BMW K75
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The BMW K75 is a motorcycle that was produced by BMW from 1985 to 1995. The K75 is what is considered a "Standard" motorcycle, with a variety trim lines. 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).
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[edit] Model designations
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.
[edit] Engine and transmission
All K75 models share the same drivetrain. They are powered by a 740 cc inline three-cylinder, Bosch fuel injected, engine. The US EPA specific engine produce 68 hp (51 kW) while all others produce 75 hp (56 kW). It utilizes a five-speed transmission with a dry clutch and a shaft-driven final drive.
The engine is a liquid-cooled, inline, fuel injected three-cylinder design rotated 90 degrees – designed to be less vulnerable to damage should the cycle fall over. The bike was also one of the first motorcycles to be equipped with a catalytic converter and stainless steel exhaust. This engine has an advantage over the K100's larger four-cylinder because it has inherently small secondary imbalance, and perfect primary balance via counter rotating balance shaft, as opposed to the K100's inline four cylinder engine, a type noted for its secondary imbalance vibration.[citation needed]
[edit] Background to K75 launch and design
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 in (40.9 mm) and Fichtel and Sachs measuring 1.627 in (41.3 mm). In 1992 the K75 cost between US$10,000 and $12,000 depending on the options that were selected.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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