The Million-Mile Motorcycle that BMW Abandoned - K75 Review
2023 ж. 27 Шіл.
874 309 Рет қаралды
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BMW built one of the best motorcycle engines of all time; an inline triple/four laid on its side: The Flying Brick. The motor was smooth, powerful and easy to work on. It should be everywhere today but BMW abruptly abandoned production in the 1990s. Why?
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Directed and Edited by Edwin El Bainou
I've had my K75 for 34 years. I bought it new the week after I graduated university, and then rode it to my last day of work 32 years later. I've owned many other bikes, but this is the one I've kept around for 230,000 miles. Thanks for the video!
I like your comment, but it’s just too perfect to ruin at 75 likes lol
The first 2 sentences is the shortest, and best, motorcycle story I've ever read. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome story. Almost emotionally moving. A whole life encompassed in two sentences
Wow, you are a pensionada after working for only 32 years?
@@florislok Yes, probably because I rode the same bike for 34 years. :)
Ryan never fails to make me want a bike I never heard about in my entire life.
This is an amazing bike.
I was riding a '78 R100 when these came out, and thought of them as "the new kids". Wasn't sure how well they ran, as I was used to the older style cylinder "jugs" sticking out the sides. Now I wish I'd gotten one.
Rode one for a few years doing the daily commute. Oil changes are a mess. The filter is IN the sump. 3 5mm hex bolts to remove a cover, then pull the filter. Such idiocy. Brakes are terrible - and that was with braided lines and EBC rotors. Chassis is like a wet noodle under any spirited cornering. But.... Comfortable, easy to ride once you get used to that crank shaft and drive shaft spinning against your steering input one way, and helping you out the other, started every time, and got reasonable gas mileage. And no chain maintenance.
@@JF-lt5zc I remember my first oil change. Removed the oil filter cover and covered my entire garage floor in 3.5 liters of oil!
It would be great to get some of the Indian manufacturers like Bajaj or even Royal Enfield to watch a series of F9.. If they started producing 100,000 bikes ‘inspired’ by these classics they would modernise some great bikes!
I love my '92 K75 and there was very little in this video that was new to me. But Ryan has taken a 9-minute mini-documentary to a spectacular cinematic level. The photography, the presentation, and the storytelling are nothing short of amazing. Thanks.
Did he mention the government version (police, military police, army) have a different gear ratio? In all gears it is revving more revs, compared to the "tame" civil bikes. And that comes with a slightly different oil and water pump. And last but not least, my ex military police K1100LT had the faster type of the Bosch injection computer. There was a 100 bhp limit those days, and police did not want those. Now K1100 had that, you should really check if K75 bikes have had these mods, too. This gear ratio mod is simple and effective.
@@voornaam3191 Ich hatte die kurze Übersetzung eingebaut.Der Durchzug war besonders in den oberen Gängen sehr angenehm.
A couple of points for clarification. The Peugeot engine was used only to test the concept of a laid flat four-cylinder engine suspended from a motorcycle frame. The engine which made it to production was a ground-up new design. Also the K75 you feature has the low-seat option which is why it has the black plastic panel around the rear of the tank. It is not a heat shield, it covers electrical items displaced by the low seat, and doesn't feature on the regular seat height version. The laid flat flying brick design was in production for 22 years from 1983-2005 in the K75/100/1100 and 1200. Not universally popular but not a failure either.
Yes correct My k 1100rs never ever puffed any smoke regardless of how long it was left on the side stand?
@@michaelmarshall2958 I had an 85 100RS with around 130k miles. It would smoke a tiny bit if I put it on kickstand while hot and just left it. I almost never use the kickstand. Even with the 91 I have now, center stand almost exclusively. No oil in this one though. Just recently cracked 20k miles on it. She was not used much in her life until me.
@@Ridd333 If I understood correctly, BMW found a correction for the oil problem on later models. I always considered it a brilliant design. Made servicing the head and the crank section of the engine extremely easy. As it turned out they never needed servicing.
@@Roadghost88That's because they are easy to service. Works just like a raincoat, if you bring it won't rain but the one time you forget...
I agree with roverchap, BMW did not pirate the engine of the Peugeot 104. BMW's interest in the 104 engine was likely due to a similar concept - small displacement inline 4, crankcase and head made from aluminum and IIRC engine and transmission sharing one oil sump. So, a lot like motorcycle engine. This engine, while not totally rotated on its side like in the BMW K's was rotated at about 70*. The 104 did not share the BMWs undersquareness and at the same displacement of K100 had about 50% the HP output. I think it is safe to say that nobody ever accused the 104 of having a long lifespan.
Once again, Ryan and the team produce a film so far beyond what anyone else is doing in motorcycling. Thanks guys.
"And what do we always do with the good things that don't make money?"
These are not KZhead video, this is poetry
Absolutely Amazing Production
In motorcycling, or just about anything else
Agree, these should be award winning.
The K75 was my second ever bike, bought in the summer 2 years ago. Had 112,000 miles on the ODO, previous owner took her on a boat to europe and drove across the continent, finally decided to sell it to me after her father/riding partner passed away, she hooked me up with a membership to the BMW MOA club. Good times.
