Hello all. Just arrived fresh from the Harley XR1200 forums. Loved the beast to bits but it had to go. The Frau (yes she is quite German) could not live with the tiny pillion pad and the high footrests. As everything German is apparantly superior ( ) I am now looking at K75's K100's and K1100's as a sensible replacement. And to be honest I quite like the way they are put together. So if you're selling one or know somebody selling one, let me know.

Me and the Frau are in our 50's. She's a massage therapist, witch/shaman/reiki practicioner. Me, well I'm an ex mechanic with a useless degree in transport management. Into general weirdness and dabble with the shamanism too, a bit. Bit of a geek/nerd. You know, into scifi, comics and not averse to a bit of gaming too (though I do not get the chance too often). We are in Rainworth, Nottingham. She is from Berlin and I am from Bradford. I have already bought several books and manuals for/about the K series bikes and I am looking forward to getting my hands on one (gonna junk the ABS, if it has it, as a first mod - it just looks ridiculous and lighter must be faster (right?)

Mark

I dunno... The ABS on my K1100 has saved my skin a coupla times now I reckon.
If ever I need a sharman..... I'll send you a PM.

WelKome to the forum

But I'm with Hollister here - keep the ABS. I know too many stories where it's saved someone from serious injury.

We used to dream of having an ABS!

 From Oz (and Yorkshire?)

Bill

Another welkome from Oz, I'm sure you will love the 'K' when you get one - especially if you like touring on a bike. I know I'm biased but I think you will wonder why you rode the Harley once you have travelled on a 'K'.

I have ABS II on my K1100 and wouldn't dream of removing it, but I did a project build on a 1990 K75 with the older style ABS and couldn't get it to engage reliably so removed it, which fitted the style of stripped down bike I was after.

Look forward to hearing how your story unfolds.

Cheers

Hi Mark,

If you are the right height the K1100LT would seem to be really a great choice and has the bells and whistles like ABS etc.

From those I know who travel 2 up its very comfortable for a pillion, will eat miles all day and leave you feeling fresh. The K100LT will also do it just as well but for some the K1100 is an improvement. I am staying K100 because I don't want the extra weight. Even the weight reduction from the K100LT down to a K100RT made a huge difference for me.

But do not dismiss the K75LT or Ultima, they are very very smooth, not too much weight either and extremely nice for travelling and touring on. Also very economical on juice. 88 [Will] has a mix of K75, K100 and K1100 and has tried them all 2 up. Suss him out, you just might have to come over here and buy him a beer! The K1100 will bring the word 'turbine' to mind'.

Best advice if you go looking is to try it out 2 up. There are seat options and these make a big difference.

All are ok to work on, every bike always has something to go at. The K engines are unburstable and parts availability is great.

From my time with them I see the clutch and rear engine crankshaft seal as the only potential awkward ones but still won't hit you as hard as an exhaust or swing arm for some well known Japanese bikes!. The routine stuff on the Ks is a doddle to get at, starter, alternator, plugs, filters, brake pads, engine management, timing chain, valve clearances, battery, relays etc. The forum is brilliant for tips, ideas, parts etc and all the guys are great for advice and help and banter. Some of us do meet up from time to time and have made some good virtual and face to face friends. If you travel do make sure to let us know, we love visitors over here and will try to get a meet up. If you don't travel now is the time to start planning some.

Welcome!

You shouldn't be surprised to hear that we think you have made a great choice!

Thanks to all the guys and sheilas that commented. I feel right at home. Feels very familiar

Hi Mark welcome to the Knuthaus. I see that you have already met a good cross section of the inmates.
Think carefully about removing the ABS it may be a little heavy and ungainly but still not as bad as a plaster cast.
Mine has got me out of some hairy situations that would have been a lot more difficult to deal with if not for the steering while under heavy brakes.

Hi Brigantian,
welcome to the world of "K" bikes. 
I live about 10 miles from you in Huthwaite , so anytime you want drop in for advice / help / coffee  and cake,  please feel free.
I am on my second K100 LT, and she ticks all the boxes for me, enough power, weather protection and is very smooth compared to my old boxer twins. 
Spanner work is fairly straight forward, even fixing a faulty ABS system.
I love my K and wouldnt swap for anything else
Bob

audibob wrote:Hi Brigantian,
welcome to the world of "K" bikes. 
I live about 10 miles from you in Huthwaite , so anytime you want drop in for advice / help / coffee  and cake,  please feel free.
I am on my second K100 LT, and she ticks all the boxes for me, enough power, weather protection and is very smooth compared to my old boxer twins. 
Spanner work is fairly straight forward, even fixing a faulty ABS system.
I love my K and wouldnt swap for anything else
Bob

Thanks Bob. Trying to get the Frau to go look at a K1100RS in Malton this weekend. We also have a bungalow we rent out in Hilcote. We know Huthwaite quite well.

Welcome and have fun with your search for a good Brick.  RS...way to go!  Such a cool looking bike. Keep us all updated with how the search goes.

Regards
Nigel

Brigantian wrote:

audibob wrote:Hi Brigantian,
welcome to the world of "K" bikes. 
I live about 10 miles from you in Huthwaite , so anytime you want drop in for advice / help / coffee  and cake,  please feel free.
I am on my second K100 LT, and she ticks all the boxes for me, enough power, weather protection and is very smooth compared to my old boxer twins. 
Spanner work is fairly straight forward, even fixing a faulty ABS system.
I love my K and wouldnt swap for anything else
Bob

Thanks Bob. Trying to get the Frau to go look at a K1100RS in Malton this weekend. We also have a bungalow we rent out in Hilcote. We know Huthwaite quite well.

If you try out the RS and find it a little sporty in the riding position bar risers can be added. I would also suggest try a K1100LT
as it has a more upright position. It is possible to swap components, bars, clutch cable, front brake hose being different on both models.

.... Trying to get the Frau to go look at a K1100RS in Malton this weekend.

The K1100RS is a great machine.
Before you take a look, have a read of this. It may help you to understand what to look for.
You just bought a used K100, so what now?

Hi Brigatian,

As Olaf said I've had K100/K75c and am now mounted on a K1100RS.

The K in any form will be a transformation from a HD1200 but superb for 2 up touring. 

The all have sufficient power and gearing to eat up a continental country in a day for touring. 

The LT fairing gives superb weather protection for our climate in all seasons. the RS gives a good bit too but nothing as good as the LT.

on my RS I've  had a couple of little Lockups and a power slide (  ) of the back wheel as the riding position is more forward and less weight on the rear than the LT. The power is a joy coming from the K75, but has turned me into a holligan! My ABS is not working but I ingtend to sort it after those twitchy little incidents.

Let us know what you finally get, we'll be keen to hear!

Sound advice indeed. Is the RS up on eBay or anything?

88 here bought a K1100RS last December. It was in my area and being a 3 hour ride away from me so Will asked me to take a look. As it happened the seller was the same guy I got to sort my K100LT when I got it. It needed a few things doing to it but it was as advertised and cosmetically good and I was most impressed with it. I think he likes it now!!!!!

To be honest I haven't met any disappointed K1100 owners. I also know quite a few BMW owners who like newer bikes and are wistful about the Ks they sold off years back.

Mental telepathy!

Hi Mark,
how was the viewing on the K1100rs.  I see it is still on e-bay .
Bob

Hi, from another Notts. K rider...