The BMW K100 was the first production motorcycle to offer factory anti-lock brakes.
BMW introduced the optional anti-lock braking system for the K100 in 1988, making the four-cylinder touring motorcycle a landmark in motorcycle safety. The system used electronic wheel-speed monitoring to reduce brake lock-up during hard braking.
The K100 itself was launched in 1983 and used BMW’s longitudinally mounted, liquid-cooled inline-four engine. Its compact engine layout helped BMW create a distinctive alternative to the company’s traditional boxer twins.
A common mix-up is confusing the first motorcycle with ABS and the first motorcycle to make ABS standard equipment. The K100 introduced the technology as an option; standard fitment became common much later.