Bmw k100rs?

[Triceps]

Looking at purchasing a bike of this model, Any advice on pros and cons on this choice of bike?
Any riders local to Christchurch can advise?

Cheers

[MIXONE]

Great bike for the $ imo. as long as you aren't expecting a true sports bike.Think more along the lines of a fantastic mile muncher that you can do a lap of the Mainland two up in comfort.
Make sure it has been well maintained and check out the splines on the diff.If the rear shock hasn't been replaced it should have been by now.
You actually have to do a few hundred k's in one sitting before you can start to appreciate them.
Probably an old man's bike so I'm glad I fit that demographic.

[cs363]

Great bike for the $ imo. as long as you aren't expecting a true sports bike.Think more along the lines of a fantastic mile muncher that you can do a lap of the Mainland two up in comfort.
Make sure it has been well maintained and check out the splines on the diff.If the rear shock hasn't been replaced it should have been by now.
You actually have to do a few hundred k's in one sitting before you can start to appreciate them.
Probably an old man's bike so I'm glad I fit that demographic.

What he said :) And extra emphasis on taking one for a decent ride to really appreciate it, a quick spin around the block won't tell you much and certainly won't let the bike reveal it's true self.
I used to sell these when they were new and was never a big beemer fan until I rode a K100RS on a long trip, after that I started to appreciate the virtues of the rest of the range...
Seems to be a few coming out of the woodwork for quite reasonable money at present, If you want a capable,comfortable long distance touring bike with a bit of a sporty edge you can't go to wrong with one of these IMO. If you are more of a scratcher/demon late braker type, look elsewhere.

[Triceps]

Thanks for your views.

[Blackbird]

I had one before the 'bird. Had it for 7 years and it was an '85 model - really liked it. Only had 2 problems.

- the water pump shaft sheared where there is a change in diameter. The sharp transition caused a stress raiser. Later models had a design change but I don't know what year the change was made.
- I had an intermittent problem with the instrument console playing up but I eventually took it apart and cleaned all the contacts and the problem went away.

The manual on mine said "leaded fuel only" so when leaded fuel was phased out, I used that syringe additive.... to my cost. The bloody additive progressively clogged the in-line filter! Switched to unleaded and no more probs.

Oh, and I did 3 of the 1000 miles in 24 hour Grand Challenges on mine and it performed admirably except that the narrow bars caused a fair bit of arm ache and it needed a sheepskin on the seat!

[geoffm]

I had a 16v model for 7 years or so until Mr Chen wanted my bit of road. Fantastic long range tourer, but heavy and down on power against later machines. The k1200s solve the power problem at the expense of more weight.
IMO, get the 16v over the earlier model, as it has wide rims, paralever and 4 piston brakes. Whatever you do, make sure you get one with panniers - they are hold heaps (better than the K12 ones) and are the biz for a long trip.
I have some K panniers for sale if anyone wnatum...

[Conquiztador]

I picked up a K100 a few months ago cheap. She runs like a dream. Can not fault her. 1986 8 valve model. I only bought her as a temporary solution until something else I am completing is getting sorted. But I have taken a real liking to her and now she is also lined up for a customising job (old habits die hard...)

Comments:
- Instruments on earlier models did not have a ventilation, so would give problems with condensation. Mine had a problem but I got hold of later model ones and swapped. Problem solved. The instruments are fully electronic.
- The girl has maintenance that is needed. But if you are a little handy you can do it all your self. Not like a jap bike where you can not get in, heaps of space.
- Rear suspension is a weak point. New "upgrade" shock is $400.
- Front suspension is soft. I have a set of progressive springs I will fit. Tomorrow...
- She happily pulls up to red line (and past) and has more then enough of umph. 5 gears.
- Don't be scared for high mileage. They are run in at 20,000k's and will take you to 200,000k's and past before any serious work is needed.
- New bits are very expensive!

Feel free to check this: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=442

Here all you will ever need to know (and a really good checklist for a noob with these): http://www.motorcycle.co.uk/Articles/Buyers-guide/Early-BMW-K-Series.aspx

Good luck, and you will not be disappointed (as long as you are not planning to get the knee down...)