlynx1914]

@@theenzoferrari458 I'm guessing you don't have a BMW?

[@GC2Major_Tom]

​@@theenzoferrari458BMW is many things. Unreliable is not one.

[@LexFitness]

I own a K75 and can absolutely recommend every should own one of these fantastic machines! Undervalued & Under appreciated right now meaning you get a whole lot of Smiles for a very long time for very little damage to your wallet!

[@machupikachu1085]

until today at least...

[@simsey33]

​@@machupikachu1085😂

[@daltonrittenhouse8217]

Oh good I can't wait for a really well written video about an obscure cheap motorcycle to come out and make them super desireable and expensive.

[@christians131]

@@machupikachu1085yup. I’m hoping he’ll make a video about my bike right before I sell it 💀

[@suzuki06g]

I rented and "test rode" one in Arizona back in '96, narrow handle bars and a weird habit of it backfiring when I cut the throttle exiting the freeway killed my interest. Today I'm sure that I can fix the bars but do you know if there's a fix for the backfire issue??

[@whitehat2709]

The aesthetics, the storytelling, the pace, the scenery. You’re making KZbin a little nicer every time.

[@UpdogGolf]

Whatever you are paying your editors... double it.

[@MrDavidHearn]

I continue to be in awe at how cinematic, well written, well acted and, oh by the way, informative to my hobby these are every time. Literally no one else is producing motorcycle videos to this level of quality. Hats off to the team!

[@AW_DIY_garage]

I don't even have a motorcycle and don't plan on getting one, but I watch this channel because it is so good.

[@roviwoteap2375]

My thoughts exactly.

[@eIicit]

No one else is producing ANY content like this across the board. How blessed are we that a man who can educate and entertain so uniquely has a passion for motorcycles

[@StoicPrince1674]

6:57 I bet it took an incredible amount of time and effort to get these shots that only last for a few seconds. Hats off to you guys! Well done!

[@AshleyPomeroy]

What makes them stand out is that the team didn't have to bother - they could have just cut from one scene to the next. But they wanted to establish a mood, and the video is better off for it.

[@thetessellater9163]

@@AshleyPomeroy - Took me a while to work out what you were saying there.....

[@Hubris2]

The b-roll on this episode was haunting and memorable, and the harmonica tones of an old hymn work great. I haven't ridden in southern BC in a long time, but it certainly evoked some nostalgia for me.

[@feldegast1]

​@@Hubris2do you remember the name of the hymn?

[@Hubris2]

@@feldegast1 It's called Fairest Lord Jesus.

[@eurospec]

Last point is spot on. I've had four BMW motorcycles, three of them were K bikes and none newer than 1991. These bikes are incredibly reliable and very strong performers, simply no compelling reason for me to upgrade beyond them

[@Kobe29261]

Imagine if all things were made to this standard - to some extent the Japanese still do, machines built to serve and last lifetimes!

[@mikezapfe430]

Totally agree. Owned many bikes. Currently riding a Dakar yellow K75S, 1994. Love it

[@Lt_Tragg]

@@Kobe29261which is why I left BMW and returned to Japanese.

[@Kobe29261]

I feel you but I kept my R1200; cos there's something about a motorycle that looks like a beautiful woman and bought a CP3 motor cos everytime you look at a Japanese bike it says 'ready when you are' - when I Iook at my BMW it says 'well, maybe - but if I do it'll be incomparable!' Straight up toxic girlfriend attitude lol@@Lt_Tragg

[@weirjf]

I'm not even 2 minutes into the video and the video and sound come off as beautifully crafted and composed. Kudos to to Edwin El Bainou and the FortNine channel for continuing to not just create high quality content, but continually topping standards of compact creativity that set a high bar across the platform.

[@andybennett8253]

Absolutely agree - this was really well put together and just hit the right spot 👍🏻👍🏻

[@eliasali9383]

​@@greatestevarwhy?

[@maxpfundner2226]

haha

[@shashank0404]

This is a KZbin comment. But please treat this like a standing ovation. What a beautiful video! Thank you.

[@simonebensi3621]

Thank you Ryan for talking about this great piece of German engineering. I can tell you that in Italy K100s and K75s are not overlooked nor forgotten; they are sold and bought by passionate people who spend a lot of time and money to keep them running and original like yours in this video. I love watching your reviews of old and good bikes, keep them coming.

[@Electric_roller]

This motorcycle reminds me of 2 counterparts in the automotive world: 1: Mercedes Benz W124 series (with millions of km failure-free driving) and...The Volvo 240 series known for its ‘Red Block’ engine’s reliability. Everything after became disposable garbage we are swimming in now.

[@Pheonixco]

Even BMW's M30's of that era are long lived engines, maybe not to the degree the W124's or 240's is but they were simple and hardy whilst still putting out more power than certain smallblock V8's at the time. Yet now everything HAS to have a limited lifetime on it in order for those same companies to justify the cost of building them.

