1983 BMW K100
Estimate: $5000 - $10000
THE FLYING BRICK
By 1979, BMW Motorcycles was at an historic low. Initiated by Dr Sarfert, the former management’s chairman, the inevitable question was asked 'should we cease production?' – the answer was a hesitant 'no'. Over the next four years, the company planned BMW’s most innovative motorcycle ever, the K589 project. The K100 design team was led by Karl Heinz Abe, Klaus- Volker Gevert and Claus Luthe who channelled the talents of more than 100 employees in the research and development department. Further to this, initial concepts gained the confidence of upper management, who decided to support the project and committed to the construction of Europe’s most modern motorcycle factory, they spent 300,000,000DM. Starting in 1983 with the first K100, the factory was housed in the iconic ‘BRAMO’ building which was built in Berlin-Spandau in 1928. Prior to heading into production, the K100 was tested beyond the 650,000-kilometre mark. The K100 was destined to become a machine that successfully repositioned BMW and indeed the expectations of the market. Refined in its handling, smooth in its delivery of power, the K100 also offered a distinctive styling that reflected a very German attitude towards the mix between form and function. This example was one of the first two K100s to be offered in New Zealand. It is in an excellent unrestored state with low mileage.

Image and text courtesy Webbs Auctions
Read the contributor's profile for Webbs Auction House NZ
BMW 1970-1989