If BMW had built a v-twin powered K bike .......

[ohiorider]

....... they couldn't have done better than to have built a 1200 Sport 2v. 

I owned a bunch of 'flying bricks' over a 12 year period, and there is something about my 2008 1200 Sport that reminds me of the German bikes.  More than likely, it's the low, minimal fairing.  There's just something about looking over the 1200 Sport's small bikini fairing that reminds me of my long-gone K bikes.  Both the German and Italian machines are heavyweights, and both output much the same hp (though my last 'brick,' a K1200RS, was rated at 130 hp.)

There is just something right to me about traveling on one of these heavy bikes with minimal fairing.  Small though the fairings may be, they seem to offer reasonably good weather protection, while still feeling sporty.

The Germans addicted me to these heavy sport tourers .... the Italians have kept me loving the formula.

And I know if MG had ever brought the 4v (8v) 1200 Sport to the USA, I would have bought one of them, too.

Bob

[willowstreetguzziguy]

I owned a '75 BMW R90S for 8 years and it was a GREAT bike but too unreliable. I sold it to get a more reliable BMW in 1986, the 3-cylinder K75C. Owned the K75C and then a K75S from 1986-2013. Reliable as a refrigerator and just as exciting!

The R90S was one special bike! Never forgot the feel of the engine and the sport touring riding position. I longed for the basic look, ride and feel of the R90S in a modern package.  I found it in the '08 1200 Sport.

The 1200 Sport is so much like the R90S than the K75. The riding position, the feel of the engine, the bikini fairing. It's all there EXCEPT, so much better!!!

Yes... For me... my Guzzi 1200 Sport is a modern day BMW R90S!!! all it needs is the Daytone Orange paint, naaaa... I love the black tank and the red oval!

[Tusayan]

I owned a bunch of 'flying bricks' over a 12 year period, and there is something about my 2008 1200 Sport that reminds me of the German bikes.

I think it's obvious that the Breva and offspring were copies of 1990s to early 2000s BMWs, so it's no surprise that they a have a similar feel, and its not attractive to me.  The 1980s K-bikes were exceptionally reliable but for me that heavy, clunky feel that started with them is the worst thing that ever happened to BMW, and the reliability went away over time. The K75 was an attempt to backtrack and not a bad effort, with similar feel to BMW cars of that era, but I think the earlier R100R or R100GS were the peak in terms of BMW building a motorcycle for motorcyclists.

Not long ago I traded bikes with a BMW rider, swapping an SV650 bought for $950 for an R1200R.  The Suzuki was a much better bike and I couldn't wait to get it back.  The R1150 was even worse, a vibrating, awkward POS with the grace of a donkey. Please, please no more Guzzis modeled on BMWs.

[Scud]

I haven't ridden a CARC Guzzi, but comparing them to K-bikes is not gonna make me rush out and give up my V11 Sport.

I do have a K75s, and it's a surprisingly fun and capable bike if you wind her up - but a bit docile at low rpms. Alas, she'll be needing a new home soon because a Ducati ST3 has moved in.

I liked my airhead BMW R100CS (looks like an R90S) - had it a long time. Then I "graduated" to an oilhead R1100RT, which was very competent, but rather lacking in personality.

[willowstreetguzziguy]

I haven't ridden a CARC Guzzi, but comparing them to K-bikes is not gonna make me rush out and give up my V11 Sport.

I do have a K75s, and it's a surprisingly fun and capable bike if you wind her up - but a bit docile at low rpms. Alas, she'll be needing a new home soon because a Ducati ST3 has moved in.

I liked my airhead BMW R100CS (looks like an R90S) - had it a long time. Then I "graduated" to an oilhead R1100RT, which was very competent, but rather lacking in personality.

 Like I said a few posts back, the 1200 sport is much closer to an R 90S then it is to a K bike. The boxer engine and the 900 cc motor with the Dellorto carburetors had a much more of a visceral feel  then the R100’s with the Bing carburetors. Something was definitely lost in the transition and the 1200 sport brings back with character and feeling like the K bikes never did.