[@apodski]

The majority of all BMW engines last 1,000,000 km, even the new ones. Seen twenty years old bmw's roll over the odometer at this number, engines strong as ever. All the plastic crap attached to the engine, like the coolant system, however, take advanced nannying, far from impossible, but more than most are willing to do.

[@psalm2forliberty577]

...not entirely. I have the w210 "E320 Station Wagon" year 2000, and she's rolling right along at 263,000 miles with her 3.2 little purring contentedly. Never been stranded & precious little has worn out, parts are dirt cheap. So, yeah the w124 MB are great as is the later 1998-2005 w210. And after viewing this marvelous story on the iconic BMW K75, I'd agree that they're similarly a "legendary design" that's destined to endure. I'll take another look at that one for sale nearby...

[@BlakeEM]

I think the oil in the cylinders, after it has been sitting, probably helps with longevity during cold startups.

[@FortNine]

Could be! I know a couple Harley riders who premix their gas like a really lean 2T. They swear the motors last longer when run a bit "wet." ~RF9

[@officerdonut7066]

Only on one side tho jaja

[@Jimmy_Watt]

​@@officerdonut7066The side that matters most!

[@Hybris51129]

​@@FortNineA video idea perhaps?

[@alvindavenport5657]

I acquired a K75 when I retired to use for long trips. Because it had 40,000 miles on it, I got concerned about its reliability and traded it. 17 years later I find out I could still be riding that BMW. Don’t tell my wife…

[@nocensorship8092]

40.000 and you got concerned? thats funny, I cant think of any bike that would have issues after such a short distance.

[@kueppi96]

​@@nocensorship8092ktm,aprilia,ducati my 990ktm didn't even make it to 30k miles

[@abhayvadhavkar2231]

Just bought a 1987 K75S with 25k miles. I am more excited about buying this bike than ones I have bought for five times as much.

[@andyreynolds6194]

I loved my K75S, in resplendent aubergine purple. It did short trips, long trips, fun back roads and long motorway miles. It was comfy, well built and the top box and hard panniers were mountable or detachable in mere moments. It had 50k on it when I got it, when it finally started to show its age it had 115k. It was only that I couldn’t get to the bottom of the fuelling issue and needed an ultra reliable bike for long trips south to see my dying dad that made me sell it, at a profit, to a bloke who lived locally and had a knack and a love for them. He still has it, and I still have first dibs if he sells it on. It has 300k on it now. Lovely to hear the engine note again, F9.

[@dipling.pitzler7650]

This well presented introduction to the K (Kompakt ) series should be dedicated to its outstanding creators Josef Fritzenwenger and Stefan Pashernegg, both died young in 1987/1988. F9 is wrong proclaiming the K series was short lived as derivations like the K 1200 LT lived on until 2007, therefore the concept had a production life span of 25 years! Fun fact: K75 and K 100 share 75 % of their parts and the wheelbase!

[@Reichsritter]

Every BMW motorcycle is called something K, I'm not sure if it's supposed to be compact. The S1000RR is the K46.

[@garystackhouse5787]

He wasn't implying the series was short-lived... just the engine.

[@Reichsritter]

Actually I think the K stands for Kraftrad or Krad shortened, which is the formal German term for a motorcycle.

[@gohjohan]

The fun fact is because the engine is modular. Parts can be shared. I think what killed that series would be the price. If you pay a bit more for the K100, why not use the K75 on the K100. That's what I believe killed the K75. Modular engines that shares parts.

[@mikekokomomike]

​@@ReichsritterKraft is strength in German. That's the story I heard. Ask Jack Riepe about K75s. He writes books.

[@GamingWithWaz]

My K100's original odometer stopped working at 150k, had ridden across the nullarbor and back twice, dropped, T-Boned an inattentive driver and very recently is back on the road riding as gorgeous as ever. Dreamed of one since I was a kid and have never been happier to meet a hero of mine than the first time I rode it. Expectations far exceeded.

[@5.0joe50]

Close your eyes, Greta 😂

[@therealjoshsilva]

This channel deserves so many more subs. You've managed to combine a bike review, history lesson, and a short film into a compelling sub-10-min KZbin video. I don't even own a motorcycle right now, I might never own one again, but for some reason I still watch every video this channel puts out. Well done.

[@enshongmiranda]

Same sentiments. I sadly can't afford another motorcycle after I sold mine right when the pandemic started. Still getting back on to my feet and hoping to be back on a bike in a couple of years. Whenever FortNine publishes a new video, I just can't not watch it. Entertaining, educational, full of wit and passion. I wish I know many more KZbin channels that put out great videos like Ryan and crew does.

[@donkemp8151]

True. I’ve watching longer cooking shows on how to scramble eggs. Great video.

[@GG-ub4ej]

More than 1,780,000...