That is a very cool story!
Oh wow! Thats amazing. Where is the bike now?
I dont know why, i have never had this bike, but this videomade me kind of emotional
Very nostalgic feel. Love it. I almost bought one when they came out and have always regretted not doing it. Perhaps I can find one still.
@@wtfgebeurdmij2991 that's Ryan's writing for ya, gotta love him
I owned an 85 K75 for 30 years. All it ever needed was normal maintenance, tires and batteries every few years. Fantastic bike. It had heated grips and a large alternator that powered heated clothing. It was a very comfortable ride. You failed to mention how smooth it was. Absolutely no vibration. You could ride all day and not be sore when you arrived at your destination. It felt very light and was easy to maneuver at any speed. It was easy to work on. At the end parts were expensive and hard to find and BMW dealers didn't want to work on it. Every time I brought it in for service they pressured me to buy a "modern" bike. When it finally came time to buy a new bike the BMW dealers had alienated me to the point where I didn't even consider a BMW.
That's a pitiful way of running off a loyal customer.
Be sure to do the spline lubes as recommended. It's important.
I was one of those BMW mechanics then. We didn't like the change from the boxers. We, at least me, viewed them as complex and gimmicky compared to the well established boxers, and I still feel that way 40 years later. The 70s and 80s boxers were just about as perfect of an engine as could be made. IMHO 😊
I stopped buying Canon cameras for the same reason.
Except hardened cylinder walls did not show up on boxers until 84'. Complex and gimmicky but 600K clicks. Also the bike was not known for typical bike get-up-and-go.@@chadkline4268
I'm not even 2 minutes into the video and the video and sound come off as beautifully crafted and composed. Kudos to to Edwin El Bainou and the FortNine channel for continuing to not just create high quality content, but continually topping standards of compact creativity that set a high bar across the platform.
Absolutely agree - this was really well put together and just hit the right spot 👍🏻👍🏻
@@greatestevarwhy?
haha
I continue to be in awe at how cinematic, well written, well acted and, oh by the way, informative to my hobby these are every time. Literally no one else is producing motorcycle videos to this level of quality. Hats off to the team!
I don't even have a motorcycle and don't plan on getting one, but I watch this channel because it is so good.
My thoughts exactly.
No one else is producing ANY content like this across the board. How blessed are we that a man who can educate and entertain so uniquely has a passion for motorcycles
We all love Ryan's stuff and rightfully so. Simply the best. But Ryan is not a 1 man show. His videographer/editor creative counterpart partner is also truly exceptional. The guy behind the scenes getting little credit for doing phenomenal work. He was mentioned early in one the videos recieving praise from Ryan. I really appreciate the extraordinary talent and abilities both in front of and behind the camera. This team is is at the top of the league.
You mean Mechanic 44?
i can and will always apriciate people that point out the team that isn't on screen. Probably because I'm also one, but still. Because there is mostly 1 face and 1 voice, you tend to negate how much work goes into these video's. This isn't JUST 1 man doing it, it's a whole team, and they are doing absolutely fantastic 😤 These video's shouldn't have to be on KZhead
I have to agree, the cinematography, writing and directing of each of the videos is on a level that even a lot of Hollywood production companies can only dream of. I would be happy to pay money to see a feature-length of these guys at the cinema.
I don't know about you...but I think a video about the team is warranted
These videos consistently remind me of old Top Gear. Just absolute top of the class videography and the quality never wavers.
The aesthetics, the storytelling, the pace, the scenery. You’re making KZhead a little nicer every time.
My K100's original odometer stopped working at 150k, had ridden across the nullarbor and back twice, dropped, T-Boned an inattentive driver and very recently is back on the road riding as gorgeous as ever. Dreamed of one since I was a kid and have never been happier to meet a hero of mine than the first time I rode it. Expectations far exceeded.
I own a K75 and can absolutely recommend every should own one of these fantastic machines! Undervalued & Under appreciated right now meaning you get a whole lot of Smiles for a very long time for very little damage to your wallet!
until today at least...
@@machupikachu1085😂
Oh good I can't wait for a really well written video about an obscure cheap motorcycle to come out and make them super desireable and expensive.
@@machupikachu1085yup. I’m hoping he’ll make a video about my bike right before I sell it 💀
I rented and "test rode" one in Arizona back in '96, narrow handle bars and a weird habit of it backfiring when I cut the throttle exiting the freeway killed my interest. Today I'm sure that I can fix the bars but do you know if there's a fix for the backfire issue??
My uncle was a test pilot for BMW during the development of the K-bikes and he had stories to tell. He's main take-away was that you could not kill the engine and they tried really hard😀. Once again an outstanding video by Ryan and the F9 team!!!
Super interesting! tell us more stories!
Sure you can't kill the engine but the other components of the bike can be which makes BMW unreliable.
@@theenzoferrari458 Neglected maintenance will kill anything.....
@@theenzoferrari458 I'm guessing you don't have a BMW?
@@theenzoferrari458BMW is many things. Unreliable is not one.
