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1. BMW K75
The BMW K75 was launched in 1985 and remained in production until 1995. It was introduced a year after its production as BMW wanted to add more models with smaller engines in the BMW K series. The flat twin engines with large displacements had noise issues that would have failed to meet emission regulations in the coming years. To avoid wasting time and money designing a new engine from scratch, BMW decided to design smaller engines capable of producing a good power output.
The BMW K75 is powered by a 740 cc three-cylinder engine capable of producing a horsepower of 75 hp at 8,000 rpm and a torque of 68 Nm at 6,000 rpm. It is fitted with a five-speed gearbox and can attain a top speed of 131 mph. The frame of this motorcycle is made of tubular steel and the suspension has telescopic forks along with a single-sided swingarm.
The BMW K75 has a seat height of 31.9 inches, a dry weight of 229 kg, a fuel capacity of 5.54 gals, and a fuel economy of 59 mpg.
The BMW K75 is not a popular choice among custom motorcycle builders compared to other K series models. However, the BMW K75 does not cost much and can help a custom motorcycle builder gain experience. The BMW R65 is also a popular base model to build cafe racers.
2. BMW K75 at First Glance
Photo Credit: @wikipedia
3. Is the BMW K75 Good for Building Cafe Racers?
The BMW K75 is quite a difficult base motorcycle but some custom builders have transformed this motorbike into a stylish cafe racer. This motorcycle has a huge fuel tank that does not compliment a typical café racer’s design. The BMW K75 tends to be a good option for builders working on a low budget.
4. Top Three BMW K75 Cafe Racer Builds
4.1 The BMW K75 Cafe Racer by Matteucci Garage
Photo Credit: @bikeexif
According to Marco Matteucci, owner of the Matteucci Garage, the BMW K75 is a difficult motorcycle base to use when building a cafe racer. Although the BMW K75 is easy to find on the market and comes at a low price, its aesthetics are awkward and the fuel tank has an uneven geometry. The BMW K75’s complex features make it difficult to build a smooth-looking café racer.
Despite this, Matteucci managed to rebuild a stylish BMW K75 Cafe Racer in a molto fresco color scheme. Matteucci used the stock wheels, radiator shrouds, and fuel tank. However, he completely redesigned the subframe.
The custom tail section was made out of aluminum with a little hump and was shaped to look like a snake’s head. It was because of this design that this cafe racer was named the Daboia. The tail section has twin LED tail lights and arrow-shaped turn signals.
Photo Credit: @bikeexif
Modified Ohlins rear shocks were installed between the tail frame and rear tire. Though this café racer build kept its stock wheels, it was installed with Metzeler Roadtec tires. Towards the front, Ohlins upside-down forks are installed along with Brembo brakes coupled with 320 mm discs. A stylish round headlight is fitted on a custom-made bracket. The analog speedometer is also fitted on top of the headlight, embedded in a small aluminum cowl.
Photo Credit: @bikeexif
The handlebars are mounted between the forks and speedometer. Unlike other cafe racer builds, the front turn signals are hidden in the radiator shrouds.
The Story of the BMW K75 Cafe Racer by Matteucci Garage (Video Link)
4.2 The BMW K75 Café Racer by TooHard Motor Co.
Photo Credit: @bikeexif
TooHard Motor Co. has previously customized an R nineT Cafe Racer, a Triumph Trophy Bobber, and a Gixxer Restomod. Recently, the company has customized and built a BMW K75 Café Racer. The BMW K75’s odd-looking fuel tank was switched out with the BMW R80 GS’s fuel tank. The fuel tank had to be redesigned to fit with the other motorcycle parts.
TooHard improved this café racer build’s suspension and replaced its forks with the Suzuki GSX-R forks, along with a hand-built top yoke. Towards the rear section, the café racer build was fitted with the BMW K1100’s shaft drive and swingarm. The Ohlin shocks installed in this cafe racer build also ensured improved damping.
The BMW K75 Café Racer by TooHard has a classic retro look due to being fitted with the BMW R1150 GS’s spoked front and back wheels.
Photo Credit: @bikeexif
The café racer build’s front mudguard came from the BMW R nineT and the rear mudguard was modified so it could be attached to a custom bracket. The cafe racer build’s front brake is fitted with the Suzuki GSX-R calipers and the back brake relies on the BMW R1150 GS braking system. TooHard also modified the air intake with a customized air box and a custom-made exhaust system with a titanium silencer. A new radiator was also installed in this café racer build to enhance the cooling system’s performance.
This café racer build came with a black leather seat with linings and a hump. This café racer builds Motogadget electronics and the wiring is redone to accommodate the new equipment. The clip-on handlebars are attached to the forks and come with switches, bar-mounted side mirrors, and grips.
4.3 The BMW K75 Cafe Racer Build by JAX Garage
Photo Credit: @jaxgarageau
JAX Garage worked on transforming a 1986 BMW K75 into a café racer. When JAX Garage purchased this motorcycle, it was in bad condition as the fuel tank, headlight, and forks were damaged. The builders were forced to redesign several parts from scratch. However, the engine was still in good working condition.
The BMW K75’s damaged front forks were replaced with Honda CBR 929 RR Fireblade front forks. It also had a small front fender and a 7-inch carbon black LED headlight attached to a hand-made bracket. These features gave the cafe racer build a more modern and aggressive look towards the front. The cafe racer build was also fitted with Honda CBR 929 dual disc brakes and Nissin calipers. The custom front brake reservoir was provided by GKTech.
The café racer build’s electronics and wiring were replaced, a new Acewell speedometer was installed, and a lightweight lithium-ion battery was placed under the seat hump. The wheels, swingarm, and chassis were painted in glossy black and the fenders, headlight cover, and drivetrain received a satin black coating. The bodywork, including the fuel tank and seat hump, was painted in an Estoril blue. This cafe racer build was fitted with a flat black leather seat with diamond stitching. It took JAX Garage almost two months to build this stylish BMW K75 Cafe Racer.
The Story of the BMW K75 Cafe Racer Build by JAX Garage (Video Link):
5. Takeaway
The BMW K75 is a very difficult motorcycle base to customize into a café racer build. This motorcycle’s bodywork and frame are not easy to modify and alter the design. Custom builders have to make most of the new parts for a cafe racer build from scratch. One of the few advantages the BMW K75 has is its availability and affordability.
These cafe racers can be further modified to include the storage capacity using the LUGGAGE options available at Viking Bags. The options include the SADDLEBAGS, TANK BAGS, and TAIL BAGS.
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