[@randyallen2771]

Twenty years ago I had a K100RT..probably the best motorcycle I’ve ever owned. I wish I still had it today. I’d settle for a K75 though. Thanks for your excellent,thought provoking content.

[@williamanderson4029]

I rode a K100RS back in 85, always lusted after one (have several old airheads) then finally rode a K75S. WAY smoother than the K100, less acceleration, but silky smooth up to 100MPH!

[@easley421]

"I wish I still had it today" is why I bought my dream bike twice and have held onto and plan to hold onto it till I die. Everytime I read a story like this It only justifies my decision. Can't lay down and compromise with hard times throughout life.

[@medler2110]

I had a K100RS, lovely bike, could tour it, hustle it a long a little bit, but never felt like you were stressing the engine, home maintenance was a easy, seen a few tidy ones for sale, not silly money, just I already have a few bikes and lack of room in the workshop I thought was big enough to house a collection of bikes.

[@MangoMungosMonsterMenagerie]

Had a K1100RS loved it then stupidly sold it. Then i bought a K1100LT love it almost more than the RS (less vibes in the bars and a seat and seating position you can spend 12 hour rides on) Every year i think of expanding my stable with a K75S or K75 and then convert it to paralever.

[@FortNine]

Cramming four cylinders into a motorcycle sideways is a tricky proposition. It was so tight that BMW couldn't fit a secondary balancer shaft, resulting in the famous "BMW buzz" that marks K100s. It's a rare situation where the triple engine (K75) is both smoother and higher power-to-weight than the four cylinder. Not to knock your beloved K100RT - I like 'em a lot too. ~RF9

[@caruser4]

The quality of your content always blows me away. Much love from Las Vegas!

[@ElaBellll]

I think it is important to note that the k100 block design was used up until the early 2000's In the k1200 RS/LT. The flying brick did actually have a fairly long production run in one form or another.

[@Kirriepete]

Indeed. In fact I just bought (in May) a low mileage K1200RS as my daily ride (I'm a bike instructor). "How low mileage?" I hear you ask - how does 9000 miles in 22 years sound? Smooth, comfy, powerful enough, rock steady handling, definitely a "forever bike" for me. In just 3 months I've added 5000 miles to it with no regrets at all.🏍️👍

[@woj1woj1]

One of the best engineering thinking lesson I've ever seen. Times when sellers were selling and engineers were engineering long gone. Not always the best results but almost always fascinating, like the K75 story. We have something opposite now: sellers are designing, designers try engineering, and engineers... well, are forced to learn how to sell (F9?). It's time for 'who is John Galt?' kinda questions.

[@FranciscoFox]

I heard he and his crew were lost at sea during a storm when they stumbled upon Atlantis; it was so beautiful they all agreed to sink their own ship and take a vow of silence rather than deliver it to the entitled rulers at home.

[@Iamthestig42069]

I’m not even into motorcycles but this channel is phenomenal every freaking time. Well written and artsy fartsy filming is all you need to entertain

[@englishsteve1465]

I'm 60, I've rode bikes since I was 17 and I _still_ learn things from Ry. He knows wtf he is talking about _and_ presents it with high production values in miniature movies and often with offbeat humour to boot. He's the best at what he does, no doubt.

[@Jimmy_Watt]

You should join us in the great life that is motorcycling.

[@Iamthestig42069]

@@Jimmy_Watt I live in a snowy northern state and I have a very needy, princess, German shepherd dog. Naturally the Ural is intriguing with its extra traction and side car for doggo. However, I also have massive problem with cars so the likely hood of me spending thousands on a vehicle that isn’t speed parts or another farm fresh, junky, marketplace project is not very likely

[@josephlondon8188]

i bought my k75s back in 1823 and she’s lasted me all 200 years without much of a hitch, the clutch went in the 1940s when i was pushing her through the german front lines and i nearly blew her up over reving stuck in the mud in the early 2000s but otherwise has served me great. good times

[@wildcard4554]

Have you considered buying a new, modern bike? Of course, you still can't buy anything more modern that is designed to cut buffeting with beauty or has greater effectiveness in the trade-off of capacity v. aerodynamics, but who cares about that when you can show off all your new gadgetry in the Starbucks parking lot?

[@englishsteve1465]

Ah, the Mk2 with the pneumatic tires

[@Earthneedsado-over177]

I think you're pulling my leg, old chap.😊

[@charlesparr1611]

Your timeline best timeline.

[@MBJ-un3cd]

😂 Callsign “Wolverine”

[@matthewjurak7445]

The ending of this video genuinely made me emotional, for this superior machine never did anything wrong, but be beyond reliable and utterly efficient, but yet that was not good enough for the world. It is a lonely feeling not being wanted. Sometimes life isn't fair. Ride free and safe.brothers and sisters. F9, Thank you for another outstanding video.

