While this example of BMW’s famous K1 has a few miles on it (45k), it’s in one of the best paint schemes and it comes with the rare factory luggage. Think of it as the great-grandfather of the S1000RR, and an incredible styling experiment. Still, less than 7,000 models were sold, and it wasn’t a sales success.
Despite weighing over 600 pounds, the aerodynamic bodywork enables this 95 hp bike to top 140mph. It was the first implementation of BMW’s Paralever suspension system, their second-generation rear driveshaft technology, which reduced the shaft-jacking occasionally present on the first generation K’s. Unfortunately, there were some flaws. The two biggest ones were an absolutely abysmal turning radius, and a serious buildup of heat due to the size of the plastic fairings. Some riders reported nearly having their thighs burned when the cooling fans would turn on at stoplights. Flaws or not, the bike definitely brought plenty of attention to BMW, and cemented public opinion that BMW was capable of building more than boxer-engined touring bikes.
This bike has 45,800 miles and it’s been with the seller for just over a year. He says that it doesn’t get ridden much although he’s put over 500 miles on it in a day. It has new-ish tires, a new battery, a Staintune exhaust (original included), and it was recently serviced.
Find this K1 for sale here on Craigslist for $5,900 in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
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