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SPECS · PICS · RATING
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Review of the 1985 BMW K 100 RT:My Other Kid |
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Author: Scott Hillen, 2008-02-27, viewed 434 times. | ||||||
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Bought this bike, new, while stationed in Berlin. Managed to get the Lava Rot, European spec motorcycle (such as is pictured), into the United States and titled - twice (Once, in each of two different states). Have never regretted the effort. | ||||||
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For over five years, the K-100RT was my only form of transportation. But, I live in Southern California. So, that is not a problem. Thereafter, followed a prolonged period of storage (Nine years). However, soon as I was able to, the bike was restored, under concourse guidelines. Meaning that, even the “Touring” emblems, on the saddlebags have been retained, rather than their having been replaced with the US version, rectangular, red, reflectors. It remains in this condition, to the day. One might imagine a sport/touring motorcycle to be exceptional in neither category, as this may be the case with many hybrids. But, I have found the quiet smoothness of the engine and running gear to vastly understate the capabilities of the machine. The shaft drive does provide some gyroscopic effect. However, one quickly becomes inured to this sensation, as the effect is very minor. Torque curve is, virtually, limitless. Were it not for computer control of the RPM’s, the motorbike would blow itself up; though, it would achieve this end at a literal diagonal incline of power. This particular bike has been taken to speeds of up to 142 mph, in Europe and the deserts of the US. At 9,500 rpm the engine is slowed down. At 10,000 rpm, fuel to the engine is completely cut off - these actions being controlled, by a built-in computer. Yes, it gets hot, during the summer. However, having the European-style windscreen (with the attached flare, for venturi effect) does help cool one down. Still, the rubberized knee pads, at either side of the fuel tank, do prove inadequate in providing proper cooling insulation from the heat of the engine/tank. However, that same windscreen, along with the RT fairing, will keep one dry - even during even a downpour - so long as one keeps moving, while it rains. I must admit, that my attention to the maintenance, of this motorcycle, has been nothing less than obsessive. In return, I have received over twenty-three years of unrelenting reliability. All-in-all, it has been a substantial vehicle, in every manner. One, I should hope to be able to maintain for many years to come. Even then, it would still be ahead of its time, in many ways. |
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