[@quintessenceSL]

But reliability doesn't announce itself until many years after the fact. It takes time to find your audience, as it were. Sometimes it is an article of faith to keep plugging along, indifferent to the world's indifference, until you've created a space for yourself.

[@joaofranciscohbrr]

I feel like you forgot to mention the obvious message about "burning all the good things that don't make money" while showing the consequences of the recent fires in Canada. Ryan truly is a master of his craft

[@matthewjurak7445]

@@joaofranciscohbrr yes! great comment.

[@matthewjurak7445]

@@quintessenceSL well said.

[@ShapezPuller64]

While paying lip service to Greta Thunberg? Sorry, I'm going to take that environmentalist read with a grain of salt(ed earth).

[@johnroberthanna1623]

"....close your eyes now , Greta..." hahahahahaha.!!!

[@RikuGaming256]

I love these videos. The production value is through the roof, I learn things I would have never known about and they always feel so genuine. It feels like you truely care about the bikes you show and about telling your viewers about what makes them great or interesting. The end of this video with the slow zoom out, the harmonica, the forest, the mood you created... I never knew ybout this bike, I never owned one, but you juust genuiely made me sad about it being discontinued. I felt like crying xD All this to say: thank you to Ryan and everyone else at F9. It always brightens my day to watch one of your videos and I hope you will continue making them as long as possible.

[@piggymito]

So glad you you've done a video on the k. I've had mine for 15 years now. It's a weirdly uncharismatic bike that somehow gets under your skin. It's just incrediblely comfortable, cheap to run and super reliable. Compare it to the build quality on my r nine t and you can see why the bean counters wanted rid of it...

[@StoicPrince1674]

6:57 The amount of effort that must have gone in to take these shots that only last for a couple of seconds is incredible

[@brianjack2106]

Fantastic video as usual. Bear in mind that BMW produced the Flying Brick engines from 1983 to 2004. Not a bad run for a “novel” engine configuration. As someone who worked on them professionally for many years they were always a joy to service. I’ve had friends with 1M kilometer examples.

[@chromaticAberration]

Wasn't it 1996? (K75 "Ultima")

[@brianjack2106]

@@chromaticAberration - The first Flying Brick engine was used in the K100 in 1983. The last was used in the K1200 in 2004. Same engine layout with multiple engineering improvements over the many years of production. You are correct that the K75 models were produced roughly between 1985 and 1995.

[@mantan_rtw]

K1200 RS and LT are also flying brick engine bikes. The LT was last sold as 2009 model in US. I had a new 2002 model for 6 years and now a used 2005 model.

[@gasdive]

It was also run in the K1, which was the only bike of its time to take aero seriously, and really only one of 2 ever mass produced for the road. I so wanted one.

[@dougrobinson8602]

@@gasdive I wanted one too, until I sat on one for a few minutes in the dealership. For some reason, the angle of my hips sitting on it made me cramp up almost immediately. That and the lack of BMW's excellent hard cases made me go for a K1100RS, which I never regretted owning.

[@angelgil6932]

It’s a good day when Fortnite uploads!

[@asadujjamannur101]

Yeah, it always is...

[@paulleggett9735]

Better when Fortnine uploads. I'm no gamer.

[@MathieuTechMoto]

I iike playing PUBG better

[@praveensaxena6478]

Probably the best in the week

[@Chaals]

I randomly clicked on this... Holy shit this production quality is on par with big budget documentaries. Fantastic work!

[@kahlduncan949]

I bought a k100 LT two weeks ago as my first big bike. My father also rides a k100 RS and my grandfather owned a k1100 and I was hoping the channel would make a video on this range. Loved the video, you guys make unreal content. Regards from Scotland

[@simuhn]

Odd to give props to both the video and ad choice but Im stoked to see Riders Share getting some notoriety. I have no affiliation, but Ive used it a number of times in the Bay Area, CA and excited for more awareness/bike availability.

[@Viking_Kong]

This video is another examples as to why Ryan and the team at FortNine are awesome. This is one of the few channels where I get giddy when I see that a new video has dropped. They never fail to make my day!

[@Makermook]

I've been riding for 40 years and I've never heard such a breakdown of the K75, and I certainly haven't heard about its longevity. This makes me want to hunt for a new steed for my stable... Thanks, Ryan!

[@thomasjoseph4718]

I've never heard of a K75 breakdown 😊

[@jalex19100]

I had an 85 K100 (1000cc/1L 4 cyl. flying brick) til last year. The geometry (btw, you will need a decent inseam, like 32+ in., to keep it upright) and handling was pretty bad. The heat kept me warm, without heated gear, year-round in the mid-west. The engine routinely got 38-40mpg with premium fuel, was extremely reliable and if I hit the sweet spots in the RPM, it was very fast for a 1980's bike - enough that I almost lost grip on the bars a few times. Maintenance is easy, parts are available and the tires last a long time (easily 6 to 10k a set). But I switched to a more modern BMW camhead GSA because of modern ABS brakes and more versatility. My GSA hardly beats the K100 in reliability, performance and efficiency (39-43mpg), and certainly loses in price and operating costs - and now I have to use a heated jacket 🙄. While I am slightly safer, more comfortable, and able to wind through dirt and rocks with a big, heavy bike, that K100 was a heck of a bike! I did envy the K75 owners, as the K100 was a little overpowered for my purposes. If you are not short (I am a couple in under 6ft and no where near flat-footing it), don't mind some heat on the thighs (don't worry, you won't get burned), and don't want any of traction control, abs, tech crap that is in newer bikes (granted, I had no issues with a couple of emergency braking incidents - brakes are very controllable), then the BMW K bike should be at the TOP of your list.

