Description
12/19 Update: This R90S is titled as a 1978 model.
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1975 BMW R90S. 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 — as it just so happens, this example has been signed by Pridmore himself.
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.
Manufactured in June of 1975, this example is VIN: 4981604.
The odometer shows 66,650 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, we performed a safety inspection and made a list of recommended repairs. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Fuel Tank Condition: Ok, Has been coated
Tire Years – Front: 2200; Rear: 0102
Tire Life – Front/ Rear: Cracking
Tire Pressure – Front/ Rear: 32PSI
Brake Life – Front: 90%; Rear:
Suspension Leaks – Front: Right stanchion leaking/seeping; Rear: None
Hydraulic Fluid – Front: Ok
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 13.0V; Charging: 13.9V
Test Ride: None taken, aged tires
Notes:
– Need tires and tubes, tires are cracking
– Oil leak at right fork tube
– Front right brake pads oil soaked
SERVICES RECOMMENDED
– Tires + Tubes
– Fork Service
– Front Brake pads replacement
Modifications:
Koni shocks.
It has been signed by Reg Pridmore.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler Messa Metronic tires that have aged out.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection), this BMW is offered on a clean Montana title. Have any R90S stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
