THE BMW K1 BRICK THAT DOES NOT FLY

Dave gets overly animated as he describes his love for the BMW's Flying K1 Brick!
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Video produced by Dave @ Bullpen Cyles

[@rafj2000]

I get the impression that this poor K1 is the one suffering: I used to ride a K1 at 120 mph for hours, it didn't tire at all, and then this poor K1 has to endure this...... please sell it

[@bullpencycles]

I understand why you say that!

[@ApoloniuszMusialek]

I think you just do not like that bike from the start. I personally love it, and to me it looks, and rides perfect. That would be the crown jewel in any collection, as they are so special and rare.

[@whatscoldoing5627]

The K1 was always a limited edition motorcycles. BMW parts are always expensive and rare parts are more so. Mine (same model and colour), I restored (painting the 17 panels was a job for sure) with great results. Riding it is, as you see, a bit tough on the hips for taller & older riders, but it holds the road like a train on rails. Fabulous on smooth roads, but can be a little hard on the kidneys on a rough road!😜

[@SteveParryGwynfryn]

I own a blue and yellow K1, it's very much an autobahn bike it loves fast roads , back lanes and city streets are not its forte. Put it on well surfaced roads with fast smooth curves and it slices through them with precision. It's got a longer wheelbase than the K100RS sibling to aid high speed stability. Even though mine is now 33 years old it will still show 150mph on the sat nav. I've had 5 K100RS's (8 valves) in the past and sell BMW and KTM's for a living and the K1 still feels a modern vehicle on the roads it was intended for.

[@MrSebfrench76]

The red light on the dashboard is a light bulb control. If after braking both the front and the rear it is still on, you got a dead bulb.

[@johnthompson9889]

This guy's opinion should be taken with a pinch of salt.

[@user-jc8cc4ch6w]

Absolutely 💯 percent they really are a magnificent motorcycle 🏍️

[@soundzrinmygarden3833]

I had one of these in 1993. It was a real head turner back in the day. I enjoyed the bike, felt like it was powered by a big electric motor, smooth as silk.

[@bullpencycles]

That is true. The motor is very smooth. Thanks for sharing!

[@DAVIDTORRESANI]

My brother rides a Harley. I ride my K100rt bmw and the difference between our bikes when we show up to park celebrations. Lol For myself, sounds like I'm on a electric bike. No one is bothered by my arrival. My brother on the other hand. Lol My favorite motorcycles is bmw

[@puridade1]

this is a relly beauty bike , thanks for sharing your rebuild , here in brazill i never ever saw one like that .

[@bullpencycles]

Yes, they are pretty tho!

[@feuerreiteroderso8655]

I am sorry you dislike the bike so much. I think that the problem is that you had other expectations from the bike. It's a supersport bike and not a sport touring bike. All that comes with the sporty position of the pegs and the missing storage options for belongings. It also hurts that you don't push the bike, because it's "too heavy", which is true, but that is what it was made for. All of that combined with the long waiting times for parts can get frustrating. Here in Germany it's way easier to get your hands on one, because of the 6000 produced 2000 stayed here. Hope the K1 hasn't taken all your love for the Beemers, greetings from Germany.

[@bullpencycles]

Would you put the K1 in the same category of Yamaha's FJ? I really like my R1200C.

[@feuerreiteroderso8655]

@@bullpencycles I wouldn't do that, but just because it isn't a very good supersport, it doesn't automatically fall into the the sport touring compartment. Here is an old review of the bike kzbin.info/www/bejne/jamTmoekYqqZgKs that helps showing that the K1 was never intended as a touring bike. Besides that I am glad you like your R1200C so much, I personally love the old R100s. We still have a few of these in our garage, even a few Beemers with sidecars. Just to mention it by the way, a problem that's often brought up with the K1 is the enormous heat development while riding low speeds that you could have brought up aswell. :D

[@johninedmond1991]

It looks nice, you did a good job despite all the problems. You should probably sell that one before something else breaks. Might have been better to sell it before you released this video though.

[@bullpencycles]

Ha! Yes. I tried selling that for a long time. I eventually wholesaled it to a vintage dealer from New Zealand. It went there. Thanks!

