BMW K100 (1982-1983) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1983, BMW took a big step into modern times with the release of a four-cylinder in-line engine generation of motorcycles, as the BMW K 100 unveiled in Paris. Working in the development department of BMW Motorrad, the engineer Josef Fritzenwenger had the idea of installing a four-cylinder in-line engine lying lengthways in a bridge frame with straight tubes.

The drive train, which included the engine, gearbox, and swingarm with the integrated cardan shaft, resulted in a unit that BMW called the “Compact Drive System.” Thanks to its torque-oriented design, the model had a relaxed driving style and was never tuned for top performance.

In its class, the 1983 BMW k 100 was the most economical and efficient motorcycle due to the most modern characteristics of a curve-controlled ignition and an electronic injection system available on the market at the time.

The power characteristics of the model were set by a 987cc four-cylinder in-line engine with a power output of 90 hp at 8,000 rpm and 84 Nm (62 lb-ft) of torque available at 8,250 rpm that sent the bike to a top speed of 215 kph (132 mph).

From the production line, the bike packed standard features such as a Monolever rear suspension, a front telescopic fork with hydraulic shock absorbers, a dual seat, black engine accents, a nose-fairing, cast-aluminum wheels, an analog instrumentation panel, and brake discs with Brembo calipers.