[wrbix]

My first Beemer was a K100, then I moved on to airheads - some less performance, but much more soul.......and none of the sewing machine sound of the K's.
K's are fine machines - had Teresa riding a K75 for a time. ABS saves lives.

[Chuck in Indiana]

As I've mentioned before, I'm a slow learner. I've had two Beemers, and airhead and an oilhead. Gimme a Guzzi..any Guzzi any time. 
Chuck, Deacon,
Church of Guzzi

[Roebling3]

I've had airheads and K bikes. Why did I buy a Daytona? 'Ask the man who owns one'.  Why do I like Guzzi's? It's the people, first and foremost. Thank you everyone.  Good fortune,  R3~ 

[Sheepdog]

My Guzzi remains my sentimental favorite, but my BMW R12RS is so competent that it has become my traveler. It lacks the sound, look, and feel of my Vintage...but it's hard not to love the power, handling, braking, comfort, and features of the Beemer. For long hours north of 80mph, the RS is completely in it's element...and at that speed it will accelerate hard enough to surprise it's rider (...and anyone else who may be paying attention).

That said, I won't be selling either of these bikes anytime soon. The differences seem huge between them until I compare them both to other bikes. It is then that I realize that they are both superb for many of the same reasons...

[ohiorider]

My Guzzi remains my sentimental favorite, but my BMW R12RS is so competent that it has become my traveler. It lacks the sound, look, and feel of my Vintage...but it's hard not to love the power, handling, braking, comfort, and features of the Beemer. For long hours north of 80mph, the RS is completely in it's element...and at that speed it will accelerate hard enough to surprise it's rider (...and anyone else who may be paying attention).

That said, I won't be selling either of these bikes anytime soon. The differences seem huge between them until I compare them both to other bikes. It is then that I realize that they are both superb for many of the same reasons...

I want to try a waterhead R1200RS in the springtime.  It might be about time to trim the herd from 3 bikes to 1 bike.  Maybe keep an old beater around for if/when the primary ride is out of service for a few days.  I have this feeling that an R1200RS might just be a good ride for me. 

Bob

[gentlemanjim]

Had a K75S yes reliable and a bit dull, got a R1100RS, much more engaging, reliable and way more fun, just a bit heavy.

[Sheepdog]

I want to try a waterhead R1200RS in the springtime.  It might be about time to trim the herd from 3 bikes to 1 bike.  Maybe keep an old beater around for if/when the primary ride is out of service for a few days.  I have this feeling that an R1200RS might just be a good ride for me. 

Bob

Bob, I had to make a few ergonomic modifications to accommodate my old bones, but only to the tune of a few hundred dollars. The RS is 520 lbs full of gas, the factory luggage is the business, and the aftermarket is huge. As stated above, the Beemers don�t have the �je nais se quois� of Guzzi's. However, it is easy to love on a long day of travel. The rear-drive problems seem to be corrected, too.

[ohiorider]

Beemer dealer within 15 minutes of home.  Not my long time dealer in New Philadelphia OH, but I may make the switch to closer location.  Should be able to get in a ride on an R1200RS in the springtime.

Thanks for your comments, Sheepdog!

Bob

[Shorty]

I don't believe there was ever a better motorcycle made than the K75. It just ain't the funnest.

[Darren Williams]

I don't believe there was ever a better motorcycle made than the K75. It just ain't the funnest.

Except for the fifth gen VFR. No wait, wrong thread, Never mind.   

[ohiorider]

I don't believe there was ever a better motorcycle made than the K75. It just ain't the funnest.

It was a tough motorcycle! 

One of my riding buddies was at least 25 years younger than I was.  But we both worked for the same automation controls company, and put a bunch of miles on our bikes on some long rides,

Never forget when he stopped by my office and informed me he was going to buy a "Ninja" of some sort.  My question to him was, 'have you contacted your insurance company to find out what it'll cost to insure the bike, considering your age.  Answer was 'no.'

Once he did, he stopped by to let me know that his insurance would cost as much annually as 1/4 the price of the bike.

My advice, 'call them back and ask what they'd charge if you insured a K75S instead.'  He did, and a week later, he was the proud owner of a lovely pearlescent 1992 K75S with factory luggage.