[@jdevona3469]

Strikes and all it's still a nice looking motorcycle.

[@DAVIDTORRESANI]

Please. Just give me the bike. Lol I will cherish this baby. I'm 34 with the same love that old white dudes have this bike.

[@LalaneMotors]

Nice Brick!

[@LucaSuper7]

I have one in Europe and rode it for about 50 thousand miles without a single problem. Riding it in first and second gear doesn’t show what the bike can do. The red light that you were worried about is a safety measure because it is supposed to go off once you have used your front and rear brake. If it stays on it means that the bulb of the rear light is blown. Regarding the riding position, first, the handlebars are turned down too low which makes you ride in an unnatural position and, second, most K1 owners raise the seat by about an inch which gives you a perfect ride. You are very much entitled to your views and all I can say is that in its environment - fast highways and parkways of Europe it’s an amazing bike to ride. Perhaps its new owner will ride it the way it was designed and will appreciate its qualities.

[@bullpencycles]

Yes, I might have given it longer to love

[@LuckiesLife]

Those handlebars look like they are pulled back a ways.

[@bullpencycles]

Dunno

[@bunshoft]

Had to come watch the famous K1 video! Lol. My next door neighbor bought one of these new in '89 or '90. I was very impressed. It was the most expensive, technologically advanced, coolest looking, etc. motorcycle I had ever seen. Pure unobtainium for a teenager. Seeing it now, I can appreciate the K1 for what it truly is, a dressed up flying brick, a garage queen, a collector's item not for riding but for looking at and admiring. This bike was my first motorcycle crush and you never fully get over your first crush.

[@bullpencycles]

Thank you!

[@jtwu8931]

They don’t do cheap. I needed two washer for my grab handle to sit properly to the frame: $10 a washer.

[@bullpencycles]

Oh man! Ouch!

[@hansmonitio7462]

Relax, it is just a 16 valve K 100 rs dressed differently. It was a collectors item from the start.

[@buckeyeinchina84]

Great ride review. Thanks! What's your asking price? I'd love to add this to my "collection"!

[@bullpencycles]

Glad you like it. Thank you. Its $8900 USD also on our Facebook and website.

[@FLDX-ck4ob]

You need to go really fast with these ones, it's sport touring bike. When you go fast, you know what it is all about! Then you know!

[@bullpencycles]

Yes you can probably tell. I found the package a bit intimidating but I'm old and stiff

[@bertrandlussier8150]

I had the blue/yellow in 1990, best bike i ever have.

[@bullpencycles]

I knew of blue and silver, but also yellow? I did not know of blue and yellow. Probably better than my McDonalds one

[@Mieke3133]

I know a chap who purchased a K100 in 1984. Over 15 years, he used it daily and put a mileage of 325K on the clock. That's without a major overhaul, and just a couple of replacement clutches. I don't know of any other make of motorcycle that could achieve that. I purchased a 97 R1100RS (similar to your No.96 race bike) and put 60K miles on over 10 years. So I think you do BMW a disservice - they are RELIABLE if used and maintained regularly. The K1 was an unusual model that never appealed to me, but was more of a concept motorcycle.

[@bullpencycles]

Yes, they are very reliable

[@m.f.m.67]

Ride it? By your complaining about the riding position, I can only assume you never even sat on the damn thing! Poor bike, I hope it is adopted by someone that will give it the love and care it deserves.

[@uweneumann6272]

Give me one of this bike, ans one for you. Then we fired through the black forest. At the end, ich have two bears, and no sight to you 🙂

[@gregory203]

interesting keychain...al piemonte ford...you must be near Chicago!

[@bullpencycles]

yes. the owner bought it near Chicago

[@robertreasor7522]

I loved the K1100RS so I thought I would love the K1.I don't. If only it rode half as good as it looks I would be fine with it. And I rode at high speed for long periods of time. That's my favorite thing to do on a machine that's built for it. Problem with the k1 is it's not good at anything else except looking good. And it's very good at that!

[@bullpencycles]

Oh Thank you. Finally someone else who didnt get swept into by the K1 mania! I get so much grief from many who really like that bike, but I just dont either. Thank you.

