1975 BMW R90S Motorcycle
The BMW R90S is undoubtedly one of the most important motorcycles ever made by the German marque. In 1973 the Japanese motorcycle invasion was picking up steam and killing off many of the Italian, British, and German old world motorcycle manufacturers. BMW launched the R90S to compete with the likes of the Honda CB750 and the Kawasaki Z1, not to mention the Norton Commando, the Ducati 750SS, and the Triumph 750 triples. What the team at BMW needed to do was to create not just a modern superbike, but also a modern super-tourer in order to fill a niche left largely open by both the Japanese and European competition. The project to create the R90S was headed by an American named Bob Lutz, (who needs no introduction), he was VP of Sales at BMW at the time. He appointed engineer Hans-Gunther von der Marwitz to develop the drivetrain and industrial stylist Hans Muth to give the model a unmistakable appearance. Muth gave the R90S a bikini fairing front specifically intended to get the wind of the rider's chest when covering significant highway miles; the added benefit of the fairing was that it gave the bike a purposeful appearance and set it apart from anything else on the road at the time.
For consignment, a restored and preserved in 2018 1975 BMW R90S bike. Low production numbers and only in production for 3 years make this a somewhat rare and definitely collectable bike. If not that, you will be the only one within many miles riding one around. All the original keys, manuals, and tools are included as well as a detailed maintenance log with tons of repair receipts and history. Repainted and striped back to factory spec and tuned to perfection by "airhead" expert Clay Wheaton, plus a crate of spare parts and Krauser saddlebags and brackets are included should you want to make a long weekend trip of things. It's time to write the check, take the keys and make your own 2 wheel memories....BMW style!
Exterior
Starting off we spot the most noticeable design inthe S's bikini fairing and the rounded, aerodynamic tailpiece behind the seat that featured a BMW roundel logo. Speaking of the seat, it has the extended package handlebar should you decide to pick up some evening refreshments on your ride. For this 1975 model year, an even more spectacular two-tone treatment is draping the body in Daytona Orange, which includes a sunburst pattern on the tank and red pin striping all around. This paint and striping is all done to factory spec and presents with nary a flaw or fault. We also note a new windshield and mirrors as well. The finish was the sort of "look at me" design that marked an even bigger step outside of BMW's regular territory. Beyond the paint job, the bodywork-from the small fairing to the cowl-like piece behind the seat-was admired and copied throughout the industry in the coming years by everyone from Suzuki to Harley-Davidson.
Drivetrain
Fortunately, BMW backed up this striking bodywork with exceptional performance. The basic 898cc, pushrod-activated, overhead-valve, air-cooled boxer twin makes do with 2 rebuilt Delloroto carburetors, (PHM38), with new hoses and rebuilt shut offs and is equipped with a twin plug kit. In its R90S guise, BMW tossed the Bing carbs in favor of high-performance Dellorto 38mm units with accelerator pumps. They likewise bumped compression to 9.5:1 and output increased better than 10 percent, to 67hp. This mill was tuned by Airhead expert Clay Wheaton so it starts with ease. A 5-speed manual transmission backs up the mighty mill and the rear tire is shaft driven. Our consignor notes that the drivetrain was treated to a full servicing of the fluids and filters along with a BMW of San Jose Performance Kit with a lightened flywheel and quick shift lever.
Undercarriage
This R90S has a pair of rotors on the front axle. These rotors have the cross-drilled treatment for better performance in the wet. We also see an installed as part of the San Jose Performance Kit is a stronger front fork top clamp and braced swing arm. A drum brake provides the whoah factory for the rear tires and we see new brake, throttle and clutch cables along with Koni rear shocks.
The R90S lasted only three years on the market, gone after 1976 and replaced by the somewhat more sedate and more touring-oriented R100S. Although significantly outsold by the R90/6, the R90S still marks an important and influential motorcycle milestone. It comes with 2 hard saddlebags and is here at Classic Auto Mall and on consignment for the taking of this piece of history.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
