Segment:
Sport Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW motorcycle owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, or independent workshops specializing in BMW motorcycles.
Competitors:
Honda VFR750F, Kawasaki ZZR600, Yamaha FZR600R (though K75 offered a different balance of performance and touring comfort).
Vehicle Highlights:
Smooth inline-3 engine, shaft drive, comfortable ergonomics for touring, distinctive BMW build quality and engineering.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides professional-level diagnostic and repair information, enabling significant cost savings on maintenance and repairs.
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting, fuel injection system (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system
Transmission:
5-speed gearbox, clutch operation, final drive (shaft drive), troubleshooting, maintenance
Chassis:
Frame, front forks (telescopic, potentially with adjustable damping), rear suspension (Monolever single-sided swingarm), wheel bearings, steering head bearings
Brakes:
Front and rear braking systems (likely Brembo or similar quality), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped on specific variants), disc brake maintenance, pad replacement, fluid bleeding
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery system, charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting, ignition, starter motor, instrumentation, fuse box, diagnostic connectors (if applicable)
Bodywork:
Fairings, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, controls, mounting points, minor body panel repair
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug inspection/replacement, chain/shaft drive adjustment, brake fluid checks, tire pressure checks, battery maintenance
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, valve clearances
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and component-level repair.
Engine Configuration:
Inline 3-cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
70.0 mm x 64.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (typical)
Fuel Induction:
Bosch LE-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection system
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (BMW's proprietary system, often integrated with fuel injection management)
Horsepower:
Approx. 75 hp @ 8,500 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 70 Nm (52 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm
Top Speed:
Approx. 190 km/h (118 mph)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-40 (refer to specific manual for exact recommendation based on climate)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 liters (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with anti-corrosion additives
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1430 - 1450 mm (depending on specific model variant)
Seat Height:
Approx. 780 - 820 mm (depending on model and suspension settings)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 200 - 215 kg (depending on model and equipment)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 21 liters (including reserve)
Vehicle Safety:
As a motorcycle from the 1980s, formal crash ratings were not standardized as they are today. Emphasis was on rider control and braking performance.
Braking System:
Disc brakes front and rear, often with ABS as an option on later models or specific variants. Excellent stopping power for its class.
Handling:
Stable chassis and suspension, designed for predictable handling and rider confidence.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, indicator lights.
ABS:
Available as an option on some models, providing enhanced braking safety.
Diagnostic Ports:
Early diagnostic systems may be present, detailed in the manual for professional use.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise interval).
Valve Check:
Typically every 10,000 - 20,000 km, depending on engine use.
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 10,000 - 15,000 km.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 liters
Fuel Pump:
Some early models may experience fuel pump wear over time, though generally robust.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion on electrical connectors can occur if not maintained, especially in humid climates.
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
Occasional leaks from the clutch slave cylinder may require seal replacement.
Throttle Bodies:
Synchronization of throttle bodies is critical for smooth running; this is well-covered in the manual.
Bmw Motorrad:
BMW Motorrad, established in 1923, has a long history of producing innovative and high-quality motorcycles, particularly known for boxer twins and later inline-fours and triples.
K Series Introduction:
The K-series, launched in 1983 with the K100, represented BMW's bold move to liquid-cooled, inline-four cylinder engines. The K75, introduced in 1985, was a smaller, more accessible variant of this platform.
K75 Variants:
The K75C (Classic) offered a more traditional styling, the K75S provided a sportier profile with a bikini fairing and stiffer suspension, and the K75T (Touring) featured a larger fairing and more touring-oriented amenities.
Production Period:
The K75 series was produced from 1985 through the mid-1990s, being gradually replaced by newer K-series models with different engine configurations.
Motorcycle Reviews:
The K75 series was generally well-received for its smooth power delivery, comfort, and reliability, often lauded in contemporary motorcycle publications for its touring capabilities and build quality.
Reliability:
BMW motorcycles from this era are known for their durability and longevity when properly maintained, a testament to their engineering and the thoroughness of their service manuals.
