1993 K75, 8K miles. How much is it worth?

[kentpham]

How much is this bike worth?
I've never owned a K.
This one is for sale local. I have not looked at the bike but it's probably in excellent condition with new tires. I forgot to ask what color.
$6400.00 firm, it seems too high to me.
What do you think?

"BMW K75 in mint condition.
Everything on the bike is all original (all stock)
100% maintained
BMW windshield
BMW hard saddlebags
Includes optional added accessories
Corbin Canyon Dual Sport seat with Corbin driver's backrest #297-SB
BMW Run-N-Lites for front and rear
Superbike Rifle Fairings and BMW tank cover
I have the original seat if you prefer to have it also
This is the best smooth riding BMW Motorcycle that will last for a long time.
It only has 8,000 miles and runs like new
There are no scratches anywhere and the color is in perfect condition"

 

[GILLY]

Yeah quite high, even though it is a low miler. I sold my 87 S this summer to get a 1200GT.
Specs on mine, it was an 87 with 95000 miles, bags, Corbin with passenger backrest (not driver), hard bags, heated grips, 4 way flasher, hopped up engine (big valve kit, etc) Luftmeister pipe with stock pipe included, tail rack, there was more than I can think of, and I got $3000 for that one.

This one is confusing. The low mileage is good. The Rifle fairing, I don't like it, I love the stock fairing, but then he says "all stock". Or at least you do. So does it have the stock fairing? Or did he manage to wreck it and make a cheap repair by using a Vetter (Rifle) fairing? And why does it then also say "BMW windshield"? He says he is firm on the price though. I think he won't get a nibble on it, especially THIS time of year. I'd say he needs to reverse those first 2 numbers.

Gilly

 

[ted]

I'd have to agree - I think $4,500 would be a top price for this bike regardless of the time of year. Things break down and fail over time as well as mileage, and on a 15 year old bike there are things that would have been replaced with ordinary mileage that will probably have to be done. "100% Maintained" - does that include things like annual brake fluid, clutch-back spline lube, every other year coolant, replacing various hoses, taking care of the ill effects from sitting, etc.?

For $6,500 you can find a nice R1150RT with decent miles if you look a bit. Matter of fact, in the last few weeks I've looked at an '05 F650GS that only had 1,117 miles and looked brand new for $6,200, and a 1995 K75RT that only needed some minor fairing love and came with the goodies like heated grips and electric windshield, for $2,500.

 

[PGlaves]

I bought a K75RTP - 1995 model - well maintained - 13,000 miles for about $2000 less than he is asking. I'd say $4,500 maybe - not a dime over $5k.

 

[35634]

Back in 86 I bought my K75S, new (2 miles) for $5600. Nowadays, you should be
able to buy a K, ride it a year or 2, and sell it for the same price. I really doubt you
could do that with in this case. Plus, it could have storage issues-figure in possible
brake work and fuel pump & damper.

 

[grumpyone]

Maybe Not??

Not being near an expert " Paul is the 75 expert" but being an old red neck gunsmith horsetrader I d say from what you wrote the sites on that barrel dont quite line up right??
Might be one of those deals best left alone at any price. Bikes that are super perfect beyond belief usually are
Been there done that
Best of luck
Jim and Esther

 

[jcridge]

I'll give you a real good idea of what to expect. Last year we bought two K75's, one for my wife and one for me. Her bike was a 1992 that had 49K miles, dealer and owner maintained, and was on the road every year. This bike was clean and well documented, had normal scratches and faded painted. But it was well cared for.
My bike is a 1994 that only had 18K miles and had limited documentation, but it was showroom new in appearance.

Of these two bikes, the 92 was by far a better bike, it shifted like a dream, could out perform any K75 period, I mean this bike after I went thru it was one of those perfect machines that comes along once in a great while.
The 94 required allot more sorting to straighten out what was deemed a perfect bike by the PO. The rubber was starting to dry out, it shifted like a 50's Mack and couldn't touch the 92 in performance.

Well after many miles and trips to the dealer for this part and that part the 94 finally came into it's own. After another 10K miles it started to shift and perform like the 92.

I have tossed around the idea of selling my K, but can't come to due it. Her R1100 has more power and is easier to throw around ( it's really a nice bike), but it's not a K75. So as far as the $6500, it seems a bit high. I would sell my K75 for $5000 not a penny less if I ever lost my senses and went to the R side.

So the moral of the story is a very low mileage K75 with limited documentation, really means nothing. A well maintained K75 with proper breakin and moderate mileage would be a better bike IMHO then something with very little mileage that will require allot of work to sort out.
Perfect paint, well that's nice, but after you put the tank bag on and ride it everyday and get battle scars from what ever is thrown at you, the perfect paint starts to mean very little.

 

[ejressler]

I would say look at the bike, see what he/she has, ride the bike, and if you want it and have the asking price, it's your decision. I bought a 95 with 12K miles new tires, major service, just this summer. I paid $4400. from a BMW dealer. But by the time I took off the old "flat key" bags, and bought new bags, (yes they are still available), took off older National cycle windshield, and put on factory windshield, converted low to high seat, and bought new Corbin, then bought a few other add ons, I probably have $6400. in mine. But after selling the old bags, entire low seat with hardware, and old windshield, I am back to having about $5500 in it. I am happy with mine, and it runs like a top, and paint is flawless. I was even able to obtain, a set of factory, new, color match mystic red, battery covers. I like the bike so much, that my Roadking is going to my brother's wife in the spring. Yeah, there are higher milage bikes, some older and some newer, some in good shape, and some with some hidden problems. Buyer beware, but it comes down to your decision. Of course, I am "almost" fully retired, and don't tour like I used to, just ride for fun, on nice days, so that makes me want something that pleases me, and I don't worry what others think, or what they ride, or how much they paid for it. But no matter what you decide to do, there will be some out there, that will let you know that they got a better deal, and may have. My 2 cents worth.

