1983 BMW K100

1983 BMW K100

touring80sGermany

A touring motorcycle from 1983, the 1983 BMW K100 delivers 90hp from its 987cc DOHC inline-4 engine.

Specifications

Engine

Type
DOHC inline-4
Displacement
987 cc
Cylinders
4
Power
90 hp @ 8000 rpm
Torque
86.0 Nm
Compression
Bore × Stroke
67.0 × 70.0 mm
Cooling
Water-cooled
Fuel System
Bosch LE-Jetronic fuel injection

Chassis & Transmission

Frame
Steel tube space frame
Front Suspension
Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension
Monolever swingarm
Front Brake
Dual disc
Rear Brake
Single disc
Front Tyre
Rear Tyre
Transmission
5-speed
Final Drive
Shaft

Performance

Top Speed
215 km/h (134 mph)
¼ Mile

Dimensions & Weight

Dry Weight
240 kg (529 lbs)
Wet Weight
258 kg (569 lbs)
Seat Height
810 mm
Wheelbase
1516 mm
Ground Clearance
Fuel Capacity
22.0 L

History & Story

In 1983, BMW launched the 1983 BMW K100 — a touring motorcycle that would come to define an era of motorcycling. Hailing from Germany, it combined Germany engineering with touring motorcycle appeal.

At the heart of the 1983 BMW K100 sits a 987cc DOHC inline-4 engine producing 90 horsepower at 8000 rpm. The four-cylinder powerplant features a four-cylinder layout with water-cooled cooling, fed by Bosch LE-Jetronic fuel injection. Power reaches the rear wheel through a 5-speed transmission and shaft final drive.

Weighing 240 kg (529 lbs) dry, the 1983 BMW K100 uses a steel tube space frame frame, telescopic fork front suspension, and monolever swingarm rear suspension. The braking system comprises dual disc front and single disc rear units.

Performance-wise, the 1983 BMW K100 achieves a claimed top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph). With a generous fuel capacity of 22.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for touring motorcycle duties. The seat height of 810 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.

Today, the 1983 BMW K100 is considered a respected classic that attracts serious collector interest and continues to appreciate. Parts availability is rated as good, making ownership relatively straightforward. It remains an icon of BMW motorcycling from 1980s.

Known Issues

  • Final drive spline wear on shaft-drive models
  • Fuel injection (K-series) relay board failures
  • Starter motor brushes wear over time

Fun Facts

  • The 1983 BMW K100 is widely regarded as a milestone in motorcycle history
  • The 1983 BMW K100 was produced in BMW's Germany facilities
  • The 1983 BMW K100 featured a steel tube space frame frame typical of 1980s design philosophy

Collector Information

Parts Availability
Good
Collector Rating
5/10

Resources & Parts