Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Between 1970 and 1973, BMW was producing its /5 motorcycle series with three displacement options of 500cc, 600cc and 750cc. The 70’s were a decade of modernity and development of power for motorcycle manufacturers and competition pushed BMW to make its 750cc engine grow to a 900cc for its /6 series between 1974 and 1976. The goal was to compete with big ccs bikes from other manufacturers, such as the Kawasaki Z1. Plus, the 70’s was an era where bigger meant better, especially for the American market.
In order to catch up with the big motors coming from Japan, BMW took the 745cc engine from the R75/5 and bored it out to 898cc to gain 10 more ponies, going from 50hp to 60hp. When launched back in 1974, the R90/6 was an instant success in the press. Journalists and testers were very enthusiastic about the bike and described it as exciting, powerful and light. Even though 462 lb is not exactly light, it actually was compared to the 546 lb of the Z1. And even though it is much less powerful than the Z1 with its 82 hp, the BMW was still considered – and acted like – a sport bike. Despite this gap of 22 hp, BMW could compete thanks to its mechanical tradition, the boxer engine. This permitted a very low center of gravity and therefore superb balance and handling, which makes the R90 fun in curves. The R90 produced 53 ft/lb of torque at 5500 rpm, whereas the Z1 only had 45 ft/lb at 7300 rpm.
As for this custom build, Arizona native custom automotive and restoration shop Wyld Garage Co. was inspired by the 2022 action film ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ for this bespoke build. Starting with a neglected R90/6 as the donor, the gentlemen at Wyld Garage got to work on the build, sourcing or making high-quality custom parts for the bike such as a newly designed subframe, a Honda CG125 tnak with a RedKote lining, hand-shaped seat, and even a vintage Bates headlight fitted with a new LED light.
The entire build was meant to emulate the mythical and sleek design of the American hypersonic UAV aircraft – the SR-72. Befitting the clandestine nature of the muse that the motorcycle was modeled after, Wyld Garage dubbed their latest work ‘Darkstar’.
This example is VIN: 4972591. The seller purchased this example from Wyld Garage in Arizona one year ago.
The true mileage is unknown, however the seller states they have ridden this example 32 miles since acquiring the motorcycle.
Maintenance:
The seller states that for the build, the entire motorcycle was disassembled and rebuilt.
Per the seller: “The motor, transmission, final drive, and swing arm are fully rebuilt inside and out with the latest greatest in charging hardware, bearings, seals and pistons/rings. The final drive has a new drive dog.”
Modifications:
As this is a custom build, there are extensive modifications to the overall motorcycle. Here is a list:
Honda CG125 tank and billet gas cap.
One-off aluminum custom-made wheel discs with ATE front brake rotor. The seller notes the wheel discs are attached via tapped M5 threads into a lip on the hub between the spokes.
Custom rear subframe, custom seat, and Kellerman Halo 3-in-1 LED unit.
Stainless 1.75″ custom exhaust.
Racetech front fork springs. The seller notes they have also been lowered roughly 2.5″.
Bates headlight unit with 5.75″ LED light, custom-fitted clip-ons, leather-wrapped grips, and bar-end mirrors.
Motogadget gauge accessories and custom upper triple-tree.
Cognito Moto billet foot pegs and controls with handmade shift linkage and brake rod from 1/2” round tube.
DNA air filters.
Custom license plate mount.
Not pictured: Stainless hardware throughout and 90-degree tire valve stems.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Shinko E270 tires with date codes of 1220 and 0721.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller states there are no cosmetic blemishes.
Currently located in Los Angeles, California, this BMW is offered on a clean Arizona title. Have any R90/6 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
