BMW K75C

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Blue BMW K75 fitted with topbox, parked in a pedestrian area
1993 BMW K75

The BMW K75 was a standard motorcycle produced by BMW from 1985 to 1995. At the time of its introduction, the K75 was BMW's cheapest motorcycle. It offers a claimed acceleration of 0–60 mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h).

Model designations

File:Bmwk75s.JPG
1993 K75S with Belly Pan and touring bags

Various models of the K75 were produced.

  • K75, with no fairing
  • K75T, US only model with a windscreen, touring bags, engine crash bars, and rear top case
  • K75C, with a small handlebar mounted 'cockpit' fairing
  • K75S, with sports fixed fairing and lower bars
  • K75RT, with full fairing for 'road touring'

S and RT versions have a rear disc brake and 17 inch rear wheels whereas the others have a single leading shoe drum brake and 18 inch rear wheels. A stiffer, "anti-dive" front suspension was added to the S and RT model. Later RT version has a windshield that can be raised or lowered. Some taller riders complain of wind buffeting with the smaller S model stock windscreen.

Engine and transmission

All K75 models share the same drivetrain. They are powered by a 740 cc liquid-cooled inline three-cylinder engine with Bosch fuel injection. The US EPA specific engine produce 68 hp while all others produce 75 hp. It utilizes a five-speed transmission with a dry clutch and a shaft-driven final drive. The engine is rotated 90 degrees – designed to be less vulnerable to damage should the cycle fall over.

Background to K75 launch and design

Black BMW K75T with topbox and panniers, parked on a driveway in front of a house and metal gates
1987 BMW K75T

The K-series lineup, including the K75 and K100, were not just new models; these designs were radical departures from almost every aspect of previous ones. The K-bikes introduced new technology and refinement for a premium brand. At the time, BMW and Harley-Davidson were the only major manufactures that did not offer liquid-cooled engines. Competing brands, notably of Japanese manufacture, were touting the superiority of their liquid-cooled engines and had introduced low maintenance shaft-drive technology into a growing number of their models.

The K-series offered refinements like computer-controlled fuel injection, all stainless steel exhaust, rust-free aluminum fuel tank, anti-lock brakes or ABS, mono-lever in the rear and single shock absorber, adjustable headlight, high capacity 460 watt alternator, cigarette lighter accessory plug-in, self canceling signal lights. It would take more than two decades for other manufacturers to catch-up. The engine design had excellent vibration isolation. Two different forks manufactures were used: Showa with an outer upper tube diameter of 1.612" and Fichtel and Sachs measuring 1.627".

References


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