[@uweneumann6272]

I buy this bike in 1990 for 16.000 D-Marks, one year old. Lot of money in this time. But the best bike, which is my ass ever sitting. And...the Brembos in this time...you need two fingers, and the wheel stopps. Guy! This is an 30 years old bike. In limited Edition of roundabout only 5000 pieces over all. Ok, I see, you are a Boxer-Fan...all clear...

[@bullpencycles]

The custom brembos are about my biggest beef, well and the fork sliders $$$ but I was able to get brakes for my Van Veen, they made only 38 of those, but rebuild kits for my VV were only a phone call to my Brembo dealer. Ill update the Van Veen video soon. Yeah, boxers are better for my old butt. Thank you for watching and commenting

[@artyspost]

I had one back in 95, red and yellow. I bought it as a wreck with front end crash. Got the frame straighten, but they couldn't fix the rake. The forks were really vertical. It was 100mm shorter wheelbase. Used it for 3 years, the thing handled like a zx7, front on rails, rear light, and slippery. Then, I sold it and bought an immaculate blue one, sold it in 1 month as I couldn't handle the lethargic sloppy handling. BMW should have sharpened the rake to at least 25 deg

[@reinmansmith]

Actually although the riding position initially feels quite ‘sporty’ once you’ve ridden one for a while you realise that the position works for sustained high speed riding which is exactly what the bike is designed to do. Whilst you may have to tour with just a toothbrush and a credit card due to the restricted luggage capacity, you’ll cover the miles with ease in head turning style, guaranteed to turn heads and gather a crowd wherever you go. Nobody believes it’s a 33yr old machine. I’ve happily covered 3-400 miles days while on tour with less back ache or ‘numb bum’ than I’ve experienced on a more traditional touring machine……. If she’s not for you I hope she went to someone who would appreciate her 👍

[@bullpencycles]

It went to a dealer in New Zealand.

[@user-jc8cc4ch6w]

I new it wouldn't last long

[@simonapeters4372]

Say what you want there’s no bike cooler

[@bullpencycles]

None, not one? Its your top of the top 10, really?

[@simonapeters4372]

If you don’t like it I will buy it get it to Kansas City

[@bullpencycles]

Its been sold tho. Thank you.

[@truewoodster9819]

looks like you bought yourself i money pit mate! personally i love these bikes, wish to own one

[@simonapeters4372]

If you rode around every once in a while you wouldn’t have all these problems

[@bullpencycles]

Well, it came to me as a non-runner, so there's that.

[@allieb5841]

Not sure what his expectations were but this bike had an extremely limited production run of 7,000 making parts very expensive and hard to find. The ride and performance of the bike were normal for its day. Not all sport touring bikes are over night bikes that are expected to carry luggage. It was limited in horse power by German laws yet went surprisingly fast for its horsepower. This was largely due to its highly advanced aerodynamics. It also had shaft drive which made it extremely low maintenance and was one of the first production bikes with anti lock brakes. The last three features made it heavier but it also got nearly 60 mph. Don't hate the player, hate the game. Motorcycles are full of endless compromises and this wasn't the bike for you. Why not pick up an early eighties Subaru and grouse about how bad it is compared to the new Subaru outback. Obviously for you, the glass is half empty.

[@user-jc8cc4ch6w]

You don't seem to no much about the beemers these are very good bike's iv owned many K series models 1 with over 200000 KMs on the clock

[@bullpencycles]

I didnt. Twas my first K model.

[@gregfeeler6910]

