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The 1985 BMW K75 and 1989 BMW K1 represent two chapters in BMW's storied history.
The 1985 BMW K75 from Germany was powered by a 740cc DOHC inline-3 producing 75hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 210.0kg (463 lbs) and with a seat height of 810mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1989 BMW K1 by contrast offered 987cc of DOHC inline-4 16v power, delivering 100hp at 8000rpm. Tipping the scales at 234.0kg (516 lbs) with a top speed of 235km/h (146 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
The 1985 BMW K75 from Germany was powered by a 740cc DOHC inline-3 producing 75hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 210.0kg (463 lbs) and with a seat height of 810mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1989 BMW K1 by contrast offered 987cc of DOHC inline-4 16v power, delivering 100hp at 8000rpm. Tipping the scales at 234.0kg (516 lbs) with a top speed of 235km/h (146 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1985 BMW K75 | 1989 BMW K1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 740 cc | 987 cc |
| Power | 75 hp | 100 hp |
| Torque | 66.0 Nm | 97.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 3 | 4 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | 235 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 210.0 kg | 234.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 228.0 kg | 254.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 810 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1496 mm | 1516 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 21.0 L | 22.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
Comparing these two BMW machines reveals the brand's evolution. The 1985 BMW K75 laid the groundwork with 75hp, while the later 1989 BMW K1 pushed output to 100hp. From a collector's perspective, the 1989 BMW K1 holds the edge with a 6/10 rating. Either way, both are worthy additions to any BMW collection.
About the 1985 BMW K75
Born in 1985, the 1985 BMW K75 is a 740cc triple-cylinder standard motorcycle producing 75hp from BMW.
Full 1985 BMW K75 Profile →About the 1989 BMW K1
Introduced in 1989, the 1989 BMW K1 features a 987cc DOHC inline-4 16v engine producing 100hp, establishing itself as a notable sport bike.
Full 1989 BMW K1 Profile →