 

[toddlamp]

One thing to take into consideration, and one that i'm sure that the seller is doing, are the add-ons. I bought my K75 for $3500 but it was a bare bones standard model. There were no bags, no ABS, standard seat, etc. So even though I have been buying up some cheap stuff I still would have liked to get it all at the time of purchase. What I am finding that these bikes are worth much more in parts. So if you can talk the seller down do it. But at the same time, if you're willing to make the effort, those parts could be worth a good amount on here or eBay and make up some of the cost.

 

[jobee58]

I agree with a lot of what's been said, anything over $5K is pretty much pushing the envelope. I mean, I think the most any K75 went for new, was a bit over $7,000. I also think the caveats about lack of miles and possbile impact makes sense. (As do the "lesser" items of maintenance, ie; yearly fluids, spline lube, specifics of storage, etc.) These things love to be ridden and do become something else after breaking in.

 

[beemer01]

My Gawd -

You can buy a brand new F series for not much more than that! $4000 would be a high price IMHO.

 

[Zagando]

I think ejressler pretty much hit the nail on its head. A lot boils down to what you want out of it and how you will enjoy it. If it's worth the price to you then that's what matters the most.

I just paid $5,000 for my '94 K75S that had 17,800 miles on it when I picked it up in Georgia. After riding it the 3,200 miles back to the coast and shipping it home (arrived here exactly one week ago) I'm realizing that I paid about $1000 too much for it (and that doesn't begin to include all that I spent on my 11,000 mile "expedition," either).

But this doesn't really bother me as I got what I wanted and will now have plenty of time to go over the bike with a fine tooth comb and make it mine.

I plan to gradually put her in near-showroom condition and do some exploring around the island here before we move back to the mainland in a couple of years. (Then I'll be able to do some longer rides again)

The bike has most if not all of the factory options as well as extra goodies; hard bags, top case, heated grips, working ABS, smoke windscreen, Works shock, super LED brake light, longer rear view mirrors, 4-way flasher, Multivario, etc. and is the rare Dakar Yellow.

The fly in the ointment is that the previous owner had a few tip-overs and that the paint is touched-up in places rather poorly. This didn't show up in the photos that I saw before the purchase although the PO had mentioned them to me (and they're not noticeable unless you really are looking for them). Although the service records are "complete" as per the PO's statement, they're somewhat skimpy. The tires are OK but will need replacement in a couple thousand miles. At least all three splines were lubed at 15,000 miles, one of the reasons I chose this bike over another I was considering with twice the miles.

Nonetheless, I consider my bike to be a keeper---I was looking for a sound, low mileage example---and I found her.

So I'm looking forward to learning how to maintain my S and maybe even tackle a respray of all the painted parts come the dry season here. I'll also be riding year-round and having a great time in the process. So, in the end, it really boils down to what pleases you the most.

If I were you I'd offer the fellow a bit less than he's asking and find out why the bike wasn't ridden much. If he isn't willing to negotiate, move on and look for another bike. Sooner or later, one will turn up that meets your needs. Best of luck whatever you do; I know you'll enjoy the K75---I certainly am.

 

[kayseventyfive]

There are too many good Ks out there at reasonable prices to pay that much for that one.

4000 to 4500 would be tops for me if I really liked it.

 

[kentpham]

Thank you all for your inputs. I think I pass this one since the seller thinks he has a priceless gem.

 

[ultracyclist]

This is a very timely thread as I have been looking for and researching k75's (I started that thread of $100 finders fee for the right K75).

Many good points so far, and my research supports the prices quoted in this thread.

All I would like to add is that for what some sellers want for their mid 90's K75, one could buy a middle 90's K12RS for a few dollars more.

The smooth riding reputation and resiliance of the K75 is legendary, but it is still older technology and just as a expensive to buy new parts for as a more contemporary bike.

Sellers are establishing their prices on reputation. Buyers establish their prices on age, condition, mileage.

I received an email last night from a guy who want to sell me his '94 K75S with a windscreen (nothing else) with about 40K miles all dealer serviced (complete records) for what I could buy a '98 K12RS. Pictures show that the bike is well maintained. The guy is a collector of German bikes, keeps them in pristine shape, and enjoys his collection. The logical buyer for his bike is a "collector" not a rider. he wants $5,400. One of my friends bought a 1999 K12RS two years ago for $6K and the bike had 9K miles on the clock!

Obviously, there is a difference between a motivated seller and one who is trolling for suckers to pay ridiculous prices for 15 year bikes.

 

[bikerfish1100]

Thank you all for your inputs. I think I pass this one since the seller thinks he has a priceless gem.

if this is a bike you would like to own, but the price is too high (i agree with most others that it is too much)- offer what you're willing to pay, and see what he says. you might find that he'll move enough to make it a good deal. if so, good on ya. if not, just walk away.