Dave, You seem to know something about BMWs, so I’m surprised with the reasons why you don’t like your K1. Am I out of line by saying that anyone with BMW experience knows that parts are expensive? OTOH, you can get parts for 30- to 50-year-old bikes (and cars) that almost no other manufacture provides. So, are you right to be unhappy that they cost so much, or happy that you can get new OEM parts? I take the latter view. I own a 1990 blue-and-yellow K1 which came to me with 11,000 miles 20 years ago (and now has 19,000 miles). They are not everyone’s taste for sure. Clearly, I only ride mine occasionally. It’s fair that you would not like a K1, but you blew me away when after a ten-minute rant about parts prices, etc. you reveal that you’d never ridden the bike before, so had no idea what a K1 was like. Really? I think you would have done better to have researched the history and purpose of this bike before making the statements you did. It’s not just another weird looking bike. Something over 6,000 were sold during the production run - mostly in Europe where there were many color variations, in the US and Canada sales were under 700 total according to my research. Given that, most people in North America really don’t know what one is, or what it was built for. The K1 was a technology platform for BMW. The K1 introduced things which were subsequently adopted to the later K100’s, K1100’s, and first Oilheads. This is a typical BMW practice - to introduce a high-end model with new tech which is then applied across the more basic models over time. Here’s a list of things introduced by the K1 platform: 1. 4-piston front brake calipers 2. Floating front disk rotors 3. 4-valve shim-under-bucket engine 4. Much improved Motroic fuel injection to replace the original LE-Jetronic 5. Strengthened frame 6. Marzocchi front forks 7. Radial tires standard 8. Paralever rear suspension/swing arm design It was designed as a sport bike, and in no way a sport touring bike as you stated. One can argue that it was or wasn’t a competitive sportbike in 1990, but for the BMW line it most certainly was, but in a very BMW way. This bike is a designed for very high-speed running well above any legal limit in the US, and on wide open sweepers. Your test ride around your neighborhood was the equivalent of riding a Moto GP bike around the pits. I can tell you from personal experience that a K1 in its element somewhere well into triple digits is an amazing experience. All that aerodynamic body work really works, and you can fell the bike slicing through the air like a shark through the water. As for some of your other comments, yes, BMW provided soft luggage because even racers need to change underwear, but when installed correctly, neither the rear bags nor tank bag will damage the finish. Not to be too blunt about it, but a fuel pump going bad from sitting because you didn’t drain the tank. That will happen with any bike with an in-tank FI pump, especially with ethanol fuel. And, it is really a fault of the bike that people didn’t wash it correctly to remove salt from the top of the fork tubes? Any number of full fairing bikes would have the same problem. The front fairing halves do crack around the fork tubes. That’s a legitimate hit. BMW used the wrong material to make those to the regret of every K1 owner. I guess in retrospect I should have suspected that you hadn’t really ridden it because you didn’t mention how hot one of these can be due to the engine heat coming out from under the tank and inside the fairing lowers, especially when ridden at low speeds. You will NOT want to be wearing shorts, but rather proper riding boots and heavy pants for insulation. Ask me how I know. 😊 It’s not the bike’s fault people don’t wash it correctly to remove salt from the top of the fork tubes. Any number of full fairing bikes would have the same problem. A bit more looking and asking around on the Internet will show that the rear seat faring is not installed correctly. It goes OVER the rear grab handle - not in front of it. The way you have it will likely push you forward into the tank. All the BMW classic K-bikes (K100/K75/K1/K1100) required the use of the “choke” lever to maintain sufficient idle when cold. It’s not a choke at all, but an idle adjustment lever taken from the R-bikes with carbs (and some were still labeled “Choke”). Yes, all the K’s were fuel injected but they didn’t have any system to adjust cold idle speed like the later K1200 series. All the early Oilhead boxers also require this same manual adjustment. Another thing about classic K-bikes is that they all have a brake light function test which must be performed after each startup. The rider must tap both the front and rear brake levers and the brake light must light each time for the dash waring light to go out. That way you always know both brake light switches and the brake light itself are working. So, I don’t really want to dump on you, but in fairness to the bike, I must correct what I see as misstatements or lack of information, and then express a different perspective. I will say that from the video it looks like you did an awesome job with the resorting it, and it’s going to make someone a great bike.

[@bullpencycles]

Thank you for your very thoughtful comment. That took you quite a long time to write and I appreciate that. We'll disagree on what we each think of the bike, that's fine. It's true, part of my dislike is the story of things outside of BMW's control. And yes, I had not ridden the bike because it took so long to make it roadworthy again. That's all part of my learning experience, which is why I undertake projects like these. I'm usually pretty good at finding parts and sources for bikes well less common than this. Consider the Brembo brakes for my Bimota, or Grimeca on the Hercules, both produced in way less numbers than the K1, but those manufacturers did not alter their brakes so that I could only source parts from them. Parts availability is enhanced, and the parts often less expensive. For the Hercules - front brakes shared with Moto-Morini, and the Bimota - rear caliper -shared on some Guzzis. In most cases, I can get kits directly from Brembo, (Grimeca stuff is getting hard now, but they are much older). I can say the same thing for some Ducati fuel pumps, and other stuff - but not usually when it comes to BMW. PS: my seat cowl is not actually installed. It's just sitting on there for looks like some other accessories I have stored next to the bike when its parked. I am truly glad though that you cleared the record and offered your view.