I bought the "only running" K75S in the sub-saharan Africa, about 6 months ago. Hoping I would convert it into a "cafe racer", I rather took my friend's advice to restore it into its former glory. 6 months later she shines like a big bright sewing machine. But it is no doubt a good engine albeit several age related issues. I love the rides and I will keep maintaining her as long as possible.
I acquired a K75 when I retired to use for long trips. Because it had 40,000 miles on it, I got concerned about its reliability and traded it. 17 years later I find out I could still be riding that BMW. Don’t tell my wife…
40.000 and you got concerned? thats funny, I cant think of any bike that would have issues after such a short distance.
@@nocensorship8092ktm,aprilia,ducati my 990ktm didn't even make it to 30k miles
To Ryan and Edwin, You have really outdone yourselves this time. What a fantastic video. I think it's the best piece you have made yet. Thank you for making such a wonderful film, I really love it!
"This time"? "THIS time"? Really? "THIS TIME"? Every single one of these films is a masterpiece!
My K75S caught fire, twice. But I sold it not because of the proclivity for spontaneous combustion when the rubber hose to the fuel rail got dry and cracked but because I was too young to appreciate a 500lb bike with less than 100 horsepower even though it was sweet handling and as comfortable as a couch.
My KLR has 55k miles on it and I love it. Is it 400lbs? Sure. Does it have ~30hp? Sure.
oh wow I feel called out. my first bike is a katana 600, >500lbs
Sounds like a few relationships I've had.
@@sasha-taylor Def keep the Kat. Winter bike, camping bike, nipping to the late night shop without getting all your gear on bike, the jixer has fried it's wiring, reg/rec again bike, I don't want to attract attention bike etc etc etc ad infinitum ! Oh, and 2 bikes are almost the same insurance as 1 (at least they are where I am in the industrial NW of the UK) 😃
@@englishsteve1465 it'll also be my third bike haha I've got a 1974 Honda CB200 I got for $75 cuz it hadn't run in decades, fixed it up
I think it is important to note that the k100 block design was used up until the early 2000's In the k1200 RS/LT. The flying brick did actually have a fairly long production run in one form or another.
Indeed. In fact I just bought (in May) a low mileage K1200RS as my daily ride (I'm a bike instructor). "How low mileage?" I hear you ask - how does 9000 miles in 22 years sound? Smooth, comfy, powerful enough, rock steady handling, definitely a "forever bike" for me. In just 3 months I've added 5000 miles to it with no regrets at all.🏍️👍
Whatever you are paying your editors... double it.
Last point is spot on. I've had four BMW motorcycles, three of them were K bikes and none newer than 1991. These bikes are incredibly reliable and very strong performers, simply no compelling reason for me to upgrade beyond them
Imagine if all things were made to this standard - to some extent the Japanese still do, machines built to serve and last lifetimes!
Totally agree. Owned many bikes. Currently riding a Dakar yellow K75S, 1994. Love it
@@Kobe29261which is why I left BMW and returned to Japanese.
I feel you but I kept my R1200; cos there's something about a motorycle that looks like a beautiful woman and bought a CP3 motor cos everytime you look at a Japanese bike it says 'ready when you are' - when I Iook at my BMW it says 'well, maybe - but if I do it'll be incomparable!' Straight up toxic girlfriend attitude lol@@Lt_Tragg
so heavily underrated. the cinematic attention to detail with ryan's expertise . editing, music, and writing fits perfectly from start to finish. just as encapsulating as a marvel movie, made with just a few guys talking about motorcycles.
I was with you until you compared this to a marvel movie.
What do you mean underrated? He's one of the most well known motorcycle channels on the internet.
@@LansaDiag I think what he means is that the channel is underrated because it goes beyond being simply a "motorcycle channel". I don't own a motorcycle, and have only been pillion on a mate's bike a few times in the last 40 years but I adore this channel because of the editing, the direction, the writing, and the hosting. Admittedly, comparing it in any way to a marvel movie is not the direction I would take because there were a few moments in this short video that reminded me of a Terence Malick movie--if Malick made short videos about old motorcycles.
Comparing their intellect, hard work and masterful craftwork to marvel movies is an actual insult.
Do you post the same comment under each new video from them? They are not underrated, everyone know they are the gold standard for motorcycle videos. What's with the simping these days in the comments section of every big youtubers? The likes you gather can't be exchanged for something else here, and they won't hire you to make coffee in their office for your kind words.
One of my favorite things about this channel is the constant underlying reminders of how absolutely stunning Canada is.
One of the best engineering thinking lesson I've ever seen. Times when sellers were selling and engineers were engineering long gone. Not always the best results but almost always fascinating, like the K75 story. We have something opposite now: sellers are designing, designers try engineering, and engineers... well, are forced to learn how to sell (F9?). It's time for 'who is John Galt?' kinda questions.
I heard he and his crew were lost at sea during a storm when they stumbled upon Atlantis; it was so beautiful they all agreed to sink their own ship and take a vow of silence rather than deliver it to the entitled rulers at home.
6:57 I bet it took an incredible amount of time and effort to get these shots that only last for a few seconds. Hats off to you guys! Well done!
What makes them stand out is that the team didn't have to bother - they could have just cut from one scene to the next. But they wanted to establish a mood, and the video is better off for it.
