When it debuted, the BMW K1 was Marmite for motorcyclists. They either loved it or hated it. The radical sports tourer roared onto the scene in 1988 with the subtlety of a kick to the groin. It was BMW’s embodiment of the future, right down to its bold livery, styling, and affinity for plastic. It was unlike anything anyone had expected from the Germans. Based on the innovative K100 inline four-cylinder engine, the K1 was as much a statement as it was a motorcycle.
Critics branded the K1 as expensive and bulky, and the early model’s tendency to hoard heat didn’t improve things. But to its admirers, the K1 was a masterpiece; boasting commendable power output and aeronautic-grade aerodynamics. Unfortunately, the haters outnumbered the fans and the K1 was discontinued after 5 short years of production.
Now, almost 40 years on, the K1 is considered a classic and a potential investment for collectors. As a result, the idea of customizing one may seem absurd, but not for one K1 owner and the crew at the Portuguese workshop, ItRocks! Bikes.
“As a lover of the iconic BMW K1, our customer challenged us to restyle the bike, giving it modern lines,” says ItRocks! Bikes Osvaldo Coutinho. “Our objective was to create a motorcycle with striking lines, which would mark the update of this iconic motorcycle using premium, safe, and homologated equipment.”
The ItRocks! team, run by the trio of Osvaldo Coutinho, Ana Pina, and Luís Teixeira, took to the task with enthusiasm. The first job was to remove the bike’s extensive plastic bodywork, stock fuel tank, and seat. The trio then set about designing an all-new look for the K1.
Monocoque bodywork is somewhat of an ItRocks! specialty and this bike was no exception. The new tank and tail unit has been fabricated as a single structure using hand-shaped sheet metal. It sits on a customised subframe and there’s a new upholstered leather and suede solo saddle for the lucky rider. Similarly, the front fairing and side panels, that extend to the rear wheel, have also been formed as a single piece which sits flush against the tank and tail.
The new, more modern take on this K1’s bodywork is a far cry from the original. However, the ItRocks! team has been careful to honor the original by carrying a few design details over. “We maintained certain characteristic details of the K1 such as the square headlight but we chose to adjust the size,” says Osvaldo. Drawing comparisons you’ll also note similarities in the deep knee indents of fuel tank and the angular vents of the side panels. Completing the new look is a timeless silver paint scheme featuring a brushed steel look finish and BMW M spec inspired livery.
Along with the aesthetic overhaul the ItRocks! team has addressed the K1’s somewhat dated components. Starting with the suspension this bike now sits on an Öhlins FGRT 216 front end while the rear end uses a Wimoto suspension kit with YSS shock. The brakes use Brembo calipers mounted to twin 320mm discs at the front. For the wheels, the team took a slightly different approach opting for custom-made solid discs by Jonich Wheels. In keeping with the improved performance approach, the bike is rolling on hard-wearing Pirelli Angel GT sport touring tires.
Adding to the list of modern upgrades is a spattering of parts from the Motogadget catalog. Taking pride of place in the cockpit is a Motogadget Chronoclassic speedometer. The bar-end turn signals are M-Blaze discs, the hand controls utilize Mo.switch mini switch blocks, and there’s a mo.lock ignition for keyless starts. Tying everything together is an M.unit Blue electronics controller with Bluetooth connectivity and a set of slick Motogadget grips and glassless bar end mirrors.
To further step things up the K1 has been fitted with additional premium aftermarket components including clip-on bars and a steering damper by LSL and rear sets by BSK SpeedWorks. The Ohlins forks sit in TGP Racing triple clamps and the hand controls are a mix of Domino and Custom Tech components. Atop the fuel tank the ItRocks! team opted for a classic Monza-style filler and built into the tail unit is a tiny but powerful LED brake light assembly.
To keep this K1 running strong for decades more ItRocks! has rebuilt the 987 cc liquid-cooled longitudinal four-cylinder. Finished in fresh paint it boasts new hoses, leads, and fasteners. As for performance, the owner was content with the 100hp factory figure so ItRocks! simply added an SC-Project exhaust for a revised look and louder bark.
The eighties was a decade of audacious fashion choices and BMW jumped on the bandwagon with the K1. This K1 cafe racer is a refined, modernized take on the original design and although it may not be to everyone’s taste, we’d happily have a second helping.
