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 three former keepers on the V5, it spent many years in storage before being bought by the previous owner 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.

The vendor bought the bike through this very platform in 2022.

“Upon first sight of the bike, I knew I had to have it. The Porsche green tank and blend of old and new aesthetics appealed to me instantly.

"I've never ridden a K100 before, but it really is a beast, albeit one that can be handled. After reading up on what to expect and diving into rabbit holes on café racer upgrades, I think it's mainly due to the highest spec being applied to this bike. You can certainly feel it in the right places, like the firm suspension and S1000RR forks for handling, or just the perfectly pitched Akrapovič exhaust.

"I've received more compliments about this bike than any sports bike, and even most cars. It catches everyone's eye, and people are always curious about it, capturing the 'McQueen vibe'.

"Now garaged and kept on a trickle charge, I am only selling as six months after purchase I had to undergo a major PLIF Surgery, making it difficult for me to get in and out of most sports vehicles, let alone consider riding a bike. So, reluctantly, I'm selling what seems like a dream. I'd be content for the bike to sit in the garage or office, as it looks stunning. Nevertheless, it's meant to be ridden, so I hope someone else can now enjoy the pleasure of riding her.”

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.

In the vendor's ownership, he has carried out several improvements:

"There was some corrosion on the valve cover and front brake which I promptly updated to bring in-line with everything else, along with replacing the gasket to fix an oil leak. The handlebars were a bit misshapen perhaps from a previous donor, so I replaced them with new ones, which also involved drilling these out to accommodate the bar end indicators. I also focused on hygiene aspects, adding a rear mudguard to protect the battery, which was also upgraded and sprayed. The bike stand was reinforced for peace of mind."

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 previous and current owners have 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 that is fitted.

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

The vendor states: "Originally, I bought it for use as a weekend bike and bit of a showpiece in the garage. It hasn't seen much use beyond short rides, handling at fast and slow speeds, on all types of roads. But there was room for improvement. I’ve added details that make a big difference for assurance and comfort, opting for custom milled steering stops from Sweden to protect the tank. While at it, I had the front forks adjusted for better manoeuvrability and riding position. I adjusted the gear set to prevent rotation which is common on these."

The MoT certificate is valid until January 2025, and the documents section of the gallery contains invoices for the work the vendor has carried out.

A genuine labour of love, this BMW K100 helped the previous owner 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. The vendor has only added to this, further refining this attractive custom machine.

We estimate that this unique bike will sell for £8,000-£11,000.

If 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 strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Wix, Essex. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, 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, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.