@@AshleyPomeroy - Took me a while to work out what you were saying there.....
The b-roll on this episode was haunting and memorable, and the harmonica tones of an old hymn work great. I haven't ridden in southern BC in a long time, but it certainly evoked some nostalgia for me.
@@Hubris2do you remember the name of the hymn?
@@feldegast1 It's called Fairest Lord Jesus.
i bought my k75s back in 1823 and she’s lasted me all 200 years without much of a hitch, the clutch went in the 1940s when i was pushing her through the german front lines and i nearly blew her up over reving stuck in the mud in the early 2000s but otherwise has served me great. good times
Have you considered buying a new, modern bike? Of course, you still can't buy anything more modern that is designed to cut buffeting with beauty or has greater effectiveness in the trade-off of capacity v. aerodynamics, but who cares about that when you can show off all your new gadgetry in the Starbucks parking lot?
Ah, the Mk2 with the pneumatic tires
I think you're pulling my leg, old chap.😊
Your timeline best timeline.
😂 Callsign “Wolverine”
The quality of your videos man!! Better than some movies
I bought a k100 LT two weeks ago as my first big bike. My father also rides a k100 RS and my grandfather owned a k1100 and I was hoping the channel would make a video on this range. Loved the video, you guys make unreal content. Regards from Scotland
Thank you Ryan for talking about this great piece of German engineering. I can tell you that in Italy K100s and K75s are not overlooked nor forgotten; they are sold and bought by passionate people who spend a lot of time and money to keep them running and original like yours in this video. I love watching your reviews of old and good bikes, keep them coming.
The ending of this video genuinely made me emotional, for this superior machine never did anything wrong, but be beyond reliable and utterly efficient, but yet that was not good enough for the world. It is a lonely feeling not being wanted. Sometimes life isn't fair. Ride free and safe.brothers and sisters. F9, Thank you for another outstanding video.
But reliability doesn't announce itself until many years after the fact. It takes time to find your audience, as it were. Sometimes it is an article of faith to keep plugging along, indifferent to the world's indifference, until you've created a space for yourself.
I feel like you forgot to mention the obvious message about "burning all the good things that don't make money" while showing the consequences of the recent fires in Canada. Ryan truly is a master of his craft
@@joaofranciscoramalheterodr2864 yes! great comment.
@@quintessenceSL well said.
While paying lip service to Greta Thunberg? Sorry, I'm going to take that environmentalist read with a grain of salt(ed earth).
Just found your video and loved it. Just bought a '91 K 75S. Actually, my wife bought it for me. Complete surprise! I'm a Bavarian fanboy and my wife puts up with my moto madness in so many ways. After being bikeless for two years, I'm really looking forward to getting to know my "new" one.
I love these videos. The production value is through the roof, I learn things I would have never known about and they always feel so genuine. It feels like you truely care about the bikes you show and about telling your viewers about what makes them great or interesting. The end of this video with the slow zoom out, the harmonica, the forest, the mood you created... I never knew ybout this bike, I never owned one, but you juust genuiely made me sad about it being discontinued. I felt like crying xD All this to say: thank you to Ryan and everyone else at F9. It always brightens my day to watch one of your videos and I hope you will continue making them as long as possible.
I think the oil in the cylinders, after it has been sitting, probably helps with longevity during cold startups.
Could be! I know a couple Harley riders who premix their gas like a really lean 2T. They swear the motors last longer when run a bit "wet." ~RF9
Only on one side tho jaja
@@officerdonut7066The side that matters most!
@@FortNineA video idea perhaps?
I loved my K75S, in resplendent aubergine purple. It did short trips, long trips, fun back roads and long motorway miles. It was comfy, well built and the top box and hard panniers were mountable or detachable in mere moments. It had 50k on it when I got it, when it finally started to show its age it had 115k. It was only that I couldn’t get to the bottom of the fuelling issue and needed an ultra reliable bike for long trips south to see my dying dad that made me sell it, at a profit, to a bloke who lived locally and had a knack and a love for them. He still has it, and I still have first dibs if he sells it on. It has 300k on it now. Lovely to hear the engine note again, F9.
This was my first FortNine video and it will forever be my favorite. Brings a lump to my throat and it's so beautiful to look at
My K75 was stored in a shed for 10 years before I found it. It fired right up after replacing some rotten radiator and vacuum hoses. Amazing motorcycles, that engine doesn't care at all about what RPM you run at. It's the same silky smoothness from 2000 all the way to 8000 RPM.
The quality of your content always blows me away. Much love from Las Vegas!
This channel deserves so many more subs. You've managed to combine a bike review, history lesson, and a short film into a compelling sub-10-min KZhead video. I don't even own a motorcycle right now, I might never own one again, but for some reason I still watch every video this channel puts out. Well done.
Same sentiments. I sadly can't afford another motorcycle after I sold mine right when the pandemic started. Still getting back on to my feet and hoping to be back on a bike in a couple of years. Whenever FortNine publishes a new video, I just can't not watch it. Entertaining, educational, full of wit and passion. I wish I know many more KZhead channels that put out great videos like Ryan and crew does.
