You never know what to expect from TooHard Motor Co. A few months ago, a garage in Spain wowed us with a Gixxer restomod; before that, we saw a Triumph Trophy bobber and a R9T cafe racer.
This time, they introduced a K75 that looks no different from the machine that BMW launched in the mid-80s. But after checking the spec sheet, this build certainly handles much better.
The K75 series has been the mainstay of the BMW lineup for just over ten years. With a three-cylinder engine, Bosch fuel injection, and 75hp, it’s a pretty good midsize bike – but it never really hit the ground running in Germany.
Spain is one of the biggest markets for the K75, and there are plenty of older examples around the Iberian peninsula.
The most obvious mod that builders Jose and Bea have worked on is the tank: the oddly shaped, bulbous reserve item has been carried over to a vintage R80GS unit, which must be modified internally. to match.
However, the real technique is in the suspension department. TooHard installed a GSX-R fork, with a custom designed and CNC machined upper to hold everything together.
At the rear, the swingarm, bearing and links from the K1100 have been cleverly coupled. It’s a more aggressive and complex setup, with new Öhlins shocks providing much-improved damping.
Even so, the appearance is still distinctly classic, thanks to the help of R1150GS wheels on the front and back. In F19/R17, they have increased in size at the front and decreased in size at the rear.
Practicalista types will be happy to spot the fenders. The front unit is adapted from an R nineT and the rear is a modified Rizoma piece secured by a handcrafted stand.
The brakes are another effective combination of parts, this time with a GSX-R caliper at the front and an R1150GS setup at the rear, done with the wheels. An Accossato cylinder rests on the bars; The premium Italian company also offers new clutch cylinders.
The K75 engine is heavy and does not require heavy tuning. But TooHard adjusted the breathing with a modified air box (and tweaked the air flow meter to match), plus a hand-made machine. Exhaust system from Unit Garage with titanium silencer.
Cooling is often a weak point on a three-decade old bike, so TooHard also installed a new radiator and refreshed the cooling plumbing.
The grinder is given for the subframe, to fix the large overhang of the stock bike. Sitting at the top is a simple set of chairs with a coffee hump, upholstered in black leather with folded and rolled stitching.
The rest of the heavy lifting is hidden. K75 has been wound up with a simple loom and a full set Motogadget goodies. A mo.unit control box is the centerpiece, a Mini speedo gearbox is attached to the headlights and turn signals are discreet LED units.
The clamps are equipped with sleek power switches, glassless aluminum mirrors and new handles. And there is the possibility of keyless entry via a digital ignition key – an innovation unprecedented when this K75 leaves the factory in Berlin.
As always with mods like this, there’s an argument about leaving the original bike untouched. But with the choice between this whip and a K75 left in the garage, we knew which one we’d rather go.
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