I have a 1991 K100LT non-ABS, and it has just passed its annual roadworthiness test.  The tester mentioned that the front wheel rim has had a bit of a thump in the past, and I'd like to replace it.  An ebay search reveals many wheels for sale, but they are for 83-89 years.  Some listings state that they will fit up to 92 models, but I am confused.  I do not want to spend out on a wheel only to find it will not fit, so can anyone tell me whether the older wheels will fit my machine, and what the differences might be?  Thanks.

what tyre is currently fitted ?

from your profile pic it appears you have the standard wheel off all the earlier series   so I would be guessing a 18 inch  snowflake  design ...?

you shouldn't have any issues at all finding one .
just replace the bearings before fitting it .

Thanks Charlie99.  The current wheel is an 18" Snowflake design.  I was going to get it powder coated and replace the bearings before installing the new one, but thanks for the heads-up.

4-spoke (Y-spoke) alloys for later Airheads and 2-valve K Bikes
Front:
These are the same for K and '85 on Airheads, and accept fixed 285mm brake rotors which mount with 4 bolts near the center of the wheel. Bearings accept 25mm axles.

• Silver 2.5x18 36 31 1 451 897
  
• Black 2.5x18 36 31 1 457 361
  

This is technically a snowflake wheel from BMW. They weren't ever put onto K bikes.

And there's also the white Y spoke that came on the blue/white K100RS-SE: 36312310129

Hi there
I have a spare one in the garage to can have for next to nothing as you are part of the forum
Collection prefered - or £30 posted
Off a 1989 lt - I bought it for the nearly new tyre for £50 -
Colin

thanks twb ...that is a far better description ..."y" spoke....must have picked up on the incorrect description in here somewheres .

You may notice a difference in the outer rim.

The older Y-spoke wheel had a concave rim. This was changed when BMW started using a stronger alloy and the outer rim lost the concave profile becoming flat instead.

They all fit though.

Early rim:



Later:

good point mike

wonder if that makes the later models less prone to damage etc ?

I think that was the reason for the change Charlie. They're supposed to be stronger. I don't think that I'd want to test that theory though.

It's surprising the number of detail tweaks and alterations that occurred during K production, but, fortunately most parts are still interchangeable.  Thank you, BMW.

Paul.