True. I’ve watching longer cooking shows on how to scramble eggs. Great video.
More than 1,780,000...
So glad you made this video. My first motorcycle I purchased in 2005 was a 1990 K75 S. It needed fork seals and during the 5 years i owned it I replaced the cooling fan and had the clutch replaced. I put about 55,000 miles on that bike, rode it from Tucson to Dallas, to Vegas, to San Diego, and numerous trips around Arizona. As a new rider i dropped it twice at slow speeds in parking lots, it didn't care. It never left me stranded and many friends on sport bikes were surprised that i could keep up on group rides. Looking back i should have kept it. The turn signal buttons and the huge black and white guages were the best.
💙🤍I just loved these turn signal buttons on my '95 R 1100 GS!! Forget an extra emergency blinker button: simply press both buttons while you're braking as hard as the Telelever allowed you to 🤮, still lightly gripping your handle bars - PERFECT. 🥇
This is pure poetry in image, editing, storytelling, sound design, coloring, etc. Just wow!
What the K-75 is famous for among riders is SMOOTHNESS. Ryan happens to be riding the Low Seat Version, those alleged "heat shields" don't exist on the other K-75 versions ( Std, S, or RT). The whine is from the timing gears up front, not the fuel pump which is submerged in that aluminum tank. The fuel injection is flawless, and simple. 55 mpg is routine. I rode the indentical K-75 for many years. THe one motorcycle I regret selling, and have been trying to replace for a decade. Nothing compares. I say this after64 years of riding.
The fuel pumps do make a whine and the classic K bikes have a timing chain up front.
The whine in the video IS the fuel pump. Exactly like my bike.
Twenty years ago I had a K100RT..probably the best motorcycle I’ve ever owned. I wish I still had it today. I’d settle for a K75 though. Thanks for your excellent,thought provoking content.
I rode a K100RS back in 85, always lusted after one (have several old airheads) then finally rode a K75S. WAY smoother than the K100, less acceleration, but silky smooth up to 100MPH!
"I wish I still had it today" is why I bought my dream bike twice and have held onto and plan to hold onto it till I die. Everytime I read a story like this It only justifies my decision. Can't lay down and compromise with hard times throughout life.
I had a K100RS, lovely bike, could tour it, hustle it a long a little bit, but never felt like you were stressing the engine, home maintenance was a easy, seen a few tidy ones for sale, not silly money, just I already have a few bikes and lack of room in the workshop I thought was big enough to house a collection of bikes.
Had a K1100RS loved it then stupidly sold it. Then i bought a K1100LT love it almost more than the RS (less vibes in the bars and a seat and seating position you can spend 12 hour rides on) Every year i think of expanding my stable with a K75S or K75 and then convert it to paralever.
Cramming four cylinders into a motorcycle sideways is a tricky proposition. It was so tight that BMW couldn't fit a secondary balancer shaft, resulting in the famous "BMW buzz" that marks K100s. It's a rare situation where the triple engine (K75) is both smoother and higher power-to-weight than the four cylinder. Not to knock your beloved K100RT - I like 'em a lot too. ~RF9
what a beautiful production, it´s a joy to watch - thank you for this
I own a 91 K100RS currently. Previously an 85. Unintentionally fell in love with it in a very serious way. It is really a joy to ride.
That magazine article in the final scene is a damn fine piece of advertising 9:02
This well presented introduction to the K (Kompakt ) series should be dedicated to its outstanding creators Josef Fritzenwenger and Stefan Pashernegg, both died young in 1987/1988. F9 is wrong proclaiming the K series was short lived as derivations like the K 1200 LT lived on until 2007, therefore the concept had a production life span of 25 years! Fun fact: K75 and K 100 share 75 % of their parts and the wheelbase!
Every BMW motorcycle is called something K, I'm not sure if it's supposed to be compact. The S1000RR is the K46.
He wasn't implying the series was short-lived... just the engine.
Actually I think the K stands for Kraftrad or Krad shortened, which is the formal German term for a motorcycle.
The fun fact is because the engine is modular. Parts can be shared. I think what killed that series would be the price. If you pay a bit more for the K100, why not use the K75 on the K100. That's what I believe killed the K75. Modular engines that shares parts.
@@ReichsritterKraft is strength in German. That's the story I heard. Ask Jack Riepe about K75s. He writes books.
"Bro, is back again with another vintage bike review at a documentary level, and after 7.25 minutes, the cinematic drone shot he captured is truly eye-catching. Lots of love from Bhubaneswar, India."😊
Yet another masterpiece from F9. What you are doing for the world of motorcycling is unbelievable! 👊🏼✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼
A friend loaned me his K100S for a couple of weeks many years ago while my car was being repaired....I can honestly say I've never been on a bike that was as rock-solid stable and comfortable at any speed I felt brave enough to try. The only thing that took a little getting used to was the usual shaft drive lift when accelerating hard. Brilliant machines!
I've been riding for 40 years and I've never heard such a breakdown of the K75, and I certainly haven't heard about its longevity. This makes me want to hunt for a new steed for my stable... Thanks, Ryan!
