In 1983, BMW debuted the all-new K 100. The K stood for Kompaktes Antriebssystem, the Compact Drive System for multi-cylinder engines that borrowed their aluminum/Nikasil block, five-bearing crank, connecting rods, dual overhead cams, Bosch LE Jetronic fuel injection and transistorized ignition from BMW’s car engines. The engines mounted longitudinally in a load-bearing frame with Monolever rear suspension, cast aluminum wheels, and triple disc brakes. A young Chris Lordan read about the K-bikes in Car and Driver in 1984 but didn’t get his own until 2018. “My only regret is the eternal one: I never should have waited so long!” he says.

For more pictures and information on this or any other vehicle in the Motorcycles exhibit, check out the exhibition book in our store!