Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The R90S is one of BMW’s most famous bikes, and it was an instant game-changer when it was released in 1974. Cycle magazine may have summed it up best in their review: “There’s absolutely no doubt that the R90S is a remarkable motorcycles. It does, or can be made to do, almost everything as well and possibly better than any other road machine you can buy. The Sport is exceptional in numerous areas: speed, acceleration, comfort, cleanliness, operating economy, smoothness, quietness, braking, reliability, and convenience.”
With oversight from Hans Muth, this bike was built to show the world that the German firm could make more than just touring bikes for old guys. Reg Pridmore helped solidify that claim with a first place finish in the first ever AMA Superbike Championship series in 1976.
The S model featured a higher compression ratio and new 38 mm Dell’Orto carburetors supplanted the 32 mm Bings on the R90/S, resulting in a boost of seven ponies to 67 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 56 pound-feet of torque. Additional features exclusive to the ‘Bavarian Dampfhammer’ were a 6.34 gallon fuel tank, twin front disc brakes, and an auxiliary clock and voltmeter tucked under the handlebar-mounted fairing.
This example is VIN: 4082902, engine #: 4082902. The seller acquired the bike approximately 10 years ago from a collector in Canada. He states that “I am thinning out my collection and I believe it’s time to pass this stunning machine along to someone else to appreciate and enjoy.”
The odometer shows 73,458 kilometers (45,644 miles).
Maintenance:
The seller has provided a write-up describing this example’s restoration as detailed by the previous owner. We have included it below:
“Aesthetics
The paintwork was done by a local craftsman in Kelowna BC and it is absolutely spectacular and flawless. It is Daytona Orange paint with a beautiful red pin stripe painted by hand on the tank, front fender, fairing, seat cowling and ducktail. As with the original factory hand painting, both monograms of the painters can be found under the front fender and gas tank. The bike was completely disassembled allowing the frame and other black body parts to be powder coated.
The engine block was hand polished to preserve the original matte alloy appearance. The engine badges are original. All decals have been replaced with new OEM decals. The tank and ducktail roundels have been upgraded to add to the bike’s classic lines.
The wheels are original. These spoke-laced wheels have been completely restored. The rims have been re-polished to the original luster. The spokes have been replaced with a stainless steel spoke set. These rebuilt wheels are round, straight and true, and look brilliant.
The windscreen is new as are the OEM connector plugs and windscreen edge piping. The seat is and seat pan is new. It is an after market original design with the authentic vinyl ribbed pattern. The rear shocks were disassembled, serviced and detailed. The springs were powder coated to match the frame and the spring covers were professionally polished. Stainless steel hex-head bolts punctuate the detail of restoration.
Mechanical
The engine is original with matching VIN to the frame.
Professional technicians at a reputable airhead shop in the area performed the mechanical assembly and follow-up shakedown work. The repair shop owner can provide a reference on the bike if needed.
As part of the restoration, the cylinders and cylinder heads were removed and examined. All components were polished and rebuilt to factory specifications. The valve guides, valves and piston rings were replaced.
The clutch and engine seals were replaced with OEM parts. The gearbox was rebuilt.
The Dellorto carburetors were rebuilt with a factory rebuild kit. All fuel lines have been replaced with authentic braided fuel line material.
The fork tubes and springs have been replaced with new components. The forks came from Forking by Franks in linois. The OEM fork springs were replaced with Progressive Springs. A new OEM speed damper was installed.
The clutch, speedometer, tachometer and throttle cables are new factory OEM cables.
The braking system was completely over hauled. An EM master cylinder rebuild kit was installed as was new front disk brake pads and rear brake shoes for the drum brake. The brake lines have been upgraded to stainless steel Spiegler lines in a period correct rubber color. The brake pipes at the front calipers have been replaced.
The exhaust system is new. It is an aftermarket system from the cylinder head to the muffler. The exhaust note sings in the authentic baritone boxer tone.
Electrical
All gauges, dash lights, turn signals, brake light are original and work flawlessly. The speedometer, tachometer and clock have been reconditioned. The coils, plugs, points, distributor cap are new and provide excellent spark to the engine. The handlebar control switches are new OEM switchgear and therefore make the cockpit and controls feel like new.”
The current seller adds, “I have had the bike fully serviced at a local BMW service center. Extensive work was done to bring the bike back to ‘ready to ride’ condition, as it was displayed in my climate controlled showroom for 10 years. It has been fitted with new tires, had all the fluids changed, carbs cleaned and tuned, in addition to a complete reseal of the top end.”
Modifications:
Repainted bodywork with hand-painted pinstriping.
Aftermarket exhaust system.
Spiegler stainless steel brake lines.
Rebuilt wheels.
Progressive fork springs.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Road Classic tires with date codes of 2523 and 2623.
The sale includes one ignition key and one seat latch key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“There are small scuff marks in the area of the foot pegs from boot rubs, both on the paint and on the exhausts.”
Currently located in Phoenix, Arizona, this BMW is offered on a clean Arizona title. Have any R90s stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