I've never heard of a K75 breakdown 😊
Man i don't even ride motorcycles here I am... The poetry of the writing, image comp, sound... this is a God Tier channel
Small detail the “heat shield” for the tank is actually an extra accessory that fills gaps when using a lowered seat. Normal seats don't use this rubber flap but use 2 normal side covers. Brilliant video again!
The hot fuel issue was solved primarily by placing insulation on the bottom of the tank. The fuel tank was vented by a one way valve into the crankcase to satisfy Greta, unfortunately the engine would vapor lock and refuse to start until the fuel fill opened. I love my 88 K75.
Bu when you had a K 100 RT with full windprotection riding by temperatures above 25 Celsius the heat stayed at you legs and knees. Very uncomfortable. Still had this 1986 K from 1990 till 2005.😅
This motorcycle reminds me of 2 counterparts in the automotive world: 1: Mercedes Benz W124 series (with millions of km failure-free driving) and...The Volvo 240 series known for its ‘Red Block’ engine’s reliability. Everything after became disposable garbage we are swimming in now.
Even BMW's M30's of that era are long lived engines, maybe not to the degree the W124's or 240's is but they were simple and hardy whilst still putting out more power than certain smallblock V8's at the time. Yet now everything HAS to have a limited lifetime on it in order for those same companies to justify the cost of building them.
The majority of all BMW engines last 1,000,000 km, even the new ones. Seen twenty years old bmw's roll over the odometer at this number, engines strong as ever. All the plastic crap attached to the engine, like the coolant system, however, take advanced nannying, far from impossible, but more than most are willing to do.
...not entirely. I have the w210 "E320 Station Wagon" year 2000, and she's rolling right along at 263,000 miles with her 3.2 little purring contentedly. Never been stranded & precious little has worn out, parts are dirt cheap. So, yeah the w124 MB are great as is the later 1998-2005 w210. And after viewing this marvelous story on the iconic BMW K75, I'd agree that they're similarly a "legendary design" that's destined to endure. I'll take another look at that one for sale nearby...
Fantastic video as usual. Bear in mind that BMW produced the Flying Brick engines from 1983 to 2004. Not a bad run for a “novel” engine configuration. As someone who worked on them professionally for many years they were always a joy to service. I’ve had friends with 1M kilometer examples.
Wasn't it 1996? (K75 "Ultima")
@@chromaticAberration - The first Flying Brick engine was used in the K100 in 1983. The last was used in the K1200 in 2004. Same engine layout with multiple engineering improvements over the many years of production. You are correct that the K75 models were produced roughly between 1985 and 1995.
K1200 RS and LT are also flying brick engine bikes. The LT was last sold as 2009 model in US. I had a new 2002 model for 6 years and now a used 2005 model.
It was also run in the K1, which was the only bike of its time to take aero seriously, and really only one of 2 ever mass produced for the road. I so wanted one.
@@gasdive I wanted one too, until I sat on one for a few minutes in the dealership. For some reason, the angle of my hips sitting on it made me cramp up almost immediately. That and the lack of BMW's excellent hard cases made me go for a K1100RS, which I never regretted owning.
Truly some of the best production on youtube
Please give us more of this my dude. We absolutely love what you do.
First and only bike so far, 1994 k75. Bone stock, no farings, pure elegance. I am in love with this bike and I'm so happy to see you review it!
How thirsty is she?, it's expensive to own it?, Ensurance?, a shop that they know anything about it in case ever need it?... I bought a brand new husqvarna vilpilen 401 and I might want to go for one of this old ladies tbh
@@JP-xd6fm solid ~44mpg, I start looking for gas at about 100 miles but have stretched it to 140. Insurance pretty standard for an older bike but it is red and I'm a guy 😅
@@JP-xd6fm there's a local certified/Kawasaki shop (not the dealership just cert'd mechanics) that's fantastic but they're just slow due to volume. I bring it to them for oil change & inspection, and once for a flat tire. Never broken down on me besides that nasty puncture, not the bikes fault
A K75S was my first "big" bike and I sold it when I moved from the midwest to LA. Within a couple months found a nice red one in Santa Rosa. Flew up to pick her up, and drove it back down - then subsequently all over California. Fantastic bike, dead reliable, ran like a sewing machine, and super comfortable with a Corbin saddle. I couldn't justify having two bike without anywhere off street to keep her, so I had to pass her on to someone else when I got a modern bike. That was 4 years ago, and I still think about Rosie quite a bit. That's the bike that got me into touring and camping on motorcycles, and I couldn't be more grateful for all the time spent together and all the places she carried me.
Rosie huh ? can't help thinking it needs a more Germanic name tbh, and I think a male name coz it's like a reliable man servant, lol. Otto, yes, I shall call mine Otto. 🎯
@@englishsteve1465 it was a name inherited from the previous owner, and not a bad name for a red bike either.
Beautiful video Ryan! Never stop doing you!
