BMW K 100 (1986-1987) 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 was 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 bike was available in several versions, like the basic K100 model without a fairing, the K100 C with a small cockpit fairing mounted on the handlebar, the K100 RS with a lower fairing and a sports fixed fairing, the K100 RT with a full touring fairing, K100 LT with a taller windscreen and luxury touring equipment, and K100 TIC developed for Police, Ambulance, Fire, and Military departments.

In 1986, the German motorcycle manufacturer launched the BMW K 100, a naked motorcycle, in the fifth consecutive production year. It came with the same package as the previous one without any modifications.

The bike's visual department was characterized by standard fittings, like a small front cowl with a single headlight unit, a one-piece double seat with pillion grab rails, a four-into-one exhaust system with a single muffler mounted on the left side, and eight-spoke alloy wheels.

The 1986 BMW K 100 was set in motion by a 987cc four-stroke liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine mounted underneath its fuel tank. The engine was fed by a fuel injection system, delivering an output power of 90 hp with a peak force at 8,000 rpm and 84 Nm (62 lb-ft) torque at 8,250 rpm.