1976 BMW R90S

Traditional

2-cyl. 898cc/67hp

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$11,600*

+3.6%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph07/2310/2301/2404/24$2k$4k$6k$8k$10kJun 2024
Let us watch the market for you

We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.

1974-1976 BMW R90S stats
Highest sale
$63,000
Lowest sale
$1,951
Most recent sale
$4,550
Sales
31
insurance

Protect your 1976 BMW R90S from the unexpected.

Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy

Model overview

Model description

In 1976, BMW’s grand concept received the utmost authentication when Reg Pridmore rode a race-prepared R90S to the AMA Superbike title. While the racing bike benefited from myriad refinements, the production R90S also had received almost continuous improvements since its introduction. Perforated front brake rotors mimicked the racing parts, improving the response in all conditions. Revisions to the engine addressed crankcase breathing and lubrication questions, but otherwise the air-cooled, overhead-valve horizontally opposed 898cc twin carried on with bore and stroke of 90.0 x 70.6 mm and 9.5:1 compression ratio. The pair of 38mm Dell’Orto accelerator-pump carburetors helped produce an output of 67hp, allowing the R90S to run from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and top 120 mph.

The five-speed gearbox had to be operated deliberately, but everyone appreciated the extra gear as compared to the old /5 series. Of course shaft drive was cleverly integrated into the right-side of the rear swingarm. Journalist Roland Brown has noted that “if the elderly BMW feels a little wooden and unwieldy by modern standards, thanks partly to its narrow 19-inch front wheel, it’s worth remembering that the R90S was produced before the Japanese manufacturers had managed to make their big bikes handle at all.” The factory-standard bikini fairing, meanwhile, wasn’t quite the novelty it had been two years earlier, and the same can be said for the instrumentation that included an ammeter and clock (which could drain the battery). Appreciation for the 1976 BMW R90S continues. In 2015, Peter Egan wrote, “Everyone has personal favorites, but I would put the R90S in a very small group of the best-looking bikes ever built.”

Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1976 BMW R90S can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,600 for a 1976 BMW R90S in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1976 BMW R90S at auction over the last three years was $63,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1976 BMW R90S at auction over the last three years was $6,720. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 3 1976 BMW R90Ss sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1976 BMW R90S was $6,720 on August 15, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

Welcome!

Would you like a short tour of how to use this website?