[@therealshimo]

Why not put the kickstand on the right side to mitigate the oil-in-combustion-chamber problem?

[@ryantyers1113]

so heavily underrated. the cinematic attention to detail with ryan's expertise . editing, music, and writing fits perfectly from start to finish. just as encapsulating as a marvel movie, made with just a few guys talking about motorcycles.

[@iamtherealzombie]

I was with you until you compared this to a marvel movie.

[@LansaDiag]

What do you mean underrated? He's one of the most well known motorcycle channels on the internet.

[@ko-danfleetcommander5937]

@@LansaDiag I think what he means is that the channel is underrated because it goes beyond being simply a "motorcycle channel". I don't own a motorcycle, and have only been pillion on a mate's bike a few times in the last 40 years but I adore this channel because of the editing, the direction, the writing, and the hosting. Admittedly, comparing it in any way to a marvel movie is not the direction I would take because there were a few moments in this short video that reminded me of a Terence Malick movie--if Malick made short videos about old motorcycles.

[@Steves_End]

Comparing their intellect, hard work and masterful craftwork to marvel movies is an actual insult.

[@20cent]

Do you post the same comment under each new video from them? They are not underrated, everyone know they are the gold standard for motorcycle videos. What's with the simping these days in the comments section of every big youtubers? The likes you gather can't be exchanged for something else here, and they won't hire you to make coffee in their office for your kind words.

[@Kiyoone]

04:30 "Close your eyes now, Greta" LOL🤣😂 Amazing video as always! thanks!!

[@tommyblackwell3760]

A friend loaned me his K100S for a couple of weeks many years ago while my car was being repaired....I can honestly say I've never been on a bike that was as rock-solid stable and comfortable at any speed I felt brave enough to try. The only thing that took a little getting used to was the usual shaft drive lift when accelerating hard. Brilliant machines!

[@tonnynijholt7090]

Haha I’m amazed and confused by by this video, in a good way. What a piece.

[@shane0clock716]

One of my favorite things about this channel is the constant underlying reminders of how absolutely stunning Canada is.

[@RezaQin]

Too bad of their communist PM...

[@rekire___]

*IT'S TOO RELIABLE* , BMW said calmly

[@SenorGato237]

I've been looking for an inexpensive K75 for a while. I guess ill never find one now, thanks Ryan.

[@phildegagne9902]

Need one? Where are you? I mean area. Got one, mint. 28,000

[@evergreenappreciator]

First and only bike so far, 1994 k75. Bone stock, no farings, pure elegance. I am in love with this bike and I'm so happy to see you review it!

[@JP-xd6fm]

How thirsty is she?, it's expensive to own it?, Ensurance?, a shop that they know anything about it in case ever need it?... I bought a brand new husqvarna vilpilen 401 and I might want to go for one of this old ladies tbh

[@evergreenappreciator]

@@JP-xd6fm solid ~44mpg, I start looking for gas at about 100 miles but have stretched it to 140. Insurance pretty standard for an older bike but it is red and I'm a guy 😅

[@evergreenappreciator]

@@JP-xd6fm there's a local certified/Kawasaki shop (not the dealership just cert'd mechanics) that's fantastic but they're just slow due to volume. I bring it to them for oil change & inspection, and once for a flat tire. Never broken down on me besides that nasty puncture, not the bikes fault

[@jf2569]

Be careful Fortnine, this team will end up in Hollywood!!!

[@spotmaxdog1]

My K75 was stored in a shed for 10 years before I found it. It fired right up after replacing some rotten radiator and vacuum hoses. Amazing motorcycles, that engine doesn't care at all about what RPM you run at. It's the same silky smoothness from 2000 all the way to 8000 RPM.

[@prince_seir]

The production quality of F9's videos is always top tier. Keep up the great work and interesting content!

[@captlarry-3525]

What the K-75 is famous for among riders is SMOOTHNESS. Ryan happens to be riding the Low Seat Version, those alleged "heat shields" don't exist on the other K-75 versions ( Std, S, or RT). The whine is from the timing gears up front, not the fuel pump which is submerged in that aluminum tank. The fuel injection is flawless, and simple. 55 mpg is routine. I rode the indentical K-75 for many years. THe one motorcycle I regret selling, and have been trying to replace for a decade. Nothing compares. I say this after64 years of riding.

