1975 BMW R90S

Description

Produced between 1973-1976, the BMW R90S was the flagship of BMW's airhead boxer lineup, and the fastest production motorcycle BMW had ever built at the time of its release — capable of 124 mph straight from the showroom floor. Available in only two colors schemes, the R90S remains one of the most visually distinctive and collectible BMW motorcycles of the 1970s, with a devoted global following and values that have climbed steadily for decades.

Finished in Daytona Orange with red pinstriping, this 1975 example was acquired by the seller in 2018, who reports having added approximately 3,000 miles. Modifications include a high-output alternator, electronic ignition module, and 12-volt electrics. The transmission, front forks, steering head bearings, and wire-spoke wheels have been refurbished under the seller’s ownership.

Reported to be one of 1,738 produced for the US market in 1975, the bike is powered by a numbers-matching 898cc air-cooled opposed twin.

This 1975 BMW R90S is now offered with a tool roll and a clean California title in the seller's name.

Highlights

• One of a reported 1,738 US-market examples produced for 1975

• Numbers-matching engine case, frame, and steering head plate

• Finished in Daytona Orange with red pinstriping

• Final year to feature both kick and electric starters

Factory Equipment

• 898cc air-cooled opposed twin-cylinder engine

  • Stamping 4980762 is shown in the gallery

• Dell'Orto 38mm carburetors

• Five-speed manual transmission with shaft final drive

• Dual telescopic front fork

• Dual rear shock absorbers

• Dual front disc brakes with single rear drum

• 18”/19” wire-spoke wheels

• Smiths speedometer and tachometer

• Electric and kick starters

• Side and center stands

• Dual seat with passenger grab strap

• Cockpit fairing

Modifications

• Spring-loaded driveshaft coupling

• High-output alternator

• Electronic ignition module

• 12-volt electrical system conversion

• Polished aluminum rims with polished stainless-steel spokes

Servicing & Documentation

Highlights from the servicing invoices provided by the seller are below, (see Attached Documents for full details):

• February 2024:

  • Steering head bearings replaced

• January 2024:

  • Front fork dismantled, cleaned, and rebuilt

  • Carburetors cleaned, synchronized, and adjusted

• September 2021:

  • Speedometer and tachometer cables lubricated

• February 2019:

  • Wire-spoke wheels rebuilt, bearings cleaned and repacked

  • Pirelli Sport Demon tires installed

• 2019:

  • Transmission overhauled including shift forks, seals, gaskets, and shaft shimming

Known Imperfections

• Please refer to the seller's imperfections video

• The seller reports a “slight stumble off idle”

• Oil weep present on right lower cylinder

• Paint imperfection on rear fender

• Rear reflectors unstable

Ownership History

From the seller, "I purchased this motorcycle in 2018 from a well-known and highly regarded BMW R90S restorer who resides in Carlsbad California. He had purchased this motorcycle, found its paint and mechanicals to be in good condition, shook it out, then put it up for sale. Knowing his reputation, I knew I would buy an honest, solid bike, and it has been all of that the last nine years. My seller did not restore this particular motorcycle. This R90S has since been cared for exclusively by Irv Seaver BMW in Anaheim California and is exercised regularly by the current owner on California’s famous Ortega Highway."

Included Items

• Tool roll