Personally, I would never buy a used bike with more than 10k on the clock. I'd rather spend a little more and get a nearly new bike. But, if these two bikes were my only options I would probably go with the Kawi. Despite mileage being somewhat equal, the Kwack is 10 years newer and is cheaper. Of course to me, this decision is like trying to decide which pile of crap smells better. But hey, it's your money.
Advice needed: 95 Kawi Concours vs. 85 BMW K100 RS
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What a coincidence, I made that decision in '86 when I bought my '85 K100RS. The Concours hasn't changed much so it's a pretty valid comparison
I put almost 60K on the RS before I sold it, with no problems. As long as the spline maintainance has been done they're pretty well bulletproof. The K-RS kick off a horrendous amount of heat, so if you live in a hot climate thats a consideration. And they're pretty buzzy at most speeds.
One nice thing about the '85 is it has the Euro-spec cams so it's a little faster then the newer 1000's, and tube bars so you cand set it up however you want it.
With the Kawi. you also get a proven bulletproof design, a dedicated (fanatical) support group, and no EFI problems to worry about. plus you can use radial tires.
After owning the BMW and seeing how the Concours has held up, I would save $1600 bucks and get the Connie if I was you. If you don't like it you could sell it for $2500 bucks all day long.
I put almost 60K on the RS before I sold it, with no problems. As long as the spline maintainance has been done they're pretty well bulletproof. The K-RS kick off a horrendous amount of heat, so if you live in a hot climate thats a consideration. And they're pretty buzzy at most speeds.
One nice thing about the '85 is it has the Euro-spec cams so it's a little faster then the newer 1000's, and tube bars so you cand set it up however you want it.
With the Kawi. you also get a proven bulletproof design, a dedicated (fanatical) support group, and no EFI problems to worry about. plus you can use radial tires.
After owning the BMW and seeing how the Concours has held up, I would save $1600 bucks and get the Connie if I was you. If you don't like it you could sell it for $2500 bucks all day long.
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I had a Connie for 50K before the Boss demanded a Wing. Change the windshield to a Rifle and raise the bars (Storz is the best) while changing to a longer brake line. Get a less-soft saddle- my Corbin was tatty but okay. You'll get the best weather protection you can imagine and the engine really is nice if you check the counterbalancer adjustment. The other fellow is very right about adding a Givi trunk for trips. It's a big, strong bike that can handle a passenger with ease. Good traveler and no real problems. I did an 1130 day on mine once, and a bunch of eights and nines. Likes curvy roads but can do a slab-drone with the best of them. Cheap and easy to keep. I miss mine sometimes, but the ZX1100 I got since helps keep me in Kaw engine growl well enough.
I owned an 85 K100RS and loved it. It had 40,000 miles on it when I sold it and I have little doubt that it would have gone 200k. If it were me, it would be a very easy decision.... the Beemer! When you buy a BMW you become part of a fraternity and are welcomed to any number of events and rallies. If you join the BMWMOA and decide to ride across country and find yourself in trouble, a fellow BMW club member will be sure to care for you. If you buy the Kawi... no one will give a $hit what you ride and how many other Kawi riders would you let you spend the night after an unfortunate breakdown in the middle of America. But then if you have to ask... maybe the Kawi is the correct choice for you.
Well let's see on the one hand you have the '95 Concour and on the other hand you have the BMW, an '85 model. I had a friend who once owned an '85 V-Max. It's just like the BMW only completely different. See I think you should either go with the Kawi or the Beemer. Now look, we can't all have what we want all of the time and we can't smoke crack at work. The thing is, go with what bike moves you, whether in your bowels or makes your heart go pitter-patter. My boy, you'll soon be a man, a motorcycle is not a toy, ride well, ride safe, and may the bike you choose poo-poo, not too often. Farewell..
Most modern bikes are just getting warmed up at 10,000 if properly used. My ST1100 has needed a new shock in 40,000. It runs like a top. I would not hesitate to take it cross country. You might want to start viewing better bikes as you would a used car with the same mileage considerations. For the rest of you folks, be careful what you buy and you can save thousands and still have a very good, reliable bike. For the guy asking for input, check out the spare parts prices on both. And, the Connie can usually have the vibration adjusted out of it but the K bike is quite the vibrator. A K75 is a much better bike IMHO. And I bought my K75 with 22,000 on it and was stupid enough to sell it with 35,000. But BMW parts are not cheap (not that I needed any) and the air filter servicing just sucks!
For $4100, there are better buys, including Beemers.
Personally, I'd take the K100 over the Concours, and I expect the BMW would last longer based on the hi-mile ones I see. I find the early Ks to be not very pleasant, though.
A VFR would be my personal candidate. I think there's a chance of more to do come maintenance time, but it has a lot more character than either.
Personally, I'd take the K100 over the Concours, and I expect the BMW would last longer based on the hi-mile ones I see. I find the early Ks to be not very pleasant, though.
A VFR would be my personal candidate. I think there's a chance of more to do come maintenance time, but it has a lot more character than either.
By thinking with your head you could debate this until the end of time. Ride them both and let your heart/butt decide. Riding is something you experience by feeling, not thinking. Reguardless of the final out come you will be happier by buying the one that feels better.
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Buy what you like
I personaly have put over 180k miles on my connie, the only problems where front wheel bearings(once), basic maintenance, gas tank started to get some rust in it a year or so ago (cleaned it out, patched a through spot). All in all my experience is to go with the connie. However, if you don't turn a wrench, both bikes can hurt you at the dealer/repair shop. The problem with these bikes are the age, and parts are available, but can get costly. I also owned a K75, did not like it, guess I don't posess a "fraternity" gene.
I personaly have put over 180k miles on my connie, the only problems where front wheel bearings(once), basic maintenance, gas tank started to get some rust in it a year or so ago (cleaned it out, patched a through spot). All in all my experience is to go with the connie. However, if you don't turn a wrench, both bikes can hurt you at the dealer/repair shop. The problem with these bikes are the age, and parts are available, but can get costly. I also owned a K75, did not like it, guess I don't posess a "fraternity" gene.
As a former K bike owner and current BMW lover, drop the pretentious crap. Open your eyes and see how loyal the Connie owners are. Check out their website and see what a great group of riders they are. Don't be surprised when, the next time you have trouble on the road, a Concours owner stops to help. I would never be ashamed to ride a Connie.
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Re: Buy what you like
Also, if fraternity is important to you. The concourse owners group (COG) is a very good group of people, very helpfull, and have a pretty good web site to get info. Plus you don't see to many Connies out there, or k100s. Dang I'm cornfused again
Also, if fraternity is important to you. The concourse owners group (COG) is a very good group of people, very helpfull, and have a pretty good web site to get info. Plus you don't see to many Connies out there, or k100s. Dang I'm cornfused again
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This is my weird thinking.
The Kawi has seen ~4K miles per year. Assuming you don't live in an area with year round riding conditions, this is a bike that has been used regularily though not heavily. If its a single owner, I'd suspect it has been well treated.
The BMW, on the other hand, has seen ~2K miles per year. That bike has probably been ignored for extended periods. I don't trust bikes that have been ignored any more than the ones that have been abused.
Again, just my weird thinking.
The Kawi has seen ~4K miles per year. Assuming you don't live in an area with year round riding conditions, this is a bike that has been used regularily though not heavily. If its a single owner, I'd suspect it has been well treated.
The BMW, on the other hand, has seen ~2K miles per year. That bike has probably been ignored for extended periods. I don't trust bikes that have been ignored any more than the ones that have been abused.
Again, just my weird thinking.
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