[@raybrensike42]

The fuel pumps do make a whine and the classic K bikes have a timing chain up front.

[@TulaneAve]

The whine in the video IS the fuel pump. Exactly like my bike.

[@starseeddeluxe]

I wish Ryan would make a video about motorcycles being geared incorrectly. The most important point of this video is his explanation about good things being "taken away." Why is it that motorcycles don't have an overdrive? In 1932, motorcycles had an overdrive gear. But in the modern era, with all the power, we are stuck with race gearing on our street bikes? There is something malicious, and intentional, and someone needs to make a video about it. Even the newest Goldwings don't have an overdrive. One man found that his fuel economy almost doubled, when he made his own overdrive gears for a 6 cylinder motorcycle (from 140 miles per tank, to 240 miles per tank).

[@mmuller199]

That magazine article in the final scene is a damn fine piece of advertising 9:02

[@ritsertmans345]

Small detail the “heat shield” for the tank is actually an extra accessory that fills gaps when using a lowered seat. Normal seats don't use this rubber flap but use 2 normal side covers. Brilliant video again!

[@DanielCool-p2i]

The hot fuel issue was solved primarily by placing insulation on the bottom of the tank. The fuel tank was vented by a one way valve into the crankcase to satisfy Greta, unfortunately the engine would vapor lock and refuse to start until the fuel fill opened. I love my 88 K75.

[@NoOne-qx4xv]

Bu when you had a K 100 RT with full windprotection riding by temperatures above 25 Celsius the heat stayed at you legs and knees. Very uncomfortable. Still had this 1986 K from 1990 till 2005.😅

[@liveyourdreammedia]

Not my brand, but a special bike man....

[@chekerbored]

A K75S was my first "big" bike and I sold it when I moved from the midwest to LA. Within a couple months found a nice red one in Santa Rosa. Flew up to pick her up, and drove it back down - then subsequently all over California. Fantastic bike, dead reliable, ran like a sewing machine, and super comfortable with a Corbin saddle. I couldn't justify having two bike without anywhere off street to keep her, so I had to pass her on to someone else when I got a modern bike. That was 4 years ago, and I still think about Rosie quite a bit. That's the bike that got me into touring and camping on motorcycles, and I couldn't be more grateful for all the time spent together and all the places she carried me.

[@englishsteve1465]

Rosie huh ? can't help thinking it needs a more Germanic name tbh, and I think a male name coz it's like a reliable man servant, lol. Otto, yes, I shall call mine Otto. 🎯

[@chekerbored]

@@englishsteve1465 it was a name inherited from the previous owner, and not a bad name for a red bike either.

[@joshuarice1016]

Props to the director, DOP, editor, and camera op on these videos! Always look 1000% And the editing is fantastic! (a behind the scenes would be dope)

[@bcloss7175]

I picked up a '04 K1200RS about 3 years ago, and it's a great running bike. Quite a big difference from my old bike, a '82 Maxim 650, it's taken awhile to really get used to the size and handling. Smooth riding, fairly stable at speed. I wonder how it compares to the older K75.

[@Chrissepisje]

Another super cool video. Did anyone ever say that your storytelling might be better than 9 out of 10 things Disney produced in the last 15 years?

[@richardsears5297]

I had a K75C. It's one of those bikes that I should have kept. Bloody good. That triple was a fine engine.

[@JP-xd6fm]

In my country you can find used ones with less than 100k km from 2000€ to 3500€ , I hope the owners don't see this video..

[@DieterTheHorst]

I obtained a K75 when I moved for university, because it was cheap to buy and own, easy to service, and I didn't need to worry about street parking with an old bike nobody would ever want to steal. Years later, it's been the only constant in my history of vehicle ownership. I don't ride the brick as often these days, but it has yet to let me down when I do. Never made economical sense to sell it either, considering they're still dirt cheap and mostly unwanted by those that don't already own one.

[@Lemonchickan]

Damn this early on a friday too? what a treat

[@petermclennan6781]

"BMW abruptly abandoned production in the 1990s. Why?" WHY? You can't help but think of the conventional wisdom that dealerships make their money not from sales, but from SERVICE. I had a K75C and I can attest to its reliability. It was so sensible, so reliable, so domesticated, I called it "The Volvo of Motorcycling". After about 50K miles, I sold it and got an R100GS which was nothing but trouble but vastly more fun to ride.

[@timothyangus954]

I was once a BMW dealer. A guy comes in to buy a replacement battery. I had a visit from a BMW rep at the time who almost spat out his coffee The customer asked how long a battery should last as his had failed after five years. That about right i said. By the way how many miles had it done. As of today he said: 452,000!