I think he still owns this bike.  It served him well for multiple trips out West, as well as trips from Michigan to the end of the BRP.

Agreed, a K75S isn't exciting, but it is certainly a functional machine, and one that is insurable.

And perhaps it's wrong to say is isn't exciting.  It is simply smooth, and the exhaust note is nothing like a v twin Guzzi or a parallel twin Triumph with 360 crank.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I was at a Guzzi party this weekend, and my friend Jim was extolling the virtues of this high tech antique Japanese bike he'd just bought. (Some sort of Kawasaki 4 cylinder.) I told him, "Jim.. I've found the one true faith. You can't imagine how little I care about that motorcycle."  Take that times two, and that is how much I think of a K75. 
 

[dxhall]

I've been thinking that a K75 would be a good bike for my retirement trip to Alaska.  Not too heavy, simple, bulletproof drivetrain, etc.  I think you've got to balance character and reliability.  I'd seriously consider an SP1000 for the trip, though. 

[Tusayan]

I've been thinking that a K75 would be a good bike for my retirement trip to Alaska.  Not too heavy, simple, bulletproof drivetrain, etc.  I think you've got to balance character and reliability.  I'd seriously consider an SP1000 for the trip, though.

The K75 would be a good choice, I think they are the most bulletproof motorcycle made to date and a lot better, lighter and less clunky bike than the K100.  Very comfortable and also easy to service when needed, much like a Guzzi to service and unlike most of what BMW has made since. 

K75s are fairly pleasant to ride, but need to be revved hard to go...  at which point they make a nice enough 3-cylinder exhaust note.  The main issue when going fast is engine braking and shaft jacking, but you can deal with it by riding smoothly, particularly by using smooth throttle control.

There isn't much complex, high tech in a K75.  They're a little overbuilt with solid 1980s engineering. Remove (or avoid) the complex, expensive ABS system if that's a factor - not all had it.

[ohiorider]

A few pix from their 1993 model brochure ... standard, S, and RT

[Tusayan]

I understand Guzzi under De Tomaso once considered building a similar bike to the K75 using one cylinder head from a Maserati BiTurbo.  The original K-bike concept is well aligned with classic BMW and Guzzi thinking in terms of maintenance access and longevity, its just that the 4-cylinder version was huge and overweight and only got worse with 4 valve heads and etc.

[Sheepdog]

I rode a number of 80s and 90s K-Bikes and especially liked the 1100LT and all the triples.  My favorite was the K75C...

[Kiwi_Roy]

I don't get the title of this thread, The K bikes are a 3 and 4 cylinder laying on it's side quite weird but make sense in a way.
I bought a K100 for my New Zealand trip, one thing I noticed is your knees get cooked.
I do think they are an un-apprecited bike but they ain't no Guzzi

Perhaps you should cram a Guzzi engine in one if you want a V twin BMW won't make it for you.

[kirby1923]

I don't get the title of this thread, The K bikes are a 3 and 4 cylinder laying on it's side quite weird but make sense in a way.
I bought a K100 for my New Zealand trip, one thing I noticed is your knees get cooked.
I do think they are an un-apprecited bike but they ain't no Guzzi

Perhaps you should cram a Guzzi engine in one if you want a V twin BMW won't make it for you.

Me either?!
They did, its the R bikes, a V twin with a 180 degree V angle.

Throw rocks at 'em but they have hauled me around many places on this planet with no complaint or drama.

Moto's don't get much better for the mission they were designed for. (if at all)

:-)

[craigclu]

Owned a K100 some time back.  I loved the performance and precision of it but never generated a torrid passion for it.  It really changed in character with a Kriegkoff (sp?) ceramic exhaust and free-flowed intake system.  It had an interesting fairing system from Krauser that could run in 3 ways...Full 3 part that covered the entire engine, 2 part that was the upper with side panels and as pictured, with just the upper (and how I preferred it).  I thought it handled well but a fork brace really made it solid.  Maybe just me but I really liked its look back in that era and liked that it was different than the norm.

 


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