BMW’s K-series is legend, but its legend is not made on the track or across the desert. No, the massive cube engines, affectionately known as the ‘Flying Bricks’, are wrapped in lore developed over millions of miles of travel. There are stories of Ks reaching hundreds of thousands of miles without rebuilding, or even running without oil.
BMW stopped making these bulletproof engines in the mid-90s, but they’re still easy to find because they never die. And while reliability might make the engine iconic, 72 HKG Performance wanted to build a machine that demanded more visceral response.
They say: “The best BMW K that can be made.” A clunky and bunker BMW K75, with classic superbike flames and no rocks to be flipped over. This is the final K model of the 72 HKG; “The K.”
72 HKG Performance is a collaboration between the builders Antonio of 72 Cycles Performance and Jorge of Hell’s Kitchen Garage. Based in Burgos, Spain, the duo have only worked together under this name for a short time, but have already produced some incredible motorcycles. Engine performance and handling is clearly a priority with sporty angles, aggressive ergonomics, and premium components presenting as a common theme.
To transform the K75’s relaxed, upright travel posture into this responsive handling cafe racer, the entire bodywork and subframe have been removed. The taller, narrower rear end is made from tubular steel, giving the car a contour and placing the driver higher than the rear wheel. Tarozzi aluminum grip handlebars and rear-mounted footrests now help riders lean forward on the bike, balancing and easily shifting their weight.
A strong set of Öhlins forks from the Aprilia RSV4 Factory are fitted with Brembo Serie Oro radial brake calipers on a 320mm rotating disc. These forks are shorter than the stock, further contributing to an aggressive, forward stance, and the custom wind deflector front fender adds to that. By using the BMW R1100RS single-sided swingarm and the drivetrain from the R850, the wheelbase has been extended by 5 cm compared to the original.
A structure has been made to mount the Ohlins monoshock in the most vertical direction and optimize its function. The shock absorber’s remote reservoir is mounted off the nearby subframe for quick adjustment. The spokes, 18” at the front and 17” at the rear, are wrapped in Michelin Pilot tires.
A custom 4-1 exhaust system has been built, zigzagging beneath the saddle and exiting to the rear like a booster. The tail silencer passes through an LED inside the cylinder housing, which serves as an auxiliary taillight—a subtle yet striking detail. The roofed carbon fiber rear fender covers the exhaust and blends the paint colors together nicely.
The fuel tank on the K75 has room for the original model’s radiator shroud, which can look awkward when removed. But 72 HKG built smaller carbon fiber panels that radically change the front line of the bike, while still covering the air intakes and sides of the radiator.
The wiring and electronics have been almost completely eliminated and replaced. Mo.unit Motogadget serves as the brains of the bike’s electrical system, with the German brand’s Motoscope Pro tachometer serving as the instrumentation. The minimal license plate mount extends from the rear axle, where a small three-in-one LED light is mounted.
The team at 72 HKG have also gone to great lengths with a modern feel, installing a full range of monitoring systems to work with Motogadget controllers. A keyless, alarm system; there’s even LED activity lights on the custom solo seats (upholstered by Senen Leather Works), which can be controlled via the driver’s smartphone.
To complete it all, the version is painted in a deep candy green with a sharp orange stripe running along the fuel tank, along the carbon fiber side panels and on the belly panel. The end result is a bike with stunning details and clean lines. The original shape has been tweaked, the suspension and brakes have been radically improved, and it’s all built around an iconic consistent and reliable engine.
All that remains now is for its new owner, a top sushi chef near Madrid, to enjoy it. “He has endless creativity,” Antonio tells us. “He is someone who is always looking for the best for his customers, who loves to watch from his kitchen see how each dish causes a reaction to his diners.”
“When he told me he wanted a motorcycle from us, it became clear to me that we had to create something brilliant.”
Considering the short time that the 72 HKG Performance partnership has been around and the caliber of motorcycles the brand has produced, we can only hope the duo will continue — because they’re aiming to something great.
72 cycle efficiency | hell kitchen