[@nunolarouco]

I feel like saying this for almost everyone of your videos, but this time I really had to. You are in a different league altogether. The quality of your content is simply unmatched, in my opinion. Thank you

[@michaelvachon1334]

Ryan and the F9 team continue to produce some of the best motorcycle video content ANYWHERE! I've always been BMW curious, but am totally unfamiliar with the K75. Test rides on some of their more recent offerings, have yet to lure me away from my current bike ('99 Valkyrie I/S with 140K+ miles and counting) Keep this stuff coming!

[@nelsonphilip4520]

As a retread rider just getting back into the sport with a 1998 Valkyrie Tourer I appreciate your comment. Although I am very tempted by BMW's heritage model the R-18B and /or Transcontinental. While many pundits proclaim that with the R-18 series it's just BMW muscling in on Harley-Davidson's market(which it clearly is) I see it as the air-apparent to Honda's Valkyrie. Albeit one that comes with some creature comforts such as state-of-the-art cruise control; heated seat & grips: reverse; anti-lock brakes; brand name sound system and all neatly packaged with jewel like fit & finish. My dream would be to retro fit all these features (most which were incorporated into the Gold Wing) into & onto my Valk and ride(queue Ride of the Valkyries )it all the way to Valhalla!

[@michaelvachon1334]

@@nelsonphilip4520 - I've done a test ride on the R-18. I wasn't feeling it. It's still a big twin and I've never been a fan of twin-anything (except maybe the Indian Scout, that one makes me smile). Agreed, if we could just retrofit ABS & EFI onto our Valkyries, we'd be in MC heaven!

[@chriscapobianco9763]

I have been Privileged to be a BMW motorcycle Technician for over 20 years. I have always been amazed by These motorcycles, They continually stand the test of time! They Truly are legendary!

[@inkedoctopus]

I've ridden a K75 across the US twice. It was absolutely smooth & powerful every mile. There are some quirks (sometimes when the computer running the fuel injection gets wet you need to place it in a low-heat oven for a bit), but the engineering is astounding. Every tolerance miniscule, every part perfectly machined. All that and it handles the twisties like a sport bike. Definitely an all-time favorite.

[@redowlranchairfield5994]

You forgot that it's a 750 motorcycle that weighs over 500 pounds! It was a pig. Rode well, plenty of power at the time - but like a fat girl - it's just takes some time to get all that goodness going in the direction you want it to - and darned tough to push around a parking lot. Don't ask how I know the validity of that analogy. Mine didn't have a heat shield. I was certain it was going to take the skin off my thighs a couple times. Those two things are the reasons I don't still own it. But the reason it didn't succeed financially was that it was BMW's first offering for the great unwashed. Before this only BMW people bought BMW's. The company wanted some of those sweet yuppie bucks. But you could buy a Japanese bike for 60 - 70 % of the price - and everybody knew what they were. The engineering didn't matter. The quality didn't matter. Heck the brand didn't matter other than it wasn't Japanese. But it was the start of the death of BMW as a marque. Now they're just another motorcycle company

[@jamesmartin3004]

Prices for used K75’s have just risen 300% - Ryan, you need to share with a select few people what your next review will be so we can buy and then sell and make a tidy profit. Naturally, you get a cut 😂

[@FortNine]

It doesn't always work in my favour! I've been trying to sell that damn Ascot for months, ever since I made the "Worst Motorcycle of the 80s" video. ~RF9

[@nickabrahall1412]

@@FortNine good on you for not selling it before the video release. Imagine if you bought one then watched the video 😬

[@brendonoleary519]

This is a really thoughtful video. I'm not even a biker, just a fan of interesting machines. However, it takes thought and imagination to turn some interesting engineering into a compelling narrative. To do so with reference to the landscape around you is a storytelling tour-de-force. Bravo, Ryan and the team.

[@claytongehrke2176]

The flying brick

[@trytolookbusy]

I have put crazy mileage on a k100RT 1985 had the best cams and splines. Still have K1100LT and a 1990 K1

[@TheRattyBiker]

I loved my flying bricks (3x k100's) and regret the selling of 2 and theft of 1.... There's just something about that well oiled sewing machine effect combined with the torquey train like Pull, the kick to the right (slip to the left) on slippery ground and that roar in the higher rpm's when the can decides it's an exhaust not a muffler... Sure... Your r1/mt09/panagali might take that bend at 105mph... But to me - and anyone else who's had there head truely bricked - your skills ain't worth jack 5417 unless you can "brick that bend" at 70...

[@Gintoki881]

Damm, these Fortnine video are always the whole new level of elite

[@KyleAlexx]

The story telling on these videos is unmatched. The visuals are stimulating. And Ryans voice as smooth as.. well, a K75 BMW motor. Thanks for the video! You have us all waiting patiently (impatiently) for the next one. Till then. Cheers!

