Description
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: 4990543. The seller is the second owner and states “I purchased this bike from the first owner in 1984 here in Los Angeles and it has lived with me in Venice for the past 40 years. It’s a wonderful bike and I would not sell it if I could continue to physically ride it. Historically important as it’s an early example of a superbike. This is the bike that saved BMW. Up to this point BMWs were just expensive cruisers. This bike completely changed the game for BMW’s sales. Each R90S is different especially in terms of paint. They are custom spec from the factory and no two are the exact same.”
The odometer shows 48,787 miles. The seller has covered approximately 43k miles during his ownership.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. The seller states he has completed the following recent service: “new brake MC, and pads, clean/sync and rebuild carbs, new petcock, new throttle and choke cables. New brake lever, caliper rebuild/ alignment, and brake fluid bleed. Steering damper rebuild. New Battery. Oil and filter change, new air filter, valve adjustment, gearbox check, timing check. New bulb in clock.” The seller has also begun to replace fairing bolts with stainless steel ones from a kit that is included in the sale. (See pictures below.)
Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Engine Oil Level: OK
Engine Oil Quality: OK
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: GOOD LESS THAN 1.5% H20
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: OK SHAFT
Headlight High Beam: PASS
Headlight Low Beam: PASS
Passing Light: PASS
Parking Light: PASS
Turn Signals: PASS
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front Switch): PASS
Brake Light (Rear Switch): PASS
Plate Light: PASS
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: PASS
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 2004
Tire Date Code Rear: 0304
Tire % Remaining Front: 90
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80
Tire Press. Front: 24
Tire Press. Rear: 32
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.5
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.5
Running Condition: RUNS
Test Ride Completed: N/A
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
TIRES DATED
OIL LEAKING FROM FRONT COVER
OIL LEAKS LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE
OIL PAN MAYBE LEAKING
Recommended Repairs:
Replace front and rear tire
Diagnose engine leaks
Diagnose oil pan sealing correctly
Modifications:
Anti bottoming spring from San Jose company.
Stainless steel brake lines.
Steering head bearings.
At 45k miles – lightened flywheel.
Smoked windshield.
Easy clutch.
Stainless steel spokes,
Clutch disk pressure plate,
LED taillight bulb,
Telefix fork brace.
Stainless steel muffler.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax tires with date codes of 0304 and 2004.
The sale includes one key, original owner’s manual, Haynes shop manual, original toolkit, luggage racks, stainless tell bolt kit, and original Krauser panniers.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. The seller states “the bike has not been dropped but rather the scuffs on the front are from the 1994 earthquake that hit LA and things in the garage fell onto the bike.” Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this BMW is offered on a clean California title with registration current through April 2025.
Have any R90S stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
