1987 BMW K 100 LT
Summary:
Very competent tourer; can get too hot in summer
Faults:
Hard to shift at times. Adjusting the clutch helped a little, but still have some problems - might be spline time.
General Comments:
The first big bike I have owned at around 600lb. Previous bike was a 480lb CB650. Took a little getting used to, but now I hardly notice it.
A very competent and predictable bike to ride. My only complaint would be that it seems too easy to lock the back brake due to the shaft drive.
Very brisk acceleration; can keep up with anything, even in the turns.
Easily pulls in a high gear from low speeds; third seems capable of 0-100mph; a great bike for living in traffic.
I am a little disappointed with the 48-50mpg on 87 gas; I thought I would get more.
Biggest problem is HEAT; riding in 100'F behind the fairing your legs cook. Taking the lower fairing off helps. Looking forward to fall/winter riding where the engine heat will be welcome.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th August, 2007
22nd Mar 2011, 00:56
I have a 1987 K100RT, and I only get about 41 MPG with 95/98 octane. Spirited mountain road riding using the full rev range, but still not nearly as good as your economy.
A website that lists the economy of various bikes, reckons the K100's get about 36 MPG.
21st Sep 2018, 04:46
I'll guess it may be the difference between US and Imperial gallons? The fellow quoting the higher mileage numbers was using Imperial gallons, which are 20% larger than US gallons. 4.55L vs 3.8L.
1st Mar 2008, 09:31
BMW K 100 LT.
I have purchased 3 k bikes in the past 12 years. First one is the popular 85 K100RT, which I added 95,000 miles to in 7+ years. The next Beemer was the K100LT. Rode that for 83,000 miles in 4+ years.
Third bike I am working on now is the K1100RS with the 16 valve head.
These machines need the higher octane fuel. Congratulations on getting close to 50 MPG on 87 octane!
I wonder if the fuel injection plug is in the harness? When it is installed I can get almost 50 MPG. However it's only recommended when you are riding 4000 feet above sea level.
These bikes as well as most heavy touring bikes will get you from point A to point B.
I suggest finding the web site, www.bmwmoa.org or www.ibmwr.org for the valuable information that will help you in the care and finding people who love these machines!
Tim,
260,000 miles on 5 BMWs.