[@pangtundure]

This is a piece of an ART

[@mqiqkqer5750]

FortNine is, I believe, the best motoring channel / program. Ryan and the team hit the nail on the head in every show. Even on topics that are pretty out there or obscure, they make it super interesting with just the right amount of humour and plenty of in depth information. The only other show to do this would be Hot Ones. And much like Hot Ones, even if you have no idea about the topic you find your self being gripped the whole way through with the fantastic presenting and media skills of the team.

[@dyanmill532]

You never fail to make me feel like I need to move to colorado, Utah, or BC. The closest off pavement roads to be found near baltimore are 105miles away

[@yodasmomisondrugs7959]

I've been watching for years now, your guy's production and info on bikes and gear are #1. And your right, it sucks we can't have really nice things because they may not bring in as much profit over the long run but would still be in use because of build quality.

[@easley421]

This bike is and was always ugly and impractical. Look at the stretch it takes the handle bars to be in a riding position. Only F9 could make you want one these days with engineering at it's Pinnacle. There's a lot more classics out there worth buying, who cares if the engine won't do a million klicks

[@crabsodyinblue]

@@easley421i and many other ST1100 riders love the K75 handlebars as they make the seating on the otherwise very comfy Pan just a bit more perfect. just as bulky and clunky as the Brick, just as much fun to ride...forever. ugly and impractical takes away nothing from the riding experience

[@englishsteve1465]

@@easley421 Horses for courses isn't it mate. If you're a courier or have a 150 mile round trip commute every day, then the easy maintenance, comfort, reliability _and_ cheap price is hard to argue with.

[@diogorodrigues1961]

And also the first motorcycle to have ABS (optional along with the K100)

[@flyingdutchy01]

funny because the brakes on a k100 are so shockingly bad that abs is pretty much useless.

[@scottminshall6420]

Ryan and crew you hit it out of the park with this one! Awesome filming and location choices guys to say the least, best part "Gretta close your eyes" I about fell out of my chair on that one laughing. You guys never disappoint, keep up the great work guys!!!!!

[@TRyanLearnBikes]

Yet another gem from one of the best channels in the game .

[@sugarnads]

Regardless of genre this is the best channel on youtube.

[@GWAYGWAY1]

What happens when you stick an engine on it’s side? It smokes whenever you park on the side stand . My K100 did that since it came out of the dealer new, in 1984 when I got it. It is chassis number 0000249, the first made for production and sold in UK. I still have it.😊

[@garystackhouse5787]

...and some say, if you listened carefully, you could actually HEAR the price of every single K75 for sale jump by 20%...

[@trailrunnermike]

Yep. As least 20%

[@Lowlander119]

Man I had a K75 for about 5 years in my 20s and it was the oddest, most reliable, goofy looking but endearing motorcycle. Also it was my first jump up from a 250 so I felt like it had the power of a rocketship. So cool to see a video on it even if the nostalgia is a bit painful! Also I'm still spoiled by not needing to do chain maintenance in my formative years! 😂 Long live the Flying Brick!!

[@archer52dhm]

Tell me why every time Ryan showcases a motorcycle in his videos, I want to go out and get one just to experience what he's talking about.

[@HTS888]

I did just this and pick up my K75 tomorrow

[@Voltaic_Fire]

I sometimes wish that I didn't watch these videos, they are so good that they make me miss riding a motorbike very much, it's a profound pain of loss like when you lose a loved one, as silly as that sounds. To know that I'll never again feel the joy and serenity of sweeping around the countryside or the exhilaration of filtering through a city and exploring where cars cannot go, it leaves you feeling as though you've lost a part of yourself forever.

[@skiefer13]

Don’t make me cry

[@tywebbgolfenthusiast8950]

Shit man. I know how you feel. I’ve left motorcycling behind a few times in my 63 years on this rock. I always seem to find my way back.

[@Voltaic_Fire]

@@skiefer13 I'm sorry. :')

[@Voltaic_Fire]

@@tywebbgolfenthusiast8950 I'd go back if I could, I have the time and money but an entirely unrelated injury left me unable to ride or even drive safely. It makes me very sad indeed, I loved riding so much and never truly appreciated it until it was gone.

[@tywebbgolfenthusiast8950]

@@Voltaic_Fire I wondered if that wasn’t it. God bless you my friend. Are you in the Omaha, NE area by any chance?

[@ewdew1386]

A few yeara ago over here in germany there were Loads of these on the market for very cheap, because everybody wanted a flat twin. But since those Things are massively overpriced now the k 75s and k100s Finally got some well deserved Attention

[@wiseoldman5841]

K12RS owner with the checkered fairings. Probably not a great choice for my first bike but boy, she could take a hit. Dropped it with great regularly in the beginning, a few scratches, and that's all. Butter smooth engine and fuel delivery. Still enjoying the bike.

[@cathodion]

I know it doens't add anything to what others have said.... but your video's are on another level man. Calm, artistic, interesting, a gem among all the junk on youtube.

[@dirtcopdualsport]

They are pretty amazing videos