[@gregfeeler6910]

@@bullpencycles I hope I came across as mostly constructive with my comments - that way my intention - and yes, it took a while. :-) I totally accept that it's not a bike for you, and it's not for a whole bunch of people. They do draw a crowd now because so few people even know what one is, or have never seen one in the flesh. I enjoy mine because it does not have to be my daily rider, and I bought it at an excellent price at the time. I know maintaining a video channel is no small amount of work, so my hat is off you to for your work and dedication to yours. Thanks.

[@bullpencycles]

@@gregfeeler6910 I took your comment as purely constructive. I appreciate you watching

[@garyinkin4834]

Jeez what a cry baby! Why the hell does he still own it if it's as bad as he says it is!!! I guess the next thing he's gonna blame BMW for is the low air pressure in the tyres? . .

[@jurgenschunemann5671]

it has always been a little more expensive to have a special taste😂

[@DTM.Desperado]

If you think restoring bikes is expensive, try restoring classic bmw cars. Ive had 8 or so classic bmws, one e30 with over $100k invested. Its all part of the game, atleast we only pay bmw tax and not porche tax 😂

[@bullpencycles]

Yes, I can imagine! That's why I do bikes! Oh my!

[@bobtranquilli9985]

That thing is hard on the eyes.

[@bobtranquilli9985]

And the "ketchup & mustard" paint scheme doesn't help.

[@sburns2421]

This bike is so ugly it comes back around and looks good. Some BMW and several Moto Guzzis have this "awesome ugly" nature. Would love to have one some day, have always liked how weird and unique they are. Honestly would prefer one of these than almost any other BMW, new or old.

[@bullpencycles]

That's what I thought then!

[@barkchip1872]

Greetings from over the Pond. Flabbergasted that you can ride in just a t-shirt in January?! I'm wearing a vest, a polo shirt and 3 fleeces - and I'm not outside! Thanks for the video. Came looking for a K1 being ridden and here it is! Shame the indicators didn't work! (perhaps the flashing repeater light on the dash doesn't work?)

[@bullpencycles]

Yes, our peak riding season is winter. Some locals don't ride in Summer, me not included.

[@josephandreuccetti7270]

Some bikes are worth paying a lil more for and not fixing lol 😂 just ride it and throw it away for the same thing you pay for it

[@johnathandaviddunster38]

I have to say it , is the dog still in the garage ? Doesn't sound happy ...

[@bullpencycles]

She good. You should see her when I let her out and try to ride. See how she reacts here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3W5aqWLd56ap5I

[@oscarrosenboom8315]

You Can buy a repairset for the master cilinder for a vew bucks. The fender halves i got. in a vew Weeks. I like it. It is a Special bike with an important Place in BMW histrorie. Ok. It is not perfect. But nothing is. You Could be a Bit More positive. Makes you a more likeable Guy.

[@bullpencycles]

Yeah, I tried the kit first. But the bike was forlorn, and the bore was corroded. They don't always work. It did not. But yeah, some think I kicked a puppy. That's OK. We don't all like every bike, but I do have another red BMW coming up. Just bought a red airhead GS to try out! Maybe I will make the cut on the next video. I'm glad you are even handed. Thank you.

[@therealgaragegirls]

I do not miss Florida at all.

[@bullpencycles]

Oh, sounds like a story there. Hope you happy in your new place, wherever that is.

[@therealgaragegirls]

@@bullpencycles Thank you for your video. I know you had your issues with the K1. I've had bikes like that. Yes, Florida. Long story. #PTSD LOL

[@user-jc8cc4ch6w]

You definitely have the wrong opinion on this bike it really is a collector's item limited edition give it to me I'll look after the baby it's in immaculate condition for it's age just because you don't like them doesn't mean other people wouldn't you will be very sorry when you sell it

[@bullpencycles]

I wasn't sorry, but there is a butt for every seat. Just not mine on that!

