1985 BMW K100

Built as a café racer with a twist during lockdown, this wonderful BMW K100 RT was first registered in 1985. Showing just two former keepers on the V5, it spent many years in storage before being bought by the seller as a barn find in 2018.

Beautifully prepared with a vibrant Porsche Irish Green fuel tank, quilted tan leather saddle, chunky off-road tyres, and a whole host of thoughtful details, this multi-purpose machine draws crowds wherever it goes.

Only now being sold because he’s got a new project to keep him busy, the lower estimate we’ve put on it represents approximately what it owes him in financial terms, which means you’re getting his labour for free!

The Porsche Irish Green petrol tank sets the tone of the quality of the build, a tone that’s supported by Rizoma indicators on the handlebar ends, LED rear indicators, and a tiny LED tail light, all of which add an element of safety and style.

The fuel cap is a machined alloy item, a lovely industrial touch that echoes the bike’s impressive mechanical specification.

The wheels are from a BMW S1000RR and they’d fitted with matching Continental Twinduro tyres. M&S rated, they’re capable of taking you places you’d struggle to walk…

Less is certainly more here, and that’s about all there is to the ‘exterior’ of this K100.

There isn’t a whole lot to the ‘interior’ but what there is, is perfectly spec’d.

Like the custom saddle, which is a ridiculously cool quilted leather jobbie. Made in Holland by Silver Machines using distressed tan leather, it balances style with comfort very well.

Instrumentation comes in the form of a Motogadget digital speedometer and a T&T oil temperature gauge, the former mounted on a custom CNC yoke made to fit the S1000RR front forks.

As with the previous section, the fact that there is so little on the ‘bike means the owner has been able to fit only the very best – and to ensure that everything is fitted to best effect. The result is stunning.

The styling might be drool-worthy but it’s the mechanical specification that really impresses.

The entire front end is from a BMW S1000RR, which gives the bike its adjustable front suspension and uber-powerful Brembo brake caliper and a huge front discs. The rear Brembo set-up is no less impressive and is operated via a beautiful BSK Speedworks rearset. Venhill Engineering brake lines connect the lot and the whole thing is dialled in to haul the ‘bike to a halt in short order.

YSS adjustable rear suspension works in harmony with the factory adjustable front forks to provide the new owner with a foolproof way to balance handling and ride to best suit their individual taste.

The gearchange is made using a matching machined alloy BSK Speedworks lever, and, as you can see, the whole lot is as beautifully presented as everything else he’s fitted.

The engine, which is standard and benefits from a new timing chain, exhales via an Akrapovic sports exhaust, so it sounds as good as it goes.

The seller tells us that “nothing needs doing” to the BMW.

The bike has had a fresh service in August 2023.

The MoT certificate, which expires in August 2024, was gained with no advisories, something it’s achieved since it was first MoT’d in 2020 after coming out of long-term storage.

A genuine labour of love, this BMW K100 helped the seller get through the lockdowns we all endured. As such, he wasn’t under any time or commercial pressures to get it finished, so was able to take his time and concentrate on getting it exactly as he wanted.

The result is fantastic with the sort of attention to detail any professional custom motorcycle builder would be proud of. Now fully occupied with his next hobby project, he feels it’s time to let his creation go to someone who has the time to enjoy it.

If, like the seller, you enjoy tinkering then this won’t matter but if, like most of us, you’d rather enjoy using a classic motorbike than build one from the frame up, this could be something of a bargain because, as we all know, it’s always more cost effective to let someone else do the heavy lifting…

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular bike is located with the vendor in Manningtree, Essex. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.