I have owned a K75c for over 15 years , its never let me down , it's 35 years old , it moves from 0 to 60 in 4 secs but can keep going, very smooth with a distinctive engine note , it feels positive on the road and has a big presence, its cheap on insurance for me £70 fully comp , does over 50 per gallon , perhaps its a marmite bike but I like them , they also make a great caffe racer when modified, great video glad you picked on this bike makes a change it getting a positive review. Thanks 👌 😊
I’m not even into motorcycles but this channel is phenomenal every freaking time. Well written and artsy fartsy filming is all you need to entertain
I'm 60, I've rode bikes since I was 17 and I _still_ learn things from Ry. He knows wtf he is talking about _and_ presents it with high production values in miniature movies and often with offbeat humour to boot. He's the best at what he does, no doubt.
You should join us in the great life that is motorcycling.
@@Jimmy_Watt I live in a snowy northern state and I have a very needy, princess, German shepherd dog. Naturally the Ural is intriguing with its extra traction and side car for doggo. However, I also have massive problem with cars so the likely hood of me spending thousands on a vehicle that isn’t speed parts or another farm fresh, junky, marketplace project is not very likely
This video is another examples as to why Ryan and the team at FortNine are awesome. This is one of the few channels where I get giddy when I see that a new video has dropped. They never fail to make my day!
Goosebumps watching this. So grateful I learned to ride motorcycle on my dad's K75. When my garage is big enough, I'll be buying one again just for the startup sound. Gotta love the brick ❤
Spectacular Video I've seen many of these bike on the road over the years and until now I had no idea there was such a great story behind them a 9 minute and 40 seconds video that is that informative and entertaining is a true work of art , as a team you guys make some pretty awesome videos when you make a video about motorcycles that's entertaining enough that people that don't even ride motorcycles find them entertaining you've truly done something I share these videos with many members of my family and other friends they're always a hit!
I've been watching for years now, your guy's production and info on bikes and gear are #1. And your right, it sucks we can't have really nice things because they may not bring in as much profit over the long run but would still be in use because of build quality.
This bike is and was always ugly and impractical. Look at the stretch it takes the handle bars to be in a riding position. Only F9 could make you want one these days with engineering at it's Pinnacle. There's a lot more classics out there worth buying, who cares if the engine won't do a million klicks
@@easley421i and many other ST1100 riders love the K75 handlebars as they make the seating on the otherwise very comfy Pan just a bit more perfect. just as bulky and clunky as the Brick, just as much fun to ride...forever. ugly and impractical takes away nothing from the riding experience
@@easley421 Horses for courses isn't it mate. If you're a courier or have a 150 mile round trip commute every day, then the easy maintenance, comfort, reliability _and_ cheap price is hard to argue with.
I've been looking for an inexpensive K75 for a while. I guess ill never find one now, thanks Ryan.
Need one? Where are you? I mean area. Got one, mint. 28,000
Hats off to the team! Not only is the content interesting but the visuals and story telling is phenomenal
I had an 85 K100 (1000cc/1L 4 cyl. flying brick) til last year. The geometry (btw, you will need a decent inseam, like 32+ in., to keep it upright) and handling was pretty bad. The heat kept me warm, without heated gear, year-round in the mid-west. The engine routinely got 38-40mpg with premium fuel, was extremely reliable and if I hit the sweet spots in the RPM, it was very fast for a 1980's bike - enough that I almost lost grip on the bars a few times. Maintenance is easy, parts are available and the tires last a long time (easily 6 to 10k a set). But I switched to a more modern BMW camhead GSA because of modern ABS brakes and more versatility. My GSA hardly beats the K100 in reliability, performance and efficiency (39-43mpg), and certainly loses in price and operating costs - and now I have to use a heated jacket 🙄. While I am slightly safer, more comfortable, and able to wind through dirt and rocks with a big, heavy bike, that K100 was a heck of a bike! I did envy the K75 owners, as the K100 was a little overpowered for my purposes. If you are not short (I am a couple in under 6ft and no where near flat-footing it), don't mind some heat on the thighs (don't worry, you won't get burned), and don't want any of traction control, abs, tech crap that is in newer bikes (granted, I had no issues with a couple of emergency braking incidents - brakes are very controllable), then the BMW K bike should be at the TOP of your list.
I have been Privileged to be a BMW motorcycle Technician for over 20 years. I have always been amazed by These motorcycles, They continually stand the test of time! They Truly are legendary!
So glad you you've done a video on the k. I've had mine for 15 years now. It's a weirdly uncharismatic bike that somehow gets under your skin. It's just incrediblely comfortable, cheap to run and super reliable. Compare it to the build quality on my r nine t and you can see why the bean counters wanted rid of it...
6:57 The amount of effort that must have gone in to take these shots that only last for a couple of seconds is incredible
Another outstanding FortNine video. The production value and cinematography are amazing. I never tire of our fantastic B.C. scenery. Every video makes me fall in love with motorcycling all over again.
This is peak KZhead. Gorgeously filmed video. R.I.P. MSM.
This is a piece of an ART
I obtained a K75 when I moved for university, because it was cheap to buy and own, easy to service, and I didn't need to worry about street parking with an old bike nobody would ever want to steal. Years later, it's been the only constant in my history of vehicle ownership. I don't ride the brick as often these days, but it has yet to let me down when I do. Never made economical sense to sell it either, considering they're still dirt cheap and mostly unwanted by those that don't already own one.
