A BMW scrambler inspired by the late 80s Paris-Dakar bikes…
Introduced in 1985, the BMW K75 was a three-cylinder version of the venerable K100 “Flying Brick,” whose unique engine layout — an inline four laid flat on its side — earned the bike its nickname. Many riders still prefer the K75, as the lighter 740cc triple was smoother, nimbler, ran cooler, and still made 75 horsepower at 8000 rpm. Said Cycle of the K75S:
“[It] sharpens that special BMW experience, and, with better control, elevates it to a higher road speed.”
Enter the Ukraine’s Andrew Kiriluk, who bought this ’86 BMW K75 — his first bike ever — just one year ago, and already had designs in his head to customize the machine:
“I was inspired by late 80’s Paris-Dakar rally motorcycles and also by scrambler style bikes.”
Andrew completely disassembled the donor bike, redoing the rear subframe and shock mount, building a custom exhaust and intake manifold from scratch, hand-making the fenders and headlight shell, replacing all the engine seals and gaskets, modeling the seat after a Husky model, powder-coating many of the bike’s components, and much more.
The result is one of the most striking Flying Bricks we’ve ever seen, and one that constantly turns heads on the Ukrainian streets:
“It is an awesome feeling to ride a bike I created for myself. The motorcycle is bright and unusual. It constantly attracts the attention of others.”
Below, we get the full story on this Paris-Dakar-inspired BMW scrambler.
BMW K75 Scrambler: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
My name is Andrew, I am living in Ukraine. I got my bike one year ago and it was my first bike ever. I was inspired by Paris-Dakar rally motorcycles from the late 80’s. I wanted to create a motorcycle that was visually lightweight and raised up. For that we made a full custom exhaust system, and let it go as high as possible.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
It is an BMW K75. The year of issue is 1986.
• Why was this bike built?
It was my personal idea.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
As I said before: I was inspired by late 80’s Paris-Dakar rally motorcycles and also by scrambler style bikes.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
– First of all I’ve remade the rear subframe and rear suspension mount.
– Then built exhaust system from scratch.
– The next step was the hand-made the front and rear fenders, then the side covers and the headlight shell.
– Than we made a full custom intake manifold with filter from HD 🙂
– Аfter that I completely disassembled the entire motorcycle. Engine, gearbox, propeller shaft, replaced all engine gaskets and seals, repaired the water pump, generator. Painted everything with powder paint. I made new electrical wiring. Also painted the wheels with a powder coating. Than I polished the spokes on the rims and engine side covers.
– The next was a full painting of bike. I thought for a long time about how to paint it, what stripes to apply due to the complex shape of the fuel tank on the BMW K series. I chose a blue color from the million other kinds of blue. I removed a BMW logo from the fuel tank and applied racing stripes throughout the motorcycle, which visually made it look whole.
– One of the last stages was the changing of the seat. I made it with convex rectangles like a Husqvarna motorcycle. I bought a handlebar, headlight, lights, turn signals, speedometer, fog lamp from the 80s CIBIE. Installed tires: Pirelli MT60 / MT90.
– I connected everything, assembled, started, and rode off.
• What’s it like to ride?
It is an awesome feeling to ride a bike I created for myself. The motorcycle is bright and unusual. Сonstantly attracts the attention of others. I ride for pleasure.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
No, it doesn’t have a nickname.
• How would you classify this bike?
Scrambler.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
Yes sure, it was my decision to hide the ugly part of the frame with side panels… The side panels were handcrafted from metal.
Excellent way to transform a K bike! I like that Andrew crafted his own side panels and is talented enough to create a new exhaust system. Great machine! I’m working on a 85 K100, transforming it into a GS model. Thanks for the encouragement to not take shortcuts, and do the best job possible.
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