[@robertreasor7522]

My 1996 ZX1100 is much better at everything I bought it new and it's a lot more for a whole lot less.The K1 would be a great sculpture in my den.

[@bullpencycles]

Sculpture yes, but they really dont like sitting.

[@robertreasor7522]

@@bullpencycles Most vehicles don't do well being parked for extended periods of time no matter if it's a motorcycle or a car. They're meant to be used.

[@andreasschneider1401]

Most stupid Introduction of a bike I‘ve ever seen.You have no Idea of that bike , start with a negativ opinion and next need help from a BMW Specialist.You start the engine not knowing to touch both brakes to get that red light off.You drive in a zone you‘ve never seen before with an engine that seems to run on old gas.Your Turn left at the crossroad shows you have no Idea how much revs you need to use the clutch oil and coolant.You talk about prices for spareparts ignoring that the same parts for japanese bikes of that time are easy 35-45% more!I‘ve had a K1 for 8 years.173780 Miles until it was stolen.1 clutch,some brakepads,lots of tyres,1 Batterie and one bearing!There are a lot more ( who by the way didn‘t need the help of a BMW Mechanic)who drove These more than 125000 miles without a Problem.In This case the SUCKER was not the bike,or was the one sitting on it!

[@pinksky3243]

that is not a touring bike, if you know about touring ,something

[@bullpencycles]

Definitely not!

[@deltawar5444]

Sooooo You buy a Classic bike... That needs restoration... Not only that, you buy a Classic bike that had a ton of Technical details to perform what the makers wanted her to do (Aerodynamics)... Not only that you buy a Classic bike that was the Flagship of BMW at the time... And then you rant about the prices of Parts, of the time it gets to get a part of a RARE motorcycle, and for the exclusivity of the parts used... God job... As for the Riding part, Well thats why we test drive the bikes before we buy them... Its like me Buying a BMW R1250GS Adventure then going on a rant because its parts are not as cheap as a Honda CB 650... And complaining it isnt as agile as a Super Moto... And that it doesnt go as fast as a ZX10 Ninja...

[@bullpencycles]

Thank you for watching. I think however, the fork tubes are not special that they warrant 4 times the cost, ditto standard brake calipers just with a different logo aren't somehow better, and the front fender is a known defect. So, we just disagree and that's great. I'm glad you watched and voiced a different opinion.

[@deltawar5444]

@@bullpencycles I do agree... With that... BMW is known for Jacking up the cost of parts... I own a 92 E34 525i and let me tell you keeping it Always pristine... Its tough on the wallet... But as far as the time the parts take... Its kinda normal seeing they're old models and the parts are not always available nearby (though in your case being in the USA must be easier for the maker - theoretically)... I Liked your video overall though dont get me wrong...

[@bullpencycles]

@@deltawar5444 Thanks a bunch! The parts for my R1200C are also a bit pricey, (not as much as the K1) but I really like the R1200C.

[@deltawar5444]

@@bullpencycles I Saw that bike on the Video.., Its a Beauty...

[@fmargti]

U complitely misjudge this bike , it has such a new ideas like flywheel turning other way to crank and soo many more that u can put it to school class and learn students about tech bike. Strike,strake omg ask your self if u stand 5min without compleaning about something. Good day

[@bullpencycles]

Have you priced a brake caliper seal lately?

[@user-jc8cc4ch6w]

Don't sell the bike there extremely rare bike's they are meant for touring and will sit on 100 mph all day just lopping along i just don't think you like it

[@bullpencycles]

It went to New Zealand. Took me forever to sell it tho!

[@larsveldman2374]

This guy is a joke lol

[@pinksky3243]

you do not know what are you talking about, at all

[@bullpencycles]

I know that I dont like that bike.

[@IRISH4486]

It’s obvious that you don’t have much experience on a bike. You’re torturing that poor bike

[@bullpencycles]

Yup, this one was not for me. I'm 60ish, with a wired up spine and a noticeable gimp, but there is a butt for every seat. This one was not for me