I randomly clicked on this... Holy shit this production quality is on par with big budget documentaries. Fantastic work!
I love how a motorcycle channel can make such interesting and evocative content. It's kept me subscribed for years
The story telling on these videos is unmatched. The visuals are stimulating. And Ryans voice as smooth as.. well, a K75 BMW motor. Thanks for the video! You have us all waiting patiently (impatiently) for the next one. Till then. Cheers!
With fortnine since several thousand of subs..witnessing the consistency
You are truly the embodiment of the spirit of motorcycling.
These are by far some of the best narrated, produced and designed videos on KZhead. When it comes to intrigue and filmmaking for automotive KZhead. This channel and Hagerty with Jason Camisa narrating are miles above the rest. It’s a story for the life of the vehicle done poetically. I’m not a car guy or a motorcycle fiend but these videos are amazing. Truly well done and thank you for your effort and artistry.
I'm so glad someone mentioned Jason, if Jason, and Ryan and their producers made a motorcycle video together, that would hands down be the best piece of cinema of the year.
The production quality of F9's videos is always top tier. Keep up the great work and interesting content!
I feel like saying this for almost everyone of your videos, but this time I really had to. You are in a different league altogether. The quality of your content is simply unmatched, in my opinion. Thank you
FortNine is, I believe, the best motoring channel / program. Ryan and the team hit the nail on the head in every show. Even on topics that are pretty out there or obscure, they make it super interesting with just the right amount of humour and plenty of in depth information. The only other show to do this would be Hot Ones. And much like Hot Ones, even if you have no idea about the topic you find your self being gripped the whole way through with the fantastic presenting and media skills of the team.
the production quality is top notch. every single video your team makes is outstanding . great engine by the way.
04:30 "Close your eyes now, Greta" LOL🤣😂 Amazing video as always! thanks!!
Yet another gem from one of the best channels in the game .
Regardless of genre this is the best channel on youtube.
A perfect start to my Saturday. Your production, scripting & acting value are top notch! Your information and research is even better! I'm learning things about motorcycles that I never knew... Cheers, sire. Very, very much appreciated! 🍻 🍻 🍻
As always from you Ryan, the quality of the video is outstanding! You deserve your own tv show making series of content such as this!
I sometimes wish that I didn't watch these videos, they are so good that they make me miss riding a motorbike very much, it's a profound pain of loss like when you lose a loved one, as silly as that sounds. To know that I'll never again feel the joy and serenity of sweeping around the countryside or the exhilaration of filtering through a city and exploring where cars cannot go, it leaves you feeling as though you've lost a part of yourself forever.
Don’t make me cry
Shit man. I know how you feel. I’ve left motorcycling behind a few times in my 63 years on this rock. I always seem to find my way back.
@@skiefer13 I'm sorry. :')
@@tywebbgolfenthusiast8950 I'd go back if I could, I have the time and money but an entirely unrelated injury left me unable to ride or even drive safely. It makes me very sad indeed, I loved riding so much and never truly appreciated it until it was gone.
@@Voltaic_Fire I wondered if that wasn’t it. God bless you my friend. Are you in the Omaha, NE area by any chance?
I had a K75C. It's one of those bikes that I should have kept. Bloody good. That triple was a fine engine.
In my country you can find used ones with less than 100k km from 2000€ to 3500€ , I hope the owners don't see this video..
New to this channel and I’m not much into bikes.. but the way you can tell a story and illustrate the path through it has me coming back.
I applaud both your delivery, and the editing of your videos. Synergistic in their ability to teach and entertain at a level beyond the sum of it’s parts
Man I had a K75 for about 5 years in my 20s and it was the oddest, most reliable, goofy looking but endearing motorcycle. Also it was my first jump up from a 250 so I felt like it had the power of a rocketship. So cool to see a video on it even if the nostalgia is a bit painful! Also I'm still spoiled by not needing to do chain maintenance in my formative years! 😂 Long live the Flying Brick!!
This is a really thoughtful video. I'm not even a biker, just a fan of interesting machines. However, it takes thought and imagination to turn some interesting engineering into a compelling narrative. To do so with reference to the landscape around you is a storytelling tour-de-force. Bravo, Ryan and the team.
This video inspired me to learn more about the K75. I liked what I discovered, so I bought a 1992 K75S that popped up for sale. I can think of no higher praise than that - for the faith I have in the engineering... and the faith I have in Fortnine. Thanks, Ryan. Thanks 45. For all you do.
What an amazing video. Long time fan of the channel. Kudos to the team.
You got me into my love for motorcycles, the K75C is my first real motorcycle I bought only 2 months ago. Made it road worthy again, still learning a lot but damn I love this machine! 🤩 This is the way! Thanks for showing me!
Odd to give props to both the video and ad choice but Im stoked to see Riders Share getting some notoriety. I have no affiliation, but Ive used it a number of times in the Bay Area, CA and excited for more awareness/bike availability.
Another great video production... and you do it every single time. Kudos!
I don’t have or plan on getting a bike, but I just love theses videos, they flow in such a satisfying way. No one else really seems to have good flow to their videos anymore.